MedWorm: Government

Investigation of a supplementary tool to assist in the prioritization of emphasis areas in North American strategic highway safety plans.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:28:39 +0100

This study reviewed the SHSP and traffic safety action plan of 53 jurisdictions in North America, and conducted descriptive data analyses to clarify the issues that currently affect the selection and prioritization process of jurisdiction-specific emphasis areas. We found that the current process relies heavily on high-level collision data analysis and communication among the SHSP stakeholders, but may not be the most efficient and effective way of selecting and prioritizing the emphasis areas and allocating safety improvement resources. This study then formulated a formal collision diagnosis test, known as the beta-binomial test, to clarify and illuminate the selection and the prioritization of jurisdiction-specific emphasis areas. We developed numerical examples to demonstrate how engine...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Boehner Vows to Fight Contraception Rule

NYT Health — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:25:37 +0100

The speaker said House Republicans would push to change the administration’s rule that religious institutions must offer insurance plans that cover birth control. (Source: NYT Health)

Government suffers new health bill defeat in Lords

Telegraph Health — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:27:22 +0100

The House of Lords votes 244 to 240 against part of the Government's controversial NHS reforms. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Government defeat over NHS bill

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:24:05 +0100

The government loses the first of a series of votes in the House of Lords on its controversial plans to overhaul the NHS in England. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Bread, Bologna, and Cheese Top List of Salty Foods

MedPage Today Public Health — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:13:10 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- Just 10 types of food account for nearly half of the nation's excessive sodium intake, government researchers found. (Source: MedPage Today Public Health)

Obama Addresses Ire on Health Insurance Contraception Rule

NYT — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:15:01 +0100

Facing criticism from religious-affiliated institutions, the Obama administration promised on Tuesday to explore ways to make a new health insurance requirement more flexible. (Source: NYT)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Lords to debate NHS concessions

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:46:34 +0100

The government is set for a difficult time when the House of Lords debates concessions to its plans to overhaul the NHS. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

All Sides Agree: Tax Law Doesn't Apply to ACA

MedPage Today Public Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:43:20 +0100

WASHINGTON (MedPage Today) -- The Obama administration and plaintiffs suing the federal government over the Affordable Care Act at least see eye-to-eye on one thing: A federal tax law shouldn't bar the Supreme Court from ruling on case. (Source: MedPage Today Public Health)

Assisted Suicide Law in Georgia Is Overturned

NYT — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:10:06 +0100

The Georgia Supreme Court ruled that a law outlawing the promotion of assisted suicide was unconstitutional, a decision likely to shape the national debate over the practice. (Source: NYT)

CDC: Bread beats out chips as biggest salt source

USATODAY.com Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:43:53 +0100

Bread and rolls are the No. 1 source of salt in the American diet, according to a new government report released Thursday. (Source: USATODAY.com Health)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

House and Senate at Impasse on Medicare

NYT — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:36:22 +0100

Lawmakers in both parties say they want to give doctors a small increase in Medicare payments, but they cannot agree on how to pay for it. (Source: NYT)

Obama Administration Makes Greater Investment in Alzheimer's Obama Administration Makes Greater Investment in Alzheimer's

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:54:24 +0100

The US government today announced a commitment of $156 million over the course of the next 2 years to fight Alzheimer's disease. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Government health spending seen hitting $1.8 trillion

Reuters: Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:32:25 +0100

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Government spending for Medicare, Medicaid and other healthcare programs will more than double over the next decade to $1.8 trillion, or 7.3 percent of the country's total economic output, congressional researchers said on Tuesday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

House and Senate at Impasse on Medicare

NYT Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:43:09 +0100

Lawmakers in both parties say they want to give doctors a small increase in Medicare payments, but they cannot agree on how to pay for it. (Source: NYT Health)

Assisted Suicide Law in Georgia Is Overturned

NYT Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:25:48 +0100

The Georgia Supreme Court ruled that a law outlawing the promotion of assisted suicide was unconstitutional, a decision likely to shape the national debate over the practice. (Source: NYT Health)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

House and Senate at Impasse on Medicare Payments to Doctors

NYT Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:37:18 +0100

Lawmakers in both parties say they want to give doctors a small increase in Medicare payments, but they cannot agree on how to pay for it. (Source: NYT Health)

Smith & Nephew settles Greek bribery case for $22.2M

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:14:00 +0100

Smith & Nephew Inc. is paying $22.2 million to settle U.S. criminal and civil allegations that it bribed doctors employed by the Greek government to win business. The amount includes a $16.8 million fine that must be paid by Memphis-based Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics, the company’s subsidiary. The Memphis division merged with another company division in Andover, Mass., last year to create the Advanced Surgical Devices Division. Under the agreement, Smith & Nephew has to internally monitor corporate activities to prevent bribery and hire a compliance expert for 18 months... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

GAO: Implantable industry may be taking providers, payors for a ride on pricing

Cardiovascular Business News — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:06:56 +0100

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found that sellers of implantable medical devices are negotiating widely varying prices from different hospitals for the same devices and keeping their pricing strategies a secret. The lack of transparency may have major ramifications for Medicare, as hospitals with less purchasing power pass their costs along. (Source: Cardiovascular Business News)

Tanzania: Government Allays Fears On Malaria Deaths Report

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:14:58 +0100

[Citizen] Dar es Salaam - The government said yesterday that the country is on the right path to drastically reduce malaria deaths despite a new global report showing that the disease kills twice as many people as earlier thought. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Kenya: State Must Invest in Healthcare Facilities - Report

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:51:24 +0100

[Capital FM] Nairobi, Kenya - A taskforce set up to look into the issue of strengthening health services following the December strike by doctors wants the government to finance a three year health stimulus package to improve the poor state of public health facilities. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Zimbabwe: Govt to 'Export' Jobless Nurses - Minister

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:35:21 +0100

[Zimbabwe Standard] GOVERNMENT is working on modalities to "export" unemployed nurses to work in other countries, mostly in the Sadc region. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Nigeria: Father of Girl Born Without Hands and Legs Says She Is a Gift From God

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:02:32 +0100

[Vanguard] The birth of a new child is usually an occasion for celebrations but for the family of Ahmadu Didda, a peasant farmer from Dunomari village in Zaki Local Government Area of Bauchi State, the arrival of a very strange baby girl on January 13, 2012, was greeted with sorrow. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Kenya: Each Constituency Needs Ambulance - Taskforce

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:42:20 +0100

[Capital FM] Nairobi - The government has been asked to set up the Kenya National Ambulance Services within each county and a central coordinating office at the national level within the next two years. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Magic mushrooms, international law and the failed 'war on drugs'

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:36:26 +0100

Recent research suggesting potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin focus attention on the need to reform drug lawsIt's been a busy fortnight. First the publication of two major peer-reviewed research papers about magic mushrooms that attracted worldwide publicity. Then off to Prague for an international drugs policy symposium. And just last week, news of a large grant for our next collaborative study with Imperial College. But I'm getting ahead of myself.I established the Beckley Foundation some 14 years ago as a think tank on drugs policy. It was apparent even then that the "war on drugs" had failed. A 1997 report by the United Nations Drugs Control Programme put the value of the global trade in illicit drugs at around $400bn. Recent UN figures show that global production of opium (u...

Zimbabwe: Typhoid Exposes City Council

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:15:29 +0100

[Financial Gazette] The recent outbreak of typhoid within the capital city, Harare, has brought with it immeasurable stress to both communities and the still-unwholesome public health delivery system, which is likely to be overwhelmed by a likely degeneration of the current crisis due to lack of urgency by government and local authorities in dealing with the scourge. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Unspent war funds eyed to avoid years of Medicare doctor pay cuts

American Medical News - GOVERNMENT — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0100

The budgetary shift from winding down military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq could offset the large price tag associated with eliminating the SGR. (Source: American Medical News - GOVERNMENT)

Medicare PQRS: Quality reporting or else

American Medical News - GOVERNMENT — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0100

The Medicare physician quality reporting system will use participation in 2013 to determine who will be penalized starting in 2015. (Source: American Medical News - GOVERNMENT)

AMA calls on Congress to block ICD-10 mandate on doctors

American Medical News - GOVERNMENT — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0100

Switching to new diagnosis codes would create a significant administrative burden to physician practices at a very inopportune time, the Association says. (Source: American Medical News - GOVERNMENT)

Comparative effectiveness research plan seeks input from all sides

American Medical News - GOVERNMENT — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0100

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute expects the public to help shape its mission to determine the most effective medical care. (Source: American Medical News - GOVERNMENT)

Two More Corners of Ethiopia Call for an End to Genital Cutting - 02 February 2012

UNFPA News — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:59:14 +0100

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — In a ceremony of poetry, drama and music, the Buremudaytu and Argoba districts in the Afar region officially abandoned female genital mutilation/cutting earlier this month. The event– attended by government and religious leaders, clan elders, former circumcisers and other community officials – was a remarkable achievement in an area where an extreme form of FGM/C (see box below) was almost universally practiced for centuries. The districts of Amibara, Awash Fentale and Gewane officially stopped cutting in December 2010. (Source: UNFPA News)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Secretary-General Appoints Anne-Birgitte Albrectsen as Deputy Executive Director of UNFPA - 13 January 2012

UNFPA News — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:59:14 +0100

UNITED NATIONS, New York — United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today announced the appointment of Anne-Birgitte Albrectsen as Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director (Management) of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund. Ms. Albrectsen brings to UNFPA nearly 20 years of development and managerial experience, having held leadership positions in the Danish Government and previously in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNFPA. (Source: UNFPA News)

Let the country, not the City, drive the UK economy | Colin Tudge

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:02:51 +0100

In one Oxfordshire village, an idea is gathering traction: that it's time for a new agricultural revolutionOxford city council has decided that we need more houses and jobs – not least in my own village of Wolvercote, to the north-west of the city. Under the coalition's neighbourhood development order (part of the localism bill) we, the yokels, the ordinary Joes, have some say in what should be done.So now we plot and ponder in the village hall – and we are witnessing what I hope will prove to be a seismic shift in public mood, in the economy, and in the balance of power. For more and more people are beginning to feel that "development" shouldn't mean more of the same – more city-bound jobs and city-sprawl. Instead what we need is an agrarian renaissance: small-scale farming, includi...

Bill Gates backs climate scientists lobbying for large-scale geoengineering

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:18:00 +0100

Other wealthy individuals have also funded a series of reports into the future use of technologies to geoengineer the climate• What is geo-engineering?• Scientists criticise handling of geoengineering pilot projectA small group of leading climate scientists, financially supported by billionaires including Bill Gates, are lobbying governments and international bodies to back experiments into manipulating the climate on a global scale to avoid catastrophic climate change.The scientists, who advocate geoengineering methods such as spraying millions of tonnes of reflective particles of sulphur dioxide 30 miles above earth, argue that a "plan B" for climate change will be needed if the UN and politicians cannot agree to making the necessary cuts in greenhouse gases, and say the US governme...

Patient choice pilots risk GP accountability

Management in Practice — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:40:00 +0100

Government-led pilots removing practice boundaries threaten GP accountability and continuity of care (Source: Management in Practice)

Many kids still exposed to secondhand smoke in cars

Reuters: Health — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:13:28 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A new government study reports that while fewer kids and teens are getting exposed to secondhand smoke while riding in the car, rates of exposure are still high enough to warrant concern. (Source: Reuters: Health)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Doctors 2.0 & You - May 23-24 2012 - The HealthCare Social Media And Web 2.0 Conference!

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Over a full two day programme, including a Cocktail SoirÃ©e in a private, historical venue, Doctors 2.0 & You will highlight: how doctors and other healthcare professionals, patients, hospitals, government, pharma, and payers use Social Media, mobile apps, and Web 2.0 tools to connect and the best practices that emerge for each. Ask our prestigious Advisory Board! Below are 4 reasons why you should not miss Doctors 2.0 & You in 2012. Doctors 2.0 & You attracts top thought-leaders and best examples from around the world, sharing their success stories and knowledge on health 2... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Psychedelic drugs: more a case of 'turn off, tune in, drop out' | Johnjoe McFadden

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Magic mushrooms work by shutting down parts of the brain, not expanding the mind, according to new researchSix thousand years ago palaeolithic hunters painted images on the walls of the Selva Pascuala caves in Spain that look remarkably similar to locally abundant Psilocybe hispanica, one of the many "magic mushrooms" that contains the hallucinogen psilocybin. The same or similar mushrooms have been used throughout the ages to induce states of religious ecstasy, spiritual enlightenment, mystical meanderings or simply to have a great time. But how do they work? Timothy Leary, who famously told a generation of Americans to "turn on, tune in, drop out", claimed these "mind-expanding chemicals … acts as a chemical key – it opens the mind, frees the nervous system of its ordinary patterns a...

Zimbabwe: 'More Typhoid Outbreaks Imminent'

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:58:40 +0100

[The Herald] Chinhoyi - GOVERNMENT says the typhoid outbreak is under control, but is worried that some of the cases could have evolved to carrier state, making prospects of further outbreaks imminent. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

While government discredits raw milk, it keeps names of salmonella outbreak restaurants secret to protect corporate profits

NaturalNews.com — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is getting increasingly bold these days with openly admitting that it works directly for big industry interests rather than public health interests. In a recent report on why the agency did not disclose Taco Bell as being the... (Source: NaturalNews.com)

New government campaign ramps up effort to curb boozing

OnMedica Latest News — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Just a little bit extra boosts risk of serious illness, drinkers warnedRelated items from OnMedicaDrinkers warned of dangers to waistlineParents to take key role in curbing teen boozing Poor patients more likely to die after heart surgery than richOver a third of adults drink in excess Drinkers do not know how much alcohol they are drinking (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Government bailout likely for seven trusts hit by PFI debt

OnMedica Latest News — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Hospital trusts in line for £1.5 million cash boost in bid to keep goingRelated items from OnMedicaNHS faces 'most severe financial challenge' ever'Ditch' private management consultants from the NHSIndependent sector overpaid by £927 million NHS finances in dire straits warn health leadersCutting NHS IT could compromise safety (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Too Many Kids Are Breathing Secondhand Smoke in Cars

RWJF News Digest - Public Health — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In the first national estimate of its kind, a report from government researchers says more than one in five high school students and middle schoolers ride in cars while others are smoking. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Public Health)

Campaign to cut smoking in cars

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 02:17:10 +0100

A campaign to stop people smoking in cars when children are present, and which could pave the way for a ban, is launched by the Welsh government. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Optimal Alcohol Taxes for Australia

Forum for Health Economics and Policy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:13:42 +0100

The 2010 Australian government tax review suggested Australia move to a uniform excise tax rate for all alcoholic beverages. Here, a model is presented and calibrated that shows the optimal per litre of pure alcohol (LAL) tax rates for beer, wine, spirits, and ready-to-drink spirits are substantially different to both current alcohol tax rates and the uniform tax rate recommended by the tax review. Specifically, given an individual consumer utility model, the best estimate values of the welfare maximising LAL tax rates are: $37 for beer, $11 for wine, $50 for spirits, and $77 for ready-to-drink spirits. The variation in the optimal tax rate across beverage types flows from differences in the externality costs associated with the consumption of each beverage type, and differences in the pro...

Teenagers should get meningitis C booster

Nursing Times Breaking News — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:01:00 +0100

A significant change is likely in the routine schedule for meningitis C vaccination, following new recommendations from government advisors. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Life after the NHS finds mutual ACE thriving

FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:22:44 +0100

Head of Anglian Community Enterprise says roster of contracts already won highlights a cultural shift and underpins government's big idea (Source: FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare)

Plan to Take British Health Records Into Virtual Reality Encounters Bureaucratic Reality, Shuts Down

ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 15:43:22 +0100

Source: Peter Suderman, Reason Content: “It’s hard to imagine a better environment in which to test a government-run health information technology system than Britain’s National Health Service. The system is fully socialized, with a single government payer, universal enrollment, and doctors employed directly by the state. There are roughly 60 million beneficiaries, which is big [...] (Source: ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics)

Two glasses of wine a night triples risk of mouth cancer, Government warns

Telegraph Health — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 09:45:30 +0100

Drinking two large glasses of wine a day triples the risk of developing mouth cancer, a government campaign will warn. (Source: Telegraph Health)

'A little too much drink' warning

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:39:22 +0100

Drinking "just a little more than they should" puts people at risk of serious illness including heart disease, stroke and cancer, the government is warning. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

NHS Will Have To Be Re-Reformed Within Five Years, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:00:00 +0100

In five years the NHS will require another reform, caution the editors of three leading healthcare publications. In addition, they request a public debate regarding the NHS's future to "salvage some good" from the government's "damaging" reforms. According to a second BMJ report discarding the Health and Social Care Bill, now would save more than Â£1 billion in 2013. Editors from the BMJ, Nursing Times, and Health Service Journal, explain that: "(the NHS) is far too important to be left at the mercy of ideological and incompetent intervention... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Victims of toxic FEMA trailers cannot sue government, rules Big Brother federal judge

NaturalNews.com — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews)The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will not be held responsible for providing toxic, formaldehyde-laden trailers to thousands of displaced individuals following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Courthouse News Service (CNS) reports that Judge Carl Stewart from... (Source: NaturalNews.com)

[Editorial] Genomic medicine and the NHS: it is possible

LANCET — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

An independent advisory group has urged the UK Government to integrate genomic medicine into the National Health Service (NHS). The Human Genomics Strategy Group (HGSG), established in 2010 after a House of Lords inquiry into genomic medicine, set out their recommendations in a report published on Jan 25. First, the group proposed that the government outline a policy for expansion of genomic technology in the NHS; HGSG emphasised that commissioning of cost-effectiveness studies will be a necessary step. (Source: LANCET)

For Wounded Vet, Love Pierces the Fog of War

WSJ.com: Health — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:33:28 +0100

Katie Brickman is both Ian Welch's girlfriend and his government-paid caregiver. Mr. Welch, a former Marine, is dealing with post-traumatic shock from his service in Iraq. (Source: WSJ.com: Health)

White House Begins to Map Course toward Bio-Based Economy

Washington Watch — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:26:34 +0100

Politicians and pundits clogged the airwaves last year with rhetoric about the state of the nation's economy. Amid this noise, a few economic policy initiatives did begin to take shape. For instance, last fall, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) issued a request for comments on a draft policy to stimulate the bioeconomy. Scientists have long asserted that research is an investment that yields economic prosperity. A growing number of scientists and engineers have more recently advised that the biological sciences are poised to inspire transformative discoveries that can solve persistent problems while stimulating new economic opportunities. Indeed, in 2009, the National Research Council (NRC) released a 112-page report, A New Biology for the 21st Century: Ensuri...

Director of Biology Professional Science Masters - Illinois Institute of Technology

AIBS Classifieds — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:26:32 +0100

The Biology Division at Illinois Institute of Technology seeks candidates for Director of Biology Professional Science Masters (PSM) programs with significant experience at the interface of biology, industry, and government. For further information see http://iit.edu/csl/bio/people/openings.shtml (Source: AIBS Classifieds)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

For Healthy Cities, Government and Business Need to Reverse Roles

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:00:00 +0100

Okay, I have to be honest with you. I love a city, and a downtown with walkways and tunnels and bus stops that tell me where my buses are via GPS and everything else, but sometimes you can just have more connectivity than you need. Remember the internet-connected toaster, that singed the weather forecast into your morning toast? Well, meet the Big Belly Solar Trash Compactor, a precocious trash can that lives in Raleigh, NC. [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)

China Tied To Trade Secret Theft

Chemical and Engineering News — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:35:48 +0100

Intellectual Property: Prosecutors charge that DuPont’s titanium dioxide technology was stolen at behest of government officials (Source: Chemical and Engineering News)

Komen Foundation Urged to Restore Planned Parenthood Funds

NYT Health — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:20:08 +0100

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation was faced with dissension in its own ranks and roiling anger online over its decision to end its long partnership with Planned Parenthood. (Source: NYT Health)

Sen. Udall Drafting Bill to Kill Telemedicine Barriers

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:43:47 +0100

Government Health IT article reports that Sen. Tom Udall (D-Utah) anticipates introducing a bill this spring to make it easier for physicians to practice telemedicine in many states instead of applying for a separate license for each state. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Health bodies reject NHS reforms

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:23:39 +0100

Physiotherapist leaders have joined the Royal College of GPs in calling for the health bill in England to be scrapped, increasing pressure on the government. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Should the GPC be supporting access or making it more difficult?

ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:51:00 +0100

Source: 3gdoctor, mHealth Insight Content: “Pulse, the UK’s leading weekly publication for UK GP’s, reports on the GPC’s warning to government on their plans to give patients online access to their full GP record by 2015 as part of its ‘Information Revolution’: “GPC chair Dr Laurence Buckman said: ‘There are concerns about when the data goes [...] (Source: ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics)

Government estimates central bail-out of seven trusts will cost £1.5bn

HSJ — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:39:00 +0100

The government has estimated that bailing out hospital trusts with large PFI repayments could cost £1.5bn. (Source: HSJ)

PFI hospitals 'get bail-out fund'

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:09:29 +0100

Seven English NHS hospital trusts with debts caused, in part, by PFI repayments are to have access to a £1.5bn government bail-out fund. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

PFI hospitals 'get bailout fund'

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:09:29 +0100

Seven English NHS hospital trusts with debts caused, in part, by PFI repayments are to have access to a £1.5bn government bailout fund. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Kansas Medicaid reform plan wins points with state's medical society

American Medical News - GOVERNMENT — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:07:47 +0100

The proposal won't cut physician pay but will set quality goals and establish medical homes. (Source: American Medical News - GOVERNMENT)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Tiny Turtles Again Tied to Salmonella

MedPage Today Public Health — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:59:00 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- Small turtles are once again the source of a Salmonella outbreak that has sickened more than a hundred people in the U.S., most of them youngsters, government researchers said. (Source: MedPage Today Public Health)

Two More Corners of Ethiopia Call for an End to Genital Cutting - 02 February 2012

UNFPA News — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:20:46 +0100

Secretary-General Appoints Anne-Birgitte Albrectsen as Deputy Executive Director of UNFPA - 13 January 2012

UNFPA News — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:20:46 +0100

Brazil Deploys "Junior Firefighters" to Snuff Out Dengue

IPS Inter Press Service - Health — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:18:13 +0100

The government of the state of Rio de Janeiro is unveiling a battery of creative tactics to engage the population in the battle against dengue fever, which is threatening to reach unprecedented epidemic proportions as a new virus strain hits Brazil. (Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health)

Stranded dolphins in Cape Cod baffle scientists

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:51:53 +0100

The worst spate of dolphin strandings in a decade will be brought to the attention of CongressScientists in Cape Cod are trying to determine what is causing dolphins to swim dangerously close to shore, with more than 100 becoming stranded in the last three weeks.Members of Congress are due to be briefed on Friday about the strandings, the worst such event in more than a decade. Volunteers are maintaining coastal vigils and trying to get the animals back to sea."What is different about this particular event is that instead of having one discrete event, it is this string of ongoing strandings that started on 12 January and is just continuing," said Katie Moore, who manages marine mammal rescue operations for the International Fund for Animal Welfare. "It's day after day after day."Moore is d...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Sugar Should Be Regulated Like Alcohol And Tobacco Say Scientists

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:00:00 +0100

Scientists at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), argue that added sweeteners pose dangers to public health, and the government should regulate sugar in the same way as it regulates alcohol and tobacco. They set out their reasons for viewing sugar as "toxic" in a comment article published in Nature this week. First author Robert H... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Policy, practice and decision making for zoonotic disease management: Water and Cryptosporidium.

Environment International — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:48:33 +0100

Authors: Austin Z, Alcock RE, Christley RM, Haygarth PM, Heathwaite AL, Latham SM, Mort M, Oliver DM, Pickup R, Wastling JM, Wynne B Abstract Decision making for zoonotic disease management should be based on many forms of appropriate data and sources of evidence. However, the criteria and timing for policy response and the resulting management decisions are often altered when a disease outbreak occurs and captures full media attention. In the case of waterborne disease, such as the robust protozoa, Cryptosporidium spp, exposure can cause significant human health risks and preventing exposure by maintaining high standards of biological and chemical water quality remains a priority for water companies in the UK. Little has been documented on how knowledge and information is translat...

Genomics ace quits Japan

Nature — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:26:31 +0100

Nature 482, 7383 (2012). http://www.nature.com/doifinder/10.1038/482018a Author: David Cyranoski Yusuke Nakamura blames government inertia for his move to the United States. (Source: Nature)

Tanzania: More Call for Doctors to End Strike

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:17:42 +0100

[Daily News] THE Tanzania Professional Network (TPN) has asked doctors across the country to end their strike while the government was working on their claims. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Variation in New Zealand hospital outcomes: combining hierarchical Bayesian modeling and propensity score methods for hospital performance comparisons

Health Services and Outcomes Research Methodology — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:19:52 +0100

Abstract Two major statistical issues confronting comparative analyses of hospital outcomes are adequacy of case-mix adjustment and proper accounting for random variation. Hierarchical modeling has been proposed to improve precision and reduce the impact of random variation but becomes difficult to implement when there are numerous case-mix factors to control. In this paper we formulate the problem of hospital performance comparisons within the framework of potential outcomes and illustrate an approach to hospital comparisons which combines multiple category propensity score methods for the control of case-mix variations with hierarchical Bayesian modeling of case-mix adjusted summaries. The approach is similar to that proposed by Huang et al. (Health Serv Res 40:253–278...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

VIDEO: GP leaders turn back on NHS plans

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:55:40 +0100

The Royal College of GPs calls for the health bill to be scrapped, heaping more pressure on the government's controversial reforms in England. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Zimbabwe: We Can't Arrest Typhoid On Our Own - Harare

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:33:55 +0100

[The Herald] COUNCIL has failed to address the social determinants leading to diarrheal diseases, typhoid included, and is appealing for Government's intervention to holistically arrest the crisis, a senior official admitted yesterday. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Aging America Creates Demand for Health - Care Workers

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

Reuters article reports that the graying of America and a booming Hispanic population is driving major changes in the structure of the U.S. workforce and the types of jobs that will be available over the next decade, according to a new government report. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Australia attempts to enact scientific dictatorship at universities by banishing alternative medicine courses

NaturalNews.com — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

Self-proclaimed advocates of "science-based" medicine are hard at work trying to eliminate government funding for any form of medical education or treatment that is not conventional in nature. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that a new lobbying group of 400 "doctors... (Source: NaturalNews.com)

Obama's economic policies have created a nation of jobless citizens dependent on government handouts

NaturalNews.com — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

It's no secret that the U.S. national debt is poised to increase by more than $6 trillion during President Obama's first four years in office. All of this additional spending, he has often said, was needed to "stimulate the economy", curtail unemployment and get Americans... (Source: NaturalNews.com)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Kenya: Nation Has Enough Cash for HIV Till 2016 - Government

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:50:43 +0100

[Nairobi Star] KENYA has received enough money to support HIV programmes until 2016, the government has said. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

GP leaders turn back on NHS plans

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:04 +0100

The Royal College of GPs calls for the health bill to be scrapped, heaping more pressure on the government's controversial reforms in England. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

GP leaders turn backs on NHS plan

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:04 +0100

The Royal College of GPs calls for the health bill to be scrapped, heaping more pressure on the government's controversial reforms in England. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Study: Hospitals Overpay for Devices

RWJF News Digest - Quality/Equality — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Some hospitals pay thousands of dollars more than others for big-ticket medical devices such as defibrillators and hip replacements, and a portion of the higher costs could be passed on to the federal Medicare program, a new government report says. Note: Viewing this article may require a subscription. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Quality/Equality)

Early Intervention Services for Psychosis and Time Until Application for Disability Income Support: A Survival Analysis.

Community Mental Health Journal — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Krupa T, Oyewumi K, Archie S, Stuart Lawson J, Nandlal J, Conrad G Abstract Ensuring the financial security of individuals recovering from first episode psychosis is imperative, but disability income programs can be powerful disincentives to employment, compromising the social and occupational aspects of recovery. Survival analysis and Cox regression analysis were used to examine the rate at which individuals served by early intervention for psychosis (EIP) services apply for government disability income benefits and factors that predict rate of application. Health records for 558 individuals served by EIP programs were reviewed. Within the first year of receiving services 30% will make application for disability income; 60% will do so by 5 years. Rate of application is p...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Royal College of GPs urges withdrawal of the NHS Health and Social Care Bill

NeLM - News — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Source: BBC news Area: News BBC News reports that the Royal College of GPs (RCGP) has called for the Health and Social Care bill to be withdrawn. The RCGP represents 34,000 GPs in England and is the first medical royal college to oppose the NHS reforms outright. The BBC News story notes that this development is significant as under the reforms GPs will be given more say and control over how NHS funds are spent. The College said that the reforms had to be stopped because they threatened to cause "irreparable damage" to care. The College said that it could no longer work with government on the bill because its concerns over competition and bureaucracy had not been addressed. The RCGP also said the overhaul would slow down the ability of the NHS to deliver savings in the coming years to cope...

Kenya: Patients Demand More Funds for Aids Drugs

AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:41:23 +0100

[Nation] People living with HIV/Aids and rights activists have protested against lack of funding and a government policy they say is intent on stripping the disease of its special status. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)

Health chief able to avoid income tax

Telegraph Health — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:00:12 +0100

One of the Government's most senior health officials has been allowed to avoid tens of thousands of pounds in income tax, The Daily Telegraph can disclose. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Call to 'tax sugar like alcohol'

NHS News Feed — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:00:00 +0100

This article will be of interest to food scientists, health policy makers and the public alike, but the use of strategies to restrict the consumption of added sugar is complicated and, indeed controversial. The implications of such moves would need to be considered in both medical and societal terms. They would need both medical evidence to support their effectiveness and assurance that the public would accept drastic changes, such as age limits on buying sweets. For example, in recent years, Denmark has imposed taxes on fatty foods, a move that has divided opinions greatly. It is generally accepted that added sugar or excessive sugar consumption is bad for health and dietitians advise restricting sugar intake to the occasional “treat”. However, to what extent sugar is directly to blam...

Zambia: State Urges Partnership in HIV/Aids Fight

AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:12:52 +0100

[Times of Zambia] THE Government has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Church in fighting diseases and poverty in Zambia. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Great Changes in Store for School Lunches

Pediatric Health Associates — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:10:00 +0100

Childhood obesity is an epidemic and the bottom line is too many American children are overweight! The problem not only stems from unhealthy meal choices at home but in their daily school lunches. Parents struggle with the choice to have their child eat the unhealthy and possibly free lunch at school or pack a lunch in the morning. Packing a lunch in the morning requires more time, more rush and more groceries. If only there was an easier way! From the desk of Kim GubbinsPHA Pediatric Nurse PractitionerThankfully, some changes are underway for the school lunch menus in grades kindergarten through twelfth. A well-balanced, healthy school lunch will soon be possible! Over the next three years a new menu will be mandated that will impact 32 million children. Changes will include only...

CCG management cap hinders push for GP quality

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:07:00 +0100

Improving the quality of general practice will be difficult for clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) because the government cap on their management funding is so low, according to a CCG leader. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

Government backtracking on GPs’ hours

BMA daily feed — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:57:00 +0100

Extended hours missing from plans to improve surgery access (Source: BMA daily feed)

"Honey Bunny" Infant Terry Bib with Pocket

Government of Canada News - Health Canada — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:45:00 +0100

Health Canada's sampling and evaluation program has revealed that the front pocket and back lining of the bib contains phthalates, specifically DEHP (Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) and DBP (Dibutylphtalate), which exceed the allowable limit. (Source: Government of Canada News - Health Canada)

The Reluctant Doctor: Realizing the Benefits of an EHR

ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:23:55 +0100

Source: Jennifer Dennard, EMR and EHR Content: “One foggy morning last week, I made my way to the Georgia State Capitol for a Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) Health event relating to the intersection of healthcare IT and state legislation. Little did I know that the state’s government is somewhat unaware of the benefits HIT [...] (Source: ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Goverment offers amendments to Health Bill

Management in Practice — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:15:00 +0100

The government has made 137 amendments to the proposed Health and Social Care Bill in a bid to appease its critics (Source: Management in Practice)

Pharmacists say marketing of Medicare drug plans is misleading

American Medical News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:59:50 +0100

A community pharmacy association has asked the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to allow disgruntled patients to switch Part D plans midyear. (Source: American Medical News)

U.S. Advisors Explain Call to Censor Bird Flu Research

RWJF News Digest - Public Health — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:44:30 +0100

The U.S. National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity’s (NSABB) main concern "is that publishing these experiments in detail would provide information that could help some person, organization or government to develop similar mammal-adapted influenza A/H5N1 viruses for harmful purposes," the advisers said in a statement Tuesday. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Public Health)

Ministers announce further amendments to health bill

Nursing Times Breaking News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:39:00 +0100

The government has tabled further amendments to its controversial plans for NHS reform as it pushes for Parliament to pass the health and social care bill. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

Health Bill amendments do not go far enough, says Labour

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:07:00 +0100

The government has published amendments to the Health Bill which focus on greater patient involvement and increased responsibilities for the health secretary and clinical commissioning groups (CCGs). (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Indonesia to Set Up $5.6 billion Palm Oil and Rubber Firm

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:07:00 +0100

By Janeman Latul and Fathiya Dahrul JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia's government plans to create one of the world's largest palm oil and rubber firms in March by combining state planters with total assets of $5.6 billion, a government minister told Reuters on Thursday. [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)

Health Bill amendments target integration and secretary of state's duties

HSJ — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:53:00 +0100

The government has tabled 137 amendments to its Health Bill. (Source: HSJ)

Reminder: SFC proposals for implementing Putting Learners at the Centre

MEDEV News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:53:13 +0100

This a a joint consultation issued jointly by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council. It represents the next step in the Government's plans to reform post-16 learning in Scotland. (Source: MEDEV News)

Amendments to Health and Social Care Bill published

MEDEV News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:45:47 +0100

The Government has tabled a series of amendments to the Health and Social Care Bill in advance of its Report Stage in the House of Lords, which begins next week. Health Minister Earl Howe has tabled a number of amendments that reaffirm the Government’s commitment to putting patients at the heart of the NHS and handing power to GPs and nurses. Alongside the amendments, the Department of Health has also pubished a set of briefing notes. The amendments include: Secretary of State accountability: Putting beyond doubt the Secretary of State’s responsibility and accountability with respect to a comprehensive health service. These amendments follow constructive cross-party discussion about this issue. Greater patient involvement: Patients will have a greater say in their health, with...

Scottish government signs up marathon GP to promote healthy lifestyles

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:45:00 +0100

A marathon-running GP will team up with the Scottish government to promote physical exercise. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Decisions on HEFCE funding for higher education 2012-13

MEDEV News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:53:18 +0100

The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) announced its funding decisions for higher education in England following the annual grant letter (Note 1) from the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) and subsequent decisions by the HEFCE Board. This announcement covers HEFCE funding for the academic year 2012-13 (Note 2). The overall level of government support for teaching in universities and colleges is set to increase over the next few years as a result of higher tuition fee loans under the Government’s new finance arrangements for higher education. HEFCE’s grant will reduce accordingly, but our commitment to supporting high-cost and strategically important subjects, widening participation and smaller specialist institutions will be maintained. HEFCE...

MPs call for media campaign to raise awareness of cybercrime

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Science and technology committee says advice on preventing cybercrime is too full of jargon for people to understandMPs have urged the UK government to launch a major publicity campaign to help people protect themselves from online crime.Simple security precautions could thwart around 80% of cyber attacks, but advice on preventing them was often too full of jargon for people to understand, the MPs said.They called on ministers to raise awareness of online security through a sustained media campaign, television adverts and revamped websites that provide information in plain English.In a report by the Commons science and technology committee, Malware and Cyber Crime, MPs also called for police officers to be better trained to help victims of online attacks.The Cost of Cyber Crime report publ...

Farm and socio-economic characteristics of smallholder milk producers and their influence on technology adoption in Central Mexico

Tropical Animal Health and Production — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:55:43 +0100

Abstract In order to identify the factors influencing adoption of technologies promoted by government to small-scale dairy farmers in the highlands of central Mexico, a field survey was conducted. A total of 115 farmers were grouped through cluster analysis (CA) and divided into three wealth status categories (high, medium and low) using wealth ranking. Chi-square analysis was used to examine the association of wealth status with technology adoption. Four groups of farms were differentiated in terms of farms’ dimensions, farmers’ education, sources of incomes, wealth status, management of herd, monetary support by government and technological availability. Statistical differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the milk yield per herd per year among groups. Governmen...

Health Bill: 137 changes made to win over House of Lords

Telegraph Health — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:20:59 +0100

The Government has made 137 late amendments to the Health and Social Care Bill in an effort to ease the concerns of worried peers. (Source: Telegraph Health)

'Hinchingbrooke model' still an option for struggling trust

HSJ — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

A financially challenged hospital is considering partnering with the private sector, despite government claims that no NHS trusts planned to follow the “Hinchingbrooke model”. (Source: HSJ)

Crops being sprayed with MSG, glutamic acid as chemical growth enhancers

NaturalNews.com — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

Many Natural News readers know of government requirements for irradiating raw almonds and herbs, destroying their nutritional value, under the guise of food safety. This and pasteurizing milk are but two examples of how federal agencies are destroying our food's nutrition... (Source: NaturalNews.com)

Congress may force TSA to test body scanners for radiation

NaturalNews.com — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

Ever since Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff made a fortune selling his naked body scanners to the federal government in 2010, health and privacy concerns over these devices have been both repeatedly raised and in turn categorically denied. One of the less... (Source: NaturalNews.com)

STOCK Act introduced to limit insider trading of members of Congress

NaturalNews.com — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100

Congress seems to be getting the message that it is the most unpopular of all government institutions, because suddenly everyone on Capitol Hill is all about "transparency." In a bid to shore up their reputation as out-of-touch elites who don't have to play by the... (Source: NaturalNews.com)

The shape of things to come: Researchers examine the future of UK high streets

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Southampton) At a time when the future of UK town centers is high on the political agenda and the Government's response to the Portas Review4 is awaited, researchers at the University of Southampton have been awarded over £250,000 to evaluate alternative visions of the future of UK high streets over the next 25 years. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Briefing notes on Government amendments to the Health and Social Care Bill: Lords Report Stage

NeLM - News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Department of Health (DH) Area: News The Government has tabled a series of amendments to the Health and Social Care Bill in advance of its Report Stage in the House of Lords, which begins next week. The amendments include: . Secretary of State accountability: Putting beyond doubt the Secretary of State's responsibility and accountability with respect to a comprehensive health service. These amendments follow constructive cross-party discussion about this issue. . Greater patient involvement: Patients will have a greater say in their health, with the NHS Commissioning Board and clinical commissioning groups having stronger duties to promote patient involvement in their own care. . Education and training: The NHS Commissioni...

Improving health and social care in London: supporting integrated commissioning

NeLM - News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This report is intended to contribute to the consideration of the options and in particular to support local level work to ensure there is sufficient local commissioning capacity to meet the challenges of the government's health and social care reforms. Topics addressed include enabling more people to be looked after in the community, reducing the pressure on acute services and managing within a tighter fiscal framework. (Source: NeLM - News)

Japan to consolidate research organizations

Physics Today News Picks — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Nature: The Japanese government is preparing to merge five of its science organizations: the RIKEN network of basic research laboratories, the National Institute for Materials Science, the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention, and the Japan Science and Technology Agency. The change is intended to increase efficiency while reducing costs. The agencies involved would pool research and administrative resources, and a supervisory body that covers all five agencies will probably be established. Few details are known about the timing or potential cost savings, and some researchers have expressed concern that the end result would be deep funding cuts and increased bureaucracy. (Source: Physics Today News Pi...

A recurrent variant branch of the inferior alveolar nerve: Is it unique?

Clinical Anatomy — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, a recurrent variant branch of the IAN arising just below the origin of the mylohyoid nerve was investigated in adult Indian cadavers allotted for dissection to the first year dental students of Government Dental College, Ahmedabad (India). The dissection was performed by the lateral approach to the infratemporal fossa. The nerve was found in 12 of 35 sides (34.3%) and 8 of 18 cadavers (44.4%). Thus, in our study it was not a rare variation of the IAN, where in most cases it innervated the lateral pterygoid muscle. In some cases, it terminated in the lateral pterygoid muscle. In others, it penetrated the muscle to join the anterior or posterior division of the mandibular nerve or its branches; thus, the variant nerve in such cases might be regarded as an additional root of th...

Screening Before Symptoms Key to Finding Colon Cancer Early

Government of Nova Scotia News Releases - Cancer Care Nova Scotia — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Forty-three per cent of Nova Scotians wrongly believe people should only be screened for cancer after they have symptoms, according to a survey released today, Feb. 2, by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. (Source: Government of Nova Scotia News Releases - Cancer Care Nova Scotia)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Care in crisis 2012

NHS Networks — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

It projects that by 2012-2013 the government would need to spend £1bn more than this year to stop the situation getting any worse. More …. (Source: NHS Networks)

Welfare bill changes reversed

Multiple Sclerosis Trust — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100

The government has managed to overturn the amendments to the welfare changes added by the House of Lords. (Source: Multiple Sclerosis Trust)

No need to loosen conflict rules, U.S. FDA head says

Reuters: Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:21:16 +0100

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Congress should not loosen conflict of interest rules to expand the pool of potential U.S. government health advisers, the head of the Food and Drug Administration said on Wednesday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Aging America creates demand for health-care workers

Reuters: Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:30:46 +0100

(Reuters) - The graying of America and a booming Hispanic population is driving major changes in the structure of the U.S. workforce and the types of jobs that will be available over the next decade, a new government report shows. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Aging America Creates Demand for Health-Care Workers

MedlinePlus Health News — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:30:37 +0100

The graying of America and a booming Hispanic population is driving major changes in the structure of the U.S. workforce and the types of jobs that will be available over the next decade, a new government report shows. Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Page: Health Occupations (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Liberia: Sirleaf Returns Home After African Union Summit

AllAfrica News: Malaria — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:23:27 +0100

[Liberia] President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf arrived home Tuesday evening from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where she attended the 18th Ordinary Session of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, and also assumed Chairmanship of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA). (Source: AllAfrica News: Malaria)

French Report Blames Implant Maker, Officials

WSJ.com: Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:02:58 +0100

The French company at the heart of a scandal over faulty breast implants repeatedly misled and tricked authorities, who themselves neglected warning signs, a French government report said. (Source: WSJ.com: Health)

Satellites to Track Rare Royal Turtle in Cambodia [Video]

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:40:00 +0100

A member of one of the world’s most endangered turtle species is being tracked by satellites as it swims the rivers of Cambodia, helping scientists to learn more about how it navigates and the threats it faces in its native waters. With a satellite transmitter glued to her shell, the female southern river terrapin ( Batagur affinis edwardmolli ) one of the last 200 wild members of a species which was once treasured by Cambodian royalty was released into the Sre Ambel River on January 16 in a ceremony attended by dozens of cheering local residents, government officials and international conservationists.The terrapin’s travels will be monitored by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in conjunction with Wildlife Reserves Singapore and Cambodia’s Fisheries Administration....

Feds argue for graphic images on cigarette packs

USATODAY.com Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:03:33 +0100

The government fought an uphill battle Wednesday to convince a judge that tobacco companies should be required to put large graphic photos on ... (Source: USATODAY.com Health)

Electronic prescription system could help cut errors

ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:43:19 +0100

Source: Amy Corderoy, smh.com.au Content: “Electronic prescribing systems could drastically cut previously intractable hospital medication errors, a study of two Sydney hospitals has found. The federal government will begin rolling out an e-health system across the country in July, but it has been plagued by criticisms it would not reduce risks for patients and could be [...] (Source: ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Could Cellular Proliferation Be a Predictive Index for the Relapse of Nasal Polyposis and Down-Regulated by Nasal Steroid Treatment?

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:14:02 +0100

Abstract The aim of this article is to identify the cellular mitotic activity using Ki-67 monoclonal antibody for predicting relapses of nasal polyposis after surgery. A prospective study was conducted at Kartal Training and Research Hospital Otolaryngology Department between January 2006 and September 2008. Nasal polyps were obtained from all patients and pathological materials were analyzed for the Ki-67 staining using immunohistochemistry. Patients were followed after surgery for 12 months for relapse. There was no statistically significant difference between recurrent and nonrecurrent polyps. Polyp recurrence has a multifactorial origin. Ki-67 index alone does not provide sufficient information about polyp recurrence before the operation. Content Type Journal ...

Safety Alerts Concerning NHS Direct 111 Pilots

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:00:00 +0100

After a Pulse investigation uncovered several safety alerts within the Government's NHS 111 pilots, as well as expressing concern that GP commissioners are being excluded from the rollout - the GPC has been prompted to call for the program to be put on hold. According to information released by PCTs and NHS Direct, there have been nine serious inappropriate incidents in four of the seven 111 pilots. The pilots have been designed to offer patients a single point of content for urgent care that excludes emergencies... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Government urged to slow NHS 111 rollout

HSJ — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:57:00 +0100

GPs and nurses are urging the government to slow the implementation of the new non-emergency NHS telephone number amid fears it could actually increase pressure on services. (Source: HSJ)

Health bodies caution against Cabinet Office open data push

HSJ — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:27:00 +0100

A government consultation on more open use of data has found strong support for increased transparency in public services. But health organisations have urged caution due to the potential for leaks of sensitive information. (Source: HSJ)

Could Hinchingbrooke set a benchmark for health organisation ownership?

HSJ — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0100

Circle’s takeover of Hinchingbrooke hospital has opened a debate on hospital ownership and management, which could, Kevin Jacquiss says, inspire the government to look at new ideas to secure a sustainable future for health service organisations. (Source: HSJ)

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Nigeria: FG Urged to Intensify Action Against Polio

AllAfrica News: Polio — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:57:05 +0100

[Daily Trust] The Nigerian government has been urged to intensify actions to eradicate the country's burden of polio, estimated at 43 cases last year, up from 11 in 2010. (Source: AllAfrica News: Polio)

[News] Cancer strategy in the UK: 1 year on

The Lancet Oncology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

At the beginning of 2011, the UK Department of Health issued Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer. The report set out the government's plans to tackle the disease in England in the coming years, including a pledge to save an additional 5000 lives per year by 2014; an ambition which, if achieved, would put the country in line with the European average for cancer survival rates. (Source: The Lancet Oncology)

Bill would prohibit mandatory health insurance contracts

Modern Medicine — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

A developing advocacy campaign in Washington state has the AACU Government Affairs team implementing the very practices described in this space and thereby urged upon urologists in seemingly ad nauseum Calls to Action. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Policies to promote healthy eating in Europe: a structured review of policies and their effectiveness

Nutrition Reviews — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This review provides a classification of public policies to promote healthier eating as well as a structured mapping of existing measures in Europe. Complete coverage of alternative policy types was ensured by complementing the review with a selection of major interventions from outside Europe. Under the auspices of the Seventh Framework Programme's Eatwell Project, funded by the European Commission, researchers from five countries reviewed a representative selection of policy actions based on scientific papers, policy documents, grey literature, government websites, other policy reviews, and interviews with policy‐makers. This work resulted in a list of 129 policy interventions, 121 of which were in Europe. For each type of policy, a critical review of its effectiveness was conducted, b...

Moral Hazard: Why Consequences Matter

Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In March 2008, the US Federal Reserve assumed responsibility for nearly $30 billion in toxic assets in the Bear Stearns portfolio, thereby enabling JPMorgan Chase to purchase the brokerage at minimal risk. This extraordinary intervention was intended to prevent a systemic disruption of global financial markets but had the secondary effect of making Bear Stearns investors partially whole. Critics charged that this bailout created an expectation that the government would backstop failing financial firms. As the argument went, the government's implicit guarantee would remove the perception of risk, thereby encouraging bankers to take on more dangerous investments. In response to these criticisms, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson repeatedly stressed that the government had no such intentions. ...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Find the best January Sales in the UK.

Legislator Uses of Public Performance Reports: Findings From a Five-Year Study

American Journal of Evaluation — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

A key assumption in efforts to implement and improve cross-government public reporting systems is that legislators will make use of the performance information to enhance accountability and improve program and policy effectiveness. This five-year study is an assessment of expectations and actual uses of annual performance reports by elected decision-makers in British Columbia, Canada. Our findings from three anonymous surveys indicate that while the legislators had high initial expectations, actual usage—measured in two follow-up surveys—showed substantial drops from expectations. Our findings are consistent with a growing body of evidence that there may be a paradox at the core of the public performance reporting movement: public reporting of targeted performance measures, alt...

Child Abuse, Neglect a Major Public Health Problem: CDC

RWJF News Digest - Public Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Child abuse and neglect cost the United States $124 billion a year, which is comparable to the costs of other major public health problems, a new government study shows. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Public Health)

Government offers NHS concessions

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:53:40 +0100

The government is promising the health secretary will keep ultimate control over the NHS in England, as it pushes for Parliament to pass the NHS bill. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

No big shift in government Health Bill amendments

HSJ — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:01:00 +0100

The government was this week expected to announce a series of changes to its Health Bill, with the intention of staving off opposition when the legislation returns to parliament next week. (Source: HSJ)

What ‘Uniting to combat tropical diseases’ will really require

MSF News — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:26:00 +0100

By Unni Karunakara, physician and international president of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) (Originally published Jan. 31 in the Huffington Post UK online) Performing a spinal tap under field conditions is nerve-wracking. Sticking a needle into someone’s spine to extract spinal fluid is painful and risky and that’s just the doctor’s perspective. But it’s also something that our doctors have to do every day as part of routine tests for advanced-stage sleeping sickness. Try too, then, to imagine the experience from the patient’s side. When I was responsible for MSF’s sleeping sickness programs in Republic of Congo, even the prospect of the test was sometimes too much and people took to their heels rather than undergo the procedure. So we at MSF welcome the commitments made a...

MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors

Government health spending seen hitting $1.8 trillion

Reuters: Health — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:56:22 +0100

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Gvernment spending for Medicare, Medicaid and other healthcare programs will more than double over the next decade to $1.8 trillion, or 7.3 percent of the country's total economic output, congressional researchers said on Tuesday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

NIH-funded HIV clinical research sites to join pediatric tuberculosis vaccine study

National Institutes of Health (NIH) News Releases — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:31:00 +0100

Several U.S. government-funded HIV/AIDS clinical research sites in Africa will join other collaborators in an ongoing clinical trial testing an investigational tuberculosis (TB) vaccine in infants at risk for TB infection. "We are pleased to be able to tap into our existing HIV/AIDS clinical research infrastructure to help test promising investigational vaccines against TB," said NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. The sites are funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health. (Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH) News Releases)

Medical e-record use mandate drawing nearer

ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:28:02 +0100

Source: Kim Bandura, The Morehead News Content: “Technology will be playing a bigger role in patient care than ever before. Healthcare professionals and their related associates have been mandated by the federal government to abide by “meaningful use” of electronic medical records (EMR) by the end of 2014. EMR is the electronic version of the paper medical [...] (Source: ICMCC: The International Council on Medical and Care Compunetics)

Feds invest $67.5M into 'personalized medicine'

CTV Health — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:43:56 +0100

The federal government announced Tuesday it is investing $67.5 million into a "personalized medicine" health care strategy that will factor in a patient's genetics and the specific character of their illness before customizing a treatment plan. (Source: CTV Health)