MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'american society'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:05:27 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139732&cid=t_289702_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-difficulties-of-managing-implanted-medical-devices%2F2011.08.18 With the explosion of medical devices to treat various medical ailments in medicine, we have seen significant improvements in quality and quantity of life. An underappreciated consequence of all of these electronic device therapies, however, has been the manpower and expertise required to manage these implanted electronic medical devices long-term. Problems with electromagnetic interference (EMI) with medical devices are real. Innovations in medicine have come from various portions of the electromagnetic spectrum including analog and digital wireless technology, diagnostic and therapeutic radiation therapy and magnetic resonance imaging. The effects of these technologies on implanted electronic medical devices can vary and specialty physicians, ancillary health care providers, and medical ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139732 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 21:17:00 +0100 5139732 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5130745&cid=t_289702_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdo-you-really-need-6-8-glasses-of-water-each-day%2F2011.08.15 “Bueno es saber que los vasos nos sirven para beber; lo malo es que no sabemos para qué sirve la sed”. Proverbios y cantares.XLI. Antonio Machado (‘It’s good to know that glasses are what can help us drink; The trouble is, we don’t know What is the purpose of thirst’) The one thing you can’t afford to have missing when you start a scientific congress or any other professional meeting is not a notepad, a pencil or even an iPad – nowadays, it’s a bottle of water. Offices, airports, handbags and lecture halls, all of them are bursting with all kinds of bottles. It seems they are essential to work and even to stay alive. Bordering nonsense, some people desperately search for a bottled water vending machine as soon as they arrive at the airport, even if that means gobbling i... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5130745 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 18:00:20 +0100 5130745 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4975994&cid=t_289702_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Fhimss-career-services-member-needs Welcome to the first blog for HIMSS Career Services!  My name is Helen Figge, Senior Director of Career Services at HIMSS and excited to connect with you. I am a pharmacist by trade but have experience in various aspects of healthcare including teaching, research, grant writing, clinical practice, industrial sales and healthcare practice management. read more (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4975994 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:58:11 +0100 4975994 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934740&cid=t_289702_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F11%2F2011-asco-exelixis-reports-expanded-cabozantinib-xl184-phase-ii-data-for-advanced-ovarian-cancer-six-deaths-reported%2F Exelixis, Inc. reported expanded Phase 2 study data with respect to cabozantinib (XL184) use in advanced ovarian cancer patients at the recent 2011 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting. The overall solid tumor Phase 2 safety and tolerability data reference six deaths, including two ovarian cancer patients. Exelixis, Inc. reported expanded Phase 2 study [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934740 Sat, 11 Jun 2011 16:10:03 +0100 4934740 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4921689&cid=t_289702_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F09%2F2011-asco-additional-phase-iii-study-data-support-the-potential-role-of-avastin-in-newly-diagnosed-recurrent-ovarian-cancer%2F Positive results from two bevacizumab (Avastin®) phase III clinical studies were presented at the 2011 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting on June 4. The data reported add to the growing body of evidence in support of bevacizumab use to treat recurrent and newly-diagnosed ovarian cancer. Positive results from two bevacizumab (Avastin®) phase III [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4921689 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 23:15:13 +0100 4921689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902643&cid=t_289702_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F05%2F2011-asco-ec145-demonstrates-85-percent-improvement-in-progression-free-survival-for-treatment-of-platinum-resistant-ovarian-cancer%2F EC145, in combination with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil®/Caelyx®) in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, met its primary endpoint by showing an 85 percent (2.3 month) improvement in median progression-free survival in the intent-to-treat population, and a 260 percent (4.0 month) improvement in a subset of folate receptor positive patients. The final EC145 phase 2 clinical study data were presented [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902643 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 05:08:29 +0100 4902643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893809&cid=t_289702_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F03%2F2011-asco-entremed%25e2%2580%2599s-enmd-2076-demonstrates-clinical-activity-in-recurrent-platinum-resistant-ovarian-cancer-patients%2F EntreMed, Inc. announced that ENMD-2076 demonstrated clinical activity — a six-month progression free survival rate of 19% – when administered as a single agent to platinum drug-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer patients. The announcement is based upon interim phase 2 data presented today at the 2011 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.  EntreMed, Inc., a clinical-stage [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893809 Sat, 04 Jun 2011 05:10:24 +0100 4893809 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893810&cid=t_289702_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F03%2F2011-asco-matching-targeted-therapies-to-specific-tumor-gene-mutations-key-to-personalized-cancer-treatment%2F Customizing targeted therapies to each tumor’s molecular characteristics, instead of a “one-size-fits-all” approach by tumor type, may be more effective for some types of cancer, according to research presented today at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting by the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. In patients with end-stage disease, matched patients achieved a 27% [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893810 Sat, 04 Jun 2011 03:36:14 +0100 4893810 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841885&cid=t_289702_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F19%2Fasco-2011-genetic-biomarker-predicts-taxane-drug-induced-neuropathy%2F A new study has identified the first genetic biomarkers for taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy, a potentially severe complication of taxane chemotherapy that affects nerves in about one-third of patients with cancer receiving such treatment. ASCO Releases Studies From Upcoming Annual Meeting – Important Advances in Targeted Therapies, Screening, and Personalized Medicine The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) today highlighted [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841885 Thu, 19 May 2011 23:39:33 +0100 4841885 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841886&cid=t_289702_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F19%2Fasco-2011-novel-multi-targeted-agent-cabozantinib-xl184-has-significant-effect-on-several-advanced-solid-tumors%2F Cabozantinib (XL184) demonstrated high rates of disease control in patients with prostate, ovarian and liver cancers. The investigators concluded that cabozantinib exhibits clinical activity in ovarian cancer patients with advanced disease, regardless of prior platinum drug status, as reflected by the high rates of response.  ASCO Releases Studies From Upcoming Annual Meeting – Important Advances [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841886 Thu, 19 May 2011 21:53:46 +0100 4841886 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841887&cid=t_289702_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F19%2Fasco-2011-maintenance-therapy-with-parp-inhibitors-could-play-important-role-in-treatment-of-recurrent-ovarian-cancer%2F A randomized phase II clinical trial showed that the oral PARP inhibitor drug olaparib (AZD2281), given after chemotherapy, improved progression-free survival in women with the most common type of recurrent ovarian cancer. ASCO Releases Studies From Upcoming Annual Meeting – Important Advances in Targeted Therapies, Screening, and Personalized Medicine The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) today [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841887 Thu, 19 May 2011 18:03:58 +0100 4841887 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841888&cid=t_289702_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F19%2F2011-asco-screening-with-ca-125-transvaginal-ultrasound-does-not-reduce-ovarian-cancer-death-rate-results-in-high-number-of-false-positives%2F Findings from a large, long-term study – the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Screening Trial – showed that using a CA-125 blood test and transvaginal ultrasound for early detection of ovarian cancer did not reduce the risk of dying from the disease, and resulted in a large number of false positives and related follow-up [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841888 Thu, 19 May 2011 15:56:18 +0100 4841888 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841889&cid=t_289702_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F18%2F2011-asco-annual-meeting-abstracts-including-ovarian-cancer-made-publicly-available-today%2F More than 30,000 cancer specialists from around the world will gather at the 2011 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting to discuss the latest innovations in research, quality, practice and technology in cancer. More than 30,000 cancer specialists from around the world will gather at the 2011 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841889 Wed, 18 May 2011 22:43:10 +0100 4841889 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4615099&cid=t_289702_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fsurvivorship-planning-may-be-the-key-to-beating-cancer%2F2011.03.20 I am a poster child for why everyone who has had cancer needs to work with their doctor(s) to develop and implement a survivorship plan. Two of my four cancer-related diagnoses were found during routine screenings.  Two of my cancer-related diagnoses and one serious heart condition were almost certainly due to late effects of cancer treatment when I was young. Each was a complete surprise to me, and while there is evidence that predicts most of these occurrences, not one of my doctors used this literature to shape a plan for my post-treatment care. I was on my own.  My fear of yet another recurrence led me over time to cobble together a motley collection of oncologists (one for each body part) and other specialists (cardiologist, dermatologist, endocrinologist, and so forth) to watch ove... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4615099 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 14:00:54 +0100 4615099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4592393&cid=t_289702_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcavernous-angiomas-screening-of-a-family-over-three-generations%2F2011.03.15 Cavernous angiomas belong to a group of intracranial vascular malformations that are developmental malformations of the vascular bed. These congenital abnormal vascular connections frequently enlarge over time. The lesions can occur on a familial basis. Patients may be asymptomatic, although they often present with headaches, seizures, or small parenchymal hemorrhages. In most patients, cavernous angiomas are solitary and asymptomatic. In recent times, increasing MRI has detected several such asymptomatic cases and has prompted a study into the genetics and natural history of this condition. It is now known that cavernous angiomas have a genetic basis. Familial forms of cavernous angiomas are associated with a set of genes called CCM genes (cerebral cavernous angioma). This is a case repor... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4592393 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 20:00:02 +0100 4592393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4495256&cid=t_289702_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fday-in-life-of-embryologist.html This is a guest post by Saiprasad Gundeti, Senior Embryologist, Malpani Infertility Clinic.As an embryologist, I help in making the dreams of infertile couples come true ! Most couples do not know what happens in an IVF lab, so I am happy to describe a day in my life !This is the daily routine we follow at our centre :First thing in the morning –Cleaning Cleanliness is a very important factor in IVF Lab. We need to make sure everything is sterile ! Because I work alone in our lab, it's much easier for me to ensure that everything is clean !Hood and bench work surfaces (including microscope working areas, heat baths, petridish warmer) are cleaned and wiped down with 6% Hydrogen Peroxide.Once a week centrifuge rotors and carriers as well as outside area of the centrifuge are cleaned and di... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4495256 Sat, 19 Feb 2011 04:43:00 +0100 4495256 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4382811&cid=t_289702_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fhow-i-improved-my-vitrification.html HOW I IMPROVED MY VITRIFICATION TECHNIQUE !SAIPRASAD GUNDETI, SENIOR EMBRYOLOGIST, MALPANI INFERTILITY CLINIC PVT. LTD.Vitrification involves freezing the embryo about 600 times faster than ever before. This ultrarapid process is so fast that it literally allows no time for intracellular ice to form. As a result, vitrification avoids trauma to the embryo.In conventional (slow) freezing, 20-30% of embryos do not survive the freeze-thaw, and those that do survive have less than half the likelihood of generating a pregnancy as do fresh embryos. In contrast, vitrified embryos have a better than 95% freeze-thaw survival rate, and a pregnancy generating potential that is comparable to fresh embryos.Vitrification is now regarded as potential alternative to conventional (slow)freezing.Major advant... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4382811 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 08:21:00 +0100 4382811 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4349552&cid=t_289702_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fdoes-your-ivf-doctor-travel-lot.html Many IVF doctors in India travel extensively. They have many clinics all over the city ( and in some cases, all over the country). Naive patients get impressed by such doctors - wow - he is so busy and so much in demand that he needs to travel all over the place. In fact, some doctors even go to Dubai and Africa ! While this seems very impressive, in reality this means that the quality of care they provide to their patients leaves a lot to be desired. Let me explain.The personal goal for these doctors seems to be to maximise the number of patients they treat, so they can maximise their throughput and their revenue. While it's very good for an IVF clinic to be busy, it's also important that the quality of care provided to their patients not be compromised in the quest for quantity !How do t... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4349552 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 09:02:00 +0100 4349552 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4281363&cid=t_289702_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fquality-of-doctors-answers-depend-upon.html Recently I witnessed an infertile couple who had over three heavy files bulging along with medical tests and reviews. They may have visited more than ten infertility experts who tried every single possible examination under the sun to attempt to discover what their issue was. The lady had been examined for antisperm antibodies, NK cells , hostile cervical mucus, tuberculosis, chlamydia, sperm DNA fragmentation… you name it, and she had had the examination done. Every single gynaecologist had repeated test after test, however every result had been normal. They were at their wit’s end. “Why can’t I get pregnant , doctor , if things are all normal ?” was her plaintive cry.I was surprised about how little she had learned after going to numerous doctors. Rather than understanding from... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4281363 Thu, 23 Dec 2010 04:57:00 +0100 4281363 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4237895&cid=t_289702_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcancer-treatment-with-fewer-side-effects%2F2010.12.07 Treating Cancer Better with Reduced Side Effects from Patient Power® on Vimeo. *This blog post was originally published at Andrew's Blog* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4237895 Tue, 07 Dec 2010 17:00:53 +0100 4237895 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4214106&cid=t_289702_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhealthcare-transparency-patient-experts-at-medical-conventions%2F2010.11.30 We are invading their home turf. Increasingly, in among the thousands of doctors, scientists, and medical industry marketers at the largest medical conventions you are finding real patients who have the conditions discussed in the scientific sessions and exhibit halls. Patients like me want to be where the news breaks. We want to ask questions and — thanks to the Internet — we have a direct line to thousands of other patients waiting to know what new developments mean for them. I vividly remember attending an FDA drug hearing a few years ago and how there were stock analysts sitting in the audience, BlackBerries poised for the “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” on whether a proposed new drug would be recommended for approval. (At that session it was thumbs dow... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4214106 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 22:00:47 +0100 4214106 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4163029&cid=t_289702_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F12%2Fovarian-cancer-drug-amg-386-shows-promise-with-move-to-phase-3-trials-in-australia-canada-europe%2F A new drug (AMG 386) designed to arrest ovarian cancer cell growth by inhibiting blood vessel formation is being readied for a phase 3 trial in Australia, Canada and Europe. AMG 386, a new drug designed to arrest ovarian cancer cell growth by inhibiting blood vessel formation, is being readied for a phase 3 trial [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4163029 Fri, 12 Nov 2010 21:27:07 +0100 4163029 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4142717&cid=t_289702_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fdr-malcolm-zoth-named-president-american-society-plastic-surgeons%2F New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Malcolm Zoth has been named the new President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Zoth is on staff at the Maimonides Medical Center. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4142717 Sun, 07 Nov 2010 02:08:22 +0100 4142717 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4097942&cid=t_289702_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fprescriptions-on-the-rise-so-look-out-for-the-side-effects%2F2010.10.22 Eighty eight percent of Americans 60 years or older take at least one prescription drug and more than two-thirds of this age group take five or more, according to a report by the National Center for Health Statistics. Spending for prescription drugs totaled $234.1 billion in 2008 — more than double what was spent in 1999. The National Center for Health Statistics excerpted elements of its National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys to prepare the report: Other key findings include: – Over the last 10 years, the percentage of Americans who took at least one prescription drug in the past month increased from 44 percent to 48 percent. The use of two or more drugs increased from 25 percent to 31 percent. The use of five or more drugs increased from 6 percent to 11 percent.... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4097942 Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:00:00 +0100 4097942 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4074067&cid=t_289702_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fstem-cell-face-lifts%2F2010.10.14 It’s been almost a month since the LA Times ran the article by Chris Woolston entitled  The Healthy Skeptic: Stem cell face-lifts on unproven ground. It’s well written and presents a fairly balanced view. While I am a fan of stem cell research, I think the “claims” are often put ahead of the science.  This is one of those times. I can’t find any decent articles to support the claims of the plastic surgeons doing “stem cell face-lifts.” My view is echoed in the article (bold emphasis is mine): Rubin says he’s excited about the potential of stem cells in the cosmetic field and beyond. Still, he adds, there are many unanswered questions about the cosmetic use of stem cells, and anyone who claims to have already mastered the technique is jumping the gun. As Rubin puts ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4074067 Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:00:00 +0100 4074067 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4025620&cid=t_289702_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Feat-more-calcium-to-prevent-calcium-containing-kidney-stones%2F2010.10.02 Over the years I have had a number of patients with painful kidney stones and once they have passed (or been removed) I have felt at a loss to helping them prevent them. ”Stay hydrated” somehow didn’t seem adequate, although we know fluid intake can help stave off recurrent kidney stone attacks. Some textbooks said “avoid calcium” since most stones are made of calcium oxylate. High oxylate levels can be found in some fruits and vegetables, as well as in nuts and chocolate. Yet there was no real scientific evidence that these foods caused stones. The evidence for who got kidney stones was all over the ballpark and for a physician, that means no prevention advice is really proven. A new study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Neph... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4025620 Sat, 02 Oct 2010 15:00:00 +0100 4025620 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3943025&cid=t_289702_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FciVEK-I929s%2F Last December, the Senate Finance Committee’s Chuck Grassley sent letters 33 medical advocay groups, including the American Medical Association, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association and American Academy of Family Physicians for details about the money they and their board members received from drug and device makers (background here). The move came several months after Grassley and his staffers discovered that the National Alliance on Mental Illness received sizeable pharma donations while also conducting lobbying efforts with drug makers and pushing legislation that benefits these companies. Since then, NAMI has posted that sort of info on its web site (look here). But what about the others? Well, The Chronicle of Philanthropy has done an update by checking in wit... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3943025 Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:14:41 +0100 3943025 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3914997&cid=t_289702_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fspinal-fusion-device-from-revolutionary-advance-to-public-health-alert%2F2010.08.30 There are many stories journalists could report on about conflicts of interest and questions about evidence in the treatment of low back pain, perhaps especially with spinal fusion. We talked about many of these with journalists from the American Society of News Editors in a workshop at the Foundation for Informed Medical Decision Making in Boston in May. John Fauber of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel hammers one of these issues, looking at how Medtronic’s Infuse product “went from revolutionary advance to public health alert.” Here’s his story on MedPageToday: “Spinal Fusion Device: A Bone of Contention for FDA.”  His entire series entitled “Side Effects: Money, Medicine and Patients” is indexed on the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel website. Th... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3914997 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:00:22 +0100 3914997 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3816761&cid=t_289702_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F7n1Wk8OF9tg%2F In a sharply worded letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the American Society of Clinical Oncology takes the federal agency to task for conducting a coverage review of the Provenge prostate cancer vaccine. You may recall that CMS unexpectedly disclosed plans for a National Coverage Analysis in late June in response to inquiries from regional Medicare programs about the novel therapy. Ever since, CMS has been bombarded with comments from patients, doctors and investors, among others. The vast majority express concern that CMS will somehow limit coverage next year, although a review of the $93,000 annual price tag per patient is not supposed to factor into the review (back story). In his letter, ASCO ceo Allen Lichter complains the reasoning given for the review is wa... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3816761 Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:26:29 +0100 3816761 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3790702&cid=t_289702_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-cancer-letter-reveals-rhodes-scholar-falsification-by-duke-cancer-researcher%2F2010.07.26 This is not good. Not good at all. Recently Paul Goldberg of The Cancer Letter reported on an investigation into Duke cancer researcher Anil Potti, M.D., and claims made that he was a Rhodes Scholar in Australia. The misrepresentation was made on grant applications to National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Cancer Society (ACS). The Cancer Letter, a $375 per year go-to newsletter on cancer research, funding, and drug development, has made this issue free at this PDF link. News & Observer higher education reporter Eric Ferreri has a nice overview of the situation. Potti has been placed on administrative leave by Duke, and the ACS has suspended payments on his grant and initiated their own investigation. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Terr... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3790702 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:00:07 +0100 3790702 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3671692&cid=t_289702_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-tv-physician-is-not-your-doctor-or-coach%2F2010.06.17 A German physician wrote me about this, so while CNN may have an international reach, it’s not always with an adoring audience. The physician was reacting to the weekend “Paging Dr. Gupta” program, which Dr. Gupta referred to once as “SG, MD.” The first thing that struck me was his introduction, in which he said: “I’m your doctor. I’m also your coach.” Later in the program he said: “Think of this as your appointment. No waiting. No insurance necessary.” I find this very troubling. He’s not my doctor. He’s not my coach. When I watch a “news” program, it’s NOT my medical appointment. It’s supposed to be news, not medical advice. But that’s not what the German physician wrote to me abo... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3671692 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 22:00:00 +0100 3671692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3671878&cid=t_289702_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F5h72fX5jzTU%2F In late April 2010, an independent expert panel organized by the NIH released a thoughtful report on the state of the science for prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease and cognitive decline*. The report summarizes the panel’s review of the scientific literature by saying: “Firm conclusions cannot be drawn about the association of modifiable risk factors with cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease.” Which was basically reported as “nothing can prevent Alzheimer’s Disease.” Which is very true. And also very different from what most readers may assume it means. Note: You can keep reading the article What the recent NIH Expert Panel on Alzheimer’s Prevention Means – and Doesn’t Mean in the website of the American Society of Aging (article link opens PDF). ASA recently asked... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3671878 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:05:39 +0100 3671878 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3662673&cid=t_289702_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhealth-news-how-big-medical-conferences-try-to-control-it%2F2010.06.14 In recent days, news readers/viewers/listeners have been bombarded with news from the big American Society of Clinical Oncology conference in Chicago. But how does some of this stuff become news? Read an excellent post by an excellent reporter, Ron Winslow of the Wall Street Journal, to see some of the crazy, ugly sausage-making that goes on in the manipulation of the media. In the example Winslow raises, what may be packaged as news really isn’t ”new” — which is often the case. *This blog post was originally published at Gary Schwitzer's HealthNewsReview Blog* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3662673 Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:00:23 +0100 3662673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3644767&cid=t_289702_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fclinical-trials-accessing-the-medicines-of-tomorrow-today%2F2010.06.08 Reporting from the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference in Chicago, empowered patient Andrew Schorr discusses how long it can take before a study is presented at ASCO and the role of clinical trials in giving patients access to the medicines of tomorrow today. What’s Old is New at ASCO from Patient Power® on Vimeo. *This blog post was originally published at Andrew's Blog* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3644767 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 16:00:55 +0100 3644767 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3617836&cid=t_289702_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffor-cancer-survivors-yoga-may-ease-sleeplessness-and-fatigue%2F2010.06.01 People who’ve been diagnosed cancer can be heartened by the results of a study that will be presented June 5 at the upcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting. The researchers found that the practice of yoga helped cancer survivors improve sleep quality and reduce fatigue. The lead researcher, Dr. Karen Mustian, professor of Radiation Oncology and Community and Preventive Medicine at the University of Rochester in New York,  followed 410 patients who had already completed treatment for cancer but who experienced sleep disturbance that required medication. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at EverythingHealth* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3617836 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0100 3617836 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3607498&cid=t_289702_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpatient-journalists-health-news-from-the-patients-perspective%2F2010.05.27 My wife and family are alternately happy and unhappy about the prospect of me headed out of town to attend two medical conventions in a row. When they need me they REALLY need me, and when they have plenty else to do, I could be on the moon and they wouldn’t miss me. Oh well, I am off anyway to two parts of the country in rapid succession with the goal of helping patients worldwide. The first stop is the meeting of the American Urological Association and the second is the meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. I’ll be in San Francisco and then Chicago to gather medical news for patients. I am a big believer that there should not be a delay in bringing significant medical news to people living with or affected by a medical condition. For me, as a leukemia survivor, I don... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3607498 Fri, 28 May 2010 01:00:22 +0100 3607498 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3607499&cid=t_289702_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fplastic-surgery-thoughts-before-going-under-the-knife%2F2010.05.27 More than 10 million Americans undergo elective cosmetic procedures each year. Dr. Jon LaPook reports on what every patient should know about anesthesia with Dr. Panchali Dhar, author of “Before the Scalpel.” Watch CBS News Videos Online Plastic Surgery: Risks Of Going Under The Knife Last year — despite the recession — there were about 10 million cosmetic procedures in the United States. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, over 90 percent were in women and about 1.5 million were surgical.    The top five surgical procedures were breast augmentation (311,957), liposuction (283,735), eyelid surgery (149,943), rhinoplasty (138,258), and abdominoplasty (127.923). As you awaken on the morning of your elective surgery, there’s no way ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3607499 Thu, 27 May 2010 20:00:34 +0100 3607499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3592409&cid=t_289702_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F9tRmMfqC4sQ%2F Welcome back, everyone. We hope your weekend was pleasant and restful. Now, of course, the routine returns. As always, we are brewing the mandatory cup of stimulation as we map out the week ahead. With meetings and deadlines looming, here are a few items to keep you abreast of events. Hope the days goes well and do stay in touch… Pfizer Gave Union ‘False Hope’ About Facility (The News-Journal) Pharmacists Want Compensation From Glaxo (Stuff.co.nz) Quintiles Lays Off No. Carolina Employees (Triangle Business Journal) ASCO Briefing Highlights Promising Data (PharmaTimes) Contract Pharmaceutical Closing NY Plant, Axing 260 Jobs (Associated Press) WHO Says EU Drug Seizures Were Improper (The Hindu) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3592409 Mon, 24 May 2010 11:53:08 +0100 3592409 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3590475&cid=t_289702_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F21%2Fasco-releases-studies-from-upcoming-2010-annual-meeting%2F Yesterday, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) made available more than 4,000 medical abstracts which are publicly posted online at www.abstract.asco.org. A hyperlink to the 2010 ASCO Annual Meeting ovarian cancer abstracts is provided below.  The ASCO Annual Meeting will be held June 4-8, 2010 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Yesterday, the American [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3590475 Sat, 22 May 2010 00:08:58 +0100 3590475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3563958&cid=t_289702_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2FUHjGKILo-L8%2F By Archelle Georgiou. On Wednesday, the FDA suddenly decided to impose their regulatory authority on personalized genetic test kits after Walgreens and Pathway Genomics announced they’d be selling them in local pharmacies. But, what triggered this response from the FDA? Are they new? No. These kits have been available to consumers via the Web for 3 years. Have they been off the regulatory radar screen? No. As far back as 2008, the rapid emergence of genetic testing fueled the passage of GINA, a federal law prohibiting health insurers and employers from discriminating on the basis of genetic information. Have these companies been quietly launching their strategy and staying invisible? No. They have made major investments in marketing with an abundant amount of media coverage in women&... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3563958 Fri, 14 May 2010 11:57:24 +0100 3563958 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3538091&cid=t_289702_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-science-based-view-of-the-complexity-of-cancer%2F2010.05.06 [Recently] I participated in a panel discussion at the Northeast Conference of Science and Skepticism (NECSS) with John Snyder, Kimball Atwood, and Steve Novella, who also reported on the conference. What I mentioned to some of the attendees is that I had managed to combine NECSS with a yearly ritual that I seldom miss, namely the yearly meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) meeting. There are two huge cancer meetings every year — AACR and the annual meeting of the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO). AACR is the meeting dedicated to basic and translational research. ASCO, as the word “clinical” in its name implies, is devoted mainly to clinical research. Personally, being a translational researcher myself and a surgeon, I tend to prefer the ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3538091 Thu, 06 May 2010 12:00:09 +0100 3538091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3533973&cid=t_289702_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FEMVgEyM-q80%2F We are honored to count on such a distinguished, interdisciplinary and forward-looking Innovation Awards Judging Panel (please judge for yourself!), thanks to the participation of: Baba Shiv, Professor at Stanford Business School, conducts research on consumer decision making and decision neuroscience, with specific emphasis on the neurological underpinnings of emotion and motivation in decision making. His recent work examines the potential for nonconscious placebo effects related to pricing. He is currently the editor of the Journal of Consumer Research and sits on the editorial board of the Journal of Consumer Psychology and the Journal of Marketing Research. Bill Tucker, Managing Director at Education Sector, is a social entrepreneur who has founded and led both nonprofit organizations... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3533973 Wed, 05 May 2010 04:59:21 +0100 3533973 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3494549&cid=t_289702_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Faw9XrFxnwoI%2F The Council of Medical Specialty Societies, which includes 32 physician groups with some 650,000 members, has adopted a new ethics code designed to limit the influence that drug and device makers have over patient care. Among the groups represented are the American College of Cardiology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Physicians. In doing so, the CMSS addresses an issue that has roiled the pharmaceutical industry and attracted withering attention from consumer groups and government officials, who have increasingly complained that conflicts can skew patient treatment. In recent years, the concerns have led to scrutiny of freebies, continuing medical education, research grants and fees for speaking and consulting. In ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3494549 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 12:38:34 +0100 3494549 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3346545&cid=t_289702_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Ficd-10-putting-more-americans-back-work When U.S. President Barack Obama talks about creating more jobs for his citizenry he doesn't frequently mutter the letters “ICD” followed by the number “10,” but some experts in the thick of healthcare are starting to view the conversion as a way to employ more Americans.  Healthcare IT jobs and spending are projected to trend upward this year, while the clock keeps ticking  down toward two government mandates, HIPAA 5010 and the even more complex ICD-10. (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3346545 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:39:34 +0100 3346545 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3311889&cid=t_289702_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F25%2Fgenentech-announces-positive-results-of-avastin-phase-iii-study-in-women-with-advanced-ovarian-cancer%2F Genentech announces positive results of Avastin Phase III study (GOG 218) in women with advanced ovarian cancer. The study showed that women who continued maintenance use of Avastin alone, after receiving Avastin in combination with chemotherapy, lived longer without the disease worsening compared to those who received chemotherapy alone. This is the first Phase [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3311889 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:40:30 +0100 3311889 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3030061&cid=t_289702_136_f&fid=36162&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myelomablog.com%2F2009%2F11%2F25%2Fdr-brian-durie-to-host-a-teleconference%2F Discussion topics will include: § Treating the full cycle of myeloma § Pipeline drugs – what’s next and why they’re needed § Genetic variations in survival and outcome Here are the dial-in details for the teleconference: 800.860.2442 (U.S.) or 412.858.4600 (outside of the U.S.) Pass code: IMF Possibly Related Posts: International Myeloma Foundation’s 3rd Annual Comedy Celebration for the Peter Boyle Memorial Fund Myeloma treatment drug maker Celgene flagged for a buy If you’re sick, please stay home! Message from Pat & Pattie Killingsworth Big Medical Bills (Source: beth's myeloma blog) beth's myeloma blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3030061 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:55:21 +0100 3030061 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2989223&cid=t_289702_109_f&fid=38951&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarlatpsychiatry.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Ftom-sullivan-of-acre-fame-is-swimming.html Wherever there is a vocal battalion of defenders of drug industry funded medical education, you are certain to find Tom Sullivan leading the charge. Sullivan writes the most prolific pro-industry CME website, Policy and Medicine. He is a founding member of ACRE, and managed all the logistics for ACRE's first embarrassing meeting, held at Brigham and Women's Hospital. He collaborates closely with John Kamp, director of the pro-commercial CME front group, Coalition for Healthcare Communication. Simply put, Tom Sullivan loves pharma funding of medical education, and he simply can't get enough of it. Why? If you ask Sullivan, he'll wax idealistic, as he did in one of his recent posts: "Industry CME funding improves quality, because it helps support the development of ... The Carlat Psychiatry Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2989223 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:42:00 +0100 2989223 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963293&cid=t_289702_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F04%2F%25c3%25a6terna-zentaris-lhrh-receptor-targeted-therapy-aezs-108-produces-positive-preliminary-results-in-advanced-stage-ovarian-cancer%2F Preliminary Phase II clinical study evaluation shows that primary efficacy endpoint has been met for patients with advanced-stage, platinum-resistant, taxane-pretreated ovarian cancer who were treated with the targeted therapy AEZS-108. Æterna Zentaris Inc. , a global biopharmaceutical company focused on endocrine therapy and oncology, today announced positive efficacy data from a Phase II study with its [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963293 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:39:09 +0100 2963293 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2894689&cid=t_289702_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FrAbaB3MBQM0%2F Dr. Hsien Lei of the DNA Network informed us about a new blog launch, HUGO MATTERS from the International Human Genome Organization (HUGO). The HUGO is a group of scientists involved in genetic and genomic research whose aims are to assist coordination of research and foster collaboration of scientists. HUGO Matters will be a central hub for HUGO’s HUGO’s social networking efforts. Readers can discuss relevant topics in genomics including research, ethics, social issues and even education, according to HUGO president Prof. Edison T Liu. As part of the blog launch, HUGO is offering a free meeting registration at the HUGO Genomics and Ethics, Law and Society Symposium in Switzerland on November 1- 3. Check out this page for details. And if you are attending the 59th Annual American ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2894689 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:58:26 +0100 2894689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2781983&cid=t_289702_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F09%2Fpeter-palese-on-h1n1influenza-porcine-and-otherwise%2F more about “MicrobeWorld – Peter Palese on H1N1/I…“, posted with vodpod Seen on MicrobeWorld, posted by Chris Condayan: a video in which Peter Palese, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at Mt. Sinai, explains H1N1/swine flu, the natural herd immunity that all humans share against it, and the reasons why [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2781983 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:30:27 +0100 2781983 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2737879&cid=t_289702_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FONT_iHWoDa4%2F We have two excellent new speakers, Anne Hinton and Steve DeMello, to add to the excellent roster during the ASA Brain Health Day to take place on Friday, September 11th, 2009, at the Oakland Marriott City Center. Anne Hinton is Executive Director of the San Francisco Department of Aging and Adult Services. In this capacity she has responsibility for In-Home Supportive Services, Adult Protective Services, Public Guardian, Public Conservator, Public Administrator, Representative Payee, Veterans Services, Information and Referral, and the Partnership for Community Based Care and Support. In addition the Department funds 45 community service providers for programs such as congregate meals, senior centers, home delivered meals, case management, family caregiving, etc. Her career spans more th... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2737879 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:17:39 +0100 2737879 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2657759&cid=t_289702_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FBCZ8Vbq2q2Q%2F The American Society on Aging and SharpBrains have partnered to co-produce a professional development day for professionals in the field of aging. The day is themed "New Tools, New Partnerships", and will take place on Friday, September 11th, 2009, during ASA's West Coast Conference on Aging, in the Oakland Marriot City Center, Oakland, CA. "Given aging population trends, it is clear that we need more and better trained aging professionals, and that brain health needs to be a major component in that training. We are pleased to partner with SharpBrains to offer the latest thinking, best practices, and resources, to our members," said Carole Anderson, Vice President of Education. "The growing interest in brain health and fitness among consumers and professionals alik... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2657759 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 22:13:39 +0100 2657759 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2639566&cid=t_289702_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fblogscan-reports-from-acre-meeting.html The proceedings at the first meeting of the benignly titled Association of Clinical Researchers and Educators (ACRE) was chronicled on the Carlat Psychiatry Blog here, and on Postscript, the Prescription Project blog here. ACRE, founded by Dr Thomas Stossel (see relevant post here on the sorts of arguments Dr Stossel has made), was founded to defend academics who are paid on the side by drug, biotechnology, and device companies from the complaints of the "pharmascolds." What I found most troubling was that the conference was officially opened by Dr Jeffrey Flier, the Dean of the Harvard medical school, implying a medical school endorsement of this group, and featured presentations by the presidents of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, and the American Society of Hypert... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2639566 Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:29:00 +0100 2639566 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2630229&cid=t_289702_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F-F_jm4PRjhA%2F I  am very excited to pre-announce a collaboration with the American Society on Aging (ASA) to co-produce a Brain Health event, themed "New Tools, New Partnerships", to take place in Oakland, CA, on September 11th. Registration will be open next week so we will issue the formal announcement and provide links then ($150 for the whole day, which includes a signed copy of The SharpBrains Guide to Brain Fitness), but here you have the agenda & speakers in case you want to pencil in the date. Context: Since 2006, healthy aging pioneers have been actively evaluating and implementing an expanding menu of stimulating brain health programs. The American Society on Aging and SharpBrains have partnered to introduce aging professionals to the best practices in a variety of community-ba... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2630229 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:44:15 +0100 2630229 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2576713&cid=t_289702_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F6Zf6JEzLmOc%2F Here you have the July edition of our monthly newsletter covering cognitive health and brain fitness topics. Please remember that you can subscribe to receive this Newsletter by email, using the box at the top of this page. Public libraries have long offered the public more than books. And now, recent demographic and scientific trends are converging to fundamentally transform the role of libraries in our culture. You may enjoy reading this recent article I wrote for the May-June 2009 Issue of Aging Today, the bimonthly publication of the American Society on Aging: Public Libraries: Community-Based Health Clubs for the Brain. The Big Picture Can You Outsmart Your Genes? An Interview with Author Richard Nisbett: David DiSalvo interviews Richard Nisbett, the author of Intelligence and How to ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2576713 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:18:09 +0100 2576713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2576195&cid=t_289702_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2009%2F07%2Finfluenza-virology-book-announced.html Caister Academic Press today announced the forthcoming publication of a new book Influenza: Molecular Virology.In this timely book, internationally renowned scientists critically review the current research and the most important discoveries in this highly topical field. Subjects covered include the NS1 protein of influenza A virus, the structure of influenza NS1, influenza B hemagglutinin, influenza A nucleoprotein, influenza A hemagglutinin glycoproteins, the M2 channel, virulence genes of the 1918 H1N1 influenza, influenza virus polymerase, gene diagnostic microarrays, and computer-assisted vaccine design.Further reading: Influenza: Molecular VirologyFull range of books on microbiology at Microbiology Books (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2576195 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:16:00 +0100 2576195 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2414077&cid=t_289702_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2009%2F05%2Fconference-alert-american-society-for.html July 11 - 15, 2009. American Society for Virology 28th Annual Scientific MeetingVancouver, Canada Further informationIncludes workshops, poster sessions, state-of-the-art lectures and symposia sessions. Keynote address by Stephen C. Harrison of the Harvard Medical School on "Structures of Viruses: Biological Strategies for Introducing Genetic Information Into Cells". Symposium I: Virus Evolution and Emerging Pathogens; Symposium II: Viral Entry, Exit and Intracellular Movement; Symposium III: Cell: Virus Interplay; Symposium IV: Acquired Immunity and Vaccines.Suggested reading: Virology BooksFull range of books on microbiology at Microbiology Books (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2414077 Mon, 11 May 2009 15:19:00 +0100 2414077 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2034175&cid=t_289702_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F481061535%2F The Alzheimer's Foundation of America just released a thoughtful report advocating for widespread cognitive screenings after the age of 65 (55 given the right conditions). According to the press release, - "The report shatters unsubstantiated criticism and instead emphasizes the safety and cost-effectiveness of these tools and calls on Congress to develop a national dementia screening policy." - “Lifting the barriers to early detection is long overdue,” Hall said. “Conversations about brain health are not taking place. We must educate and empower consumers to talk openly about memory concerns, particularly with primary care providers, so they get the attention and quality of life they deserve.” - "Demand for screenings is evidenced by the success of AFA’s recent si... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2034175 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 23:13:32 +0100 2034175 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1964102&cid=t_289702_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FBuIMVNPbxjc%2F Did you know that Angelina Jolie is a distant cousin of Camilla the Duchess, Madonna, Shania Twain AND Hilary Clinton?   Man has an innate itch to find out where he came from, be it by evolution or ancestry. In a way it helps us connect with people from our past and gives us roots. So it’s no surprise that DNA testing for ancestry or population of origin has mushroomed in the past few years with the growth of direct-to-consumer companies. Now, the American Society of Human Genetics is concerned about the implications of carrying out such tests without guidelines and oversight. The society presented a recommendation paper to the academe, and to the 30 companies involved in ancestral genetics testing. Image credit: Newscom Some of those concerns include accuracy of markers use... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1964102 Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:33:53 +0100 1964102 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1960802&cid=t_289702_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2Fz9LgNDTJLzM%2F It’s not too often in genetics that we hear about finding evidence that a gene lowers the risk of disease. This latest news must have been greeted with cautionary hope at the American Society of Human Genetics meeting in Philadelphia. According to the Scientist, a large-effect allele that provides protection against autism was found on chromosome 5 near the semaphorin 5A (SEMA5A) gene, which is involved in guiding neural axons during development. The same group also found two genes not previously linked to autism, one at the tip of chromosome 20’s short arm, and one at the end of chromosome 6’s long arm. The researchers from Johns Hopkins University used the "the cleanest best set of SNP markers you can imagine" so presumably these results are accurate. Of cour... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1960802 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 02:37:43 +0100 1960802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1773463&cid=t_289702_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F386243919%2F Last Friday, during the American Society on Aging's Brain Health day, a participant made a comment along the lines, "I just completed my Masters in Gerontology at University XYZ. Despite my best efforts, I could not find a single brain-related class to attend as part of my studies. Which is why I decided to come to a conference like this". Incredible that this happens in 2008, a decade after the "Decade of the Brain". Healthcare and cognitive science seem to have inhabited different universes for too long. I hope we start to see more active cross-pollination between both fields. Gerontology would be a great place to start, given the growing demand for preventive programs to contribute to the cognitive health of an aging population. aging, aging population, American Soc... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1773463 Mon, 08 Sep 2008 04:35:30 +0100 1773463 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1727800&cid=t_289702_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F08%2F17%2Fcancer-survivors-with-low-volume-metastases-may-benefit-from-radiotherapy%2F “Precisely targeted radiation therapy can eradicate all evidence of disease in selected patients with cancer that has spread to only a few sites, suggests the first published report from an ongoing clinical trial. … Six of the 29 [21%] initial patients had lasting tumor control, with no detectable evidence of disease 15 months after treatment. [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1727800 Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:52:51 +0100 1727800 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1672160&cid=t_289702_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F351742865%2F Here you are have the twice-a-month newsletter with our most popular blog posts. Please remember that you can subscribe to receive this Newsletter by email, simply by submitting your email at the top of this page. News and Events Brain Health Promotion by the American Society on Aging: You may be interested in the excellent agenda the American Society on Aging has put together for health professionals, from September 2-5th in San Francisco, devoting a full day to Brain Health. Alvaro will participate in 3 of the sessions, including giving a keynote on the Future of Brain Health. Can Google Kill Neurons and Rewire Your Whole Brain?: The Atlantic Monthly published an article titled Is Google Making Us Stupid, which basically blamed Google for literally rewiring our brains into more stupid b... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1672160 Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:25:42 +0100 1672160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1603096&cid=t_289702_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2F331008458%2F The American Academy of Microbiology has released a report (PDF) on the Fungal Kingdom outlining importance of research in the kingdom and recommending several areas of priority for future areas of research. One recommendation that makes the top of the list is an integrated database for fungal genomes, something we're keenly interested in seeing happen.  This sort of centralized repository of functional annotation, literature links, and genome sequences and annotation is critical given the 150+ genomes that are available or on their way.  Systematic re-annotation with consistent tools, comparative analyses and gene predictions, and linking gene sequences by homology and ortholog predictions are a critical component to fully utilizing the genomic data that has been produced for the fungi ... Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1603096 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:49:15 +0100 1603096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1482289&cid=t_289702_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F302184559%2F A clinical trial of 1,125 lung cancer patients who were treated with ImClone Systems’s Erbitux and chemo lived about five weeks longer than patients treated with chemo alone, according to a study released at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting. Here is the abstract. The results could make Erbitux, which is currently approved for colon tumors and head and neck cancer, the preferred therapy for half of non-small cell lung cancer patients who can’t take Genentech’s Avastin due to side effects. Patients getting Erbitux plus standard chemo had a median survival of 11.3 months, compared with 10.1 months for those given only chemo. In all, 36.3 percent responded to the combo, compared with 29.2 percent who improved after getting only chemo. Erbitux increased survi... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1482289 Sat, 31 May 2008 15:58:57 +0100 1482289 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1480945&cid=t_289702_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2F301292159%2F What: ASCO 2008 Annual Meeting When: May 30-June 3, 2008 Where: McCormick Place — Chicago, Illinois USA The ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) Annual Meeting is considered the premier educational and scientific event in the oncology community. Abstracts from the said meeting is now available online. Tags: American Society of Clinical Oncology, ASCO, ASCO Annual Meeting, Chicago, clinical oncology, oncologyShare This (Source: Cancer Commentary) Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1480945 Fri, 30 May 2008 14:29:52 +0100 1480945 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1478214&cid=t_289702_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F300773805%2F Potential advances in the treatment of lung cancer will be a major focus as the American Society of Clinical Oncology gets under way in Chicago on Friday. In particular, ImClone Systems will unveil long-awaited results from a pivotal trial of its Erbitux drug, in combination with chemotherapy, in patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer, Reuters writes. The drugmaker has already said its Flex study met its main goal of boosting survival, but what is not clear is how much longer patients were shown to live. “The Flex study will be one of the most important presentations at ASCO,” Roy Herbst, chief of thoracic oncology at Houston’s MD Anderson Cancer Center, tells Reuters. “Lung cancer doctors and patients would like to know more details.” The Chicago m... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1478214 Thu, 29 May 2008 20:28:10 +0100 1478214 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1459144&cid=t_289702_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F294743841%2F In recent years, most professionals in aging have become aware of the growing scientific evidence showing that human brains retain the ability to generate neurons and change over a lifetime, discoveries that have broken the scientific paradigm prevalent during the 20th century. Furthermore, neuroimaging and cognitive training studies are showing how well-directed exercise presents people major opportunities for healthy brain aging. How can people use emerging technologies to keep their brains healthy and productive as long as possible? An emerging market for brain health-- $225 million market in 2007, in the United States alone, of which consumers account for $80 million--is trying to address that question in a way that complements other important more traditional pillars (and multi-billio... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1459144 Wed, 21 May 2008 03:29:03 +0100 1459144 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1379581&cid=t_289702_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F272347252%2F A year after approval of the Provenge prostate-cancer vaccine was delayed by the FDA, a determined group of prostate-cancer patients - and some investors, too - plan to stage a series of nationwide protests that will include the largest annual gathering of oncologists, two organizers tell us. The events are planned by a non-profit called Care To Live, which is battling the FDA in court in what has, so far, been an unsuccessful attempt to force the agency to reverse course. The specter of a protest is likely to unnerve the American Society of Clinical Oncology, because threats were allegedly made at last year’s event against two cancer docs who were dissenters on the FDA panel that recommended approval for Provenge. After the FDA panel meeting, those two docs - Howard Scher of Sloan-K... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1379581 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:28:50 +0100 1379581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1235031&cid=t_289702_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F235601555%2F A spate of recent news coverage on brain fitness and "brain training" reflects a growing interest in natural, non-drug-based interventions to keep our brains sharp as we age. This interest is very timely, given the aging population, increasing Alzheimer's rates, and soaring health care costs that place more emphasis than ever on prevention and changing lifestyle. This past Tuesday, the MIT Club of Northern California, the American Society on Aging, and SmartSilvers sponsored an event on The Emerging Brain Fitness Software Market: Building Better Brains to explore the realities and myths of this growing field. The panel was moderated by Zack Lynch, Executive Director of the Neurotechnology Industry Organization, and composed of a venture capitalist and 3 CEOs of program developers... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1235031 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 21:10:57 +0100 1235031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1176355&cid=t_289702_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F222621494%2F Discussion  Contact information and Registration Here. Bios:  Alvaro Fernandez, Co-founder, CEO SharpBrains.com. Alvaro is a leading voice and thought-leader in the growing science-based brain fitness market, Alvaro has been quoted by Los Angeles Times, Forbes, MSNBC, MarketWatch, among others, and is a guest blogger at the Huffington Post. Alvaro has presented trends in the emerging brain fitness market at multiple conferences and universities including the Neurotech Leaders Summit, Serious Games Summit, Stanford Business School, Neurotechnology Industry conference, the Institute for the Future, American Society on Aging (2007), and more. He started his career at McKinsey & Company and led the launch and turnaround of several publishing and education companies in the US and Europe,... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1176355 Fri, 25 Jan 2008 01:51:01 +0100 1176355 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=987378&cid=t_289702_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F176509862%2F We had a very fun session titled Teaching Brain Fitness in Your Community at an American Society on Aging (ASA) conference for health professionals a couple of weeks ago. Full house, with over 60 attendants and very good participation, showing great interest in the topic. I can't wait to see the evaluations. These are some of the resources I promised as a follow-up, which can be useful to everyone interested in our field: Good general articles in the business and general media: Change or Die Want a sharp mind for your golden years? Start now You’re Wiser Now On how new neurons are born and grow in the adult brain: Salk Scientists Demonstrate For The First Time That Newly Born Brain Cells Are Functional In The Adult Brain Old Brains, New Tricks On the surprising plasticity and developm... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=987378 Mon, 29 Oct 2007 05:24:34 +0100 987378 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=958988&cid=t_289702_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F171321645%2F The agency sent a letter to Pete Stark, a congressional Democratic, last week endorsing restrictions decided last July by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services on the use of Amgen’s Aranesp and Johnson & Johnson’s Procrit in cancer patients undergoing chemo. The letter comes amid a growing debate in Congress over those restrictions. Amgen, in particular, has been lobbying pretty hard to undo the restrictions, which limited usage due to tumor growth and increased mortality. And the lobbying has started to pay off. Earlier this month, a bill was introduced in the House to role back the restrictions. The drugmakers have been getting help, by the way, from the American Society for Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology and US Oncology, a treatment center... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=958988 Wed, 17 Oct 2007 22:23:26 +0100 958988 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=947466&cid=t_289702_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F169012657%2F Over the past three years, a controversy raged concerning a study about Procter & Gamble’s Actonel osteoporosis med in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. Although the tale was complicated and sordid, at its heart was the issue of corporate influence over study data and the responsibilities of a journal to act as a credible gatekeeper of information. For these reasons, the astonishing spat between the journal, P&G and a UK researcher, Aubrey Blumsohn, gained considerable media attention. Now, though, the journal promises to behave, well, differently. What caused this ruckus? To keep it simple, an Actonel study was conducted by Blumsohn and Richard Eastell, a Sheffield University colleague, and the results were favorable. However, they had divided the work. Blumsohn su... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=947466 Fri, 12 Oct 2007 16:46:20 +0100 947466 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=918142&cid=t_289702_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F163722310%2F Next month, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services will nearly double the number of journals that oncologists can use to justify payment for off-label use of cancer meds and procedures. But at least one of the 11 cancer journals added by CMS - called Bone Marrow Transplantation - doesn’t require publishing an author’s conflict of interest disclosure statements (see page 3), and more than half don’t require registration of clinical trials prior to publication of results, according to a Center for Science in the Public Interest survey. In comments submitted to CMS last year, the American Society of Clinical Oncologists, which represents the nation’s 20,000 cancer docs, balked at the requirements, even though it moved quietly in the wake of the protests to adopt both po... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=918142 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 13:47:24 +0100 918142 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=897085&cid=t_289702_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F160699554%2F That’s the word from Jim Reddoch, a biotech analyst at Friedman Billings Ramsey, after Medicare wrote doctor groups that it remains unconvinced its recent decision to scale back reimbursement for Amgen’s Aranesp was inappropriate. The letter from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services was written in response to protests filed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology and US Oncology, a healthcare network. “The groups claimed CMS misinterpreted the existing data supporting Aranesp in patients with hemoglobin levels above 10 grams per deciliter,” Reddoch writes in an investor note. “In CMS’ response this morning, CMS is unconvinced it needs to reconsider, saying no new evidence has been brought to light, nor i... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=897085 Mon, 24 Sep 2007 17:50:28 +0100 897085 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=818942&cid=t_289702_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F147467104%2F Conflicts of interest are all the rage these days. And for good reason. Understanding the factors influencing decisions - which finding may be emphasized, which paper gets published, which medication is endorsed - is increasingly of concern. So a handful of researchers, with NIH backing, measured financial ties on display at two meetings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. They perused 3,529 abstracts and 25,416 authors in 2004 and 3,556 abstracts and 26,181 authors in 2005. Their findings, which were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology: In 2004 and 2005, 23 percent of abstracts had one or more authors with a personal financial interest. More than 75 percent of all personal financial interests were valued at less than $10,000. On one hand, 23 percent may be seen as high... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=818942 Thu, 23 Aug 2007 21:18:43 +0100 818942