MedWorm: American Medical Association (AMA)

Angola: Historian for Divulgence of HIV Information in Vernacular Languages

AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:49:47 +0100

The Angolan historian, Américo Kwononoka, defended last Wednesday in Lisbon the divulgence of information about HIV/AIDS in various Angolan vernacular languages, so as to reduce the propagation of the disease, discrimination and stigma. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)

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[Viewpoint] Wiring a nation: putting knowledge into action

LANCET — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The Norwegian Electronic Health Library (NEHL) is a publicly funded electronic knowledge service, which was launched as part of the Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services in June, 2006. The library provides free access for health-care professionals to guidelines, systematic reviews, scientific journals, and a series of other full-text resources. Everyone in Norway has access to major journals such as the Annals of Internal Medicine, British Medical Journal (BMJ), Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), The Lancet, and New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), and to the Cochrane Library, BMJ Best Practice, and UpToDate. In a scattered country with one public, but diverse health-care system, the library integrates information sources in Norwegian and English with a bil...

American Medical Association President Calls On Insurers To Abandon Flawed Physician Rating Programs

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:00:00 +0100

"The RAND Corporation study published today verifies the AMA's longstanding contention that there are serious flaws in health insurer programs that attempt to rate physicians based on cost-of-care. "The RAND study shows that physician ratings conducted by insurers can be wrong up to two-thirds of the time for some groups of physicians. Inaccurate information can erode patient confidence and trust in caring physicians, and disrupt patients' longstanding relationships with physicians who have cared for them for years... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Study Finds The Cost Of Cancer Care Is Skyrocketing

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

USA Today: "The cost of cancer treatment is 'skyrocketing' - both for individual patients and the nation, a new analysis shows. From 1990 to 2008, spending on cancer care soared to more than $90 billion from $27 billion. The increase was driven by the rising costs of sophisticated new drugs, robotic surgeries and radiation techniques, as well as the growing number of patients who are eligible to take them, says Peter Bach of New York's Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Cancer, co-author of an analysis in today's Journal of the American Medical Association... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Study Shows Strong Interest In Palliative Care Programs, Though Scope Of Services And Integration Vary Across Nation

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

A study from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center reports that cancer centers in the United States provide patients and their families with palliative care, though the depth, range and integration of programs and services widely vary. The study, which is published in the March 17 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), was presented today at a special JAMA media briefing focused on cancer topics... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

American Medical Association Launches New Tool To Help Physicians Correct Unfair Managed Care Contracts Nationwide

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Physicians seeking a reasonable alternative to the one-sided contracts offered by some managed care organizations can now rely on a new AMA online resource. The American Medical Association (AMA) today unveiled its new National Managed Care Contract (NMCC) and database to help physicians analyze and negotiate contracts with insurers and help provide relief from unfair corporate business practices. "The concentrated market power of large health insurers gives them an unprecedented advantage in dictating key aspects of health care to physicians," said AMA President J. James Rohack, M.D... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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American Medical Association Comments On CMS Proposed Rule On Meaningful Use Of EHR

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Today, the American Medical Association (AMA) and 95 state and specialty medical societies submitted formal comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the proposed rule outlining the meaningful use criteria for the electronic health records (EHRs) incentive programs. "The AMA is supportive of the widespread adoption and meaningful use of EHRs by physicians, but the Stage 1 criteria proposed by CMS are too aggressive," said AMA Board Member Steven J. Stack, M.D... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

American Medical Association Comments On CMS Proposed Rule On Meaningful Use Of EHR

IT / Internet / E-mail News From Medical News Today — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Colon cancer treatment for older patients often less aggressive than recommended, study finds

UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

New results from a major initiative on the quality of cancer care in the United States show that patients with a common type of colon cancer, especially older patients, often do not receive the aggressive treatment with chemotherapy that research shows is associated with better survival. Led by researchers from UCLA and the RAND Corp., a nonprofit research organization, the study is among the first to track how findings from specialty research trials are applied in diverse practices in the community, where a wider variety of patients are treated. The results will appear in the March 17 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association, which is devoted to developments in cancer care. The study indicates that older patients, and to some extent youn...

Precision Radiation Therapy May Improve Survival Rates Of Some Lung Cancer Patients

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

A radiation therapy that uses multiple radiation beams to target tumors precisely has been shown to eliminate the primary tumor and ultimately may improve survival rates for lung-cancer patients unable to undergo surgery, according to UT Southwestern Medical Center physicians who led a national clinical trial of the treatment. In a study appearing in the March 17 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association, primary lung cancer did not recur in nearly 98 percent of the 55 participants who received stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Stereotactic Body Radiation Beneficial in Lung Cancer

Modern Medicine — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In patients with early-stage but inoperable lung cancer, treatment with stereotactic body radiation therapy may significantly improve rates of tumor control, according to a study in the March 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Modern Medicine)

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What next for preimplantation genetic screening (PGS)? A position statement from the ESHRE PGD Consortium steering committee{dagger}

Human Reproduction — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:05:40 +0100

Since 2004, there have been 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) mainly for advanced maternal age (AMA), which have shown no benefit of performing preimplantation genetic screening (PGS). Ten of the RCTs have been performed at the cleavage stage and one at the blastocyst stage. It is probable that the high levels of chromosomal mosaicism at cleavage stages, which may result in the tested cell not being representative of the embryo, and the inability to examine all of the chromosomes using fluorescence in situ hybridization, have contributed to the lack of positive outcome from the RCTs. We suggest that future RCTs should examine alternative biopsy timing (polar body and/or trophectoderm biopsy), and should apply technologies that allow more comprehensive testing to include all chromosome...

Erratum

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:28:12 +0100

Hossler EW. Caterpillars and moths. Part I. Dermatologic manifestations of encounters with Lepidoptera. J Am Acad Dermatol 2010;62:1-10. Hossler EW. Caterpillars and moths. Part II. Dermatologic manifestations of encounters with Lepidoptera. J Am Acad Dermatol 2010;62:13-28. (Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology)

AMA announces more partners in Web portal project

American Medical News - BUSINESS — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:58:47 +0100

One of the new collaborators, Dell, will donate hardware to clinics testing the platform. (Source: American Medical News - BUSINESS)

JAMA: SBRT provides tumor control for inoperable non-small cell lung cancer

Health Imaging News — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:50:47 +0100

Early findings suggest a radiation therapy that involves numerous highly-focused and potent radiation beams provides targeted tumor control in nearly all patients, reduces treatment-related illness and may ultimately improve survival for patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer, according to a study in the March 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Health Imaging News)

JAMA: SBRT provides tumor control for inoperable lung cancer

Health Imaging News — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:50:47 +0100

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Angola: New Hospitals Directors Sworn-in

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:23:11 +0100

The Angolan Health minister, José Van-Dúnem, Monday in Luanda, swore in the new directors for "Josina Machel" and "Américo Boavida" hospitals, under a programme intended to boost the two institution's functioning and secure better services to the population. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

AMA offers booklet on elderly driving

Health News - UPI.com — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:22:43 +0100

CHICAGO, March 16 (UPI) -- The American Medical Association has produced a guide for older drivers to help protect their lives and make roads safer, AMA officials say. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

SBRT eliminates tumors with promising survival for early-stage inoperable lung cancer patients

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0100

(American College of Radiology / American Roentgen Ray Society) Highly-focused stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) can eliminate the targeted tumor while avoiding treatment-related illness and may ultimately improve survival for patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer, according to early findings of a Radiation Therapy Oncology Group study published in the March 17 cancer-themed issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

SBRT eliminates tumors with promising survival for early stage inoperable lung cancer patients

EurekAlert! - Cancer — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0100

(American College of Radiology / American Roentgen Ray Society) Highly focused stereotactic body radiation therapy can eliminate the targeted tumor while avoiding treatment-related illness and may ultimately improve survival for patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer, according to early findings of a Radiation Therapy Oncology Group study published in the March 17 cancer-themed issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer)

Palliative Care Programs Are Common But Services Limited

Modern Medicine — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

While most cancer centers have palliative care programs, they offer a limited range of services and few opportunities for research or professional development, according to a study in the March 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Modern Medicine)

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Prostate Cancer Patients With High Radiation Doses Fare Well

Modern Medicine — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Compared with standard-dose radiation, high-dose radiation treatments for localized prostate cancer are not associated with increased long-term treatment-related outcomes for urinary, bowel and sexual functions affecting quality of life, according to a study in the March 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Seniors on Adjuvant Chemo Have Less Toxic Regimens

Modern Medicine — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Older patients with colon cancer who receive adjuvant chemotherapy tend to have less-toxic and shorter chemotherapy regimens and suffer fewer adverse events than younger patients, according to a study in the March 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Modern Medicine)

'Primary Index Lesion' Useful Treatment Response Biomarker

Modern Medicine — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In patients treated with locoregional chemotherapy or radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma, assessment of changes to the largest tumor targeted in the first round of treatment, the "primary index lesion," is a useful biomarker of response to treatment when existing guidelines are applied, according to a study in the March 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Physicians Working Fewer Hours a Week

AAFP Professional Issues — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:45:00 +0100

Physicians in various specialties, of all ages, both genders and employed in different settings are working fewer hours a week, but the largest decrease in the number of hours is among younger physicians, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, or JAMA. (Source: AAFP Professional Issues)

AMA Welcomes Big Investment In Medical Training, Australia

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:00:00 +0100

AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said today that the AMA welcomes the Government's significant investment in medical training with the announcement of big increases in the number of medical training places across the board. The Government has announced there will be 1200 general practice training places by 2014, 975 Pre-vocational General Practice Placements Program (PGPPP) places by 2013, and 900 specialist training positions in private, community and rural settings by 2014... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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AMA Welcomes Big Investment In Medical Training, Australia

Medical Students News From Medical News Today — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:00:00 +0100

JAMA: Although most cancer centers have palliative care programs, scope of services varies widely

Health Imaging News — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:42:48 +0100

Palliative care services are available at most U.S. cancer centers, although the scope of services offered and the degree of integration between palliative care and oncology care varies widely among centers, according to a study in the March 17 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Health Imaging News)

JAMA: Although most cancer centers have palliative care programs, scope of services varies widely

Health Imaging News — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:42:48 +0100

Medicare pay formula needs repair, Sebelius says

American Medical News - GOVERNMENT — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Rep. Michael Burgess, MD, and Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, MD, also spoke at the annual AMA conference. Topics included health reform, obesity and violence prevention. (Source: American Medical News - GOVERNMENT)

Reform of health system, Medicare pay needs AMA input

American Medical News — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

AMA Leader Commentary - A message to all physicians about current events in medical practice (Source: American Medical News)

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Johns Hopkins Doctor And Disaster Expert Says Resource Problems In Haiti Required Difficult Ethical Decision-Making

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In an essay published in this week's issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, a Johns Hopkins emergency physician outlines how he and other physicians who worked in Haiti after the earthquake had to make emotionally difficult ethical decisions daily in the face of a crushing wave of patients and inadequate medical resources. Thomas D. Kirsch, M.D., M.P.H... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Johns Hopkins Doctor And Disaster Expert Says Resource Problems In Haiti Required Difficult Ethical Decision-Making

Aid / Disasters News From Medical News Today — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Epidemic of Vitamin D deficiency sweeping the world

NaturalNews.com — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) There is an epidemic of vitamin D deficiency sweeping across our modern world, and it's an epidemic of such depth and seriousness that it makes the H1N1 swine flu epidemic look like a case of the sniffles by comparison. Vitamin D deficiency is not only alarmingly widespread, it's also a root cause of many other serious diseases such as cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease.A new study published in the March, 2010 issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that a jaw-dropping 59 percent of the population is vitamin D deficient. In addition, nearly 25 percent of the study subjects were found to have extremely low levels of vitamin D.Lead author of the study, Dr. Richard Kremer at the McGill University Health Center, said "Abnormal levels of v...

Donating Kidney Doesn't Shorten Lifespan

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:00:00 +0100

A study of over 80,000 American live kidney donors found they were likely to live just as long as people who have two healthy kidneys and that the procedure carries very little medical risk. You can read about the landmark study by lead author and transplant surgeon Dr Dorry L Segev, from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, and colleagues, online in the 10 March issue of JAMA, Journal of the American Medical Association... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Comparative Research Lags Far Behind Approval-Driven Evaluations

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0100

A new study has found that few drug evaluations compare treatments in ways that help doctors make better decisions, Reuters reports. The study, published in today's Journal of the American Medical Association and written by doctors from Harvard and University of Southern California, also found that private firms - the main sponsors of research that compare drugs to placebos - have little interest in drug-to-drug comparisons, and that even when researchers do compare drugs, they often fail to answer questions about safety and improving effectiveness (Fox, 3/9)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Hopkins doctor/disaster expert says resource problems in Haiti required ethical decision-making

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions) In an essay published in this week's issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, a Johns Hopkins emergency physician outlines how he and other physicians who worked in Haiti after the earthquake had to make emotionally difficult ethical decisions daily in the face of a crushing wave of patients and inadequate medical resources. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Cataract Surgery Among Veterans 65 Years of Age and Older: Analysis of National Veterans Health Administration Databases

American Journal of Medical Quality — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:43:26 +0100

The authors examine the rates of cataract surgery as a crude measure of appropriateness of care among veterans 65 years of age and older who use Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Data were obtained from the national VHA data sets for fiscal years 2000 through 2007, using International Classification of Diseases codes and the American Medical Association’s Current Procedural Terminology codes. Cataract surgery was expressed as procedures per 10 000 veteran beneficiaries per fiscal year. The annual incidence of cataract surgery increased marginally over the study period with an average annual incidence of 105.8 surgeries per 10 000 beneficiaries. Institutional rates of VHA surgery differ substantially from those of Medicare beneficiaries, which are approximately 5.5-fold greater. A...

Kidney Donors Suffer Few Ill-Effects From Life-Giving Act

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

In a landmark study of more than 80,000 live kidney donors from across the United States, Johns Hopkins researchers have found the procedure carries very little medical risk and that, in the long term, people who donate one of their kidneys are likely to live just as long as those who have two healthy ones. The findings, published in the March 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, confirm what doctors have long believed: Kidney donation, which saves the life of the recipient, poses little risk to the donor... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Review: Low-grade gliomas

NeLM - News — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: JAMA Area: News The Journal of the American Medical Association has featured a review of current and future therapeutic options for low-grade gliomas. The review starts with a case vignette, and describes the following: . Epidemiology and natural history of low-grade gliomas in adults . Clinical presentation . Indications for biopsy vs excision and current treatment modes . Perioperative care and morbidity due to treatment . The future of low-grade glioma management (Source: NeLM - News)

Stereotactic Radiation Therapy May Improve Survival With Early Stage Inoperable Lung Cancer

About.com Lung Cancer — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

When lung cancer is caught in the early stages, surgery offers the chance for a cure. But not everyone is a candidate for surgery. And for those people - whether they forego treatment or are treated with conventional radiation therapy - the survival rate at 3 years is only around 20 to 35%. But a relatively new technique in radiation therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), provides hope that people with early-stage but inoperable lung cancer will be able to survive significantly longer than was possible in the past. Researchers evaluated 55 people with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer who could not have their tumors removed with surgery for medical reasons. They defined early stage lung cancer as tumors that were less than 5 cm (2 ½ inches) in diameter, and had no...

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HIPAA privacy rules detailed in AMA online guide

American Medical News - BUSINESS — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:01:12 +0100

The resource tool will explain new security regulations and lay out deadlines for compliance. (Source: American Medical News - BUSINESS)

When Grief gets Complicated

About.com Mental Health — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Complicated grief is a true mental disorder. A July 2005 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that a specialized "complicated grief therapy" is particularly effective in treating this severe form of grief. (Source: About.com Mental Health)

Vaccinating Children Shown to Reduce Flu Transmission

Modern Medicine — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Selectively immunizing children and adolescents against influenza significantly protects unimmunized members of rural communities against influenza, according to a study in the March 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Live Kidney Donation Considered Safe for Donor

Modern Medicine — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Live kidney donation does not impact the long-term survival of the donor and can be considered safe, although certain groups are at higher risk of death shortly after surgery, according to research published in the March 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Modern Medicine)

More Comparative Studies Needed to Guide Physicians

Modern Medicine — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Comparative effectiveness studies currently are underutilized and should be increased to better guide physicians in the effective everyday use of current therapies, according to a review in the March 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Modern Medicine)

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Director's Comments: Obesity Levels Stabilize

What's New on MedlinePlus — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:07:16 +0100

Listen to the NLM Director's Comments on the stabilization of obesity levels. The transcript is also available. Two studies, recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), suggest the obesity rate among American adults and children stayed the same for several years. However, the percent of obese adults and children is significantly higher today than 30 years ago... (Source: What's New on MedlinePlus)

Health plans extend their market dominance

American Medical News - BUSINESS — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

"Highly concentrated" insurance markets are found in all but three U.S. metropolitan areas, according to an American Medical Association report. (Source: American Medical News - BUSINESS)

Dell, AMA pair up for EMR and health exchange platform

CMIO.net: The News Weekly for Health IT Executives — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:00:56 +0100

The American Medical Association (AMA) and Dell are collaborating for health IT adoption for such technologies as EMRs, e-prescribing and laboratory services through the AMA’s new health information solutions platform for physicians. (Source: CMIO.net: The News Weekly for Health IT Executives)

Dell, AMA pair up for EMR and health exchange platform

Health Imaging News — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:00:56 +0100

Dell, AMA pair up for EMR and health exchange platform

Health Imaging News — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:00:56 +0100

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How do I convert from conventional units to SI units?

NeLM - Medicines Q & A — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Wessex Drug and Medicines Information Centre Area: Evidence > Medicines Q & A Units of measurement for clinical laboratory tests may either be expressed as conventional units or Système International (SI) units. In situations where standardisation of the units used in clinical data is required, it may be necessary to convert laboratory values between these two reference units. A table listing the conversion factors from conventional units to SI units for selected laboratory components is available at the link below. To convert values from conventional units, multiply by the conversion factor in the table to obtain SI units. An example of converting values from SI units to conventional units is also included underneath the table. Limitations This unit c...

AMA Enters Health IT Partnerships

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0100

The American Medical Association has made deals with computer retailer Dell, and Ingenix, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, to "help physicians adopt and implement electronic health records", the Chicago Tribune reports. The terms of the deals were not released, but one part of the arrangement with Ingenix will be to offer doctors a Web-based medical record system called CareTracker... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

AMA Enters Health IT Partnerships

IT / Internet / E-mail News From Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0100

AMA strikes EHR deal with Ingenix

Healthcare IT News — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:39:31 +0100

The American Medical Association (AMA) is offering physicians across the country a new online platform for access to an electronic health system from Ingenix, called CareTracker. The AMA announced Wednesday it had selected Ingenix CareTracker as the first EHR system offered through the AMA's new online health information solutions platform for physicians. The intent, say AMA officials, is to enable physicians to assess and meet their clinical and practice needs. It will provide physicians access to information, products and services with a single, secure sign-on. (Source: Healthcare IT News)

Major Health Reform Must Be Given A Chance To Deliver - Australian Medical Association

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:00:00 +0100

AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said that the public hospitals policy unveiled by the Prime Minister is major reform that must be taken seriously and given due consideration by the States and the health sector because we need a system that will give better access to quality health services for the Australian population into the future. Dr Pesce said the policy is a credible response to the problems and deficiencies in the public hospital system and is evidence that there has been considerable consultation with patients and with doctors... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Major Health Reform Must Be Given A Chance To Deliver - Australian Medical Association

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:00:00 +0100

JAMA: Aspirin use does not significantly reduce vascular events

Cardiovascular Business News — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:14:25 +0100

Individuals who were identified as being at increased risk of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events based on screening for low ankle brachial index did not significantly reduce their risk of these events with the use of aspirin, according to a randomized, controlled trial in the March 3 issue of Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Cardiovascular Business News)

Benzylpenicyllin and acetylcysteine protection from alpha-amanitin-induced apoptosis in human hepatocyte cultures.

Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Magdalan J, Piotrowska A, Gomułkiewicz A, Sozański T, Podhorska-Okołów M, Szeląg A, Dzięgiel P High mortality rate in Amanita phalloides (death cap) intoxications is a result of the acute liver failure following hepatocyte damage due to hepatocellular uptake of amatoxins. alpha-Amanitin (alpha-AMA), the major amatoxin, blocks a RNA polymerase II, which results in inhibition of transcription of DNA and protein synthesis processes and leads to hepatocyte death. alpha-AMA is also a strong apoptosis inductor and may play a significant role in pathogenesis of hepatic damage in course of amanitin intoxication. The aim of this study was to examine mechanisms of alpha-AMA-induced apoptosis in human hepatocytes, as well as in determining if commonly c...

The Relationship Between Mental and Physical Health

Psych Central — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:58:37 +0100

People with depression often have worse physical health, as well as worse self-perceived health, than those without depression. Depression and other physical health conditions have separate but additive effects on well-being. For example, the combination of heart disease and depression can cause twice the reduction in social interaction than either condition alone. Patients with both depression and physical health problems are at particular risk: The physical problem can complicate depression’s assessment and treatment by masking or mimicking its symptoms. It can work the other way as well. People with any chronic physical disease tend to feel more psychological distress than do healthy people. Poor physical health brings an increased risk of depression, as do the social and relati...

HHS Secretary and Surgeon General Address AMA

MedPage Today Public Health — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:13:11 +0100

WASHINGTON (MedPage Today) -- Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius assured members of the American Medical Association (AMA) that she is committed to enacting a permanent solution the the flawed sustainable growth rate (SGR). (Source: MedPage Today Public Health)

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Hematocrit Tied to Anemia Treatment Outcomes in Dialysis

Modern Medicine — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In patients with end-stage renal disease utilizing hemodialysis, greater use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and iron was associated with higher and lower mortality risk, depending on patients' hematocrit levels, according to research published in the March 3 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Homecare Market France Up-trend Versus Previous Reimbursement Challenge (French – English)

the international medical market place — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:57:03 +0100

Reimbursement pressures subside in France – French homecare market a growth opportunity – cautious optimism… Bastide, a French public traded homecare provider reports revenue up move of 3,5% Q2 2009 – 2010. This follows the troublesome legislative change in “les Etablissements d’Hébergement pour Personnes Agées Dépendantes (EHPAD)” (read Institutional reimbursement), the negative effect of which appears to have leveled off. In addition the regular homecare sector has continued it’s positive trend. BASTIDE: Interim Results 2009-2010 & Resumption of growth in 2nd quarter) Résultats semestriels 2009-2010 (Euronext) (01/03/10 07:30 CET) BASTIDE LE CONFORT MEDICAL Résultats semestriels 2009-2010 Reprise de la croissance au 2ème trimestre En...

Dell looks for niche in electronic medical records

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:21:26 +0100

Dell Inc. has formed a partnership with the American Medical Association to supply computer hardware and support to medical practices using the group's new electronic medical records platform, according to reports Monday. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

Older Patients' Mortality Risk After ICU Treatment Assessed

Modern Medicine — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Older patients who receive intensive care during a hospital stay may have an elevated risk of death in the three years after hospital discharge, with risk increasing substantially among patients who require mechanical ventilation, according to research published in the March 3 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Aspirin Benefit Not Seen With Low Ankle Brachial Index

Modern Medicine — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The use of aspirin may not lead to fewer vascular events in middle-aged and older individuals with a low ankle brachial index, according to research published in the March 3 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Modern Medicine)

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Cannabis use in under 15s linked to psychosis

Guardian Unlimited Science — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Using cannabis for the first time under the age of 15 is linked to an increased risk of hallucinations or delusions, a new study has found. However, the findings are still not definite.What do we know already?Previous studies have found that using cannabis at a young age is linked to psychosis, a condition where someone loses touch with reality. Someone with psychosis might hallucinate or have false beliefs called delusions. Schizophrenia is one cause of psychosis. Although cannabis use seems to have a link with psychosis, it's harder to find out whether it's the cause of the problem. The sheer number of things that could influence someone's mental health makes it difficult for researchers to investigate whether cannabis really has an effect. Some doctors think people at risk of psychosis ...

Aspirin Benefit Not Seen With Low Ankle Brachial Index

Modern Medicine — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Senate Gridlock Forces Payment Cut To Doctors

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:05:12 +0100

Political gridlock in the Senate triggered a 21 percent cut in Medicare fees to doctors Monday, as the American Medical Association warned of a "meltdown" for seniors and the Obama administration scrambled to contain the damage. Funding to temporarily stave off the cuts was part of a bill passed last week by the House. (Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire)

American Medical Assocation to use Ingenix system now in beta testing

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:55:47 +0100

The American Medical Association will use an electronic health records system from Ingenix, the company said Monday morning. (UNH) (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

American Medical Assocation to use Ingenix system

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:55:47 +0100

The American Medical Association will use an electronic health records system from Ingenix, the company said Monday. (UNH) (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

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Fighting to protect tort reform laws

American Medical News — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

The AMA will continue its efforts, even though a damages cap was struck down in Illinois and similar reforms are in peril in three more states. (Source: American Medical News)

Haiti earthquake victims need help now

American Medical News — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

AMA Leader Commentary - A message to all physicians about current events in medical practice (Source: American Medical News)

With Rate Cut Looming, Doctors Threaten To Stop Accepting Medicare Patients

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

With a 21 percent Medicare reimbursement rate cut set for Monday, unless Congress acts to block it, some doctors are threatening to refuse new Medicare patients in their practices. "'To our physicians, we are providing information on their Medicare participation options, including how to remove themselves from the Medicare program,' said James Rohack, president of the American Medical Association, whose more than 250,000 members include doctors, medical students and faculty members," CNN reports. Rohack says temporary delays of the yearly scheduled rate cut should be eliminated... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Identification of casualties after the explosions in Istanbul in November 2003

Science and Justice — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The major contribution of forensic odontology to forensic sciences is identification in mass disasters. The most reliable three parameters for positive identification are fingerprints, DNA and dental findings. However, in our country, even severely burned, fragmented, or decomposed bodies may be released to the relatives merely upon visual recognition. Compared to routine autopsy of an unidentified body, identification in mass disasters requires a different approach. Such an identification procedure consists of three phases: collection of AM data, recording of PM findings, and comparison of AM–PM data. The structure of the DVI team is case-dependent: place, time, and conditions of the disaster determine the equipment and personnel needs of the operation. At times it is possible to utilis...

Online Program for Flu Assessment

Internal Medicine News — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The American Medical Association has begun offering a Web-based flu-assessment program. In addition to helping patients determine the severity of their symptoms based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, the program provides tools that physicians can use to monitor those symptoms. (Source: Internal Medicine News)

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AMA Offers New Online Tool for ePrescribing

Internal Medicine News — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The American Medical Association has launched its online ePrescribing Learning Center to provide physicians with the tools they need to make informed decisions about electronic prescribing. (Source: Internal Medicine News)

Vaginal Myomectomy: Literature Review

The Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The objective of this literature review was to evaluate the results obtained at vaginal myomectomy. The databases consulted were Medline, Cochrane Library, National Guideline Clearinghouse, and Health Technology Assessment Database. Keywords used for research were colpotomy, myomectomy, and vaginal myomectomy, and then abdominal myomectomy, laparoscopic-assisted vaginal myomectomy, and laparoscopic myomectomy. Eight case series and 2 case reports were analyzed, and included 372 patients. Reported rates of conversion to laparotomy during the operation ranged from 0% to 17.6%. The most frequently described risk factors for conversion to laparotomy were location of the myoma in the fundus and a large volume of myoma to be extracted, although no maximum threshold size can be defined. Performin...

Minimally Invasive Hysterectomies—A Survey on Attitudes and Barriers among Practicing Gynecologists

The Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Study Objective: To explore attitudes and hysterectomy practices among gynecologists in the United States and to identify potential barriers to offering minimally invasive hysterectomies.Design: Mixed-mode (online and on-paper) survey of a random sample of 1500 practicing obstetrician-gynecologists.Setting: Nationwide survey in the United States.Participants: Nonretired obstetrician-gynecologists identified through a physician list from the American Medical Association.Interventions: Postal and online survey.Measurements & Main Results: We received a response from 376 physicians (25.8% response rate). The average age of respondents was 47.9 years, and 87% were generalists. Participants performed on average 4 surgical cases per week and 32 hysterectomies per year, most of which we...

AMDA, AMA Hold Strategy Session on Class II-V Drugs

Caring for the Ages — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Over the past 8 months, AMDA has been working with the American Medical Association to address concerns about recent Drug Enforcement Administration actions on class II-V drugs. In mid-January, AMDA partnered with the AMA to bring together AMDA representatives Lorraine Tarnove, Jacqueline Vance, and Kathleen Wilson, AMA leaders, and representatives from the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Geriatrics Society, and the American Osteopathic Association. (Source: Caring for the Ages)

Lancet's Retraction Is Positive Move

Clinical Psychiatry News — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

DR. FASSLER is a child and adolescent psychiatrist in Burlington, Vt. He also is a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Vermont, Burlington, and a member of the AMA Section Council on Psychiatry. (Source: Clinical Psychiatry News)

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Medical Board Responds To AMA Call For Recognition Of Vocationally Registered GPs As 'Specialist GPs', Australia

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The AMA welcomes the decision by the Medical Board of Australia to include vocationally registered GPs on the Specialist Register of the new national registration scheme that takes effect from 1 July 2010. AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said the AMA last week wrote to the Board recommending that vocationally registered GPs be given Specialist General Practitioner status. "The Board has made the right decision," Dr Pesce said. "It would have been inequitable not to recognise the skills and experience of vocationally registered GPs, and it could have created two classes of GP... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Stability and potency of the Plasmodium falciparum MSP1-19/AMA-1(III) chimeric vaccine candidate with Montanide ISA720 adjuvant.

Vaccine — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we developed a sandwich ELISA to assess the nature of the protein in the emulsion over time (6, 12 and 18 months). Our results showed that the OD(450) values corresponding to vaccine storages were within the 95% confidence interval, indicating that the conformation of the protein in the emulsion stored for up to 18 months at 4 degrees C was unchanged. Furthermore, no protein degradation was detected by Coomassie blue, silver staining, and Western blot analysis for samples stored at 4 degrees C for up to 2 years. Although some protein aggregation was observed in the emulsion preparations, these aggregates were only a small percentage of the total protein in the sample (7.6%). Moreover, the protein multimers maintained their conformational epitope. The potency assay of the for...

Senate fails to stop 21% Medicare pay cut -- for now

American Medical News - GOVERNMENT — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:01:48 +0100

CMS says claims from physicians will be held until March 15 to give the Senate more time to act. The AMA predicts a "Medicare meltdown." (Source: American Medical News - GOVERNMENT)

Homeopathy: Are the claims for other medicines any better?

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:00:01 +0100

Drug ads that don't back up their claims show how dumb doctors can be about evidence and how lax regulation has becomeAfter the Commons science and technology committee report this week, and the stupidity of "we bring you both sides" media coverage, you are bored with homeopathy. So am I, but it gives a simple window into the wider disasters in medicine.Homeopathy is a small sector of the pharmaceutical industry, a few sugar pill companies worth a couple of billion pounds a year in Europe. Overall, trials show their pills perform no better than placebo. All claims to the contrary are rubbish, but rubbish tolerated by plenty of MPs, huge swaths of the media, a fair few GPs and, most worryingly, the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority, who permit homeopathy pill companies to list d...

Homeopathy: Claims for other medicines are no better

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:00:01 +0100

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AMA-IMG Section Position Paper Discusses Role of IMGs in Primary Care

AAFP Resident and Student Focus — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:30:00 +0100

A recently released position paper from the AMA's International Medical Graduate, or IMG, Section Governing Council says IMGs are essential to the U.S. primary care health care delivery system. According to the paper, "International Medical Graduates in American Medicine: Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities," more IMGs train in primary care specialties and internal medicine subspecialties than do graduates of U.S. medical schools. Moreover, many go on to practice in medically underserved areas, especially remote, rural communities. (Source: AAFP Resident and Student Focus)

AMA Alliance [FOR YOUR INFORMATION]

AAP News — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:01:28 +0100

(Source: AAP News)

Electrochemical behavior of hexamethylbenzene isocloso ruthenium-borane complex at a glassy carbon electrode in non-aqueous medium

Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:18:31 +0100

Electrochemical behavior of hexamethylbenzene isocloso ruthenium-borane complex [(C6Me6)-isocloso-1-RuB9 H9] was investigated at a glassy carbon electrode in 0.1 mol L-1 tetrabutyl ammonium perchlorate dissolved in methylene chloride, at - 20 ºC < T < 21 ºC using convolutive cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and chronopotentiometry techniques. The chemical and electrochemical parameters of the investigated complex have been determined and confirmed via digital simulation method. Low-temperature diffusion coefficient and heterogeneous electron transfer kinetics of the complex [(C6Me6)-isocloso-1-RuB9 H9] were reported. On the basis of the obtained data, the electrode reaction of the complex [(C6Me6)-isocloso-1-RuB9 H9] was suggested and discussed.O comportamento eletroquímico do comp...

Metal-free catalytic oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides with ammonium nitrate, ammonium hydrogen sulfate and ammonium bromide as catalyst

Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:18:31 +0100

A general and metal-free catalytic oxidation of aliphatic and aromatic sulfides to their corresponding sulfoxides via combination of ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), supported ammonium hydrogen sulfate on silica gel (NH4HSO4-SiO2) and a catalytic amount of ammonium bromide (NH4Br) in the presence of wet SiO2 (50%, w/w) has been investigated. The reactions were carried out heterogeneously and selectively in short reaction times in CH2Cl2 at room temperature. This protocol is mild and efficient compared to other reported methods.A oxidação catalítica geral e sem o uso de metais, de sulfetos alifáticos e aromáticos aos seus sulfóxidos correspondentes via combinação de nitrato de amônio (NH4NO3), hidrogenossulfato de amônio suportado em sílica gel (NH4HSO4-SiO2) e uma quantidade catalíti...

Eco-friendly synthesis of 2-substituted benzothiazoles catalyzed by cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) in water

Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:18:31 +0100

A series of 2-substituted benzothiazoles have been synthesized by the condensation of 2-aminothiophenol with aldehydes (RCHO: R = Alkyl, Aryl, Heteroaryl, 2-Arylformyl) in the presence of a catalytic amount of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) "on water" by a one-pot procedure without additional organic solvents and oxidants. Thereinto, 2-alkylbenzothiazoles were synthesized in high yields and 2-arylformylbenzothiazoles were obtained from the condensation of 2-aminothiophenol with arylformyl aldehydes for the first time using the present protocol.Uma série de benzotiazóis 2-substituídos foi sintetizada pela condensação de 2-aminotiofenol com aldeídos (RCHO: R = Alquil, Aril, Heteroaril, 2-Arilformil) na presença de quantidade catalítica de brometo de cetiltrimetil amônio (CTA...

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Biochemical evaluation of a series of synthetic chalcone and hydrazide derivatives as novel inhibitors of cruzain from Trypanosoma cruzi

Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:18:31 +0100

Chagas' disease, a parasitic infection widely distributed throughout Latin America, is a major public health problem with devastating consequences in terms of human morbidity and mortality. The enzyme cruzain is the major cysteine protease from Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of American trypanosomiasis or Chagas' disease, and has been selected as an attractive target for the development of novel trypanocidal drugs. In the present work, we describe the synthesis and inhibitory effects of a series of thirty-three chalcone and seven hydrazide derivatives against the enzyme cruzain from T. cruzi. Most of the compounds showed promising in vitro inhibition (IC50 values in the range of 20-60 μM), which suggest the potential of these compounds as lead candidates for further development. T...

AMA: Competition is dwindling for U.S. health insurers

Health Imaging News — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:01:37 +0100

A study conducted by the American Medical Association (AMA) found that within 24 of the 43 reporting states in the study, two large insurance payors had a combined market share of 70 percent or more, and that overall competition in the health insurance industry is decreasing. (Source: Health Imaging News)

AMA: Competition is dwindling for U.S. health insurers

Health Imaging News — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:01:37 +0100

AMA: Competition is dwindling for U.S. health insurers

Cardiovascular Business News — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:01:37 +0100

AMA Blasts Insurer Consolidation

MedPage Today Public Health — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:31:23 +0100

Competition among health insurers is rapidly becoming a thing of the past in many markets, according to American Medical Association (AMA) economists. (Source: MedPage Today Public Health)

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Doctors Work Fewer Hours, Study Finds

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:00:00 +0100

A new study finds that doctors are working fewer hours even as the shortage of primary care physicians persists. The Associated Press/CBS News : "Average hours dropped from about 55 to 51 hours per week from 1996 to 2008, according to the analysis, appearing in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association. That's the equivalent of losing 36,000 doctors in a decade, according to the researchers. And it raises policy questions amid a looming primary care doctor shortage and Congress considering an expansion of health insurance coverage that would mean more patients... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Doctors Face Medicare Payment Cuts; Congress Considers Short-Term Fix

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Doctors will face Medicare payment cuts if Congress doesn't act soon. The San Bernardino Sun reports: "Unless Congress steps in this week, Medicare will begin paying doctors less, which could make it harder for seniors to find doctors willing to see them. Medicare rates are set to be cut by 21 percent on March 1. Congress has postponed cuts before, but with the deadline fast approaching, the American Medical Association and other doctors' groups are urging Congress to do so again." The cuts are based on a federal formula that adjusts doctor payments based on economic conditions... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

JAMA: Steady decline in docs' weekly hours has market, policy implications

Cardiovascular Business News — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:31:33 +0100

Physicians are working fewer weekly hours and making less money than they did in recent decades, which is inconsistent with other professional careers. Any further negative economic factors could be the tipping point for unsustainable decreases in hours worked in a market already hurt by physician shortages, according to a study in the Feb. 24 issue of Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Cardiovascular Business News)

JAMA: Steady decline in docs' weekly hours has market, policy implications

Health Imaging News — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:31:33 +0100

JAMA: Steady decline in docs' weekly hours has market, policy implications

Health Imaging News — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:31:33 +0100

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Claims of vitamin-fortified, sugary foods hard to swallow

Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:45:58 +0100

Walking down the cereal aisle at the supermarket, it’s impossible to miss the declarations of health benefits prominently located on the fronts of the colorful boxes. The Nutrition Facts Panel—a valuable consumer resource that lists a product’s sugar, salt, fat and calorie content—is usually printed on the side of the box. But do parents searching for a healthful choice even bother to read the nutritional information when the front of the box suggests the product is made of “whole grain goodness” and “immune-boosting” vitamins? Unfortunately many don’t and that’s a real problem, says David Ludwig, MD, PhD, in a commentary co-authored with Marion Nestle, PhD, MPH, and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). “We’ve arrived at the deplorabl...

AMA Calls For Fix To Medicare's Doctor Payments

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:00:00 +0100

Modern Healthcare: "With a sizable cut to Medicare physician payments taking effect in just one week, the American Medical Association is seeking clarity from Congress on its plan of action to stop the 21.2% reduction. ... Recent attempts to pass a sustainable growth-rate fix in the House and Senate have failed. Another setback occurred several weeks ago when Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) decided to strip a provision from the Senate jobs bill that would have frozen current Medicare reimbursement rates for physicians until Oct. 1. ... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

NHS Blood And Transplant Launch BME Organ Donation Campaign

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0100

A host of celebrities from the British Asian, African and Caribbean communities joined forces today to launch a campaign designed to raise awareness and encourage members of South Asian and Black communities to join the NHS Organ Donor Register. Comedian and actor Kulvinder Ghir, TV presenters Sonia Deol and Ama Ababrese, singer Jaya and former MC turned actor Ashley Walters came together at London's Hammersmith Hospital (part of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust) to 'Prove' they care about the lack of organ donors from BME backgrounds... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

General Practice Pharmacies - A Positive Health Reform For Patients, Australia

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:00:00 +0100

The AMA is calling on the Federal Government to legislate to allow doctors to own and operate pharmacies. AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said today that co-locating pharmacies within, adjacent to, or in close proximity to a general practice - under the ownership of the doctor - would provide significant benefits and convenience to patients... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

GlaxoSmithKline deliberately hid evidence of Avandia harm, says Senate report

NaturalNews.com — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0100

This report also accuses the FDA of betraying the public trust, explaining that FDA bureaucrats intentionally dismissed safety concerns found by the agency's own scientists.The report says that Big Pharma's drugs "put public safety at risk because the FDA has been too cozy with drug makers and has been regularly outmaneuvered by companies that have a financial interest in downplaying or under-exploring potential safety risks." Sales of Avandia were $3.2 billion (yes, billion) in 2006.According to a statistical analysis in the report, if all the diabetics currently taking Avandia were put on a "safer" drug, it would avert 500 heart attacks and 300 cases of heart failure every month in the United States alone. Presently, hundreds of thousands of Americans are still taking this drug, and hund...

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AMA Urges Medical Board To Recognise Thousands Of Vocationally Registered GPs As 'Specialist GPs', Australia

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The AMA is urging the recently established Medical Board of Australia to ensure that the new national registration arrangements for doctors do not discriminate against 11,000 vocationally registered general practitioners. The Board is currently finalising the criteria that will determine which GPs will be included on its specialist register. The AMA has welcomed the decision by the Board to formally recognise GPs as specialists... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Critical Illness Linked to Decline in Cognitive Function in Elderly

Modern Medicine — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Elderly adults who are hospitalized for an acute or critical illness are more likely to experience cognitive decline, and the risk of developing dementia is significantly higher after hospitalization for a non-critical illness, according to research published in the Feb. 24 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Resuscitation to Normalize Lactate Clearance Evaluated

Modern Medicine — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Resuscitation to normalize lactate clearance in patients suffering from septic shock resulted in in-hospital mortality similar to that for patients resuscitated to normalize central venous oxygen saturation, according to a study in the Feb. 24 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Physicians Working Fewer Hours for Lower Fees

Modern Medicine — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Physicians in the United States have been working fewer hours for lower fees in the past decade, according to research published in the Feb. 24 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Platelet Function Tests Only Modestly Predict Outcomes

Modern Medicine — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Three tests of platelet function can modestly predict outcomes such as death and stroke in patients taking clopidogrel (Plavix) and undergoing elective coronary stent implantation, but they do not identify patients at higher risk of bleeding, according to a study in the Feb. 24 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Modern Medicine)

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Physicians Working Fewer Hours for Lower Fees

Modern Medicine Medical Economics — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Regulation of drug transporter mRNA expression by interferon-γ in primary human hepatocytes

Fundamental and Clinical Pharmacology — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Interferon (IFN)-[gamma] is known to downregulate expression of drug detoxifying proteins such as cytochromes P-450 (CYPs) in human hepatocytes. The present study was designed to determine whether IFN-[gamma] may also impair expression of influx and efflux drug transporters, which constitute important determinants of the liver detoxification pathway. Exposure of primary human hepatocytes to 10 ng/mL IFN-[gamma] was found to downregulate mRNA levels of sinusoidal influx transporters such as sodium-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide, organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) 2B1, OATP1B1, and OATP1B3. IFN-[gamma] concomitantly reduced mRNA expression of drug efflux pumps such as multidrug resistance gene 1, multidrug resistance protein (MRP) 2, MRP3, breast cancer resistance protein...

New Reward Model Proposed To Accelerate Large-Scale Improvement At Regional, State, And National Level

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Rewarding health care organizations for achieving large-scale, population-based improvement has significant potential to accelerate the spread of evidence-based interventions, improve quality, and control costs at a national level, according to a commentary in the February 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Keith Mandel, M.D... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

New Reward Model Proposed To Accelerate Large-Scale Improvement At Regional, State, And National Level

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Ski and snowboard culture eschews helmets

CBC | Health — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:20:03 +0100

Skiers and snowboarders are continuing to put fashion before safety by forgoing helmets, according to a commentary by a Toronto neurosurgeon published Thursday in the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: CBC | Health)

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Mental illness breakthrough: fish oil prevents psychotic disorders

NaturalNews.com — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) NaturalNews has already reported on the amazing array of health advantages linked to a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a "healthy" fat found in certain foods such as salmon and walnuts. For example, researchers have documented that omega-3s can help prevent heart arrhythmias and treat depression (http://www.naturalnews.com/027285_omega-3_depression_fatty_acids.html). These fatty aacids also appear to have an antiaging effect on cells (http://www.naturalnews.com/028046_omega-3_fatty_acids_telomeres.html). Get ready to add another remarkable benefit to the list of omega-3 benefits: now scientists have found fish oil supplements containing omega-3s may stop people at high risk for severe mental illness from becoming psychotic.Psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia are devas...

JAMA: Genetic risk score does not improve CVD prediction in women

Cardiovascular Business News — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:10:21 +0100

Creation of a genetic risk score comprised of multiple genetic markers associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) was not associated with significant improvement in CVD risk prediction in a study that included more than 19,000 women, according to a study in the Feb. 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Cardiovascular Business News)

New Resources Make Implementing the 5010 Standard Transactions Easier

American Academy of Neurology — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:40:06 +0100

As of January 1, 2012, physicians are mandated to use an updated version of the HIPAA electronic standard transactions, generally known as "5010." The AAN is pleased to provide a link to the American Medical Association (AMA) series of fact sheets that outline details. (Source: American Academy of Neurology)

King Tutankhamun 'died from a broken leg and malaria'

Guardian Unlimited Science — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:57:38 +0100

DNA testing and CT scans on 16 mummies reveal that the Egyptian king's parents were probably brother and sisterEgypt's most famous pharaoh, King Tutankhamun, was a frail boy who suffered from a cleft palate and club foot, according to a study published today that shows he died of complications from a broken leg exacerbated by malaria and his parents were most likely brother and sister.Two years of DNA testing and CT scans on Tutankhamun's 3,300-year-old mummy and 15 others are helping end many of the myths surrounding the boy king. While a comparatively minor ruler, he has captivated the public since the 1922 discovery of his tomb, which was filled with a stunning array of jewels and artefacts, including a golden funeral mask.The study, which will be published today in the Journal of the A...

Tutankhamun died from broken leg and malaria

Guardian Unlimited Science — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:57:38 +0100

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King Tut's Tough Life

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 05:05:08 +0100

The Journal of the American Medical Association doesn’t usually report autopsy results. But they make an exception this week: for King Tut. The study of the boy king involved DNA analysis and CAT scans.Researchers [led by Zahi Hawass of the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Cairo, Egypt] used genetic fingerprints from Tut and 10 presumed relatives to map out his most accurate five-generation family tree to date. It reveals a family history of clubfoot and scoliosis. And CAT scans of Tut turned up foot deformities, like a missing toe bone, and bone necrosis, which means some of his foot bones were dying due to poor blood circulation. Previous scans had identified a femur fracture. [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)

Helmets must be part of skiing and snowboarding culture, doctors urge

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(St. Michael's Hospital) While the world's best skiers and snowboarders at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games compete with helmets on, many other skiers and snowboarders are choosing to forgo this important piece of safety equipment. In fact, many skiers and snowboarders place fashion before safety, according to a commentary by a St. Michael's Hospital neurosurgeon published in the Journal of the American Medical Association today. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Analysis of hepatitis C virus strains circulating in Republic of the Congo

Journal of Medical Virology — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study underlines the high genetic diversity of strains in the Republic of the Congo with nine subtypes 4 and one subtype 2. J. Med. Virol. 82:562-567, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Journal of Medical Virology)

Comparison of aggregation enhancement and inhibition as strategies for reducing the cytotoxicity of the aortic amyloid polypeptide medin.

European Biophysics Journal : EBJ — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Madine J, Middleton DA Aortic medial amyloid (AMA) occurs as localised non-atheromatous plaques in virtually all individuals over the age of 50. The major protein component of AMA is the 50-residue polypeptide medin. Here we propose two methods of manipulating medin aggregation to reduce the cytotoxic species of medin: either by promoting formation of larger benign species or retaining small non-cytotoxic species. Medin co-localises with a variety of factors including glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). The first approach shows that the GAG heparin enhances the rate of medin aggregation and alters the morphology of the amyloid fibrils. Cellular viability measurements suggest that heparin eliminates small cytotoxic species of medin, promoting formation of benign fibrils. The second appr...

Does Hypnosis Work?

Disabled World — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:38:10 +0100

The AMA accepted hypnosis in 1958 as an effective method for treating stress, and stress related symptoms. (Source: Disabled World)

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Tutankhamen's Familial DNA Tells Tale of Boy Pharaoh's Disease and Incest

Scientific American Topic - Medical Technology — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:05:00 +0100

Despite his brief nine-year reign, Tutankhamen is probably the most famous pharaoh of ancient Egypt. Because his tomb had not been robbed at the time of its discovery in 1922, historians have been able to piece together aspects of the boy king's 19-year life. More than 100 walking sticks and "pharmacies" (medicinal seeds, fruits and leaves) found mingled among funeral offerings and other treasures within the tomb suggested that the pharaoh was frail, and two mummified fetuses implied that his offspring might have suffered from lethal genetic defects. But a new study on the Tutankhamen family mummies themselves, published February 16 in JAMA The Journal of the American Medical Association , has provided biological insight into the king's incestuous royal lineage and his early deat...

Tutankhamen's Familial DNA Tells Tale of Boy Pharaoh's Disease and Incest

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:05:00 +0100

Chronic health conditions in children are on the rise

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:40:00 +0100

The prevalence of chronic health conditions among children in the U.S. doubled between 1994 and 2006, according to a study published in the February 17 issue of JAMA The Journal of the American Medical Association . [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)

AMA Welcomes Government Action On Medical Training, Australia

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:00:00 +0100

AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said today that the AMA welcomes the Government's decision to accept the major recommendations arising from the Review of the Medical Training Review Panel (MTRP). Dr Pesce said the medical profession is pleased that the MTRP will have an ongoing expanded role in medical education and training, and that it will work closely with Health Workforce Australia. "This is great news for medical students and doctors in training," Dr Pesce said... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

AMA Welcomes Government Action On Medical Training, Australia

Medical Students News From Medical News Today — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:00:00 +0100

AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said today that the AMA welcomes the Government's decision to accept the major recommendations arising from the Review of the Medical Training Review Panel (MTRP). Dr Pesce said the medical profession is pleased that the MTRP will have an ongoing expanded role in medical education and training, and that it will work closely with Health Workforce Australia... (Source: Medical Students News From Medical News Today)

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Malaria, genetic diseases plagued King Tut

CNN.com - Health — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:36:51 +0100

The legendary Egyptian "boy king" Tutankhamun, commonly known as King Tut, died of conditions including malaria and complications from a leg fracture, according to a study published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: CNN.com - Health)

King Tut Felled By Injury And Malaria, Not Murder

NPR Health and Science — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:00:00 +0100

A study from the Journal of the American Medical Association found that Tut died from complications from a broken leg exacerbated by malaria. Howard Markel, director of the Center for the History of Medicine at the University of Michigan, has concerns about the study.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us (Source: NPR Health and Science)

Genetic Risk Scores Not Linked to Cardiovascular Disease

Modern Medicine — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Comprehensive literature-based genetic risk scores do not improve the prediction of cardiovascular risk among Caucasian women, according to research published in the Feb. 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Chronic Conditions Becoming More Common in Children

Modern Medicine — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Chronic health conditions have become increasingly more common in children in recent decades, according to research published in the Feb. 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Genomic Markers Linked to Heart Disease

Modern Medicine — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in chromosome 9p21 are associated with heart disease, particularly in younger people, according to research published in the Feb. 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Modern Medicine)

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Send a message to Congress: "Repeal SGR now"

American Medical News — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

AMA Leader Commentary - A message to all physicians about current events in medical practice (Source: American Medical News)

Public Hospital Management Boards Are Part Of The Solution - Australian Medical Association

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Public Hospital Management Boards Are Part Of The Solution - Australian Medical Association

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said today that the Coalition's policy announcement for local community-controlled management boards for major public hospitals in NSW and Queensland is a step in the right direction, but more detail on how the policy would roll out nationally is needed. Dr Pesce said the AMA has for some time been calling for more clinical input to public hospital management at the local level. "The Coalition's proposal is heading in the right direction in terms of clinical engagement in decision making," Dr Pesce said... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Successful treatment of severe nodular scleritis with adalimumab

Clinical Rheumatology — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 06:50:41 +0100

We describe a 46-year-old woman presented right nodular scleritis with rheumatoid arthritis. She was treated initially with topical steroids and DMARDs but was unable to received systemic steroids due to left open angle glaucoma in the opposite eye. After an ocular exacerbation, we initiated adalimumab with complete resolution of nodular scleritis. This is the first report of adalimumab in the treatment of nodular scleritis. Adalimumab could be a good alternative in patients with severe nodular scleritis who fail to have conventional treatment with DMARDs and unable to receive systemic steroids. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s10067-009-1368-8Authors Juan P. Restrepo, Universidad del Quindío Cra 15 # Calle 12 Norte Armenia Quindío ColombiaMaría P. ...

AMA Unhappy With Senate Plan For Medicare 'Doc Fix'

Seniors / Aging News From Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0100

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AMA Unhappy With Senate Plan For Medicare 'Doc Fix'

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0100

The American Medical Association is criticizing "a Senate plan for avoiding a proposed 21 percent cut in government payments to physicians who treat the elderly, calling the proposal a 'Band-Aid' measure," Bloomberg/BusinessWeek reports. "The plan, part of an $80 billion job-creation proposal announced yesterday by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, would block the Medicare payment cuts from taking place as scheduled March 1." But the AMA "urged a permanent repeal of Medicare's payment formula, which has led the government to propose annual fee cuts... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Comprehensive National Plan Needed To Close The Gap On Indigenous Health, Says Australian Medical Association

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:00:00 +0100

AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said that the AMA welcomes the Government announcement of $9.1 million for new Indigenous mothers and baby services as the latest instalment in its commitment to close the gap on Indigenous health inequality by 2030. Dr Pesce said that every new funding announcement for Indigenous health services will make a difference - however, in regard to overall progress, the AMA endorses the Close the Gap campaign's Shadow Report, which finds that the Federal Government still lacks a comprehensive plan to fulfil its commitment to close the gap... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Comprehensive National Plan Needed To Close The Gap On Indigenous Health, Says Australian Medical Association

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:00:00 +0100

Dr. Elias Zerhouni, Former Director, National Institutes of Health, to Keynote NAAMA's 24th International Medical Convention in Beirut, June 26-July 1, 2010

Medical News (via PRIMEZONE) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:40:00 +0100

BIRMINGHAM, Mich., Feb. 11, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Arab American Medical Association (NAAMA) announced today that Dr. Elias Zerhouni, professor of radiology and biomedical research at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and former director of the National Institutes of Health, will deliver the keynote address at its 24th International Medical Convention, June 26 through July 1, 2010, in Beirut, Lebanon. The theme of the convention is "Medicine in the Next Decade: Challenges and Opportunities." (Source: Medical News (via PRIMEZONE))

Feeding Tube Use More Likely At Big, For-Profit Hospitals

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Larger, for-profit hospitals may be using too many feeding tubes on patients with advanced dementia without improving the quality of their care, a study finds, according to HealthDay News/Business Week. "Our results suggest that decisions about feeding tubes are more about which hospital you go to than a decision-making process that really elicits and supports patient choice," said the physician who led the study, which appears in today's Journal of the American Medical Association... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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JAMA: EHRs hold promise, need improvements

Medical Economics - Technology — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Electronic health record systems hold much promise for the future of health healthcare, but improvements are needed before their benefits can be fully realized, according to two commentaries published in the February 3 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Source: Medical Economics - Technology)

JAMA: EHRs hold promise, need improvements

Modern Medicine — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Feeding tubes may be overused in demented patients

Reuters: Health — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:19:46 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Whether or not a person with advanced dementia winds up with a feeding tube inserted down their throat may have more to do with economic concerns than his or her wishes, suggests a new study out in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association). (Source: Reuters: Health)

Mediterranean Diet Prevents Depression

NaturalNews.com — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) The Mediterranean diet may improve not just heart health but also mental health, according to a study conducted by researchers from the Universities of La Palma and Navarra in Spain, and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.The Mediterranean diet is high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, cereals, fish, and monounsaturated fatty acids like those found in olive oil. It is low in meat, and intake of alcohol and dairy products are kept to moderate levels. Prior research has shown a significant connection between the Mediterranean diet and a lower risk of heart disease and cancer.Researchers had 10,094 university graduates fill out regular questionnaires that allowed researchers to measure their adherence to the Mediterranean diet over the course of four-and-a-h...