Check it out: Boston Ending Canadian Drug Importation Program After Few City Workers Enroll

The supplements glucosamine and chondroitin were no better than placebo for slowing the progression of osteoarthritis of the knee in a government-funded study. ... more

Scientists have identified two more genes with variants linked to gout; a variation in a third gene has also been linked to gout. ... more

://feeds.feedburner.com/~a/Pharmagossip?a=E1TEH1"> ... more

A study in JAMA this week concludes that "News articles reporting on medication studies often fail to report pharmaceutical company funding and frequently refer to medications by their brand names despite newspaper editors' contention that this is not the case." Excerpts: "Even when this information is reported, it is seldom placed prominently in the text. As a result, those who learn about medical research from the news media may remain unaware of how the research has been funded. In addition, ... more

Phase 2 results from a randomized controlled trial show very early mobilization of stroke patients within 24 hours of symptom onset significantly reduces rates of depression in this population. Medscape Medical News ... more

Much more than a motor illness, Parkinson's disease can have a significant impact on cognition, researchers emphasize. Medscape Medical News ... more

The certification is expected to encompass the management of patients with implantable defibrillators and biventricular pacemakers, although not device insertions. Heartwire ... more

Providers should take the opportunity in any setting they see patients with coronary heart disease. Medscape Medical News ... more

The first real-world study of Alzheimer's drugs shows that combination therapy with memantine and cholinesterase inhibitors slows the rate of cognitive and functional decline in the disease. Medscape Medical News ... more

Reporting on his own initial experience with a miniaturized ventricular assist device used as a bridge to transplant in small children, a leading pediatric heart surgeon is hoping that the pump--widely available in Europe--will soon be approved for use in the US. Heartwire ... more

But lead researcher says it's too soon to give up on glucosamine ... more

Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) announced that it has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its TAXUS® Express2 „¢ Atom „¢ Paclitaxel-Eluting Coronary Stent System. The TAXUS Express Atom Stent is a highly deliverable drug-eluting stent (DES) specifically designed for treating small coronary vessels. ... more

Two newspapers recently published editorials addressing Eli Lilly and Merck's announcements last week that they will publicly disclose some fees paid to physicians beginning next year. Summaries of the editorials appear below. ... more

Some immigrant and women's rights advocacy groups are raising concern about a new U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services rule that adds the human papillomavirus vaccine to the list of required vaccinations for female immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship, the Dallas Morning News reports. The rule -- which took effect on July 1 -- requires female immigrants ages 11 to 26 seeking U.S. ... more

Be extra careful driving on Nov. 4, because driving deaths tend to increase on U.S presidential election days, a new study shows. ... more

A gene that codes for a hormone made by fat cells affects colon cancer risk. A common variant of the gene cuts colon cancer risk by 27%. ... more

It has already been proven that obesity is influenced by genetics, and colon cancer is influenced by genetics. A new study makes a three-way scientific connection between genetic variation, obesity and colon cancer risk. ... more

A surgical technique not traditionally used in advanced abdominal cancer may be a viable treatment option for some patients previously thought to be untreatable, offering the real possibility of extending survival for those patients. ... more

Society's lack of knowledge of food allergies can greatly impact those afflicted with food allergies. ... more

Young adults without a family history of bowel disease are unlikely to develop adenomas, the colorectal polyps most likely to lead to cancer, according to new research. The finding supports current cancer screening guidelines recommending adults in general undergo screening colonoscopies starting at age 50. ... more

In a large group of Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes, depression was linked with a higher death rate from all causes in a two-year study period. ... more

Hospitalized patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at greater risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) than are patients without IBD, Canadian and US researchers report in the September issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology. Reuters Health Information ... more

Patients with advanced heart failure and chronic atrial fibrillation benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy nearly as much as do patients with normal sinus rhythm, according to a meta-analysis of prospective studies published since 2000. Reuters Health Information ... more

With their antiproliferative effects, high doses of statins reduce the ability of muscle progenitor cells (i.e., satellite cells) to repair and regenerate, according to research reported at the American Physiological Society conference - The Integrative Biology of Exercise V, which wrapped up Saturday in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Reuters Health Information ... more

Preparations for a biological attack and repeated outbreaks of food poisoning have interfered with efforts by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to improve the safety of fresh produce, according to a report released on Friday. Reuters Health Information ... more

Indonesia's health ministry said melamine had been detected in 12 food items from China, including cookies, candies and drinks, as the fall-out from China's tainted-milk scandal spread to Southeast Asia's biggest economy. Reuters Health Information ... more

A Chinese herbal remedy called "horny goat weed" is a promising alternative to Viagra for impotent men, Italian researchers said on Monday. Reuters Health Information ... more

A new Italian study has shown, for the first time, that consuming moderate amounts of dark chocolate can significantly reduce C-reactive protein levels. Medscape Medical News ... more

Hormone therapy does not appear to elevate the risk for breast cancer in postmenopausal women with a BRCA1 mutation, researchers report. Medscape Medical News ... more

Variant is tied to a fat hormone, adiponectin, study finds ... more

Study finds real benefit to continued treatment, but insurance companies often balk at cost ... more

The U.S. needs a "new New Deal: a systematic approach to the financial and economic problems of the U.S." that includes health care reform, Katrina vanden Huevel, editor of The Nation, and author Eric Schlosser write in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece.Among other proposals, the U.S. ... more

Comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres on Thursday helped kick off a breast cancer awareness campaign led by vitamin maker One A Day that allows women to request a phone message of DeGeneres sent to someone they know reminding that person to take steps to check for breast cancer, the AP/Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ... more

A Boston program through which city workers can buy low-cost Canadian prescription drugs will receive its last shipment of drugs in December, after the Canadian drug supplier terminated its involvement because of a lack of participants, the Boston Globe reports. According to the Globe, the program never attracted "more than a few dozen participants" (Drake, Boston Globe, 9/26). ... more

Public perception that the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the U.S. is under control and increased competition for grants has led the Atlanta-based not-for-profit group AIDS Survival Project to shut down operations, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. ASP provides HIV/AIDS testing and training for people living with HIV/AIDS to counsel peers, lobby politicians and educate the public. ... more

The Health Protection Agency welcomes the publication of the Government's Global Health Strategy, which sets out a co-ordinated approach to assessing the impact of the UK's policies on global health As an independent agency responsible for providing expert advice and services for health protection, ... more

Cardinal Health, a global provider of products and services that improve the safety and productivity of health care, announced plans for a tax-free spin-off of its clinical and medical products businesses as a separate public company that will be led by current vice chairman and med-tech industry veteran David L. Schlotterbeck. ... more

Patients can still benefit up to 4.5 hours after a stroke if a drug that dissolves blood clots in the brain is administered, according to new research. Thus far, three hours had been considered the useful limit for administering thrombolytic drugs. ... more

Researchers report that women with vulvar carcinoma whose tumors have extra copies of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene are at increased risk of dying from their cancer. The EGFR pathway is known to be critical in several types of cancer and alterations to the pathway can serve as genetic fingerprints revealing candidates for targeted therapies. ... more

Pregnant women should think twice about high-fat foods. Scientists found that female mice fed high-fat diets were more likely to have oversized offspring (a risk factor for overweight and obesity) because fat causes the placenta to go into "overdrive" by providing too many nutrients to the fetus. This also suggests the reverse may be true -- high fat diets may help prevent undersized babies. ... more

With childhood obesity expanding to epidemic proportions in the United States, educators, researchers and health practitioners are actively seeking to identify effective means of addressing this public-health crisis. ... more

Discovery moves scientists a significant step closer to preventing blindness. Scientists have created the first genetic research model for a microscopic part of the eye that when missing causes blindness. The research appears in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. ... more

Birth size, and in particular birth length, correlates with subsequent risk of breast cancer in adulthood, according to a new study in PLoS Medicine. ... more

Although the industrial compounds known as polychlorinated biphenols or PCBs have been found in previous air samples collected in the city of Chicago, a new study of Chicago air sampled between November 2006 and November 2007 found PCB11, a byproduct of the manufacture of paint pigments and a potentially toxic substance, present throughout the city. ... more

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and the World Heart Federation, with the support of the European Commission, came together at the British School of Brussels to launch the children's cookery book, Eat for Goals! Through the book the message that a healthy lifestyle is als ... more

I worked for a carrier a number of years ago that sold group term life insurance and practically nothing else. It was a relatively simple job. You write a case and at renewal tell the client their rate will be the same as it was last year.I used to tell people there was nothing to this. The policy was simple. If you die we pay if you don't we don't.It doesn't get much more simple than that.But the life insurance business isn't always that easy. Take the case of Heath Ledger.Heath is an actor who ... more

Taking more active role in their health helps patients stave off decline, study finds ... more

The Philadelphia Inquirer on Sunday -- in the first article of a series titled "Falling Through: Casualties of the Health Insurance Crisis" -- examined how "even with health insurance, people might not be covered as fully as they think if a serious disease strikes." The article looked at the case of a Pennsylvania man who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in July 2007. ... more

An Indian Web site launched last year by government employee Anil Kumar Valiv aims to help HIV-positive people find partners who also are HIV-positive and are interested in marriage, Reuters reports.About 460 men and 60 women living with HIV/AIDS have registered on the site and created profiles since last year. ... more

Working families and small business owners shared their health care stories and their priorities for health care reform at a roundtable discussion in Providence, Rhode Island, hosted by America's Health Insurance Plans' (AHIP) Campaign for an American Solution. ... more

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and the World Heart Federation, with the support of the European Commission, came together at the British School of Brussels to launch the children's cookery book, Eat for Goals! Through the book the message that a healthy lifestyle is also based on ... more

Dr Peter Coleman from The Stroke Association commented: "We urge people to continue to take Warfarin as prescribed by their doctor. It is important that they know the correct dosage and that they have follow up blood tests so make sure the speed at which the blood is clotting is controlled. This will prevent uncontrolled bleeding. ... more

Bouts of sadness in childhood are normal, but up to a quarter of children will experience depression before they finish high school, and clinical depression in children seems to be on the rise. Frequent sadness that won't go away, crying, hopelessness, withdrawal, loss of interest in activities, and changes in sleep, appetite or energy are some of the key signs of depression, said David G. ... more

Women who were born as big babies, particularly if they were longer in length, are more susceptible to breast cancer said UK researchers after re-analysing data from published and unpublished studies. The analysis was the work of researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and is published in PLoS Medicine. ... more

The non-profit School Nutrition Association (SNA) invites students nationwide to cast their ballot and participate in this year's 'Vote for School Lunch' campaign to learn more about healthy meal choices at school. ... more

The proposed NHS Constitution will affect all of us and it is vital that people living with diabetes have their say. The Constitution will shape the future of the NHS and we need you to get involved. Workshop for people affected by diabetes 8 October in London The workshop will give you the chance to tell the Department of Health what you think. ... more

The influenza season of 2007-2008 saw the highest incidence of flu in recent years for Indiana County, Pennsylvania. In preparation of the 2008-2009 season, the Indiana County Community Emergency/Disaster Planning Committee and the Health and Human Services Subcommittee of Indiana, Pennsylvania are staging a drill during the month of October to test their PODS (Point of Dispensing Sites) System. ... more

Scrubs Beyond is doing more than recognizing National Breast Cancer Awareness Month -- they are supporting it by donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of specific items to the American Cancer Society. If you need a new set of Peaches scrubs or nursing accessories, now is the time to get them so you can help support those in need of assistance. ... more

The proposed NHS Constitution will affect all of us and it is vital that people living with diabetes have their say. The Constitution will shape the future of the NHS and we need you to get involved. Workshop for people affected by diabetes 8 October in London The workshop will give you the chance to tell the Department of Health what you think. It is open to people with diabetes, parents and carers. ... more

The brain, just like muscles, works harder during strenuous exercise and is fueled by lactate, rather than glucose. This helps explain why the brain is able to work properly when the body's demands for fuel and oxygen are highest. It also goes a step further to show that the brain shifts into a higher gear in terms of activity. ... more

Neuroscientists have taken one of the first direct looks at one of the human brain's most fundamental "foundations:" a brain signal that never switches off and may support many cognitive functions. ... more

ake Stem Cells From Mature Celld a safer way to convert mature cells into an embryonic-like state, according to a study published on Thursday in the journal Science, the Wall Street Journal reports (Naik, Wall Street Journal, 9/26). ... more

CQ HealthBeat on Friday examined states' efforts to overhaul their health care systems. ... more

The government of Botswana, along with Population Services International, has distributed almost 60 million condoms in the country during the past two years in an attempt to scale up the fight against HIV/AIDS, Mmegi reports. ... more

Prion protein, a form of protein that triggers BSE, is associated with other brain diseases in cattle, raising the possibility of a significant increase in the range of prion disease. ... more

A novel Brandeis University study this week in PLoS Biology reports on some of the molecular gymnastics performed by a protein involved in regulating DNA transcription. Using state-of-the art tools, researchers observed the shape and behavior of individual DNA molecules bent into tight loops by Lac repressor, a protein from the bacterium E.coli that switches on and off individual genes. ... more

Although the industrial compounds known as polychlorinated biphenols or PCBs have been found in previous air samples collected in the city of Chicago, a University of Iowa researcher says that a new study of Chicago air sampled between November 2006 and November 2007 found PCB11, a byproduct of the manufacture of paint pigments and a potentially toxic substance, present throughout the city. ... more

New guidance from the Medical Research Council (MRC) on how best to conduct research into complex health and social interventions is published in the British Medical Journal and the MRC website. ... more

ake Stem Cells From Mature Celld a safer way to convert mature cells into an embryonic-like state, according to a study published on Thursday in the journal Science, the ... more

CMS and HHS have finalized negotiations on the Medicaid waiver, a critical source of funding (about $11 billion over three years) for Massachusetts health reform efforts. Governor Patrick will release details of the waiver at a press conference this afternoon at 2:00 pm in the State House, Room 157. For more information, read the Globe [...] ... more

GlaxoSmithKline is planning to cut up to 850 research and development jobs in Britain and the United States, in a bid to improve productivity.The reduction, equivalent to around 6 percent of the company's overall R D workforce, is in addition to 350 job cuts announced by the world's second biggest drugmaker in June."Following a recent review of business operations, we have started consultation on proposals which could impact 850 roles within R D in the UK and the U.S.," a spokeswoman said.More f ... more

GlaxoSmithKline is planning to cut up to 850 research and development jobs in Britain and the United States, in a bid to improve productivity.The reduction, equivalent to around 6 percent of the company's overall R D workforce, is in addition to 350 job cuts announced by the world's second biggest drugmaker in June."Following a recent review of business operations, we have started consultation on proposals which could impact 850 roles within R D in the UK and the U.S.," a spokeswoman said.More f ... more

Bedtime dosing of nifedipine is associated with improved antihypertensive efficacy and safety when compared with morning dosing, according to Spanish investigators. Reuters Health Information ... more

The investigational agent bazedoxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), plus conjugated estrogen (Wyeth's Women's HealthCare) has the same effect as placebo in post-menopausal women. Reuters Health Information ... more

An investigational non-surgical intervention that can reduce the size of the stomach by means of titanium staples inserted through the mouth --transoral gastroplasty (TOGA; Satiety Inc.) -- appears to be a safe and effective way to reduce weight in patients with severe obesity. Reuters Health Information ... more

Acinetobacter baumannii rarely causes skin or soft tissue infection (SSTI) and is generally associated with nosocomial pneumonia or bacteremia. However, A. baumannii SSTIs appear to be an increasing problem in combat casualties in Iraq, according to US naval researchers. Reuters Health Information ... more

A 1-day rush immunotherapy (RIT) protocol for imported fire ants is safe and may be effective for young children, according to a report in the September Annals of Allergy, Asthma Immunology. Reuters Health Information ... more

Among older Americans, there was a substantial increase in the number of colorectal cancer screening tests conducted between 2000 and 2005, according to findings from national population-based surveys published in the August issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Reuters Health Information ... more

Drug wholesaler Cardinal Health Inc said it would spin off its clinical and medical products businesses as a separate public company, and reaffirmed its outlook for fiscal 2009. The company also said Chief Executive Kerry Clark would continue through the spin-off and then retire. Reuters Health Information ... more

The prevalence and severity of lower urinary tract symptoms increase in men into their 90s, according to results of a study published in the August issue of Urology. Reuters Health Information ... more

The results of a new study indicate that 80% of cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy do not use medications to combat pain. Reuters Health Information ... more

Even though trainees were more likely to do higher-risk procedures, their results, in terms of mid-term survival and freedom from cardiac rehospitalizations, were just as good as those of their teachers, a new single-center study shows. Heartwire ... more

In some cases, unproven 'therapies' can be dangerous, experts say. Source: HealthDay ... more

Mom's careful choice of foods offers both physical and mental advantages, study says. Source: HealthDay ... more

Study raises questions about disparities in outcomes, but offers no concrete answers. Source: HealthDay ... more

Device approved in Europe, still in clinical trials in U.S. . Source: HealthDay ... more

That raises risk of death from hemorrhagic stroke, researchers say. Source: HealthDay ... more

Finding could lead to therapeutic applications for tumor progression in other cancers. Source: HealthDay ... more

Study found missing section protected against psychiatric illness. Source: HealthDay ... more

Via Politico: John McCain's new ad is a narrative in which Fannie and Freddie -- whose patrons are primarily, though hardly solely, Democrats -- are the central figures in the financial crisis. particularly unhelpful recent Bill Clinton remarks against Obama. ... more

Via Politico: John McCain's new ad is a narrative in which Fannie and Freddie -- whose patrons are primarily, though hardly solely, Democrats -- are the central figures in the financial crisis. particularly unhelpful recent Bill Clinton remarks against Obama. ... more

No Link Between Statins and Lou Gehrig's Disease: FDA More Than 90% of Nursing Homes Violate U.S. Standards: Report FDA Approves New Test for 'Superbug'/l ... more

Targeting increases in fatty acid metabolism inhibits replication, researchers find ... more

Rheumatoid Arthritis Women's Health Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) /div ... more

Several newspapers recently examined the health care proposals of Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.) and Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain (Ariz.). Summaries appear below.Atlanta Journal-Constitution : The Journal-Constitution on Sunday highlighted the Obama and McCain health care proposals in the words of the candidates. ... more

HIV/AIDS Remain Low in Chin Knowledge and awareness of HIV/AIDS and its transmission remain low in China, and considerable stigma surrounding the disease still exists in the country, according to a survey released on Friday by Beijing's Renmin University, AFP/Yahoo! News reports.For the study, Renmin researchers, supported by UNAIDS, interviewed 6,000 people in six Chinese cities. ... more

USA Today on Friday examined efforts by abortion-rights opponents in Indiana to pass regulations at the county level to require doctors who perform the procedure to have admitting privileges at a local hospital after efforts to enact statewide legislation stalled. ... more

The 21st Norsk Perinataldager (Norwegian Perinatal Days) will be arranged as a joint conference with the 2008 International Stillbirth Conference from the 5th - 7th November. This is in collaboration with the International Stillbirth Allliance (ISA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). ... more

Springer editor Geoffrey R. Norman is this year's winner of the Karolinska Institutet Prize for Research in Medical Education. He has been singled out for his highly original and innovative research in the field of medical education. ... more

Nearly 60 percent of the nation's elderly have trouble sleeping, whether it's a lot of tossing and turning or outright bouts of insomnia. While for most people sleeplessness can be annoying at best or unhealthy at worst, for elderly individuals who have suffered from depression in the past, poor sleep may be the first sign that a new bout of depression is coming on. ... more

Background: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most frequent mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. The biological appearance of these tumors reaches from small lesions with benign appearance to aggressive sarcomas. Only 3-5 % of GISTs are localized in the duodenum. There is a controversy, if duodenal GISTs should be treated by a duodenopancreatectomy or by a limited resection of the duodenum.Case presentationA 29-year-old man presented with an acute upper gastrointestinal ... more

The Washington Post on Monday profiled actress and HIV/AIDS advocate Sheryl Lee Ralph, whose one-woman show "Sometimes I Cry" aims to increase awareness about the disease. Ralph has performed the show nationwide as well as internationally, and she staged it on Saturday in Washington, D.C., at the Columbia Heights Educational Campus. ... more

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in the U.S. "from the beginning" has been "wrongly filtered through shifting public and political views that tried to focus blame or susceptibility on populations of people defined by social and demographic factors," physician and columnist Kate Scannell writes in a Contra Costa Times opinion piece. ... more

From today, people can access a new authoritative source of information on the Internet about medicines. This new resource is a guide to the life-cycle of new medicines, from their first scientific discovery through to licensing and on-going monitoring. It is available at http://www.mhra.gov. ... more

State Medicaid programs will spend $1.6 trillion on long-term care expenses over the next twenty years, according to a new study released today by America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP). When Federal matching funds are included, total government expenditures on long-term care will exceed $3.7 trillion. ... more

by Cecilia O. Arradaza, Communications Director, FasterCuresTo win the war on cancer, our nation €™s decision-makers need to enact policies that support cutting-edge developments in cancer research and facilitate patient-centered approaches throughout the research continuum. This message permeated through discussions at Friday €™s Clinical Research Conference convened to address pressing scientific and regulatory challenges and opportunities for progress in innovations in cancer therapy. The con ... more

Background: Hepatic angiosarcoma is a primary sarcoma of the liver, accounting for only 2% of all primary hepatic malignancies. Acute liver failure is an extremely rare presentation of a primary liver tumour. Case presentationWe report a case of a seventy year-old man who presented with a very short period of jaundice leading to fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). On further investigation he was found to have primary angiosarcoma of liver. Conclusions: The treatment outcomes for hepatic angiosarco ... more

Julie Lin, MD, MPH from the Renal Division at Brigham and Women rsquo;s Hospital and colleagues from Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health report that sICAM-1, a marker of vascula ... more

Policy makers need to rethink their approach to health and introduce stricter standards for the media if a decline in the health of Australia rsquo;s young people is to be halted. ... more

Children as young as four can develop full-blown obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and often exhibit many of the same OCD characteristics typically seen in older kids, according to new research. ... more

While obstetrical care providers are doing a good job working with their patients on smoking cessation, they are not doing as well on abuse of other substances that can harm a woman's unborn baby a new study found. ... more

Our in-house dynamo, Claudia Pinzon and the rest of the the talented team at OneMedTV, have been busy compiling a wealth of valuable video content captured at AdvaMed2008. Below, some of that footage. To watch the videos, click the thumbnail or visit OneMedPlace.tv. Veralight: David VanAvermaete from Veralight presents a new approach to non-invasive diabetes screening through earlier detection and complication reduction. Microtransponder: T. Jordan Curnes from Microtransponder talks about a wire ... more

Hospitals are doing away with them.No wonder, as medical care becomes more fractionated with specialists and sub-specialists, and the pressure increases to see more patients, there's less downtime to spend in the lounge.It's a shame, since it makes it difficult to know your colleagues, let alone put a face to the specialist you are consulting. There are some Internet social networking options, like Sermo, that try to pick up the slack. Obviously, it doesn't have a local flavor, and certainly is ... more

Soaring Medicare costs will soon make the recent economic troubles look like a drop in the bucket. Maggie Mahar tries her best to address this in a recent paper, summarizing many themes from her blog. Suggestions include instituting a comparative effectiveness agency and increasing funding for primary care, as well as left-leaning suggestions like eliminating the bonus payments to Medicare Advantage and negotiation of drug prices with pharmaceuticals.I would have liked to see her use some conse ... more

Where Stanley Kurtz left off yesterday in his "O''S Dangerous Pals - Barack's 'Organizer' Buds Pushed For Bad Mortgages," Mona Charen picks up and runs with today, pointing out the fact that If Obama wins, it means we've essentially hired an arsonist to fight a fire: ACORN, Obama, and the Mortgage Mess. And as Sister Toldjah notes today, the media continues to completely ignore one of the most important stories in this political campaign because they are completely in the tank for Obama: It's ... more

"Medicare: Trends in Fees, Utilization and Expenditures for Imaging Services Before and After Implementation of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005," Government Accountability Office: The report examined the effect of a rule included in the DRA that physician reimbursements for outpatient imaging services could not exceed what Medicare pays for such services in outpatient hospital settings. ... more

Poverty-related infections, which are "ordinarily thought of as health problems in less-developed countries," have become a "biological threat" among the indigent across the U.S., Peter Hotez -- president of the Sabin Vaccine Institute and George Washington University Walter G. Ross professor and chair of microbiology, immunology and tropical medicine -- writes in a Baltimore Sun opinion piece. ... more

The Australian Medical Association said the Commonwealth and State Governments needed to stop the argy-bargy about the structure of public hospital funding and to just concentrate on increasing overall funding for public hospitals. ... more

Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) are working with Lambeth Primary Care Trust to offer gay and bisexual men free and confidential STI testing, as well as information, advice and support around sexual health, and drug and alcohol use. This walk-in service is based at the Vauxhall Riverside Clinic, and is open Monday - Friday from 5-7.30pm. ... more

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) announced a new program of proven, low-cost interventions for maternal and child health that will benefit 750,000 pregnant women and 1.5 million children under 2 in 10 Latin American countries. PAHO announced the five-year, $60. ... more

The ministers of health of all the countries of the Americas opened their annual meeting yesterday electing Brazil's Health Minister, Dr. Jose Gomes Temporao as President of the Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Dr. ... more

Higher levels of testosterone are correlated with financial risk-taking behavior, according to a new study in which men's testosterone levels were assessed before participation in an investment game. The findings help to shed light on the evolutionary function and biological origins of risk taking. ... more

Cancer drug developer Antisoma plc (LSE: ASM; USOTC: ATSMY) announced that it has started a phase II trial evaluating the addition of AS1402 to the endocrine (hormonal) therapy letrozole in post-menopausal women receiving first-line treatment for advanced breast cancer. ... more

Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a computer program that trains itself to predict genes in the DNA sequences of fungi. Fungi - which range from yeast to mushrooms - are important for industry and human health, so understanding the recently sequenced fungal genomes can help in developing and producing critical pharmaceuticals. ... more

ONI BioPharma Inc. (AMEX: ONI) announced that it has entered a Collaboration Agreement with a major international diagnostics company regarding ONI's unique biomarkers for early, middle and late stage colorectal cancer. Terms of the agreement have not been disclosed. ... more

Somewhere between the tanking economy, the 150 daily emails coming into your Blackberry and the cut-throat working environment, it's nearly impossible to stay calm. Todd Oretsky, a recovering Wall Street attorney, knows more than his fair share of how a stressful work situation can wreak havoc on your health and personal life. ... more

Today's autism research draws on a variety of scientific disciplines, from genetics to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to neural development. ...