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 'antibiotics'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:52:08 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181743&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F4Sw49AJoTU8%2F When kids get respiratory infections like bronchitis or the common cold, most times they don’t need antibiotics to get better. Many still receive the drugs, however, even after public-health campaigns warning against overuse. Unnecessarily administering the drugs does patients no good and can lead to antibiotic resistance — potentially rendering the drugs useless against serious infections. New stats out today from the CDC show that antibiotic prescribing rates for kids 14 and under have improved since the early 1990s. But the prescribing rate “remains inappropriately high,” the report says. Overall prescribing rates fell 24% to 229 antibiotic prescriptions per 1,000 office visits in 2007-2008  from 300 in 1993-1994. Looking specifically at acute respiratory infections... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181743 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:58:18 +0100 5181743 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118649&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fantibiotic-resistant-glue-ear-and-a-potential-new-treatment%2F2011.08.10 Glue ear is the layman’s term for thick mucoid effusion of the middle ear, usually due to chronic ear infections. The fluid itself is like maple syrup and usually treated with ear tube placement followed by suctioning as much of the fluid out as possible. However, given there is always some residual present, antibiotic ear drops with steroids is often prescribed. Unfortunately, these patients are at higher risk of requiring repeated sets of tubes after the body spits them out. Why? (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Fauquier ENT Blog* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118649 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:00:00 +0100 5118649 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107514&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fphysician-discusses-the-confusing-aspects-of-medicare-part-d%2F2011.08.09 I have discussed Medicare Part B and Part F in recent blogs. A reader asked about Medicare Part D: Dr. Feld “Please discuss Medicare Part D, the drug benefit plan available to seniors. It is very complicated and completely confusing to me. My physician gave me a prescription for Levequin 500 mg once a day for 10 days. The pharmacist told me it would cost me $330 dollars. Medicare Part D would pay an additional $110 dollars for a total of $440 dollars. I asked the pharmacist if there was a generic equivalent. The answer was yes. It cost $10 dollars. This is unconscionable. It is highway robbery. Sincerely a.g.” Several issues are presented in this readers note. It is essential to understand these issues. The issues are an indictment against government “controlled” programs. (m... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107514 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:00:44 +0100 5107514 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077828&cid=t_102896_113_f&fid=38494&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuretogether.com%2Fblog%2F2011%2F07%2F29%2Furinary-tract-infection-antibiotics-or-cranberry-juice%2F An article came out this week in the New York Times reporting that antibiotics work better than cranberry juice at treating urinary tract infections. This finding came from a research study on 221 women published in The Archives of Internal Medicine. We decided to look and see what the 1,303 people at CureTogether with UTIs had to say about this. Here’s what we found: Our results agree with the study! Antibiotics rate as the #1 treatment for UTI, while cranberry juice rates near the bottom for effectiveness. Also, it’s worth noting that our study, while perhaps not as well controlled as the published study, was done at a tiny fraction of the cost, with more patients. And still came to the same conclusion. (Source: The Collective Well) The Collective Well blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077828 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:53:05 +0100 5077828 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062239&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fasthma-treatment-used-for-chronic-sinus-infections%2F2011.07.25 Many people are already aware of nebulizer treatments to help with breathing during asthma attacks and other pulmonary conditions. What many people may not be aware of is that such nebulizer treatments can also potentially be used for chronic sinus infections. One of the best known companies offering such treatment is Sinus Dynamics. Using one of several different nebulizers, compounded liquid medications (antibiotics and/or steroids) selected by the physician are nebulized/atomized which the patient then breathes into the nasal passages. The small size of the particles allow medication to theoretically move through the tiniest of sinus openings directly onto the infected tissue. Treatments are quick generally lasting 3 – 5 minutes (depending on medication and device). Here’s a vid... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062239 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 21:00:00 +0100 5062239 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050581&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fone-of-the-most-common-infections-of-childhood-otitis-media%2F2011.07.20 Ear infections are the bane of childhood and can spoil many outdoor adventures. One of the most common infections of childhood, they provoke long nights of miserable children, sleepless parents, and unhappiness all around. They may be recurrent, and can also progress (rarely) to more serious medical problems, such as meningitis. What Are Ear Infections? Acute otitis (inflammation of the ear) media (“middle”) infection is caused by bacteria or viruses. When it occurs, there is redness and inflammation of the eardrum, frequently with a collection of  blood, serum, or pus behind the drum. To know whether or not this has occurred, and to precisely determine the anatomic diagnosis and severity, one needs to see the eardrum, which is what the healthcare provider does with an otoscope. With ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050581 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 21:00:00 +0100 5050581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5027419&cid=t_102896_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FiaIZOsGCV0Y%2F Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Michael Schmidt, Margaret McFall-Ngai, and Elio Schaecter On episode #11 of the podcast This Week in Microbiology, Vincent, Margaret, Michael and Elio review the presence of extended spectrum beta-lactamase genes in chicken meat and in humans, and a beneficial effect of Helicobacter pylori colonization on the development of allergen-induced asthma. Click the arrow above to play, or right click to download TWiM #11 (47 MB, .mp3, 68 minutes). Subscribe to TWiM (free) on iTunes, Zune Marketplace, via RSS feed, by email or listen on your mobile device with the Microbeworld app. Links for this episode: Beta-lactamase genes in Enterobacteriaceae of humans and chickens (EID) Is drug resistance in humans coming from chickens? (Wired) Pew Commission on industrial... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5027419 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:40:00 +0100 5027419 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008662&cid=t_102896_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fjg8EpAu81jA%2F And so, another working week will soon draw to a close. As always, this is the signal to daydream about weekend plans. Our agenda calls for a dip in the pool, a little yardwork, hanging with assorted short people and catching up on some interesting R&D. What about you? Is a day at the beach in order? Or a drive in the country? Maybe catching up on some sleep or thinking big thoughts? Whatever you do, have a good time and be safe. Meanwhile, here are some tidbits. See you soon… Bayer Loses European Patent For Yasmin (Reuters) PETA Proposes Procter & Gamble Stop Animal Testing (Dayton Business Journal) Republicans Complain FDA Review Procedures Slow Innovation (Bloomberg News) Bydureon Diabetes Med Passed The Test In Heart Trial (Reuters) FDA Bans Imports From Dr. Reddy&#8217... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008662 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:04:58 +0100 5008662 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968496&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=39261&url=http%3A%2F%2Fvactruth.com%2F2011%2F06%2F24%2Fantibiotics-in-vaccines%2F Antibiotics are in your vaccines. On June 2, 2011, The New York Times posted an online editorial that caught my eye, “The High Cost of Cheap Meat,” in which small doses of antibiotics in animal feed were discussed as the probable cause of the growing concern over an ineffectiveness in eliminating bacterial ‘super bugs’ that are overwhelming our immune systems and the practice of medicine. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/03/opinion/03fri3.html However, this ‘gem’ really sums up the issue: Last week, the Natural Resources Defense Council, joined by other advocacy groups, sued the Food and Drug Administration to compel it to end the nontherapeutic use of penicillin and tetracycline in farm animals. I must admit that was music to my ears. I’ve been promoting that ever since I lear... vactruth.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968496 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:41:33 +0100 4968496 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4883908&cid=t_102896_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F929PtH2PZsw%2F Good morning, everyone, and welcome back. We hope your weekend was relaxing and refreshing. Now, of course, the time has come to resume the routine of meetings and deadlines. And yes, we are coping by brewing the mandatory cup of stimulation - our flavor today is Mocha Nut Fudge - and we invite you to join us. Meanwhile, here are some tidbits to help you get in the groover. Hope your day goes well and see you soon… Five Lessons From The Niaspan Study (Forbes) GlaxoSmithKline Is Downgraded By Goldman Sachs (Associated Press) More Children Dying After Vaccination In India (India Times) JB Chem & Pharma To Hire 1,500 Medical Reps (The Economic Times) Sanofi Diabetes Drug Cuts Blood Sugar & Weight In Study (Reuters) No Workers, No Products: A Bleak Future For Renovo (Pharma Tim... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4883908 Tue, 31 May 2011 12:03:14 +0100 4883908 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4876386&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhen-less-is-more-how-to-improve-the-quality-of-primary-care%2F2011.05.28 On the NPR Shots blog, Scott Hensley writes, “Quality Prescription For Primary Care Doctors: Do Less,” about an article in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Excerpt: “A group of docs who want to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of primary care tinkered with some Top 5 lists for of dos and don’ts for pediatricians, family doctors and internists. After testing them a bit, they published online by the Archives of Internal Medicine. Most of the advice falls in the category of less is more. So what should family doctors not be doing? The Top 5 list for them goes like this: 1. No MRI or other imaging tests for low back pain, unless it has persisted longer than six weeks or there are red flags, such as neurological problems. 2. No antibiotics for mild to moderat... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4876386 Sat, 28 May 2011 16:00:55 +0100 4876386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4747614&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdrug-resistant-bacteria-found-in-half-of-us-meat-and-chicken%2F2011.04.25 Drug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus were found in nearly half of meat and poultry samples, and were likely from the animal themselves, a study reported. Researchers collected and analyzed 136 samples of 80 brands of beef, chicken, pork and turkey from 26 retail grocery stores in Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Flagstaff, Ariz. Among the samples, 47% were contaminated with S. aureus, and 52% of the strains were resistant to at least three classes of antibiotics–and some to nine antibiotics. Translational Genomics Research Institute, a non-profit research organization, conducted the study and published results in Clinical Infectious Diseases. DNA testing suggested that the food animals themselves were the major source of contamination. (mo... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4747614 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 11:00:00 +0100 4747614 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4693508&cid=t_102896_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FrnpVtSoFzBk%2F Once again, another working week will soon draw to a close. And this, of course, is our signal to begin daydreaming about weekend activities. Our modest agenda includes chauffering our short people around town, taking a nap or two and attending the latest installment in what we call the ‘Let’s See Them Before They Die’ concert series. And you? Anything special planned? Maybe a walk in the park? Curling up with a good e-book? Or you could finish your taxes, even if no one is in Washington to process your return. Whatever you do, have a great time. See you soon… Amgen CEO Got $21M Compensation In 2010 (Associated Press) Indian Company Ends Sale Of Lethal Injection Drug To The US (The Atlantic) FDA Will Be Severely Limited By Government Shutdown (CNN Money) Canadian P... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4693508 Fri, 08 Apr 2011 11:43:35 +0100 4693508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4670111&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fantibiotics-losing-the-battle-against-drug-resistant-bacteria%2F2011.04.02 The single most important medicine ever discovered is the antibiotic.  Prior to 1930, humans died at early ages of simple infections and even childbirth was a major killer of women because of infection.   The mortality rate from simple staph aureus was as high as 80%,  but between 1944 and 1972 the human life expectancy jumped by 8 years because of antibiotics.   By 1950 the golden age of antibiotics was already looking tarnished as organisms became resistant to the drugs.  Now many medical advances that we take for granted, including cancer treatment, surgery, transplantation and neonatal care are endangered by increasing antibiotic resistance and a decline in new medications to combat the super germs. Drug resistance is both a public health and global security threat. Resistance ha... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4670111 Sat, 02 Apr 2011 12:00:00 +0100 4670111 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4626834&cid=t_102896_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FLxSL0ZllMzU%2F A review looking at a diagnosis and treatment approach to the patient presenting to the emergency department with a sore throat. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4626834 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:19 +0100 4626834 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4605827&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fasymptomatic-strep-throat-should-we-treat-it%2F2011.03.17 Occasionally, I see patients who have received throat swabs for strep that have come back positive… even if they have no signs or symptoms of pharyngitis. In this situation, there are 2 main actions a physician may take (I am biased towards one): 1) Prescribe antibiotics until throat cultures are normal 2) Do nothing Personally, if a patient is without throat symptoms and has no history of rheumatic fever or kidney damage, I would not have even bothered obtaining a strep test. What for??? (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Fauquier ENT Blog* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4605827 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 20:00:00 +0100 4605827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4501589&cid=t_102896_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2F7krMyt1h-TA%2F The LITFL Review is your regular and reliable source for the highest highlights, sneakiest sneak peaks and loudest shout-outs from the webbed world of emergency medicine and critical care. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4501589 Mon, 21 Feb 2011 11:56:05 +0100 4501589 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4495318&cid=t_102896_117_f&fid=38856&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timemastermd.com%2F%3Fp%3D2181 Pain in the Butt Poop Dermatitis Linked to Fashionable Toilet Seats, Harsh Chemicals! Jessica Alba – wedgy in edgy Toilet seat dermatitis is one of those legendary conditions described in medical textbooks and seen in underdeveloped countries, but now we are seeing it in the most exclusive backsides in the States.  Jessica, watch where you sit, you might get a poop rash! One of culprits responsible for the butt condition are harsh cleaning chemicals and exotic wooden toilet seats — making a comeback as bathroom décor — especially seats covered with varnishes and paints.  You can get a rash on your butt just looking at this picture!  (Is that a cupholder?)  Most butt rash cases are fairly benign and easy to treat with topical steroids, but inflammation can persist... Timemaster MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4495318 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:45:48 +0100 4495318 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4450291&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fear-infections-to-treat-or-not-to-treat%2F2011.02.08 Ear infections used to be a devastating problem. In 1932, acute otitis media (AOM) and its suppurative complications accounted for 27 percent of all pediatric admissions to Bellevue Hospital. Since the introduction of antibiotics, it has become a much less serious problem. For decades it was taken for granted that all children with AOM should be given antibiotics, not only to treat the disease itself but to prevent complications like mastoiditis and meningitis. In the 1980s, that consensus began to change. We realized that as many as 80 percent of uncomplicated ear infections resolve without treatment in three days. Many infections are caused by viruses that don’t respond to antibiotics. Overuse of antibiotics leads to the emergence of resistant strains of bacteria. Antibiotics cause ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4450291 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 22:00:44 +0100 4450291 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399694&cid=t_102896_125_f&fid=37825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbibbynews.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F01%2F25%2Ftrustworthy-prescription-drug-information%2F Are you looking for reliable drug information, fast?  Here are some suggestions: If you are a URMC affiliate you have access to Micromedex, a clinical database that provides comprehensive drug summaries, drug comparisons,  images for easier identification, and allows you to look up drug interactions. To access, select the Micromedex link on the Bibby library [...] (Source: Bibby Library News and Tips) Bibby Library News and Tips blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399694 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 09:54:33 +0100 4399694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4361308&cid=t_102896_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FGTi6GBLv1fs%2F Hello, everyone, and nice to see you again. We hope your extended weekend - on this side of the pond, that is - was pleasant. Now, of course, the routine resumes with all those meetings and deadlines. So please join us for a cup of stimulation as we dust the snow off the Pharmalot corporate campus, ready the short people for the school house and prowl around for interesting items. Hope your day goes well and do stay in touch… FDA Staff Questions Lilly Alzheimer’s Drug (Reuters) Teva Will Lay Off 200 California Workers (Orange County Register) Pfizer Sued Over Dilantin Side Effects (Madison-St. Clair Record) Ariad Stock Pops After Sarcoma Drug Meets Study Goal (Bloomberg News) Servier Chief Called To Mediator Court Hearing (The Telegraph) EU Will Ask Sanofi To Write Docs About M... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4361308 Tue, 18 Jan 2011 12:52:21 +0100 4361308 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4343190&cid=t_102896_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2F9g42C0vUOy8%2Fprophylactic-antibiotics-in-aesthetic.html There is a very nice review of this topic in the Nov/Dec 2010 issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal (full reference below). While we want to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs), we don’t want to over utilize antibiotics.   Consequences of which include:   Clostridium difficile infections [CDI] and development of resistant organisms. The authors note that currently no national guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis in aesthetic surgery although they do for cardiac, colorectal, neurosurgical, and orthopedic procedures.  “In fact, studies examining the impact of prophylactic antibiotics have produced contradictory results.” So what should we do: Until randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics in aesthetic surgery are... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4343190 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 12:15:00 +0100 4343190 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4322465&cid=t_102896_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fantibiotics-variceal-bleeding%2F Antibiotics should always be given to patients with acute variceal bleeding. Prophylactic dosing has been found to decrease the rate of infection, decrease the risk of rebleeding, and decrease mortality. Generally, a third-generation cephalosporin such as ceftriaxone (Rocephin) is used if there is no contraindication. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4322465 Fri, 07 Jan 2011 06:11:29 +0100 4322465 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4207504&cid=t_102896_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FKfiyfMaIOGQ%2F Five years after signing a licensing deal, Johnson & Johnson and Basilea appear to have finally gotten a divorce. An arbitration panel has ruled the health care giant must pay the Swiss drugmaker $130 million to resolve a botched and embarassing attempt to run clinical trials for an anti-MRSA antibiotic the smaller company has been developing. Both the FDA and the European Medicines Agency declined to approve ceftobiprole after finding problems with J&J’s oversight. The FDA, for instance, wrote in an August 2009 warning letter, that J&J failed to properly monitor studies and ensure researchers were properly trained or experienced to conduct them, among other violations. Months earlier, the EMA took a similar position. The moves prompted Basilea to file a claim against ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4207504 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 13:30:18 +0100 4207504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4197067&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Finner-ear-infections-still-no-need-for-antibiotics%2F2010.11.23 Kids get inner ear infections and then they get antibiotics, despite a long-standing knowledge that it’s not always best. Any physician knows this, but who hasn’t faced an irate or anxious parent in the exam room insisting on a prescription, whether the evidence warrants it or not? Reuters reports that the tally for all those antibiotics is $2.8 billion dollars, or $350 per child annually. And there’s only a slight benefit to them. While hardly comforting to the parents, physicians can add more heft to their argument that antibiotics are only modestly more effective than nothing, and they can avoid the rashes and diarrhea that antibiotics incur. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at ACP Internist* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4197067 Tue, 23 Nov 2010 21:00:00 +0100 4197067 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4197131&cid=t_102896_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSciencebaseScienceBlog%2F%7E3%2FBin2QKV7lnQ%2Fmore-thoughts-on-science-from-sciencebase.html My latest science news updates Alternative medicine and the law – The science, history, politics, religion, and culture that mean it is legal to sell quackery in many parts of the world. NHS.uk allowing Google, Facebook, and others to track you – The UK's National Health Service has implemented various "features" on its website that could lead to your health privacy being compromised. Death of Dudley Williams – I just heard of the sad death of one of the great scientists with whom I corresponded and wrote early in my science writing career – Dudley Williams. Cambridge's Prof Williams worked on vancomycin and antibiotics aimed squarely at defeating resistant bacteria. I wrote about his work for New Scientist, Chemistry & Industry, and Chemist... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4197131 Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:00:06 +0100 4197131 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4183248&cid=t_102896_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F19%2Fjournal-of-the-american-medical-association-2010-vol-304-no-19%2F This article describes a systematic review on AOM diagnosis, treatment, and the association of heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) use with AOM microbiology. An NHS Athens password is required to access this article online, alternatively contact the Library for a copy of this article. Filed under: Athens Password, E-Journals, Journals Tagged: Antibiotics, Children, Otitis Media, Vaccination (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4183248 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 10:36:33 +0100 4183248 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107955&cid=t_102896_175_f&fid=39258&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FInsidePaTraining%2F%7E3%2Fk117-PE8PuM%2Fpa-training-lecture-antibiotics Quick update: I’m back in my home state after a very fun, very exhausting trip to see one of my college classmates get married.  I’ll be home around 10 PM, with PA training classes back in session bright and early at 8AM.  Needless to say, I’ll need some caffeine.  The word is that we are [...] (Source: Inside PA Training) Inside PA Training blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107955 Tue, 12 Oct 2010 01:42:56 +0100 5107955 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3968979&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2F199782%2F Sick to Your Stomach: Researchers say that even gentle antibiotics seriously disrupt gut microbes, which have negative consequences on your health. (via Reuters) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3968979 Tue, 14 Sep 2010 16:40:04 +0100 3968979 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3959927&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdeveloping-new-antibiotics-thinking-beyond-bacteria-resistance%2F2010.09.11 Bacteria may be having a renaissance. Back in the days of the discovery of penicillin, doctors gleefully handed out antibiotics like they were candy and patients were more than happy to munch them down. They were quite effective too, but bacteria rapidly became resistant. Doctors and scientists worry that we are approaching a time where if we don’t come up with novel antibiotic mechanisms, we will face an epidemic of untreatable bacterial infections. MRSA, methicillin-resistant staphylcoccal auerus, is probably one of the biggest fears. John Rennie wrote about this issue in the PLoS blog The Gleaming Retort. He describes two strategies scientists are using to try to come up with new weapons in the great antibacterial war. So, naturally one of the first things they turned to was cockr... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3959927 Sat, 11 Sep 2010 18:00:08 +0100 3959927 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3890475&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Futi-and-eat-pray-love%2F2010.08.21 I really didn’t expect to like Eat, Pray, Love. In fact, since its publication in 2006, I’d been avoiding it like the plague. “Typical new-agey, Oprah-y, girly-book,” I thought. Nothing in it to speak to me. Then I saw the trailer for the movie, and I was hooked –- probably because I, like mostly everyone, love Julia Roberts. I immediately downloaded the book on my iPhone using the Kindle App and began to read. First, let me say that Elizabeth Gilbert writes exceptionally well, and the book is actually a joy to read. I, of course, loved the Italy eating part. But more surprising to me, I wasn’t turned off by the whole yoga, Guru, find-yourself stuff. This is because Gilbert writes it all with a reporter’s curiosity and a skeptic’s eye, and frames it not as a belief syst... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3890475 Sat, 21 Aug 2010 18:00:54 +0100 3890475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3862193&cid=t_102896_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fmn94xwkWAbU%2F Hello, everyone, nice to see you again. There is a cool and welcome breeze wafting across the Pharmalot corporate campus this morning. And so what better way to greet such inviting weather than with a steaming cup of stimulation? Please join us. Meanwhile, here are some tidbits from around your world. We hope your day is productive and pleasant, and do stay in touch… Indian Supplier Of Gelatin Capsules To Double Output (Bloomberg News) Former Sirtris Execs Sell Resveratol Anti-Aging Supplement Online (Xconomy) Medco And CVS Are Giving A Gene Test To Millions (Bloomberg News) Antibiotic Use Rises After Part D (MedPage Today) New Superbug From India Causes Alarm In The UK (PharmaTimes) FDA Panel Backs Epilepsy Drug From Glaxo And Valeant (Reuters) Sanofi And Genzyme In A Game Of Chicke... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3862193 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:07:49 +0100 3862193 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3831472&cid=t_102896_125_f&fid=37825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbibbynews.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F06%2Ftrustworthy-prescription-drug-information%2F Are you looking for reliable drug information, fast?  Here are some suggestions: If you are a URMC affiliate you have access to Micromedex, a clinical database that provides comprehensive drug summaries, drug comparisons,  images for easier identification, and allows you to look up drug interactions. To access, select the Micromedex link on the Bibby library [...] (Source: Bibby Library News and Tips) Bibby Library News and Tips blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3831472 Fri, 06 Aug 2010 17:03:33 +0100 3831472 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3737042&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fsummer-food-safety-how-to-keep-your-bbq-guests-alive%2F2010.07.08 Legendary soul chef Charles Gabriel talks with Dr. Jon LaPook about food safety during the summer grilling months. Watch CBS News Videos Online  How To Survive The Summer Barbecue  My mother was very proud of the fact that none of her four children ever became sick from her cooking. While it’s true she may have erred on the side of overcooking the turkey, being spared food poisoning is yet another in the long list of gifts from my mom. Every year, about 76 million Americans develop illness from food, more than 325,000 are hospitalized, and about 5,000 die. The most common cause is contamination with bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella, and E. coli — though other organisms such as viruses and protozoa can also be culprits. As summer begins, I thought it woul... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3737042 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 22:00:35 +0100 3737042 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3714183&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fsummertime-acne-facts%2F2010.06.30 With blonde hair and big blue eyes, she looked like a young Betty Draper from Mad Men. My patient, Julie, had been faithfully treating her acne for months. Just when it was starting to clear up (in time for her senior photos) — wham! – red dots cropped up over her forehead and cheeks. What went wrong? Summertime. July can be the cruelest month for acne. Acne on the chest and back (bacne) and big, red pimples on your face can make going to the beach an embarrassing experience. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at The Dermatology Blog* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3714183 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 22:00:12 +0100 3714183 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3690807&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F7-ways-that-germs-can-be-good-for-you-and-why-you-should-think-twice-before-taking-antibiotics%2F Germs, especially bacteria, have a fairly tarnished reputation among health circles, but according to Martin Blaser, chairman of the department of medicine at New York University Medical School, we might actually need more of them. The former president of the Infectious Disease Society of America says that our use of antibiotics and antibacterial products has reduced the number of healthy bacteria in our digestive tracts, changing our digestion and contributing to the rise in obesity. According to an article from Forbes.com, he’s not the only one who thinks that bacteria could be a good thing: They’ve compiled a list of ways that germs can actually be good for you, backed up by research from several scientists: 1. Controlling Weight – According to research from Cornell Univer... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3690807 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 19:57:12 +0100 3690807 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3687100&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fherbal-remedy-for-uti-if-youre-a-lab-rat-maybe%2F2010.06.22 A patient came into the office the other day carrying a small clipping from a reputable women’s health newsletter touting new research on an herbal remedy for urinary tract infection. Having recurrent bladder infections, my patient naturally was wondering if this was something she should try. The article was entitled “Herbal Remedy Effective for Urinary Tract Infections” and began with this startling revelation: The common herbal extract forskolin can greatly reduce urinary tract infections and could potentially help antibiotics kill the bacteria that cause most bladder infections.  But the article advised that the “popular” remedy was not FDA approved for this indication, so you should “ask your doctor.” (more…) *This blog post was... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3687100 Tue, 22 Jun 2010 20:00:00 +0100 3687100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3640581&cid=t_102896_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fstreptomyces-book.html%23unique-entry-id-78 Paul Dyson (Institute of Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Swansea, UK) presents a new book on Streptomyces: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Streptomycetes are Gram-positive, high GC-content, sporulating bacteria found predominantly in soil. Streptomycetes are characterised by a complex secondary metabolism producing antibiotic compounds and other metabolites with medicinal properties. In recent years genomic studies, genomic mining and biotechnological approaches have been employed in the search for new antibiotics and other drugs.With contributions from some of the leading scientists in the field, this volume documents recent research and development in streptomycetes genomics, physiology and metabolism. With a focus on biotechnology and genomics, the book provides an excellent sour... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3640581 Sun, 06 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3640581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3603591&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Forganic-food-is-it-better-for-you%2F2010.05.27 In 1952 Martin Gardner, who just passed away this week at the age of 95, wrote about organic farming in his book Fads and Fallacies in the Name of Science. He characterized it as a food fad without scientific justification. Now, 58 years later, the science has not changed much at all. A recent review of the literature of the last 50 years shows that there is no evidence for health benefits from eating an organic diet. The only exception to this was evidence for a lower risk of eczema in children eating organic dairy products. But with so many potential correlations to look for, this can just be noise in the data. Another important conclusion of this systematic review is the paucity of good research into organic food –- they identified only 12 relevant trials. So while there is a lack of ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3603591 Thu, 27 May 2010 12:00:08 +0100 3603591 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3581735&cid=t_102896_125_f&fid=37825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbibbynews.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F19%2Fread-critical-summaries-of-systematic-reviews-from-the-ada%2F Wondering how medication effects orthodontic tooth movement? Or if antibiotics used at the time of implant placement prevent complications? Here is a way to get valid answers, fast; bookmark the American Dental Association’s Evidence Based Dentistry portal. In addition to its database of systematic reviews of oral health topics, the ADA provides one-page, concise, user-friendly [...] (Source: Bibby Library News and Tips) Bibby Library News and Tips blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3581735 Wed, 19 May 2010 13:55:45 +0100 3581735 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3552270&cid=t_102896_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2FVkx3BQ_zWmQ%2Fplaying_chicken_with_drug_resi.php Salmonella is an enteric pathogen that causes quite a lot of foodborne illness. I learned there were several species of Salmonella bacteria of which the cause of typhoid fever was called Salmonella typi. Spread via food and water it used to kill a lot of people in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Nowadays all Salmonella bacteria are considered to be different subspecies (serovars) of just one species, Salmonella enterica. There are more than 2500 of them, of which several routinely infect humans. Salmonella enteritidis is the most common form of foodborne bacterial infection (NB: many foodborne infections are of unknown agent and many are probably viral). Since the 19th century we've cleaned up the water supplies with disinfection and filtration and improved the food supplies. We can eve... Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3552270 Tue, 11 May 2010 11:39:11 +0100 3552270 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524087&cid=t_102896_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F02%2Fsunday-news-round-up-early-morning-tornado-siren-edition%2F Yikes – here in Nashville we’ve had some intense weather this weekend. I mean, it’s not every day that a portable classroom floats down the interstate. First, check out all of the great posts that were part of Blogging Against Disablism Day. Or maybe do that last, because you will be there for a while. I haven’t read them all, but one post I particularly liked was on the scrutiny of people who need painkilling medications. Info on the Children’s/Infants’ Tylenol, C/I Motrin, and children’s Zyrtec and Benadryl is online at http://www.mcneilproductrecall.com SB 529, the “OB/GYN Criminalization and Racial Discrimination Act” in Georgia (on race and abortion), was killed in committee. SisterSong has a press release [PDF] and Jodi Jacobson... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524087 Sun, 02 May 2010 12:56:19 +0100 3524087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3404023&cid=t_102896_125_f&fid=37825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbibbynews.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F25%2Fread-summaries-of-systematic-reviews%2F Wouldn’t it be nice if you could find all the systematic reviews pertaining to dentistry in one place?  You can! The American Dental Association (ADA)  Evidence Based Dentistry website includes a database of systematic reviews in oral health. The reviews may be found by searching the site or using the ADA’s drill down topic menu. Even [...] (Source: Bibby Library News and Tips) Bibby Library News and Tips blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3404023 Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:08:39 +0100 3404023 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3358924&cid=t_102896_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F12%2Fbmj-2010-vol-340-no-7743%2F Contents page Fade Fave: Presentation, pattern, and natural course of severe symptoms, and role of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance among patients presenting with suspected uncomplicated urinary tract infection in primary care: observational study Fade Skinny: To assess the natural course and the important predictors of severe symptoms in urinary tract infection and the effect of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Filed under: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Journals Tagged: Antibiotic Resistance, Antibiotics, Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Primary Care Trusts, Urinary Tract Infection (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3358924 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:15:17 +0100 3358924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3338336&cid=t_102896_125_f&fid=37825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbibbynews.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F05%2Fupdated-list-of-iphone-apps-for-dentistry%2F The following is a list of iPhone applications pertaining to dentistry: (updated March 5, 2010) 3D Teeth ($1.99): General information about teeth and mouth, shown in 3D. Information on dental caries, dental disease, implants and dental care. 3D Head and Neck Skeleton System: Concentrates on the bones of the head and neck. Allows user to zoom in and [...] (Source: Bibby Library News and Tips) Bibby Library News and Tips blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3338336 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:19:26 +0100 3338336 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3178742&cid=t_102896_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2F16%2Fthe-lancet-2009-volume-375-issue-9710%2F Contents Page Fade Fave: Adjustment of dosing of antimicrobial agents for bodyweight in adults Fade Skinny: The consideration of body size characteristics of patients is essential for the optimisation of drug therapy in specialties such as oncology, haematology, anaesthetics, critical care, and paediatrics. However, for most widely used antimicrobial agents, dosing recommendations in adults do not take into account adjustment to body size measures. (Print Subscription Held by the Fade Library) Posted in Current Awareness, Journals Tagged: Antibiotics, Current Awareness, Infection Control, Journals, Obesity (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3178742 Sat, 16 Jan 2010 11:24:04 +0100 3178742 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3149202&cid=t_102896_129_f&fid=36036&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fkelly-building-a-crohns-disease-community%2Fcrohns-book-club-january-edition%2F Happy 2010!  I can’t believe that we are in 2010 already,  time really flies. I should not have written in my last blog about how well I was doing because I got sick that very same night!   I picked up a stomach bug and on top of that had a sinus infection.  I am now taking antibiotics.   So, I have started my New Year off with a blast; sick as a dog.  But, it is getting better now.  I just need to work on gaining the weight back that I lost from being sick.  I was already getting kind of low with my weight and then I lost another three or four pounds on top of that because I’m sick.  I may try drinking Ensure for weight gain again to see if it still bothers me or not. For those of you new to this Crohn’s blog we decided not long ago that we would create a book club since ... Life with Crohn's blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3149202 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 21:24:40 +0100 3149202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3146210&cid=t_102896_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FbsaOZgGu3as%2F Feeding antibiotics to livestock is a double-edged sword - animals grow faster, but develop drug-resistant infections passed on to people. And the ongoing overuse has led to infections that killed more than 65,000 people in the US last year, the Associated Press reports. And 70 percent of the 35 million pounds of antibiotics used last year went to pigs, chickens and cows. Worldwide, it’s 50 percent. “This is a living breathing problem, it’s the big bad wolf and it’s knocking at our door,” Vance Fowler, an infectious disease specialist at Duke University, tells the AP. “It’s here. It’s arrived.” America’s farmers give livestock about 8 percent more antibiotics each year, usually to heal lung, skin or blood infections. But 13 percen... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3146210 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:36:45 +0100 3146210 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3063229&cid=t_102896_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F07%2Fjournal-of-the-american-medical-association-2009-vol-302-no-21%2F This article reports on a study of 13796 patients presenting on a single day (May 27 2007) in more than 1200 ICUs across 75 countries. The study known as EPIC II (Extended Prevalance of Infection in the ICU) revealed several noteworthy insights into the current practice patterns of antibiotic use and infection risks in ICU patients. Posted in Current Awareness, Journals Tagged: Antibiotic Resistance, Antibiotics, Infection, Intensive Care, Prevalence, Risks (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3063229 Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:51:12 +0100 3063229 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3018956&cid=t_102896_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F23%2Fscreening-cant-hurt-can-it%2F The next Grand Rounds is hosted by How To Cope With Pain and, not surprisingly, the main theme will therefore be pain. Now, I had a personal story in mind on the downside of testing, but I didn’t have a good title that fit the theme. Till, this Saturday when I a saw a perfect [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3018956 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:45:56 +0100 3018956 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2981363&cid=t_102896_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FEqTtqwEQtxg%2F An FDA advisory committee last month discussed the possibility of outsourcing decisions about previously approved antibiotics to a group called the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, or CLSI, a nonprofit that promotes the use of standards in health care. And Rosa DeLauro, a Connecticut Congresswoman who chairs a House subcommittee that appropriates money to the agency, worries the FDA will actually do so, The Wall Street Journal writes. “It is very troubling that the agency would consider outsourcing an essential function,” DeLauro wrote in a letter this week to FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg, according to the paper. Antibiotic makers are supposed to review their drug annually to make sure labels still reflect current info about effectiveness against a particular b... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2981363 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:38:33 +0100 2981363 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2875960&cid=t_102896_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F09%2Fswine-flu-clinical-package-2%2F Title: Swine flu clinical package Skinny: A  set of tools for use by frontline healthcare professionals, in severe and exceptional circumstances, during a pandemic situation. This revised version has been updated to reflect changes in the guidance on the use of empirical antibiotics and on oseltamivir prescribing in young children. The package has also been revised and redesigned to clarify the circumstances in which it should be used. Publisher: DH Size of Publication: 15p Published: 07/10/2009 Posted in Grey Literature, Influenza, NHS, Pandemic Tagged: Antibiotics, Children, Grey Literature, H1N1, Infants, Influenza, Pandemic, Prescribing, Tamiflu (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2875960 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:19:36 +0100 2875960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2862447&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fget-smart-about-antibiotics-week-oct-5-11%2F No – you shouldn’t take antibiotics because you have a cold. And no, you don’t automatically need antibiotics for a sore throat either. No, antibiotics aren’t harmless. What do you need antibiotics for? Bacterial infections and bacterial infections only. Seriously folks – use of antibiotics today has gotten so out of control that now we have super-bugs that are stronger than us. They can beat us because we don’t have a medicine that can beat them. And, if other bacteria end up mutating to the point that they can’t be killed by our antibiotics either, then we’re in big trouble. And that’s no joke. Most people have heard about how antibiotics were invented. Penicillin, the first antibiotic, was discovered by scientist Alexander Fleming, a... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2862447 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 06:52:59 +0100 2862447 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2807881&cid=t_102896_150_f&fid=38374&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FePharmaSummit%2F%7E3%2FR7IqRipWckY%2Fonline-perscriptions-present-growing.html (Source: ePharma Summit) ePharma Summit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2807881 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:17:00 +0100 2807881 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796518&cid=t_102896_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2Fv8t1S7uqjcE%2F If you’ve had a child who had ear infections, you know just how bad they can be. And, as a parent, it’s difficult to watch your child suffering from the ear pain. Ear infections are surprisingly common. In Canada, 75% of children will have at least one ear infection before they reach their first birthday. Usually, a suspected ear infection meant a trip to the doctor’s and a prescription for an antibiotic. This may not be so automatic now as the Canadian Pediatric Society is recommending a watch-and-wait approach in healthy children who are older than 6 months. There are a few reasons for this new approach. 1 – When first examining a child and discovering the ear infection, it’s not immediately obvious if the infection is caused by a bacteria or a virus. Theref... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796518 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:53:20 +0100 2796518 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2725170&cid=t_102896_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FmAHdOFzlaMI%2F Antibiotics are normally used to treat the wide variety of bacterial infections, however they are ineffective against viruses (like the flu and colds) and fungal infections. And while genetic diseases can be treated with therapy and proper management, the gene will always be defective. AND, antibiotics are not known or normally used to treat genetic defects. Well, this antibiotic may be the exception. Israeli scientists have modified a potent antibiotic that may allow it to treat cystic fibrosis and other genetic diseases caused by “stop mutations”. The anti-bacterial antibiotic gentamicin is one of the highly toxic antibiotics called aminoglycosides that  doctors only use when less powerful drugs prove ineffective. but gentamicin is extremely toxic and lethal when taken long te... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2725170 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:14:00 +0100 2725170 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2719686&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=35049&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nakedmedicine.com%2Fwhich-side-are-you-really-on-jane-chin I received what is probably the most passionate email from a reader of this blog that I’ve ever gotten since creating NakedMedicine.com in 2006. The email concludes with this: I can’t figure out what your agenda is Ms Chin. Are siding with the poor hard working physicians who are fighting a losing battle with their idiot patient’s lifestyles? Are you siding with the tirelessly industrious pharmaceutical scientists who are selflessly dedicating their efforts to cure our ills? Are you siding with the poor neglected suffering individuals who are bravely pushing onward in their lives, struggling with disease, possible disease, possible pandemics, or just plain plainness requiring cosmetic medicine? Doctors, business, persons, for whom are you advocating? I was shocked by the ... NAKEDMEDICINE.COM blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2719686 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 04:42:29 +0100 2719686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2719659&cid=t_102896_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F20%2Fbmj-2009-vol-339-no-7717%2F content page Title: Effect of using an interactive booklet about childhood respiratory tract infections in primary care consultations on reconsulting and antibiotic prescribing: a cluster randomised controlled trial Skinny: Pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial which sets out to establish whether an interactive booklet on respiratory tract infections in children: reduces reconsultation for the same illness episode reduces antibiotic use affects future consulting intentions maintains parental satisfaction with care 61 general practices in Wales and England were involved in the trial, with 558 participants aged from 6 months to 16 years.   (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Posted in Athens Password, Children, E-Journals, Prescribing, Respiratory D... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2719659 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:22:09 +0100 2719659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2715895&cid=t_102896_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F19%2Fjournalof-the-american-medical-association-2009-vol-302-no-7%2F In conclusion, overall antibiotic prescription rates for ARTI decreased, associated with fewer OM visits in children younger than 5 years and with fewer prescriptions for ARTI for which antibiotics are rarely indicated. However, prescription rates for broad-spectrum antibiotics increased significantly. An NHS Athens password is required to access this article Posted in Current Awareness, Journals Tagged: Antibiotics, Otitis Media, Respiratory Diseases, Respiratory Medicine, United States (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2715895 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:23:26 +0100 2715895 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2702402&cid=t_102896_125_f&fid=37825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbibbynews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F14%2Fpediatric-dental-residents-and-faculty%2F The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has updated the following policies and guidelines: Vending Machines in School Use of Dental Bleaching for Child and Adolescent Patients Infection Control Infant Oral Health Care Periodicity of Examination,Preventive Dental Services, Anticipatory Guidance, and Oral Treatment for Children Fluoride Therapy Use of Local Anesthesia for Pediatric Dental Patients Use of Nitrous Oxide for Pediatric Dental [...] (Source: Bibby Library News and Tips) Bibby Library News and Tips blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2702402 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:06:15 +0100 2702402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2630151&cid=t_102896_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2FVxfJg5saVx8%2Fpork_producers_resist_resistin.php The National Pork Producers Council didn't like swine flu being called swine flu. Bad for business. So we now call it 2009 H1N1 or some such thing. It's totally swine-origin, but hey, if Lord Agribusiness doesn't like it, that's that. Same thing with antibiotic resistant bacteria, like methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus ("MRSA"; best source on the net Maryn McKenna's blog). The Pork Council doesn't want anyone to die of MRSA. They just don't want it associated with their product, even though a Dutch strain associated with pigs is now spreading in the US (and infecting people). Some of MRSA is swine-origin. But not all of it. The National Pork Producers Council has plenty of company. Or companies. And they are pretty upset by the Obama Administration's announced desire to ban use... Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2630151 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:51:49 +0100 2630151 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2588195&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=36069&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffrankiespeakingfrankly.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fswine-flu-recuperation.html Today I feel better. Yesterday after posting that I was on the mend I then seemed to take a turn for the worse - my temperature started to rise again, I developed pain across one side of my chest, started to sweat a lot and sensed my cough was changing into something maybe worse. So after 10 days of fighting this thing and feeling completely exhausted, I accepted it was about time to start antibiotics since my infection was likely turning bacterial. I started to read about pneumonia and decided I didn't want to take the risk.I then started to worry about my father who seemed worse than myself and not really getting better either. I called my mother and insisted that she call the doctor the next morning whether he agreed or not. My father, in the typical British manner, prefers to struggle ... Frankie Speaking Frankly blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2588195 Thu, 09 Jul 2009 21:22:00 +0100 2588195 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2576506&cid=t_102896_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F07%2Fpostgraduate-medical-journal-2009-vol-85-no-1005%2F content page Title: Prescribing antibiotics for sore throat: adherence to guidelines in patients admitted to hospital The Skinny: Finds that adherence to guidelines for prescribing antibiotics in patients with features of group A β-haemolytic streptococcal sore throat is poor. Recommends that information support may help to improve prescribing. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Posted in Current Awareness Tagged: Antibiotics, Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Guidelines, Prescriptions, Streptococcal Infections (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2576506 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:19:36 +0100 2576506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2452953&cid=t_102896_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fit-takes-guts-to-live-with-chronic-pain%2F No, I’m not referring to intestinal fortitude, although that’s a handy virtue to have if you have to live with daily pain. I am referring to the “real thing.” Inside each of us are yards of intestines which do a job for us that we often take for granted; at least until we run into trouble. As a nurse I’ve experienced each and every aspect of the subject of guts, from beginning to end, if you know what I mean. There was even one very memorable experience when I was working alone in a small Emergency Room and a young father came in, clutching his toddler son to his white shirt and tie only to reveal the child’s intestines were hanging out. A hernia repair had come undone. It was amazing how clean the intestines can be. It was an alarming experience, especi... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2452953 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:35:27 +0100 2452953 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441537&cid=t_102896_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencebase.com%2Fscience-blog%2Fcurious-x-shooter-antibiotics.html A sneak preview of my spectroscopyNOW ezine headlines for June 1: Bi-curious microcylinders - A team in the US has produced micrometre-wide discs and elongated rods from bi-coloured and multicoloured compartments. The composite materials could have novel applications in diagnostics, drug delivery, and a new type of display technology. X-shooter snap the cosmos - The European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope now has an X-shooter, a second-generation spectroscopic instrument that can record the entire spectrum of a celestial object in a single shot - from the ultraviolet to the near-infrared - with high sensitivity. This unique new instrument will be particularly useful for the study of distant exploding objects known as gamma-ray bursts. Attacking antibiotics - The crystal ... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441537 Fri, 29 May 2009 15:00:46 +0100 2441537 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441092&cid=t_102896_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F05%2F28%2Freporters-perpetuate-some-imprecision-the-tennessean-and-antibiotics-vs-oral-contraceptives%2F Today’s Tennessean (Nashville newspaper) has an article, “Doctors Perpetuate Some Myths,” which treats us to such ground-breaking knowledge as the fact that bacteria and viruses make you sick, not going out in the cold, and you won’t necessarily drown if you swim less than an hour after eating. Shocking, I know. And it never quite gets around to describing how doctors might be actively perpetuating any of these myths, rather than their just existing as part of the collective, erroneous consciousness. An insightful piece on evidence-based medicine it’s not. Aside from these generalities, the article contains the following statement: Birth control pills don’t work as well if you’re on antibiotics. – A review by the American Academy of Family Ph... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441092 Thu, 28 May 2009 14:46:37 +0100 2441092 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2367337&cid=t_102896_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F04%2F25%2Fmanagement-of-acute-diarrhoea-and-vomiting-due-to-gastoenteritis-in-children-under-5%2F Title: Management of acute diarrhoea and vomiting due to gastoenteritis in children under 5 Source: NICE The Skinny: Applies to children younger than 5 years who present to a healthcare professional for advice in any setting. It covers diagnosis, assessment of dehydration, fluid management, nutritional management and the role of antibiotics and other therapies. It provides recommendations on the advice to be given to parents and carers, and also considers when care should be escalated - from home management through to hospital admission. The guideline will assume that prescribers will use a drug’s summary of product characteristics to inform their decisions for individual patients. Documents For healthcare professionals: CG84 Diarrhoea and vomiting in children under 5: NICE guidelin... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2367337 Sat, 25 Apr 2009 05:59:32 +0100 2367337 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2353944&cid=t_102896_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fearth-day-improving-the-environment-and-your-health%2F April 22 is celebrated every year as Earth Day and this year I’d like to encourage you to think about changing your diet in ways that would benefit both your health and the health of the environment. And I can think of no better way than to follow the precepts set forth by Michael Pollan, Professor of Journalism at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism, and the director of the Knight Program in Science and Environmental Journalism, and author of the excellent book In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto, which I highly recommend. Mr. Pollan summarizes his philosophy in seven words: Eat food Not too much Mostly plants I’ll explain his idea more fully in a minute, but first I’ve got to tell you why you should change your diet. First, we know that four of... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2353944 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:54:09 +0100 2353944 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2348164&cid=t_102896_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2FkxNcmEb3hKw%2Forgies_and_antibiotic_resistan.php When a small body of water, say a slow flowing creek or water in a drainage ditch, "goes septic" it starts to stink, often giving off a rotten egg odor (hydrogen sulfide, H2S). This isn't a sign that the water is polluted in the chemical sense of toxic materials. It means that so much organic matter has entered the water that the bacteria there have gone on a food orgy. The initial gluttons are aerobic bugs that need oxygen as a final electron acceptor to generate energy for their needs. When the feasting aerobes use up all the oxygen they die and are replaced by a new set of diners, the anaerobes. These guys can keep eating even without oxygen because they know how to use another common electron acceptor, sulfates, turning them into H2S. Hence the stink. The reason stagnant pools or slow ... Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2348164 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:13:26 +0100 2348164 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2341979&cid=t_102896_155_f&fid=36522&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpathtalk%2F%7E3%2FYVGfYCYetao%2F596 Bonnie Bassler from Princeton’s Department of Molecular Biology spoke at a recent TED conference on mechanisms of bacterial communication. She explained her group’s discovery that bacteria commnuicate with one another using special “quorum-sensing” molecules which allow them to act in unison, much as the cells in a multicellular organism do. Their discoveries allow for some interesting speculation about the origins of multicellular life (and, I think, of cooperative behaviors in general). This video is aimed at a lay audience, but is very well done. Click here to view the embedded video. Perhaps more relevant to pathology is that her group showed that the virulence of some bacterial species is at least partially controlled by this quorum-sensing system, and that dr... pathtalk.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2341979 Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:00:06 +0100 2341979 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2295065&cid=t_102896_129_f&fid=36036&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fkelly-building-a-crohns-disease-community%2Fmarch-check-in-how-is-your-crohns-today%2F Hello everyone!  In case you are new to my Crohn’s blog, I’ll explain the topic of today’s blog post.  Every month I like to check in with everyone to see how they have been doing with their Crohn’s disease.  It’s a nice place to congregate and share in the comment section. I will go first and tell you how I have been.   I am not too bad.  I have been sick for the last several weeks with a sinus infection but finally went to the doctor and started antibiotics.  I am feeling much better today.  I never know if I really have a sinus infection or not because my symptoms are never normal due to the prednisone I take for my Crohn’s disease which can mask the symptoms of infections and make it seem like it is less severe than it really is.  Sinus infections are very ... Life with Crohn's blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2295065 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:20:53 +0100 2295065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2138951&cid=t_102896_125_f&fid=37825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbibbynews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F01%2F27%2Flearn-about-the-link-between-heart-disease-and-oral-health%2F February is American Heart Month.  What does this have to do with dentistry?  Come to find out, alot! Research suggests a significant link between oral and cardiovascular health. In particular, periodontal health seems to play a major role.  Read what the American Academy of Periodontology has to say about periodontal disease and the heart. You may also [...] (Source: Bibby Library News and Tips) Bibby Library News and Tips blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2138951 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:21:20 +0100 2138951 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2134656&cid=t_102896_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2Fo02D7OfVP8I%2Fswine_and_mrsa.php The peanut butter/peanut paste ingredient based salmonella outbreak has been in the news lately and we've discussed it here (and here, here, here, here, here). There are now about 500 reported cases and six deaths. That's a case fatality ratio of just over 1%. So what if there were a disease outbreak of 100,000 cases with a case fatality ratio of 20%? I think we'd be pretty alarmed. But it happened in 2005. And it happened in 2006 and 2007 and last year, 2008 And it's happening, now, too. It isn't salmonella or or even HIV/AIDS, although it is estimated to kill more people in the US than both put together. It is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), the difficult to treat antibiotic resistant bacterial infection sometimes called a killer superbug. Originally associated with h... Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2134656 Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:18:10 +0100 2134656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2092711&cid=t_102896_97_f&fid=35606&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theangriestpharmacist.com%2F2009%2F01%2F09%2Fffa-fuck-free-antibiotics%2F This shit pisses me off to no end — free f.ing antibiotics. http://www.schnucks.com/pharmacyprogram.asp#faq As if we could devalue our pharmacists any more. I’m barely allowed to vaccinate (I have to do it per protocol and be within 50 miles of my collaborative) — yet an LPN fresh out of a 2-year technical school can stick a needle in someone without reservation. I’m not allowed to make any sort of professional judgement on a prescription. If a doctor writes a prescription for Amoxicillin 501mg, I have to call and verify it with that 2-year technical school graduate LPN. In some states (i.e. Rod Blagojevich’s Bribin’ Bungalo), pharmacists aren’t even allowed the professional courtesy of prescription denial. Meaning, if a doctor writes for a lethal ... The Angriest Pharmacist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2092711 Sat, 10 Jan 2009 02:09:23 +0100 2092711 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2046728&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fgeepeemum-tells-it-as-it-is-antibiotics.html Lot of bad colds around at the moment. I have got one myself. The worst thing is trying to fight off the idiots who demand antibiotics.  A GP and mother puts it as it is for most of us at this time of year. Antibiotics do not cure snot. Please, PLEASE stop pressurising us to prescribe inappropriately. (Source: NHS Blog Doctor) NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2046728 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 23:24:00 +0100 2046728 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1996760&cid=t_102896_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F466119330%2F The agency sent Johnson & Johnson and its partner, Basilea, a so-called complete response letter that mentions a bunch of problems, or what Basilea calls “specific deficiencies of study conduct.” In other words, the FDA wants additional audits of clinical trial sites for Ceftobiprole, a broad-based spectrum antibiotic to treat the deadly MRSA superbug. What went wrong? There was a failure to ensure proper monitoring of the studies. And so the FDA wants info on clinical quality assurance programs and also asked for a new audit plan that addresses failures in monitoring by unnamed contract research organizations. In a statement, Basilea says the FDA is unable to review the clinical data until “issues of data integrity have been resolved.” Ceftobiprole is approved... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1996760 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:00:08 +0100 1996760 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1960523&cid=t_102896_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fdental-anesthesia-reversal-drug-2%2F This February at the Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, Novalar will introduce a drug that reverses the effects of dental anesthesia injections. OraVerse will come in prepackaged inserts for syringes, and it will cost about $12.50 per injection. Patients who dislike the lingering numbness caused by anesthesia will enjoy prompt reversal of the sensation, up to 80 minutes faster than without OraVerse. While the medication was approved by the FDA in May 2008, packaging concerns prevented Novalar from introducing OraVerse at the San Antonio ADA conference in October 2008. How will OraVerse do in the market? Surveys show a strong interest in the drug, and about 30% of responding dentists say they’ll offer OraVerse. Novalar doesn’t expect insurance to cover the medication, bu... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1960523 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:28:19 +0100 1960523 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1939860&cid=t_102896_129_f&fid=36036&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Flife-with-crohns%2Fkelly%2Fcrohns-disease-and-cruises-a-recipe-for-love%2F We are back from our 10-year anniversary cruise, and we are so in love! Really, it was nice spending some quality time together and having no other responsibilities. We get along really well - especially when there are no chores to fight about. The cruise was okay. I was nauseous from the boat rocking - even with the patch on. The seas were not calm at all, and there was some bad weather every now and then. We had too many days at sea, and we are not really casino players or lay-in-the sun kind of people. We liked the shows at night, and I really liked the dinners. Before the cruise, I had contacted Carnival Cruise Lines asking if they could support my diet. They sent me some forms to fill out explaining my medical condition and my requirements. I wrote that I could not tolerate pepper or ... Life with Crohn's blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1939860 Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:20:14 +0100 1939860 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1917883&cid=t_102896_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2F434635798%2Fantibiotic_resistant_bugs_at_t.php Most people know that a good place to pick up an antibiotic resistant infection is in a hospital. Lots of pathogenic bugs there living (often) happily in a sea of antimicrobial agents. Better to stay away from hospitals, somewhere nice. But apparently, not at the beach: Read the rest of this post... | Read the comments on this post... (Source: Effect Measure) Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1917883 Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:47:56 +0100 1917883 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2382475&cid=t_102896_107_f&fid=38577&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbiosingularity.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F10%2F20%2Fnew-class-of-antibiotics-may-lead-to-therapy-for-drug-resistant-tuberculosis%2F Researchers are hot on the trail of a whole new class of broad-spectrum antibiotics, according to a new report in the October 17th issue of the journal Cell, a Cell Press publication. The discovery holds promise at a time when a quarter of all deaths worldwide are the result of bacterial infectious diseases, and yet more [...] (Source: Biosingularity) Biosingularity blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2382475 Mon, 20 Oct 2008 23:51:00 +0100 2382475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1792038&cid=t_102896_125_f&fid=37825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbibbynews.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F09%2F15%2Fnew-systematic-review-dental-prophylaxis-in-patients-with-arthroplasty%2F Do antibiotics before invasive dental procedures prevent infections in patients who have had arthroplasties of the hip or knee? This was a question posed by researchers at the University of Geneva Hospital, in Geneva, Switzerland. These authors systematically reviewed the PubMed database, for articles related to the development of infection following invasive dental procedures in patients [...] (Source: Bibby Library News and Tips) Bibby Library News and Tips blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1792038 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:34:30 +0100 1792038 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1668485&cid=t_102896_107_f&fid=35026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fphylogenomics.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fbest-time-to-appreciate-open-access.html Well, I have been out sick for a while. But I am now finally apparently getting better. Thanks to the work of scientists who have developed multiple classes of antibiotics. Anyway, more on that later. While I was out sick I spent a lot of time searching the web for information about nasty, cellulitis causing antibiotic resistant bacterial infections. And I was researching some other health related issues that may have contributed to my getting such an infection. Here are some tidbits I learned during this forced homecation.Complete OA still a long way off. One thing I re-learned during this was that it is incredibly frustrating to see how much of the biomedical literature is still not freely available online. Shame on Elsevier and all the others who are still hoarding this important inform... The Tree of Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1668485 Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100 1668485 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1655675&cid=t_102896_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F345588340%2F The European Medicines Agency recommends restricting the use of antibiotics based on moxifloxacin because of the potential risk of liver damage, and also wants strengthened warnings. (EMEA statement). The EMEA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use concluded at a meeting this month that the benefits continue to outweigh its risks, but due to safety concerns, the CHMP says oral antibiotics containing moxifloxacin should only be prescribed for acute bacterial sinusitis, acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis and community-acquired pneumonia when other antibiotics cannot be used or have failed. The CHMP opinion will now be forwarded to the European Commission to apply to all oral moxifloxacin-containing medicines authorized in the European Union. The move comes shortly after the... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1655675 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:52:20 +0100 1655675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1645588&cid=t_102896_86_f&fid=34468&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbrowsing.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fput-those-antibiotics-down.html Heard on the radio news this morning that doctors are being told not to prescribe antibiotics for coughs and colds - nothing new there, I thought. This turns out to be a new NICE guideline on respiratory tract infections. The BBC reports NICE as saying that this is the first practical guideline to help practitioners to decide when to prescribe, and indeed, the quick reference guide to the guideline does give a care pathway to help doctors assess the person sitting in front of them.The NICE guidance - full guidance and quick reference guide, and things for patients, is here and I shall be expecting it to make an appearance in our EBP sessions with medical students early next year (assuming we don't change the subject). (Source: Browsing) Browsing blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1645588 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:44:00 +0100 1645588 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1616165&cid=t_102896_107_f&fid=35026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fphylogenomics.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fdo-you-get-permission-to-engineer-your.html Well, lots of researchers manipulate microbes in various ways in the lab. They delete genes. They make mutants They insert genes. Sometimes, they insert antibiotic resistance genes to help with the genetic manipulations they are doing.Do researchers always think about the potential risks of what they are doing? Well, probably not. Most of the time that is OK as the risks are negligible. But some of the time, there are real risks to consider. One example of a real risk is the introduction into some pathogen of genes encoding a form of antibiotic resistance not seen normally in that pathogen. If that strain escapes from the lab, it could, in theory, spread into the real world and make treating infections by that pathogen more difficult.All Things Considered had a very interesting story on "... The Tree of Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1616165 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:00:00 +0100 1616165 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1605820&cid=t_102896_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F07%2F10%2Finnovative-mechanisms-for-tackling-antibacterial-resistance%2F , from the Royal Society criticises policies that only focus on infection control measures and restrictions on antibiotic use.   It warns that the fight against some superbugs and other bacteria is in danger of returning to a pre-antibiotic era’ due to increasing resistance to medicines.  The report highlights the need for a sustained commitment to research and development to deliver new diagnostic tools for early identification of infections and new treatments. Key improvements suggested in the report include: A more realistic market valuation needs to be put on antibacterials to reflect the fact that they are life-saving drugs The need to create regulatory conditions that will encourage venture capitalists and biotech companies as well as pharmaceutical companies to invest in a... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1605820 Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:50:30 +0100 1605820 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1475783&cid=t_102896_93_f&fid=36982&url=http%3A%2F%2Fprep4md.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fstudent-friendly-antibiotics-lecture.html These days I am studying for my pharmacology final exam. The exam will cover CNS, GI, Antimicrobial, Respi, Endocrine, ...The part that I have been having especially hard time with is the antibiotics part. Coincidentally, I came across this slides lecture on the USMLE252 blog (a new blog that I have been planning on introducing but I just had no time). I found the presentation very helpful, simple, and easy to follow, and most importantly student friendly.If you still don't have your antibiotics mastered, do have a look at it!To visit the blog Click Here (Source: My M.D. Journey!) My M.D. Journey! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1475783 Thu, 29 May 2008 03:57:00 +0100 1475783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1414901&cid=t_102896_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2008%2F5%2F2%2Fco-evolution-a-case-of-biological-warfare.html By Dov Michaeli MD, Ph.DOne of the more fascinating aspects of evolution is the continuous “battle of the species”; one species trying to fend off the attack of another, parasitic species. It is a classic warfare of measure/counter-measure, not unlike modern warfare. But unlike human warfare, a successful parasite is not the one that kills its host—that would spell  the demise of the parasite; that would be self defeating, won't it? Success is defined as the capacity to live off the host, and efficiently spread to other individuals. The host, on the other hand, is successful if it can avoid being killed by the attack and keep the attacker in check. And so we can see a battle of adaptations: a parasite honing its “skills” so as to attack, but not kill... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1414901 Fri, 02 May 2008 03:46:12 +0100 1414901 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1331370&cid=t_102896_127_f&fid=34828&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrclouthier.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F03%2Fear-infections-in-children.html I decided I have to post on this because of what I see as an ever increasing trend in my office. This is the trend of placing children on repeated antibiotic use over the course of the first 3-5 years of life. This pattern appears to start early in life with medical/pharmaceutical intervention and continues on a path of health decline over the next few years. Below I will describe the first five years of life that I see these young children experiencing. You might see your child or a friend or family members child in this same situation. My goal in practice is to reverse this trend so that children can live a happy drug free life that is full of activity and happiness. Below is the first five years pattern in the child that is pharmaceutically or medically treated. This doesn't hold for al... Dr. Steve Clouthier blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1331370 Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:22:00 +0100 1331370 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1304972&cid=t_102896_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F251616704%2Fantibiotics_not_always_best_ch.html Dr. Jim Young of University Hospital Basel, Switzerland believes that a recent study he led shows that doctors often have difficulty discerning between sinus infections that can be cured by antibiotics and those that can't.Due to the increased resistance to antibiotics, Young has suggested that they not be used... (Source: PharmaGazette) PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1304972 Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:00:21 +0100 1304972 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1232039&cid=t_102896_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F234942413%2F After all the rain that fell on the nation’s medicine chest, the shining sun is a welcome sight here at the Pharmalot corporate campus. We apologize for what appears to be a later start than usual, but we were shuttling short people to various schools. Now, though, the time has come for a hot cup of coffee. We hope you’ll join us and, while you do, take a peek at a few items that should help you with your day… Smaller biotechnology companies are ready to take the lead away from big pharma in developing antibiotics that can take on a new generation of deadly superbugs, writes CNNMoney.com. Targanta Therapeutics just submitted its application to the FDA. Cethromycin from Advanced Life Sciences finished late-stage studies and is on track for FDA submission. Faropenem, from R... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1232039 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 13:01:03 +0100 1232039 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1179644&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2Fhoarse-race.html The antibiotic fight continues in health centres throughout the country. Despite wide media coverage of the dangers of overprescribing antibiotics, particularly broad spectrum antibiotics, public demand remains unabated. The pressure on doctors is enormous. Laryngitis is always a problem. The public think that laryngitis elevates the common cold into automatic antibiotic territory. It does not. But try to tell that to a school teacher. “My cold has turned in to laryngitis” is challenging enough. “My cold has turned into laryngitis and I am a school teacher" is pure heart sink. It is always so much more difficult to say “no”. Help is now at hand. From America, Kevin MD points me at an article in the Wall Street Journal:The Hoarse Race: When Candidates Lose Their VoicesHot water, l... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1179644 Sat, 26 Jan 2008 08:45:00 +0100 1179644 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1142365&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2Frebecca-smith-service-to-british.html This article overlooks a very serious overuse of antibiotics, and that's the use of massive amounts of them in animal feed and via direct administration......Now I know why I had to practically beg a doctor for antibiotics yesterday! After four weeks of investing in self- medication to alleviate every type of cold symptom, plus coughs, sore throats, pains in ears & swollen glands; decided to admit defeat & accept something stronger was required, if this infection was to be 'killed'! A trip to the docs was now called for...... My husband has been suffering for nine weeks with similar probs. The doctor made no attempt to listen to how long I'd been living with 'cold syptoms' or what they were, just say the word 'Cold' & the doc. knows what the system is... Cursary check of ears, ... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1142365 Thu, 10 Jan 2008 19:59:00 +0100 1142365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1067795&cid=t_102896_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F194459023%2Fdna_ecoy_used_to_fight_superbu.html Antibiotic development could be revolutionized by a new genetic decoy system according to British scientists.Scientist from the John Innes Centre stated that they have proven that by taking a short piece of DNA from a bacterium and delivering it within an existing antibiotic they could switch off drug resistance."The DNA sequence acts as a decoy, disrupting gene expression and blocking resistance," Michael McArthur of the Norwich-based institute said. "We are putting genetic information directly into drugs."The scientists have also patented a way of finding decoys in bacteria without knowing the genes involved. This could allow the development of effective new drugs against any bacterium within the next few years. The process would be interesting to pharmaceutical compa... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1067795 Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:00:40 +0100 1067795 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1033453&cid=t_102896_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F11%2F17%2Fvaccines-vs-antibiotics-which-is-better.html By Dov Michaeli MD, Ph.D In 1796 Dr. Edward Jenner performed an experiment that today would have got him expelled from his Medical Society, and maybe even landed them in jail. He vaccinated a boy against smallpox by pricking his arms with pus taken from the sores of a milkmaid with cowpox, a closely related but milder disease. He based this audacious experiment on his astute observation that milkmaids, who had been exposed to cowpox, never contracted smallpox. Let’s not forget what smallpox meant in those days—it meant an almost 100% chance of death. Could anybody have guessed that this observation would become the first harbinger of the field of Immunology? It took over 200 years before another vaccine was created; in 1914 a vaccine against whooping cough was introduced. But t... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1033453 Sat, 17 Nov 2007 07:17:29 +0100 1033453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1002551&cid=t_102896_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F179581234%2F Taking a drive in the country later? Plan on raking all those leaves? Going shopping with the kids? Paying bills? All of the above? Perhaps we left something out. But what better time to unwind than a weekend afternoon? Catch up on some events, though, before you get busy. And whatever you do later, we hope you enjoy the day… Lipitor may be getting squeezed by generic Zocor, Pfizer is not letting its flagship drug go down without a fight, The New York Times reports. The drugmaker has mounted a campaign that includes advertisements, lobbying efforts and a paid speaking tour by a former secretary of the federal Department of Health and Human Services. Pfizer is also promoting a study - which is questioned by many experts - that concluded UK patients who switched to simvastatin had more... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1002551 Sun, 04 Nov 2007 12:56:51 +0100 1002551 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=885444&cid=t_102896_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F158627171%2F Okay, so I had let everyone know over on my other blog, Diabetes Notes, about my crazy week, but I forgot to mention it over here. My lil’ one had surgery last Friday and she is having a very tough time. It seems that she has developed an infection at her surgery site, throat and nose. She is only 5, she has been such a trooper though! They changed her antibiotics around and drew some blood to double check that nothing went systemic, which I am sure it didn’t, but I feel so darn bad for my lil’ girl! I am hoping that life gets back to normal soon. I feel like it is always something! But I think with the new meds on board, we should turn the corner soon. So… I should be back in top form in the next day or so. Unfortunately, when you work and have kids something has t... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=885444 Wed, 19 Sep 2007 17:01:53 +0100 885444 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=838801&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F09%2F04%2Fis-a-cough-ever-just-a-cough%2F Filed under: Cancer SurvivorsHere's what might be a typical train of thought for someone surviving cancer. That someone, in this case, is me.I have been getting sicker and sicker for the past three days. Sore throat, sore ears, and a heavy head made me think at first it was some sort of sinus issue. Add a cough, a rumbling and painful chest, sore gums, chills and sweats, and a fever roaring past 102.8 and the worries start rolling in. I feel like I did twice before, just before I was admitted to the hospital with dipping white blood counts.The worst of it hit Friday night and since I just couldn't make myself sit in the ER for hours on end, I overstepped my boundaries, tracked down my hospital's on-call oncologist, and listed off my symptoms. Since my treatment for breast cancer concluded ... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=838801 Tue, 04 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0100 838801 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=825595&cid=t_102896_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2F147430651%2F Today’s topic is…yeast infections among diabetics, otherwise known as candidiasis. Now fellow women readers, and some men, I know you understand what a yeast infection is all about. Unpleasant indeed. But for those of you that have a puzzled look upon your face I will give you a brief run down. Our bodies have natural flora, and yeast is one of them. We carry yeast on our skin and in moist places, ie. mouth and vagina. I know I just said “that” word, but it’s okay, I’m a nurse. Typical Causes for yeast infections include the use of antibiotics, chemotherapy, suppressed immune systems, oral contraceptives and diabetes mellitus. Yes, it is true that diabetics have a larger pre-disposition for those nasty yeast infections, especially diabetics that do not ... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=825595 Thu, 23 Aug 2007 19:32:00 +0100 825595 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=810000&cid=t_102896_107_f&fid=36045&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbayblab.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F08%2Fstem-cell-delusion-are-they-still-stem.html On a previous episode of the bayblab podcast, I argued (rather poorly) that so-called mammalian "stem" cells are not so magical and deterministic as we think (ie they do not "exist"). Rather, I attempted to argue, the stem cell illusion is an emergent property of fundamental cell population dynamics and is even exhibited by the lowly unicellular prokaryotes, as exemplified by the phenomenon of bacterial persistence. A new PLOSone paper explores the theoretical basis of bacterial persistence as population bet-hedging:"Within a population of bacteria there exists a subgroup of cells that do not grow at the normal rate but exists in a quiescent, non-growing or slow-growing state. These cells are sometimes called persister cells [1], because they are able to persist in the face of catastrophic... Bayblab blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=810000 Fri, 17 Aug 2007 04:52:00 +0100 810000 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=650581&cid=t_102896_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscienceblogs.com%2Feffectmeasure%2F2007%2F06%2Fwhen_children_die_from_flu.php We know that the burden of mortality of seasonal influenza falls mainly on the older population but also can kill children and infants. In 2004 CDC started the Influenza-Associated Pediatric Mortality Surveillance System, itself part of a larger notifiable disease system. Its aim was to find out more about the pattern of influenza deaths in children. It is now bearing fruit. A recent surprise was the subject of a CDC Health Advisory, its middle level of broadcast health alerts: Read the rest of this post... | Read the comments on this post... (Source: Effect Measure) Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=650581 Fri, 01 Jun 2007 12:01:22 +0100 650581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=637990&cid=t_102896_123_f&fid=34883&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdenverpickles.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F05%2Feasy-or-hard.html Let's play "easy or hard." What would you do?1. Mom brings in a 2-year old girl. The girl has been having a green runny nose for three days. She has been running a low grade fever (under 100). She is eating (though not as much as usual), sleeping, and still playing. She also attends daycare. Physical exam reveals mild nasal congestion; lungs are clear, eardrums look normal. Do you:a) (Easy) prescribe amoxicillin for "sinusitis" so she can go back to day care and prevent mom from calling you in 3 days to say, "she's still not better!"b) (Hard) let mom know that green rhinorrhea does not necessarily mean a bacterial infection, particularly in an upper respiratory infection of a few days with no other significant symptoms (e.g., fever, lethargy, findings on physical exam); explain that antibi... Just Practicing blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=637990 Thu, 24 May 2007 17:40:00 +0100 637990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=612315&cid=t_102896_107_f&fid=35025&url=http%3A%2F%2Frrresearch.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F05%2Fcryptic-effects-of-antibiotics-and.html This morning we had a meeting with members of another lab to discuss progress on a shared project. There isn't as much progress as I had hoped, but at least we now know what still needs to be done and who will do it.The goal is to understand how gene expression changes when cells are exposed to antibiotics at concentrations so low they don't even slow growth of the cells, much less kill them ("sub-inhibitory concentrations"; abbreviated sub-MIC).The first part of the project was to use microarray analysis to compare the amount of mRNA produced by each gene, when cells were grown with and without sub-MIC of the antibiotics rifampicin and erythromycin. Rifampicin inhibits production of mRNA by RNA polymerase, and erythromycin inhibits production of protein by ribosomes. This work was begun b... RRResearch blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=612315 Thu, 17 May 2007 19:50:00 +0100 612315 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=588310&cid=t_102896_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F113866208%2Finteresting_finds_pharmarelate_6.html Check out these interesting blog entries, even pharmaceutical business blog readers will find them as informative as I did: Green Tea Compound May Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis Possible Obesity Pill Could be Link to Health New Prefilled Disposable Insulin Pen for LANTUS®: Lantus SoloStar®, FDA-Approved Cethromycin Found Effective Against Anthrax Veramyst Intranasal Corticosteroid Against Nasal and Eye AllergiesStay tuned for more about the pharma industry.    (Source: PharmaGazette) PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=588310 Thu, 03 May 2007 13:46:29 +0100 588310 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=582667&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F05%2Fcrippen-diaries-2007-week-18.html Not quite Emergency Ward 10Monday 30thAprilEric is 79. He is a widower. He lives alone. His daughter, who is married with two children, lives nearby. They are close.Eric has had osteoarthritis of his knees for many years. He also has dry macular degeneration and is registered as partially sighted. Finally, this year, the arthritis of his right knee became so intolerable that he had a knee replacement. The operation went well. He was discharged from hospital after a few days. He was more or less pain free within a few days and, all things considered, fairly mobile.So far so good.He presented last month with an irritating cough, which was causing sharp chest pain. He was a little short of breath, not dramatic, but enough to notice it when he walked upstairs. There was nothing to find in his ... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=582667 Tue, 01 May 2007 14:00:00 +0100 582667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=579299&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F04%2F30%2Frats-its-a-virus%2F Filed under: Type 1, Childhood, Lifestyle, Drugs, ResearchNo kidding! The rats are leading researchers to triggering events causing diabetes. The new findings suggest that there is, indeed, a genetic susceptibility to diabetes, but that the precipitating event is a viral infection. The virus in question is the Ljungan virus. Previous reports indicate that infections with the Ljungan virus can induce diabetes in laboratory rats, and that the diabetes can be reversed if the animals are treated with antiviral drugs before the destruction of insulin-secreting islet cells becomes widespread. I'm not sure how everybody else out there got their D-card. My diagnosing event happened shortly after I had the chicken pox, back in '85. The childhood christening event apparently left me out in the cold ... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=579299 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 579299 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=551515&cid=t_102896_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F109985160%2Flupins_novel_formulation_of_su.html The USFDA has approved Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s application for Suprax® (Cefixime for oral suspension 200mg/5ml). The new formulation is an extension of Lupin's flagship anti-infective brand Suprax® (Cefixime for oral suspension 100mg/5ml), a higher concentration formulation that will enable parents to administer fewer teaspoons per dose of the antibiotic to their children. (When using the novel dose, parents would need to administer only half the volume of the existing 100mg/5ml suspension.) According to Vinita Gupta, President, Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: "The approval of our Cefixime for oral suspension 200mg/5ml product allows us to increase our share of the cephalosporin oral suspension pediatric market. This market is currently valued at $625 Million (as ... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=551515 Wed, 18 Apr 2007 09:35:50 +0100 551515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=486708&cid=t_102896_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F102134315%2Fadvanced_life_sciences_cethrom.html The USFDA has granted an Orphan Drug Designation to cethromycin for the prophylactic treatment of patients exposed to inhalation anthrax. Cethromycin - a second generation ketolide antibiotic undergoing Phase III clinical trial for the treatment of respiratory tract infections – is Advanced Life Sciences' most advanced product candidate. Proven for the treatment of mild-to-moderate community acquired pneumonia (CAP), cethromycin is currently being tested in non-human primates to determine its potential efficacy for the prophylactic treatment of patients exposed to inhalation anthrax. According to Michael T. Flavin, Ph.D., chairman and chief executive officer of Advanced Life Sciences (Nasdaq: ADLS), commenting on the notice of designation: "We are very pleased to receive thi... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=486708 Fri, 16 Mar 2007 11:26:20 +0100 486708 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=728735&cid=t_102896_150_f&fid=35781&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.qdinformation.com%2Fqdisblog%2F2007%2F03%2F14%2Freplidyne-and-forest-end-collaboration-on-faropenem%2F I hadn’t commented on the fact that Replidyne and Forest Labs had ended their agreement for development of Faropenem. StockHouse.com : Replidyne and Forest End Faropenem Collaboration:Zoom structure This means Replidyne now has full rights to the drug in the US for adults and pediatric use. However, they must overcome the non-approvable letter they received back in Oct 2006 from the FDA. The FDA wanted to see additional clinical trials of a superiority design for acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS) and acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB). There were no safety or chemistry and manufacturing concerns. BTW, this drug has been approved in Japan since 1997. For those interested, here is the structure. including Technorati Tags: antibiotics, Faropenem, Replidyne Copyright © 2... QDIS Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=728735 Wed, 14 Mar 2007 15:05:20 +0100 728735 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=486715&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomensbioethics.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F03%2Ftoo-much-puppy-love.html When reviewing the various benefits packages for jobs I was recently applying to, I was surprised to discover that one company offered employees' pets full medical insurance coverage. Considering the pricey veterinarian visits for my new puppy, health insurance began to seem appropriate for him as well. Little Poochini insists on continually being the center of attention, requires a special diet, and is known to bark until his demands are satisfied. His playful disposition and constant presence lead me to forget that he is not an actual person; I think of him more as a little boy than a pet sometimes.A week ago Poochini had a urinary track infection, which required antibiotics to be crushed in his food twice a day. In the past several months, he has also been to the vet more than I have be... Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=486715 Tue, 13 Mar 2007 02:51:00 +0100 486715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=486724&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomensbioethics.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F03%2Ffda-set-to-ignore-advice-of-countless.html The following article from the Washington Post describes the FDA's plans to approve the use of cefquinome, a broad-spectrum, powerful "last-resort"-type antibiotic, to help our poor cows recover from respiratory infections that are mainly caused by the poor living conditions imposed upon them by industry standards.http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003599980_anti040.htmlNever mind that there are several other antibiotics available and already on the market to treat these infections. Never mind that several panels of experts, including the American Medical Association and their own internal review panel, cried foul against cefquinome's approval.Widespread use of cefquinome (yes, even in animals) will most certainly deal a potentially devastating blow to our ability to fight... Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=486724 Mon, 05 Mar 2007 04:25:00 +0100 486724 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=486641&cid=t_102896_87_f&fid=35049&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nakedmedicine.com%2F%3Fp%3D39 This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed 2 of 3 approved indications for the semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic telithromycin (Ketek, manufactured by sanofi-aventis). Ketek loses its indication for (1) acute bacterial sinusitis and (2) acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, often abbreviated as “ABECB”. Ketek remains approved for community acquired pneumonia of mild to moderate severity that is acquired outside of hospitals or long-term care facilities. (more…) (Source: NAKEDMEDICINE.COM) NAKEDMEDICINE.COM blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=486641 Thu, 15 Feb 2007 00:09:00 +0100 486641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=478836&cid=t_102896_123_f&fid=34883&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdenverpickles.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F01%2Fresistance-fall-of-man.html Right after the stomach bug made its way through the household (as described in The Circle of Bleccccccch), my wife came down with lower abdominal pain, suspicious for a UTI.(It's okay, I've received the necessary clearance to discuss this with you.)So I brought home a urine dipstick from the office, confirmed (+) leukocytes, and wrote her a prescription for ciprofloxacin for 3 days.Five days later, she was having back pain. Seems like the UTI bug fought the cipro and won, and was now moving on to the kidneys.I consulted my Sanford Guide, wrote a new prescription for bigger, badder Levaquin x 7d, and soon enough, we were good again.Last night, as the Levaquin started clearing her system, the back pain returned.We called her OB-GYN, who recommended a repeat urinalysis, this time with cultur... Just Practicing blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=478836 Sat, 27 Jan 2007 01:30:00 +0100 478836