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 'australia'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:49:52 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159834&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FOa5-_YVQ_fM%2F And so another working week is about to draw to a close. This is, of course, our signal to daydream about weekend plans. Our modest agenda includes shuttling one of our short people off to an institution of higher learning, catching up on some reading and then bracing for a hurricane. Big fun, as they say. And what about you? Will you be boarding windows? Evacuating the homestead? For those of you in other locales, perhaps this slow time of the year is ripe for a pleasant drive or an outdoor event. Whatever you do, enjoy and be safe. See you soon… UK Probes How Medications Were Switched (BBC) Cipla Seeks Partners, Not Divestitures (Pharma Times) Shire Wins Approval Of Anti-Swelling Drug (Bloomberg News) Surgical Mesh Devices Should Be Banned: Watchdog Group (Star-Ledger of NJ) FDA Ap... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159834 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 12:09:55 +0100 5159834 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159007&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FlD5PfDL0NK4%2F The Ship Song Project is a reworking of Cave's original work with individual lines sung/performed by the most prominent acts to feature at the Sydney Opera House over 2010/2011. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159007 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 01:36:36 +0100 5159007 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069483&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FQjFJJAGGWqo%2F Sim Wars is coming to Australia... Find out what its all about and enter your team to chase the glory at www.acem2011.com (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069483 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 09:34:12 +0100 5069483 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062501&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FBxxWwaHNRcQ%2F Hello, everyone. How was your weekend? We apologize for the delay this morning but the Pharmalot corporate campus was without juice, so we have had to switch to our Red Alert mode. We trust you understand. To cope, we are downing unusually large cups of stimulation. Meanwhile, here are some tidbits. And the usual flow of interesting items will soon appear. Have a great day… Bayer’s Xarelto Bloodthinner Matched Warfarin In Safety Study (Bloomberg News) FDA Rejects J&J’s Simponi For Additional Use (Associated Press) Prescription Drug Prices To Plunge As Patents Expire (Associated Press) Medicis CEO In The Spotlight After Deaths At His Mansion (Los Angeles Times) Express Scripts Deal With Medco Could Pressure Pharma (Dow Jones) Lupin And Medicis Sign R&D Agreement ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062501 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:48:52 +0100 5062501 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028239&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FJzcJ0iXgn6M%2F A real case highlighting the challenges of managing the critically ill obstetric patient in remote regions of Australia. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028239 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 07:00:23 +0100 5028239 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984692&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F4EOKZajubgA%2F An exclusive delivery arrangement that Pfizer began in Australia earlier this year appears to have unraveled as hundreds of pharmacists are complaining they are not receiving supplies and, consequently, patients are being forced to wait days for urgently needed meds. In one case, a patient landed in the hospital, The Sydney Morning Herald writes. A report commissioned by wholesalers argues that, by becoming the sole distributor of its meds, Pfizer imperils the distribution system, which is backed by $180 million in federal subsidies. Many pharmacists want the arrangement scrapped, according to the National Pharmaceutical Services Association, which represents two of the three wholesalers. ”We have been overwhelmed with hundreds of responses from pharmacists sharing the same concerns,... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4984692 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 15:40:40 +0100 4984692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4952855&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FlsVr9tmLC6U%2F LITFL's first 'Postcard from the Edge', a series highlighting the emerging field of International Emergency Medicine, features Australian IEM trailblazer Associate Professor Chris Curry. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4952855 Fri, 17 Jun 2011 08:26:44 +0100 4952855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934174&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FwtkDNQWHJKA%2F I’ve always thought ‘GP proceduralist’ is a very understated term for people who should really be considered the ‘MacGyvers of medicine’. GP proceduralists in remote Australia are what most doctors were maybe eighty years ago — and what most of us dreamed of being when we went into medical school: having a baby? They’ll deliver [...] (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934174 Sun, 12 Jun 2011 00:00:45 +0100 4934174 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911820&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FWRej8NgksWI%2F Good morning, everyone, and how are you today? A scorcher is predicted to envelope the Pharmalot corporate campus. We plan to keep cool by perusing interesting documents and chatting up interesting people. We will also break later to appear on a PhRMA panel on social media. To prepare, we are downing a few cups of stimulation - our flavor today is Southern Pecan. Meanwhile, here are some nifty tidbits from around your world. Watch out for the heat and see you soon… Pfizer Teams With Harvard In $100M Drug Discovery Deal (Bloomberg News) Merck Ends Trial Of Intercell Vaccine For MRSA (Reuters) Covidien Seeks A Buyer For Its Pharma Unit (Bloomberg News) Orphan Drug Development Success Remains Elusive (Gen New) US Seeks Prison Sentences For Device Execs (Associated Press) Glaxo Faces Adv... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911820 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:00:08 +0100 4911820 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893606&cid=t_99928_113_f&fid=34625&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNeilVerselsHealthcareItBlog%2F%7E3%2F-EXfV9XWCwQ%2F Last week, I reported in InformationWeek on a Manhattan Research study showing that 7 percent of U.S. physicians were chatting with patients via videoconference. What the research didn’t say is how many consultations actually take place by videoconferencing. My guess is that it’s minuscule, but virtual visits will soon become commonplace. According to Australian online healthcare community eHealthSpace, technology vendor Siemens is forecasting that 20 percent of all medical consultations in Australia will take place online by 2020. Much of that growth will come from rural and remote areas of a vast country that’s full of remote, sparsely populated areas. I find that much more believable than another Siemens prediction that 90 percent of Aussies will have a “personal... Neil Versel's Healthcare IT Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893606 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 20:12:05 +0100 4893606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862923&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FS4p18a2bMJQ%2F Health Department workers in West Australia have received $745,000 worth of gifts, business class flights and hotel accommodations from drug and device makers, many of which sell meds and equipment to area hospitals, The West Australian reports. According to documents revealed in Parliament, between last July and April 6, there 259 instances in which perks - including champagne, iPads, flights and hotel packages to Paris, Vienna, Montreal and Los Angeles - were accepted. More than half of the gifts or trips were accepted by staff from the South Metropolitan Area Health Service, which is headed by Nicole Feely, a former chief of staff to former Prime Minister John Howard, the paper writes. And the goodies included return business-class flights to New Orleans and six nights accommodation wo... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862923 Wed, 25 May 2011 12:03:00 +0100 4862923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4821061&cid=t_99928_132_f&fid=35006&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnsaunders.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F14%2Ffriday-fun-projects%2F What’s a “Friday fun project”? It’s a small computing project, perfect for a Friday afternoon, which serves the dual purpose of (1) keeping your programming/data analysis skills sharp and (2) providing a mental break from the grind of your day job. Ideally, the skills learned on the project are useful and transferable to your work projects. This post describes one of my Friday fun projects: how good is the Sydney weather forecast? There’ll be some Ruby, some R and some MongoDB. Bioinformatics? No, but some thoughts on that at the end. 1. Define the problem Step 1 in any project is to define the problem. The question “how good is a weather forecast?” might be addressed in many ways. Obviously, we need to collect two kinds of data: predictions and o... What You're Doing Is Rather Desperate blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4821061 Sat, 14 May 2011 06:13:46 +0100 4821061 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4821150&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FYw_11Z337sQ%2F And so another working week will soon draw to a close. Already, we are daydreaming about weekend plans. Our modest agenda includes mowing the lawn (again), catching up on some reading and taking one of the short people to watch a soccer match. And you? Anything special in the works? Maybe a drive in the country? A mysterious rendezvous? Or perhaps some spring cleaning is in order? Whatever you fancy, have a great time. But, of course, go safely. Meanwhile, here are some tidbits. See you… Shire Is A Takeover Target (Bloomberg News) Iperian Fires Top Execs (Xconomy) UK’s NICE Backs Merck And J&J’s Simponi For Rheumatoid Arthritis (InPharm) Prescription Drug Price Increases Cannot Go On Forever (Reuters) Ranbaxy Hopes To Supply Nexium To US By Year’s End (Economic... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4821150 Fri, 13 May 2011 12:01:46 +0100 4821150 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4803533&cid=t_99928_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2Fg5J5y1Asl3w%2F Alcohol and cancer: a position statement from Cancer Council Australia – 2011The Cancer Council Australia (CCA) Alcohol Working Group has prepared a position statement on alcohol use and cancer. The statement has been reviewed by external experts and endorsed by the CCA Board.Alcohol use is a cause of cancer. Any level of alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing an alcohol-related cancer; the level of risk increases in line with the level of consumption.It is estimated that 5070 cases of cancer (or 5% of all cancers) are attributable to long-term chronic use of alcohol each year in Australia.Together, smoking and alcohol have a synergistic effect on cancer risk, meaning the combined effects of use are significantly greater than the sum of individual risks.Alcohol use may ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4803533 Wed, 04 May 2011 16:45:00 +0100 4803533 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4775603&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F9Hp2iHli9Ik%2F With all that money the US Treasury is collecting from health care fraud (see here), a new study urges the Australian government to pass legislation that would emulate the US False Claims Act and enable whistleblowers to file lawsuits. A couple of reasons are cited for this conclusion. There is growing government spending on meds - from roughly $3.5 billion in the 1998-99 fiscal year to $9 billion in 2009-10 - and Australia has entered a “period of financial stringency.” The other is that the “Australian pharmaceutical market is unlikely to be immune from US-style false claims and fraud, if only because most of the major drug companies proven to have engaged in such conduct against the US government also dominate the Australian market,” according to the study, which... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4775603 Mon, 02 May 2011 12:53:44 +0100 4775603 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4762937&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fhg7QGCQONN0%2F Hello, everyone. Another busy day is about to unfold here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, as we prepare for a round of meetings and deadlines. To cope, we are our brewing our mandatory cup of stimulation - we continue to favor Wild Mountain Blueberry this week. Meanwhile, here are some items to help you get started. Hope your day goes well and stay in touch… Par Pharma Pays $153M To Settle Pricing Lawsuits (Reuters) Sanofi-Aventis Profit Falls Due To Generics (Bloomberg News) More US Women Are Using The Morning After Pill (Reuters) Roche Wins FDA Approval For HPV Diagnostics Test (Bloomberg News) AstraZeneca Profits Get A Lift From Tax Breaks (Pharma Times) Merck Hepatitis C Drug Wins FDA Panel Backing (Boston Globe) Australia Delays Subsidies For Some Medicines (Australian Broadc... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4762937 Thu, 28 Apr 2011 11:49:06 +0100 4762937 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4734111&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2F0PUl5FELmM4%2F Juggling work commitments, family life and writing can be tricky. However, new vigour and inspiration has been instilled with the arrival of some geeky new toys from Samson and Sanuk Australia. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4734111 Tue, 19 Apr 2011 03:37:17 +0100 4734111 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4734112&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2Fu5FgaDGP8SQ%2F Introducing ED.EXAM: a free online forum and collection of resources for emergency medicine trainees studying for the ACEM Part 2 exams. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4734112 Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:00:02 +0100 4734112 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4704204&cid=t_99928_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FdkkxXRq9GWM%2F Glenn Rall, a virologist at Fox Chase Cancer Center, sent me the following note: Baruch S. Blumberg, Nobel Laureate in 1976 for discovery of Hepatitis B (and the eventual development of the vaccine, which probably has saved hundreds of thousands of lives since its introduction), died this past Tuesday (4/5/11).  Barry did most of his work at Fox Chase, though he was an inspiration to many of us, and a catalyst for some tremendously exciting scientific conversations. He was active in science all through his life; in fact, just a few weeks ago, he gave a seminar at the Center, and on the morning of the day of his death, he gave a plenary lecture at a NASA meeting in California.  His HBV work was among the first truly translational studies, and his accomplishments are even more notable give... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4704204 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:02:29 +0100 4704204 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4696637&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FiE7n_E9lXCg%2F The amazing animated version of Tim Minchin's amazing 9 minute beat poem, Storm, can now be seen on the web. Right here even! (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4696637 Sat, 09 Apr 2011 10:24:59 +0100 4696637 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4676800&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FkM7DGCYSedg%2F Is it possible to summarise all of human pathology into 140 characters or less? Michelle Johnston (aka @Eleytherius) thinks so... (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4676800 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:08 +0100 4676800 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4671637&cid=t_99928_10_f&fid=35345&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.GIDEONonline.com%2F2011%2F04%2F02%2Fq-fever-in-australia%2F A recent cluster of cases on Coff’s Coast reminds us that Q-fever continues to be a common disease in Australia. The following backgroud data are abstracted from the Gideon e-book series. [1,2] Primary references are available on request. Time and Place: - Q-fever was first characterized in Australia, in 1939. - Queensland and New South Wales account for over 90% of cases. - Over 50% of cases are directly, or indirectly related to meat processing. - The male/female ratio for reported cases is approximately 5-to-1. Disease rates have gradually increased over the past six decades – see graph: Travel and Q-fever: 2002 (publication year) – Three Japanese workers acquired Q-fever while in Australia and New Zealand. 7 2005 – An American tourist acquired Q-fever in Aus... GIDEON blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4671637 Sat, 02 Apr 2011 10:43:19 +0100 4671637 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4664476&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FxYlfDINAsQc%2F And so, another working week is about to end. This is, of course, the celebrated signal to daydream about weekend plans. Our agenda includes watching one of the short people in a lacrosse match, dining with some of our favorite relatives and promenade with the official Pharmalot mascots. And you? Maybe you can watch that movie you never saw or catch up on some reading. How about spending time with a special someone? Whatever you do, be safe and enjoy. Catch you soon… Sanofi Faces Shareholder Suit Over Acomplia Data (Reuters) Japan Nuclear Crisis Adds Urgency To Radiation Drugs (New York Times) The Rise In Stolen Pharmaceuticals (Fortune) Paxil May Make Adults More Suicidal (Reuters) Fire Damages Roche Warehouse In Hungary (Budapest Business Journal) Fertility Drug May Be Linked To Fa... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4664476 Fri, 01 Apr 2011 11:49:14 +0100 4664476 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642998&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Ff-2Dp6cVgAU%2F Hello, everyone, and welcome to another working week. We hope the weekend was relaxing and enjoyable. Now, though, the time has come to resume that routine of meetings and deadlines. To cope, we are quaffing our mandatory cup of stimulation. Please feel free to join us. Meanwhile, here are a few items from around the world. Hope your day goes well and stay in touch… AstraZeneca Raises Forecast After Settling Tax Dispute (Bloomberg News) Novartis Invests In Chinese Vaccine Maker (InPharma Technologist) Pfizer Employee Arrested For Carrying Knife On Plane (New York Post) Speculation Rises That Roche Is A Takeover Target (Pharma Times) Pfizer Recalls Two Drugs Over Mislabeling (MoneyControl) Non-Profit Proposal Would Save 25 Pfizer Research Jobs (The Day) Actelion Board Seeks Rejection ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642998 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:00:50 +0100 4642998 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4626836&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2Fs7QfG5Ekrek%2F Studies show that 73.2% of people start to develop FFFF withdrawal symptoms 168 hours after receiving the previous dose. Thus it would be inhumane to delay any longer... Bring on the funtabulous frivolity! (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4626836 Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:01 +0100 4626836 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4622253&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FtAxlbgxpFe4%2F Studies show that 73.2% of people start to develop FFFF withdrawal symptoms 168 hours after receiving the previous dose. Thus it would be inhumane to delay any longer... Bring on the funtabulous frivolity! (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4622253 Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:01 +0100 4622253 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4605833&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FOBBO3euA5t4%2F Studies show that 73.2% of people start to develop FFFF withdrawal symptoms 168 hours after receiving the previous dose. Thus it would be inhumane to delay any longer... Bring on the funtabulous frivolity! (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4605833 Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:01 +0100 4605833 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600541&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FUKR60Ix_GlE%2F A new intensive care educational and networking website is being launched this week, and I invite you all to check it out: Intensive Care Network. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600541 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 23:27:09 +0100 4600541 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4592693&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F7yeu7oUAR0E%2F Good morning, everyone, and nice to see you again. A bumpy ride today as we labored to hustle the short people off to the school house. Nonetheless, we survived and this calls, of course, for a cup or two of much-needed stimulation. Please join us. Meanwhile, here are a few tidbits we came across. If you have a chance, let us know about anything else that appears interesting. Have a great day… Novartis Blood Cancer Drug Meets Study Goal (Reuters) Whistleblowers And Smear Lawsuits (Nature News) Daiichi Has Still Not Gained From Buying Ranbaxy (Wall Street Journal) US Drug Prices Outpaced Other Medical Costs: GAO (Reuters) A Link Between Sunlight And Drug Efficacy Is Found (InPharma Technologist) Australia Blocks Subsidies For New Drugs (Pharma Times) Labopharm CEO Steps Down Amid Revi... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4592693 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 12:12:54 +0100 4592693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560283&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2Fx2HOtSmjTvQ%2F Jelinek and Brown announce that Emergency Medicine Australasia is taking a stand against drug company advertising. The LITFL team applauds! (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560283 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:54 +0100 4560283 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4544973&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FDje-MthfHjc%2F Here we go again... time to prepare for the weekend by silencing the "snap! crackle! pop!" of your apoptosing neurons by rejuvenating them with a taste of the FFFF! (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4544973 Fri, 04 Mar 2011 04:59:43 +0100 4544973 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4532507&cid=t_99928_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F02%2F28%2Fmrs-australia-quest-finalist-veronica-cristovao-is-raising-ovarian-cancer-awareness-down-under%2F Mrs. Australian Quest Finalist Veronica Cristovao is raising ovarian cancer awareness “Down Under,” and she hopes to use the pageant as an international platform to further her ovarian cancer advocacy. Did you know that February is national Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in Australia? According to the Australian National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre, approximately 1,200 [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4532507 Mon, 28 Feb 2011 20:06:18 +0100 4532507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4512617&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F3sAMB9LDD1o%2F Rise and shine, everyone. Another day is on the way. And as usual, we are preparing by quaffing the mandatory cup of stimulation - our flavor today is Golden French Toast. We would also like to remind your that we are hosting a webinar on requirements for disclosing payments to physicians (please look here). Meanwhile, here are a few items of interest to help you on your way. We hope today is productive and you achieve your goals. Have a good one… Texas AG Wants Actos Marketing Documents From Lilly (Dow Jones) US Protests Canadian Drugmaker Insolvency Case (Dow Jones) Vertex Reports Significant Data For Cystic Fibrosis Drug (The Street) India Begins Review Of Foreign Takeovers Of Drugmakers (Economic Times) Takeda Pulls Pain Drug That Is Now Called Useless (Japan Times) CMO Consolida... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4512617 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 12:48:46 +0100 4512617 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4512398&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FzeCJlhjG5yw%2F If you're an overseas doctor seeking to work in an Australian hospital it is vital to make a good first impression. This is not always easy to achieve. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4512398 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 10:55:37 +0100 4512398 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4451382&cid=t_99928_10_f&fid=35345&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.GIDEONonline.com%2F2011%2F02%2F09%2Fsalmonellosis-in-australia%2F A recent outbreak in Adelaide reminds us that the salmonellosis rates in Australia have been increasing for more than five decades. In contrast, the incidence of this disease in other English-speaking countries has leveled off, or even decreased, since the 1990′s. 1,2 [see graph] References: 1. Berger S. Infectious Diseases of Australia, 2011, 503 pp. Gideon e-book series, http://www.gideononline.com/ebooks/country/infectious-diseases-of-australia/ 2. Berger S. Salmonellosis: Global Status, 2011, 245 pp. Gideon e-book series, http://www.gideononline.com/ebooks/disease/salmonellosis-global-status/ (Source: GIDEON blog) GIDEON blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4451382 Wed, 09 Feb 2011 08:50:30 +0100 4451382 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4433328&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FEuvNbSXJ-dI%2F Concerned about the influence advertising may have on physicians, an Australian medical journal will no longer accept paid ads about prescription drugs and has called on other journals to take the same stand. The ads could “change the prescribing practices of doctors”, wrote editors George Jelinek and Anthony Brown wrote in an editorial. “It is time to show leadership and make a stand, and medical journals have a critical role to play in this. At Emergency Medicine Australasia, we have, therefore, drawn a line in the sand and have stopped all drug advertising forthwith. We invite other journals to show their support and follow suit by declaring their hand and doing the same.” The ban followed discussions with other emergency medicine specialists, who worried aloud t... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4433328 Thu, 03 Feb 2011 13:59:40 +0100 4433328 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4429228&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fl411FQvaYHI%2F Good morning, everyone. How are you today? Here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, the Iceman Cometh, but we are keeping warm with our traditional cup of stimulation. Please join us as we dig in, so to speak, for the usual routine of deadlines and the like. And as always, feel free to share interesting stories. By the way, we would like to note that we are co-sponsoring an upcoming conference on patient adherence. We hope you will join us. Meanwhile, here are a few tidbits to help you along. Have a great day… Lilly & Bristol End Enrollment For Lung Cancer Trial Over Safety (Reuters) Sanofi Fails To Block Generic Taxotere In Australia (Bloomberg News) Glaxo Sells Quest Stake For $1.7 Billion (Reuters) Anti-Counterfeit Rules Will Limit Access To Meds: Oxfam (The Guardian) S&P... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4429228 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 13:05:31 +0100 4429228 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4353351&cid=t_99928_10_f&fid=35345&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.GIDEONonline.com%2F2011%2F01%2F15%2Flegionellosis-in-australia%2F Rates of legionellosis in Australia and New Zealand have changed little since 2000, but remain somewhat higher than those of the United States and the U.K. – see graph: The following background data are abstracted from the Gideon e-book series. 1,2 [primary references available on request] Time and Place: In Australia, highest legionellosis rates are reported during March to May. - Legionella pneumophila infection peaks in summer and autumn, and L. longbeachae in spring. - 69% of patients are males (1991 to 2000), and 71% of patients are above age 49 (1996). - 2,170 cases of legionellosis were reported during 1991 to 2000. L. longbeachae accounts for 22% of isolates nationwide, and is the predominant species in Western Australia (apparently associated with potting soils in South Aus... GIDEON blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4353351 Sun, 16 Jan 2011 07:49:27 +0100 4353351 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4352719&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FCGpo3IzFyn4%2F A video and description of Neal Cunningham's method of reduction for anterior shoulder dislocations and relevant links on shoulderdislocation.net (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4352719 Sat, 15 Jan 2011 09:00:19 +0100 4352719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4322958&cid=t_99928_10_f&fid=35345&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.GIDEONonline.com%2F2011%2F01%2F07%2Frickettsia-felis-infection-in-australia%2F The report of a cluster of cases in Melbourne have added Australia to a growing list of countries endemic for Rickettsia felis infection. As of 2011, zoonotic and / or human disease has been reported in 32 countries. See map: (Source: GIDEON blog) GIDEON blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4322958 Sat, 08 Jan 2011 06:31:45 +0100 4322958 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4318285&cid=t_99928_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2011%2F01%2F06%2F2011%2F Happy 2011 to all! Hope this is a fruitful year for everyone! some facts about 2011 : it is the year of the Rabbit, in the Chinese calendar it is also the international year of truth about Islam, according to the counter-Jihad calendar (Yikes! don’t think I’ll be subscribing to that one… lots of nutty stuff hitting my email lately) it is the year of the Cricket World Cup, to be held in South Asia (yay!) – my brother will no doubt be supporting the Canadian national cricket team eh? And with the current Australian team, that might not be as crazy as it sounds. according to the Ethiopian calendar, we are currently in 2003, until New Year on September 12. U2 will be taking their 360 tour to South Africa, South & North America… and if I won the lottery my fir... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4318285 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 06:41:43 +0100 4318285 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309617&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FMLc9Bgh1ERU%2F A look at Cliff Reid's fantastic website: ResusME - Resuscitation Medicine Education. A great way to keep up with cutting edge research and developments in life-saving medicine. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309617 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:00:51 +0100 4309617 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4288552&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FR7OwX1XHZK4%2F How is that than an emergency doctor can find the energy to keep on going hour after after hour, even in the dead of night? LITFL now reveals the ultimate night-shift energy food. This is how the night-walking medico keeps on stoking the furnace and keeps the night train a chugging. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4288552 Sun, 26 Dec 2010 00:00:03 +0100 4288552 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4288553&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FAbToL7ckbH8%2F Merry Christmas dear LITFL readers! Have a great day, however you like your bells to jingle. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4288553 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 23:00:49 +0100 4288553 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4287419&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FAbToL7ckbH8%2F Merry Christmas dear LITFL readers! Have a great day, however you like your bells to jingle. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4287419 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 23:00:49 +0100 4287419 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4277835&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FN12ivICcXcI%2F William Osler's Australian connections and his Australian legacy is discussed in the Medical Journal of Australia. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4277835 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:00:03 +0100 4277835 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4275285&cid=t_99928_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F12%2Faudit-shows-5700-surgery-deaths-year-australia%2F A newly released audit is reporting that 5700 patients per year die in hospitals while under the care of surgeons in Australia. Professor Guy Maddern comments. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4275285 Tue, 21 Dec 2010 01:00:37 +0100 4275285 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4205935&cid=t_99928_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbiological-cinematography-animating-the-cells-of-life%2F2010.11.27 The New York Times published an article (with VIDEO) about molecular animators, scientists who can visualize the microscopic segments of life in a professional way: If there is a Steven Spielberg of molecular animation, it is probably Drew Berry, a cell biologist who works for the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne, Australia. Mr. Berry’s work is revered for artistry and accuracy within the small community of molecular animators, and has also been shown in museums, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. In 2008, his animations formed the backdrop for a night of music and science at the Guggenheim Museum called “Genes and Jazz.” “Scientists have always done pictures to explain their ideas, but now we’re discov... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4205935 Sat, 27 Nov 2010 15:00:29 +0100 4205935 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4203318&cid=t_99928_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fnew-aa-speaker-tapes-mp3%2F A new collection of Speaker Tapes has been found in America. The collection of MP3 tracks includes; Alcoholics Anonymous AA Founders AA Pioneers Big Book Authors Al-anon Narcotics Anonymous This library of tapes is estimated at 50,000 on wire recordings, reel-to-reel tapes, cassettes and dates back to the 1940′s. Collected by Bill and Arbutus O’Neal of Texas. This collection is progressively being converted to MP3 however there are currently several hundred available for free down load. These AA speaker tapes are mostly American but there are talks from Australia, Britain, Germany and Tokyo. Go to; Recovery Speakers Donations to the project are welcome Related articles MP3 Recovery Tracks for Lesbians in AA (recoveryissexy.com) The AA Tools of Recovery (recoveryi... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4203318 Fri, 26 Nov 2010 15:19:00 +0100 4203318 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4197360&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FfSAWlxdOWBA%2F Hello, everyone. Yet another day is unfolding here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, where the sun is shining, the dogs are barking and the short people are hustling off to the local school house for a few hours before the holiday weekend begins. As for us, we are savoring a needed cup of stimulation and perusing the news of the world. As always, we ask you to join us and, of course, we wish you a pleasant day… Roche Ends Hep C Collaboration With Ligand Pharma (Reuters) Glaxo Closing Toothpaste Facilities In Australia (MSN) Amira Pharma Cuts Staff In Half (San Diego Union-Tribune) Testosterone Lotion Wins Approval (Bloomberg News) State Senator Tries To Find Buyer For Roche Plant (WMBF) Glaxo Exits US Penicillin Biz, Sells Plants To Dr. Reddy’s (Associated Press) UK’s NI... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4197360 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:20:53 +0100 4197360 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4151921&cid=t_99928_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fhow-can-i-be-sure-my-ivf-doctor-is.html One of the major worries most IVF patients have is about the competence of their IVF doctor. While most patients select an IVF clinic based on its reputation, the sad truth is that there is not much correlation with the actual quality of the medical treatment they receive and the brand name of the clinic. Many "big name" clinics are very impersonal and are run like assembly lines. The patient rarely gets to meet the doctor and most of the care is provided either by the nurses of the assistants. Patients feel they are helpless and passively put up with poor quality care, because they do not know what else they can do.A much bigger problem is the lack of transparency and documentation . Most IVF clinics do not even bother to provide patients with a simple treatment summary ! Patients are clu... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4151921 Wed, 10 Nov 2010 05:46:00 +0100 4151921 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4125279&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fl4Oe-0usW4w%2F Roche was the big loser in the latest quarterly report issued by Medicines Australia, an industry trade group that monitors its members. Although several drugmakers were tagged for infractions, Roche notched a pair of $200,000 fines for severe breaches of the code of conduct. All totaled, there were 11 violations, mostly involving press releases and promotional materials, committed by seven different drugmakers. One serious infraction involved an offer to fund a nurse’s position at a local health service, but it came with a catch. In a letter to the health service, the Roche offer “was contingent on the number of patients treated with Pegasys (the hepatitis C drug), with a sliding scale of increased funding for more patients treated,” according to Medicines Australia. Roc... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4125279 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 22:23:59 +0100 4125279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4124996&cid=t_99928_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FCLn49L0lLoA%2F By Daniel J. MitchellThe death tax is a punitive levy that discourages saving and investment and causes substantial economic inefficiency. But it’s also an immoral tax that seizes assets from grieving families solely because someone dies. The good news is that this odious tax no longer exists. It disappeared on January 1, 2010, thanks to the 2001 tax cut legislation. The bad news is that the death tax comes back with a vengeance on January 1, 2011, ready to confiscate as much as 55 percent of the assets of unfortunate families. I’ve criticized the death tax on many occasions, including one column in USA Today explaining the economic damage caused by this perverse form of double taxation, and I highlighted a few of the nations around the world that have eliminated this odious... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4124996 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 11:04:15 +0100 4124996 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4105667&cid=t_99928_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-secret-sign-of-aging-international-disease-mongering%2F2010.10.25 Just five days ago we wrote about an American journalist’s observations of medicalization of one problem sometimes observed after menopause: Vaginal atrophy. Today we see that this disease-mongering trend has popped up in Australia as well. This should be no surprise. Such campaigns are usually led by multinational pharmaceutical companies and their advertising and public relations agencies. What caught our eye was an article on a women’s health foundation website — a foundation that posts a pretty thin excuse for why it won’t tell you its source of funding. Its article on vaginal atrophy uses classic disease-mongering language: “Ask a woman over the age of 50 about the ‘signs of ag[e]ing’ and she’ll most likely lament about grey hairs, wrin... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4105667 Mon, 25 Oct 2010 18:00:43 +0100 4105667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4074073&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FhJ-uGewOXJU%2F RubyLux ...aka Mike, Adam, Clark and Rob are over in Australia playing at select venues with their new album FAKE_CONTROL_ (which is awesome by the way), and they were generous enough to drop in for a quick jam session with the boys and teach Hammer and Chill some cool new riffs! Best of luck with the World Tour lads - you ROCK (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4074073 Sat, 16 Oct 2010 13:33:59 +0100 4074073 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4074174&cid=t_99928_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fwhy-i-prefer-email-as-compared-to-phone.html We treat patients from all over the world and many of them want to do a phone consultation with me before coming to our clinic for an IVF treatment.I can understand why they want to do so - after all, going half way across the world to get treated by a doctor you've never seen or met is a major leap of faith - and talking to the doctor can help to reduce some of this anxiety !While it's true that the human touch is very important in providing good medical care, the truth is that it's not humanly possible for me to do so. This is true for many reasons.For one, because of time zone differences, it's quite difficult to find a time slot which suits both the patient and me. We often end up playing phone tag - causing even more frustration ! Also, phone connections in certain countries ( such as... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4074174 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 02:22:00 +0100 4074174 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4060909&cid=t_99928_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fwhy-do-doctors-have-such-large-egos.html Doctors are usually quite smart. They are academically bright , as proven by the fact that they managed to get into medical college inspite of intense competition; and have successfully graduated from a demanding course. Also, while not all doctors are brain surgeons, most are intelligent and have a high opinion of their own intellectual abilities.However, some of them are quite badly behaved. They are rude to their patients - and make them wait interminably in their waiting rooms, for no good reason. Since doctors are in the business of saving lives , some of them start behaving as if they were demiGods. It's quite easy for them to delude themselves into having a very high opinion of their worth. This is often bolstered by their patients, who look upto doctors and often worship them. ( As... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4060909 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 03:10:00 +0100 4060909 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4045395&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FB2c40euP3Jc%2F And so another work week will soon draw to a close. Not a moment too soon, yes? Any special plans in the offing? A weekend drive in the country? Think of all the apples waiting to be picked. For our part, we hope to catch up on some chores and spend time with our short people; they shouldn’t feel neglected. Whatever you do, have a nice time. Meanwhile, here are a few items of interest to help you round out the week. Enjoy… Who Kidnapped The Pharmaceutical Delivery Driver? (The Los Angeles Times) Sanofi Denies Offering Genzyme A Takeover Price Range (The Street) Abbott Pulls Meridia From Australia (Sydney Morning Herald) Targacept ADHD Drug Fails In Study (Associated Press) Novartis Unveils Pricing For New MS Drug (Dow Jones) apple pic thx to muffet on flickr creative commons (S... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4045395 Fri, 08 Oct 2010 12:12:38 +0100 4045395 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4105687&cid=t_99928_90_f&fid=34474&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCasesBlog%2F%7E3%2FtbfuyLpDboo%2Fr-u-ok-day-on-7th-october.html Hugh Jackman shows his support for R U OK?Day, a national day of action that aims to prevent suicide by encouraging people to connect with colleagues, friends and loved ones and ask: "Are you OK?".Suicide prevention in Australia: "A conversation could save a life", link via @dreamingspires. Posted at Clinical Cases and Images. Stay updated and subscribe, follow us on Twitter and connect on Facebook. (Source: Clinical Cases and Images - Blog) Clinical Cases and Images - Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4105687 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 16:12:26 +0100 4105687 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4001811&cid=t_99928_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2FZ8T0OUgmcmI%2F Much thanks to a doc in Australia for recent comments: Rats that can jump From one Doc to another (I’m in Australia). You may be interested (or possibly know) how we do things here. Basically, addicts can register at any Dr who’s completed a programme and is then authorised to prescribe what we call Schedule 100 drugs: mainly buprenorphine and methadone. Almost all these Dr’s ‘bulk bill’ ie. are free for the patient. Once prescribed, the patient turns up at a chemist (who’s set up to dispense S100 drugs) daily and receives their dose. After 2-3 months of stability ‘takeaways’ may be authorised by the Dr: up to 3-4 a week. In general terms there is almost NO prescribing of 30 day bottles here – Px need too see the pharmacist daily and th... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4001811 Sat, 25 Sep 2010 20:57:29 +0100 4001811 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3993919&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FmuNgqpdJiIw%2F A 5 year old girl is unable to walk and is becoming progressively weaker. She also complained of a lump on her head. Can you make the diagnosis? (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3993919 Wed, 22 Sep 2010 23:00:51 +0100 3993919 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3983397&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FR0-31-0gRRU%2F Ray Moynihan teams up with drug assessment specialist Barbara Mintzes to investigate the creation of female sexual dysfunction or FSD, and the marketing machine that promises to “cure” it. Against a backdrop of virtual intercourse, online porn, and burgeoning Viagra sales, Sex, Lies, and Pharmaceuticals reveals how women’s sexual difficulties are being repackaged as symptoms of a new disorder, and the medicalization of ordinary life. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3983397 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 03:55:29 +0100 3983397 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3983398&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2F_ZOPpReDXXg%2F The Man from Snowy River or The Man that is intellectually disabled, violent, and age inappropriate for a Nursing Home...challenges the 4 hour rule in South Australia (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3983398 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 01:37:46 +0100 3983398 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3965434&cid=t_99928_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FU-0Xnt4nyDo%2F Assistant Sub-Professor Egerton Y. Davis IV arrived in Canberra today in his role as the Head of UCEM's Demographically Impartial Public & Social Health Improvement Taskforce. Davis IV was summoned to Yarralumla by the Governor General, Her Excellency Ms. Quentin Bryce AC, to help resolve the stagnant Federal Infection that is keeping Australia interminably bed-bound. Right now, it seems that only the Australian Sex Party is happy with having such a well hung parliament... (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3965434 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:53:54 +0100 3965434 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3920821&cid=t_99928_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FdiVBfy58GCM%2F By Sallie JamesAs many of you may know, Australia had a federal election on August 21 that yielded an at-time-of-blogging inconclusive result. As a consequence, the Liberal-National coalition (currently in opposition) and the Australian Labor Party are both wooing the Green and Independent members in the hope of securing their support. A Canberra-based friend sent me a link to an article in today’s (or, strictly speaking given the time difference, yesterday’s) Australian about the trade-related aspects of the current negotiations to form a minority government. I’ll admit, the story had me worried. I’ve bragged before about Australia’s bipartisan political consensus on free trade, and it looked as though that was under threat. According to the article, Labor &... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3920821 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:32:57 +0100 3920821 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3790925&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FFPKkiqBmLug%2F Hello, everyone, and welcome back. We hope your weekend was relaxing. Now, of course, the routine returns as meetings and deadlines loom. At least the heat wave has broken, as measured by a rare, cool breeze now wafting through the Pharmalot corporate campus. So please join us for the mandatory cup of stimulation as we prepare for another day. One note: we will be speaking later on an industry panel, so please excuse the interruption in our usual schedule. Meanwhile, have a good one and stay in touch…. Onyx Posts Positive Results For Cancer Drug (Associated Press) Sanofi Cuts Forecast After FDA Approves Generic Lovenox (Bloomberg News) The Brilinta Guessing Game As FDA Panel Nears (Reuters) Eisai Gets Boost From FDA OK For Higher-Dose Aricept (PharmaTimes) Genzyme Is Seen As More Att... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3790925 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:00:41 +0100 3790925 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4259203&cid=t_99928_151_f&fid=35819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamblingwatchglobal.com%2Farchives%2Freaction-to-the-relationship-between-crime-and-gaming-expenditure%2F Academics, law enforcement and opposition members are reacting to  The Relationship Between Crime and Gaming Expenditure in Victoria. The Age: Opposition gaming spokesman Michael O’Brien strongly criticised the Brumby government for its delay in releasing the report, which was quietly uploaded on a government website last month after the report was completed in October. It was appalling that [...] (Source: Gambling Watch Global) Gambling Watch Global blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4259203 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 02:41:50 +0100 4259203 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4259204&cid=t_99928_151_f&fid=35819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamblingwatchglobal.com%2Farchives%2Fthe-relationship-between-crime-and-gaming-expenditure-in-victoria%2F The Age: Researchers in Victoria say they have found a “strong and robust” evidence of a link between spending on pokies and the incidence of “income-generating” crimes such as theft, robbery, fraud and handling stolen goods. The findings, which have been quietly posted on the Department of Justice website, add weight to long-held assumptions about the incidence [...] (Source: Gambling Watch Global) Gambling Watch Global blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4259204 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 02:22:25 +0100 4259204 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3780569&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FT3FTbFlAB2c%2F Hello, everyone. Nice to see you again. ‘Tis is a lovely morning here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, where the birds are chirping, the dogs are barking and the coffee is brewing. What lies in store today? Meetings and deadlines, no doubt. We have our own, of course. So please join us as we scan the news of the world and confront the future. Dig in and stay in touch… Vioxx Cases Should Be On The Front Burner (Sydney Morning Herald) FDA Refuses To Approve NicOx Painkiller (Bloomberg News) FDA Panel To Vote On REMS For Opioids (MedPage Today) FDA Urged To Publish All Safety Data From NDAs (PharmaTimes) Sanofi Asks Court To OK Sex Bias Deal With Reps (Reuters) US Accelerates Anti-Counterfeiting Drive In East Africa (IPS News) Lilly Boosts Forecast After Beating Earnings Estimat... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3780569 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:39:40 +0100 3780569 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3767122&cid=t_99928_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F07%2F19%2Fintroducing-the-therapist-within%2F I’m pleased to introduce The Therapist Within, a blog about psychotherapy by Gabrielle Gawne-Kelnar. Gabrielle is a psychotherapist who comes to us from Sydney, Australia, and I’m hoping her perspective from a different country and culture on psychotherapy will bring us new insights into the therapy process and the different ways it is practiced. But I’ll let Gabrielle speak for herself: A central part of my work as a therapist is a belief that everyone has their own answers, and their own unique solutions to the challenges in their lives, hidden somewhere inside them — it’s just that sometimes these answers can be hard to see. So, together, we’re embarking on a kind of quest here. A quest for questions. For curious keys that might help unlock some of the answer... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3767122 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 10:00:49 +0100 3767122 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3753794&cid=t_99928_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F_BHR3LouvLM%2F By Daniel J. MitchellAustralia got rid of its death tax in 1979. A couple of Aussie academics investigated whether the elimination of the tax had any impact on death rates. They found the ultimate example of supply-side economics, as reported in the abstract of their study. In 1979, Australia abolished federal inheritance taxes. Using daily deaths data, we show that approximately 50 deaths were shifted from the week before the abolition to the week after. This amounts to over half of those who would have been eligible to pay the tax. Although we cannot rule out the possibility that our results are driven by misreporting, our results imply that over the very short run, the death rate may be highly elastic with respect to the inheritance tax rate. It looks like this experiment is going to b... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3753794 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 20:02:28 +0100 3753794 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4294770&cid=t_99928_113_f&fid=34625&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNeilVerselsHealthcareItBlog%2F%7E3%2F_XE3cZd4Z3M%2Frip-john-glass-of-chik-services.html I've just learned that John Glass, a founding director of Australian health IT publishing and consulting firm CHIK Services, died last Tuesday as a result of complications from acute leukemia. According to the company: "He will be greatly remembered for his larger than life persona and tenacious pursuit in bridging the divide between the health and information and communication technology sectors as one of the founding Directors of CHIK Services. "His interest in furthering the e-health agenda never waned - he was still sending through articles and ideas from his hospital bed little more than a week ago - and he will be enormously missed by all those at CHIK and involved e-health generally."I'd like to take this opportunity to extend my condolences to John's widow, Sally, and the rest of t... Neil Versel's Healthcare IT Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4294770 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 05:09:21 +0100 4294770 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3724438&cid=t_99928_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Ftop-crushable-posts-of-the-week%2F Craving a little R-Patz or Justin Bieber in your life? Check out these 10 great posts from our sister site Crushable this week: 1. ‘Twilight’ Producer Confirms Rob And Kristen’s Relationship 2. Fashion Blogging: Fashion Tips from Madonna’s 80’s Loving Daughter Lola 3. Best How-To Videos Ever: ‘Jerseylicious’ Tips 4. Whitney Port and Landon Donovan Surprise Guests at MTV Youth Forum 5. Ew, There Is A Countdown Until Justin Bieber Is 18 Site 7. The Cycle of Hipster Fashion 8. Australia Tries To Keep Models Healthy 9. Taylor Momsen Keeps Her Tips In Her Lucite Heels 10. Wear This, Not That: Summer Office Style Post from: BlissTree Top 10 Crushable Posts of Last Week (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3724438 Sun, 04 Jul 2010 17:00:51 +0100 3724438 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695815&cid=t_99928_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FOQI8rLELy04%2F   There is a culture clash between alcohol marketing and public health aspirations It is of no coincidence that a number of recent Harm Reduction Digests have addressed the issue of the reduction of alcohol-related harm. Despite the dominant focus on illicit drug use in the popular discourse, alcohol remains Australia’s number one drug problem, as it is in many other developed countries. Munro and de Wever use the ‘four Ps’ of marketing: product, price, place and promotion, to critique the two decades industry self-regulation of alcohol marketing. They conclude that if we are going to develop policies which effectively change Australian drinking culture to reduce alcohol-related harm, we need first to accept that the alcohol industry and the health field have ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695815 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 07:13:04 +0100 3695815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3683569&cid=t_99928_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2010%2F06%2F21%2Fmake-it-count-rudd-v-abbott%2F Well the phoney election campaign is in full swing already. And tonight we saw what could be perhaps considered the first ‘debate’ of the year between the two leaders. Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott fronted a packed room in Canberra full of many of Australia’s key Christian leaders – ranging from Brian Houston of Hillsong, through Catholic Cardinal George Pell, and many other denominations – Baptists, Anglicans, Salvation Army, 7th Day Adventist, Assemblies of God, Coptic and Serbian Orthodox and many others. Was great to see Australian Christian leaders from such diverse backgrounds and beliefs united together under the one roof. And of course there were tens of thousands of us gathered in churches across the breadth of our nation watching via the webcast. I won&... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3683569 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:41:48 +0100 3683569 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4294772&cid=t_99928_113_f&fid=34625&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNeilVerselsHealthcareItBlog%2F%7E3%2F0losKmcqUjw%2Fbetter-term-than-phr.html I've occasionally explored some of the nomenclature in health IT, particularly how the term "personal health record" is something distinct from "electronic health record" and how some news reports confuse the two. I've been known to laugh at the use of "personal electronic health record," which I think was an uninformed reporter's way of saying that each person should have an EHR. Over the weekend, I saw a distinct term from, I believe, Australia: "patient-controlled health record." That makes a lot more sense to me and tells me the purpose of the record. A Google search on that term actually turned up a Harvard Medical School meeting on "personally controlled health record infrastructure" target"= new" that took place in 2006 and 2007. But the term seems to have disappeared from the U.S. ... Neil Versel's Healthcare IT Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4294772 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 05:00:28 +0100 4294772 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3652387&cid=t_99928_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fblue-suede-stilettos-meet-a-female-elvis-impersonator%2F photo via Salon Jaqueline Feilich is an Elvis tribute artist (a.k.a. impersonator). Yes, she’s a woman. No, she’s not a crossdresser. And yes, we mean that Elvis. She’s doing it all for the love of The King, even though she knows she won’t win any contests in the near future. Regardless, Feilich is about to compete in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest in Australia, even though some male competitors have a problem with her act. We love it. It’s kind of a perfect metaphor for women’s liberation, and it’s great to see a woman doing what she’s passionate about without even thinking about men. Well, she’s thinking about one man. And we’re pretty sure he’d give Feilich a big hip swivel of approval. via Salon Post from: BlissTree... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3652387 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 20:45:42 +0100 3652387 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3641325&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fjh8svxjHFBA%2F Nice to see you again. Another shiny day here on the Pharmalot corporate campus. As usual, we are hustling the short people off to the schoolhouse. And yes, to cope we are downing the mandatory cup of stimulation. How will you cope today? Perhaps getting started with the news of the world. Here, in fact, are a few items. Have a great day, everyone… Genzyme Nominates Former Amgen Exec To Its Board (Reuters) Glaxo May Slash Hundreds Of Jobs In Ireland (The Irish Examiner) Merck KGgA Reapplies With FDA For MS Pill (Reuters) Australia To Review Breast Cancer Gene Patent (The Age) Otsuka Pharma To Buy 1,300 iPads For Sales Reps (Bloomberg News) Cheap Gout Drug Can Help With Angina Pain (Reuters) MS Pill Risk-Sharing Plan Is A Costly Failure To NHS (PharmaTimes) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3641325 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 11:50:44 +0100 3641325 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3629867&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F-ufX5IqvErs%2F More than 100 people who claim they developed gambling and pornography habits after taking drugs used to treat tremors caused by Parkinson’s disease have filed a class-action lawsuitin Australia against Pfizer as well as Aspen Pharmacare, The Sydney Morning Herald reports. Some of the plaintiffs claim they lost hundreds of thousands of dollars and suffered family breakdowns thanks to the compulsive behavior allegedly linked to the pills. Most developed gambling addictions but a few exhibited compulsive sexual behaviour such as looking at pornography on the Internet, the paper continues. The lawsuit claims Pfizer, which sold Cabaser, and Aspen, which sold Permax, failed to provide adequate warnings of increased risk of compulsive disorders. This is by no means the first time such liti... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3629867 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:04:24 +0100 3629867 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3662749&cid=t_99928_109_f&fid=34761&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedblitz.com%2F%7E%2F13784139%2F1hjh2n%2Fneuromarketing%7EImpossible-Branding.htm It looks like Australian politicians have taken up reading neuromarketing books. In the ever-escalating war between regulators and tobacco firms, the most aggressive step yet has been proposed Down Under: un-branding cigarette packaging.In Martin Lindstrom’s Buyology, we learned that tobacco firms had coped with increasing restrictions on advertising in various ways. One key [...] (Source: Neuromarketing) Neuromarketing blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3662749 Tue, 25 May 2010 12:12:42 +0100 3662749 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3592312&cid=t_99928_125_f&fid=36046&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdentistrylibrary.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fera-ranked-journal-list.html The ARC has released the full ERA (Excellence in Research for Australia) 2010 ranked journal list. Subscribe in a reader (Source: DentistryLibrary@Sydney) DentistryLibrary@Sydney blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3592312 Sun, 23 May 2010 23:34:00 +0100 3592312 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3568781&cid=t_99928_10_f&fid=35345&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.GIDEONonline.com%2F2010%2F05%2F16%2Feosinophilic-meningitis-in-australia%2F Recently, a man in New South Wales acquired eosinophilic meningitis (angiostrongyliasis) after ingesting a slug. The 1st Australian case of human angiostrongyliasis was reported in 1971, in Brisbane. At first, sporadic cases were reported only from coastal Queensland, northern New South Wales. Four cases were reported in Victoria to 1999 (3 of these imported from Fiji; one fatal case). Seropositivity is common among aboriginals. Reservoirs: The parasite has been identified in dogs in Sydney as well as in grey-headed fruit bats (Pteropus poliocephalus) Bennett’s wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus) rufous bettongs (Aepyprymnus rufescens) and captive tamarins (Sanguinus spp). Further information regarding this, and all other diseases endemic to Australia, is available in Infectious Disease... GIDEON blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3568781 Mon, 17 May 2010 03:50:02 +0100 3568781 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3560499&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FUi_0RX4f_qI%2F Top of the morning to you. Another shiny day here on the Pharmalot corporate campus. What will today bring? We can only guess. But with meetings and deadlines on the agenda, we are brewing the required cups of stimulation. Meanwhile, here are a few interesting items to help you prepare. We hope your day is productive and pleasant. And as always, do stay in touch… Walgreen’s Halts Sales Of OTC Gene Tests (Bloomberg News) Merck To Create 150 Jobs In Ireland (RTE Business) Glaxo Halts Platelet Drug Study Due To Clots (Reuters) AstraZeneca Fights SMC Rejection Of Iressa (PharmaTimes) CVS Caremark Taps A New CEO (Associated Press) US Rx DataBase Takes Hold Slowly (Government Technology) Merck & Sanofi Prepare To Shed Animal Assets (Reuters) Australia Won’t Enact New Price... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3560499 Thu, 13 May 2010 11:14:16 +0100 3560499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3499311&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FgAQqzpPFA-Q%2F And so another work week is about to draw to a close. What are you planning for the weekend? Mowing the lawn? Riding a bike? A walk in the park? We look forward to spending time with our short and not-so-short people and running with the official Pharmalot mascot. While you ponder your own choices, here are a few items to help you round out the day. Have a nice time, whatever you do and see you soon… Australia Tells Docs To Stop Kids’ Flu Shot (Bloomberg News) J&J Shareholders Reject Say-On-Pay Proposal (Associated Press) EU Sees Genzyme Drug Shortage Through September (Reuters) Pfizer Ends Trial Of Sutent In Liver Cancer (Associated Press) EMA Backs Nycomed COPD Drug (Reuters) EU Approves Diovan For Children (Associated Press) Roche Files For New Herceptin Use In US (Reut... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3499311 Fri, 23 Apr 2010 11:43:46 +0100 3499311 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490788&cid=t_99928_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FfszSi-kwlMA%2F Jay-Z at this month's Coachella Music Festival in California I never thought a Jay-Z video playing in the background at a nail salon would make me bawl. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned as an expat, it’s that pangs of homesickness strike at the most unexpected moments. There I was, minding my own business and indulging in a pedicure (like most things in Australia, they cost about 30% more than they do back home), when “Empire State of Mind” came on a TV video channel countdown. As images of New York flashed before me, and Alicia Keys warbled about my adopted hometown’s rejuvenating powers, I suddenly felt very far away, and a lump began to form in my throat. A row of nail technicians stared as my eyes welled up and I began to sniffle; they quizzically swiveled their he... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490788 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:29:19 +0100 3490788 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3482856&cid=t_99928_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2010%2F04%2F19%2Fhealth-reform%2F So today’s the day that Kevin Rudd tries to pretend to be Obama and twist the arms of the state premiers into signing up for his health reform package. I really hope they have the guts to stand up and rebuff his overtures. We have a pretty good health system but there’s certainly room for improvement. However the way Rudd has gone about this is not the answer. A vague ill-defined expensive change shifting the balance of funding from 40-60 to 60-40 with all sorts of flashy incentives offered along the sides (to look good with the public), and potentially depriving the States of a huge chunk of their income stream. No thanks. If Rudd was serious about health reform he would take this slowly, abandon his threatening “do this or else!” approach, and engage in a long con... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3482856 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 04:02:39 +0100 3482856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3432999&cid=t_99928_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Fmobile-devices-online-communities-and-cost-cutting Healthcare systems around the world have been scrambling to come up with ways to leverage mobile technologies in order to reduce healthcare costs, especially those stemming from chronic disease management. Now, the Australia-based International Journal of Networking and Virtual Organisations has outlined an approach in which online communities could easily be used to offer people with chronic illnesses wireless healthcare services via mobile phones and the internet. (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3432999 Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:16:15 +0100 3432999 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3408364&cid=t_99928_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2Fsrr9nu0Bzcc%2F By Christopher PrebleSecretary Gates’s new guidelines for “don’t ask, don’t tell” are consistent with the Obama administration’s plan to alter—and eventually reverse—the misguided policy. Both the guidelines and their ultimate goal deserve broad public support. In the nearly 17 years since it was enacted, DADT has impeded military effectiveness by prohibiting motivated and well-qualified individuals from serving their country. A new generation of military leaders, both officers and enlisted, has seen the harm and injustice done by this policy, and is ready for change. As this cohort advances through the ranks, and as an earlier generation that was not willing to change retires from service, we should anticipate a relatively smooth transition to a pol... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3408364 Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:51:43 +0100 3408364 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3383091&cid=t_99928_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FyQpzRLqK4v4%2F Acquired brain injury refers to any brain damage that happens after birth. Alcohol is one of the many causes of acquired brain injury. The injury inflicted by alcohol abuse is referred to as alcohol related brain injury (ARBI). More than 2,500 Australians are treated for ARBI every year. Just how much damage is done depends on a number of factors. These include individual differences, as well as the person’s age, gender, nutrition and their overall pattern of alcohol consumption. A person with ARBI might experience problems with memory, thinking abilities and physical coordination. A younger person has a better chance of recovery because of their greater powers of recuperation. However, the effects of alcohol related brain injury can be permanent for many sufferers. Alcohol and br... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3383091 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:53:20 +0100 3383091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3335569&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F-y6EyIys6nw%2F An Australian court ruled today that Merck was liable for a heart attack a Melbourne man suffered after using Vioxx, although the drugmaker wasn’t found negligent for keeping the painkiller on the market prior to its withdrawal in 2004. Graeme Peterson, who was awarded $287,000, was described by Australian media as the face of a class-action lawsuit. And now, still more claims are now likely. Federal Court Justice Christopher Jessup found Vioxx doubled the risk of heart attack for users and was a defective product unsuitable to treat arthritic pain under the Trades Practices Act. He told the court a 2000 clinical trial showed “worrisome and important signals” of cardiovascular risk, although he dismissed claims Merck “turned a blind eye” to the results. At th... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3335569 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:56:47 +0100 3335569 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3311933&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FZd7KHlOccYY%2F Good morning, everyone. Another snowy day here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, where drifts are threatening to engulf our laptop. Still, we look ahead to a weekend of hot coffee, unread books and sledding with short people. Meanwhile, though, another day lies ahead. So here are a few items to help you through. What are your weekend plans? Whatever you do, enjoy. See you, soon… Daiichi Sankyo Considers Generics Market In Japan (Reuters) Merck Gets Ready To License Out Drugs (In Vivo) Pfizer Senior VP Bill Ringo To Retire (Associated Press) New Drug Prices In Australia Are Highest In Developed World (PharmaTimes) KV Pays $26M Fine For Adulterated Drugs (Bloomberg News) snowman courtesy of LD on flickr creative commons (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3311933 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:40:39 +0100 3311933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3307103&cid=t_99928_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FXX-8CyylmOY%2F I Found My True Self I grew up in a middle-class family in Australia. We had a three-story home with an indoor swimming pool and I had a pony. But home was not as it looked from the outside. Not How It Looked My family looked very successful, but my mother drank alcohol daily and my dad drank beer and got drunk. Mum and Dad had weekly arguments. My brother was a qualified Chemist at 21. He committed suicide one night— the disease of alcoholism got him. It took me years to seek my own recovery after two marriage break-ups, loss of homes and a life of unmanageability that I did not recognize. My third husband, whom I love very much, is still out there drinking, although he has been in AA. I have been in Al-Anon (12 Step group for relatives and friends of alcoholics) for nine years. Recogn... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3307103 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:21:44 +0100 3307103 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3283550&cid=t_99928_99_f&fid=35344&url=http%3A%2F%2Fzackarysholemberger.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fwith-all-thats-forgotten-ive-long-been.html A selection of my poetry in Yiddish and English is now available on-line through the good offices of Andrew Firestone of Melbourne and the site Yiddish Poetry. Recordings of someone else reading these poems will be uploaded soon. Please comment! (Source: Zackary Sholem Berger) Zackary Sholem Berger blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3283550 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 05:51:00 +0100 3283550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3262926&cid=t_99928_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Frecall-roundup-february-10-2010.html Here is today's list of food safety recalls, product withdrawals and allergy alerts. The live links will take you directly to the official recall notices and company news releases that contain detailed information for each recall and alert.If you would like to receive automatic email alerts for all new articles posted on eFoodAlert, please click here or submit your request using the sidebar link.United StatesFood Safety Recall: Price Chopper recalls Central Market Classics Turtle Cheesecake (28 oz.; UPC 4173500892; Best By 16DEC10) because it may contain foreign objects.EuropeFood Safety Recall (Denmark): Aldi recalls frozen marinated turkey fillets due to Salmonella contamination. The recalled products (imported from Germany) were sold in Aldi supermarkets throughout Denmark.Dietary Suppl... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3262926 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:27:00 +0100 3262926 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3248705&cid=t_99928_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2Fx6u2F3nOs4k%2F Alcoholic Mouthwash up to 30% alcohol Alcoholic Mouthwash Could get you Drunk People are drinking alcohol-based mouthwash because it’s now cheaper than regular alcoholic drinks in some parts of Australia. Health workers have warned that they risk serious consequences, even death. Street cleaners lately have been stumbling on scores of empty bottles of a popular mouthwash, which is nearly 30 per cent pure alcohol. And in the space of a few weeks, supermarkets and pharmacists have seen mouth wash sales suddenly go through the roof. “This particular mouthwash has eucalyptus oil in it, which is an essential oil, and it doesn’t take much eucalyptus oil to cause damage, it can cause fits, it can even cause death.” A health worker said in response to the question, “How dangerous... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3248705 Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:35:56 +0100 3248705 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3223221&cid=t_99928_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D8272 Disappointed Doctor writes in to the MMR: I am a medical doctor who was educated overseas and worked in Australia for several years and recently decided to return to Malaysia to serve the country. As a professional working overseas I heard about the ‘Program bagi mengalakkan warganegara Malaysia yang berpakaran yang bekerja di luar negara pulang ke Malaysia’ and therefore applied for it. I was very disappointed when they rejected my application on the grounds that it was sent after I returned to Malaysia. Apparently it was meant to be sent whilst I was still in Australia. I find this a very poor excuse given the fact that Malaysia is trying to lure back its citizens to work for them. It discourages professionals such as me from having to bear the burden to return but not have a... Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3223221 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3223221 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3137474&cid=t_99928_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2010%2F01%2F03%2Fwestern-australia-school-holidays-ical-calendar-2010-2013%2F Just updating my Apple iCal calendar with some flight details for 2010 and thought I’d better enter in the WA school holidays for this year as well. Rather than entering it all in manually I thought there must be an easier way. Well there is – iCal allows you to subscribe to Calendars with other people have shared on the web. Apple have a big list of them on their website (within iCal go to the menu Calendar > Find Shared Calendars) There is one that lists Australian Public Holidays, and some with school holidays for other states, but I was unable to find a Western Australian school holiday calendar… so I did manually created one myself, and thought I’d share it to save others the hassle. I couldn’t find any way of submitting my calendar to Apple’s di... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3137474 Sun, 03 Jan 2010 07:52:30 +0100 3137474 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3133712&cid=t_99928_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Fholiday-blog-contest-winner-my-new-years-resolutions%2F You didn’t really think that we were going to post guest blogs without hearing from “Rusty,” one of our long time community members, did you? Rusty is from Perth, the capital of  Western Australia and proffers some insight into her own New Year’s Resolutions as well as sage advice for those of us who are considering making a holiday-induced promise or two. Resolutions: Keem ‘em Real by Rusty I have made New Year’s resolutions for as long as I can remember.  They are for me to focus on and to fulfill.  Resolutions are promises. I make New Year resolutions for me, to be a better person, a healthier person, a kinder person.  Almost everyone I know makes New Year’s resolutions too, but they don’t necessarily keep them. The one part of my pre-MS Superwoman self I allow i... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3133712 Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:34:24 +0100 3133712 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3119093&cid=t_99928_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fexcess-iodine-prompts-international.html Ten Australians in New South Wales Develop Thyroid Problems After Drinking BonsoyBonsoy Soy Milk has been linked to at least ten instances of thyroid problems. One of the victims is a newborn, whose mother drank Bonsoy milk during her pregnancy. The soy milk was found to contain excessive amounts of iodine.All 1-litre TetraPak cartons of Bonsoy Soy Milk labeled with Best Before dates up to and including 03.11.11 have been recalled. Bonsoy was distributed nationwide in Australia, as well as in New Zealand and Hong Kong.According to Victoria health authorities, daily consumption of as little as 5mL (for a child) or 30mL (for an adult) of Bonsoy milk would exceed the recommended daily intake of iodine.What is iodine and why is it important?Iodine is a naturally occurring mineral that is neces... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3119093 Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:02:00 +0100 3119093 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3118828&cid=t_99928_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2009%2F12%2F24%2Fchristmas-in-the-sun%2F Here I am on Christmas Eve at work seeing a double load of patients since most of the other doctors have already abandoned us, but only a few short hours to go before a 4 day break. Just thought I’d take this opportunity to wish anyone who reads this a Happy and Blessed Christmas, wherever in the world you may be! As I’ll be here in Australia, I thought it was appropriate to share this little effort from Rolf Harris – Christmas in the Sun, perhaps his best Christmas song since the classic “Six White Boomers” (not that that’s saying very much…) As I’ve said before Christmas is the one time of year it’s okay to listen to otherwise forbidden music, so I hope you can excuse the cheesiness of this… on a tangential issue, it’s bee... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3118828 Thu, 24 Dec 2009 03:13:09 +0100 3118828 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3039727&cid=t_99928_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2009%2F11%2F30%2Fliberal-woes%2F Things are yet again quiet here at work so I’ve had plenty of time to scan the various news websites and read up on the Liberal party leadership intrigues. Here’s my 2c worth. 1. Malcolm Turnbull lost my remaining respect for him when he publicly sabotaged Joe Hockey on the weekend. It’s clear Turnbull has virtually no chance of remaining leader so why pre-emptively criticise the one person who might be a succesful leader who actually agrees somewhat with Turnbull’s position on the ETS? Turnbull’s loyalty only seems to be to himself rather than the good of his party. 2. Joe Hockey is my favourite person in the Liberals. He seems like a nice, smart guy with sensible opinions on things and he’s a Christian as well. I do feel sorry for him though because he... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3039727 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 02:59:41 +0100 3039727 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3023410&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F7tjKjqLZKqo%2F Why? There are concerns that the guidelines, which are based, in part, on work by a Harvard University researcher, may have been undermined due to his financial ties to drugmakers, according to The Daily Telegraph. A Congressional investigation revealed last year that Harvard’s Joseph Biederman had earned far more money from drugmakers than he had reported to the school (back story and more here). The probe found about $1.6 million in payments and by failing to report income, he may have violated federal and university research rules governing conflicts of interest. Harvard Medical School is supposedly investigating the discrepancies, although it remains unclear if any action was taken. Meanwhile, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians is belatedly conducting a review that is jeopa... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3023410 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:33:40 +0100 3023410 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2996049&cid=t_99928_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fviral-vegetables.html How Hepatitis A Virus Invades Our ProduceFor a microbe that is unable to reproduce outside of its human or primate hosts, Hepatitis A Virus ("HAV") sure gets around. While hepatitis outbreaks usually are blamed on hygiene lapses by infected food handlers, HAV is very effective at hitching a ride on fresh produce. Over the last 20 years, the virus has been responsible for outbreaks that were traced directly to HAV-contaminated lettuce, strawberries and green onions. This year, semi-dried tomatoes have been implicated as the source behind a surge in hepatitis infections in Australia. All of these incidents have one thing in common; they all involve imported produce – most likely grown in a country where HAV is endemic (widely distributed) in the population.Sadly, produce-linked outbreaks o... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2996049 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:45:00 +0100 2996049 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2989431&cid=t_99928_167_f&fid=36991&url=http%3A%2F%2Fefoodalert.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fvictoria-tackles-hepatitis-outbreak.html Chief Health Officer issues "Order" under Part VII of the Food Act of 1984November 13, 2009Australia has been experiencing an unusually high number of cases of Hepatitis A infections this year. Most of the victims have reported eating uncooked semi-dried tomatoes – usually in salads or sandwiches. Most of the victims live in the state of Victoria. A few cases also have been reported in New South Wales and West Australia.Victoria issued its first hepatitis alert on April 8, 2009. A second alert – advising Victorians, for the first time, to avoid eating uncooked semi-dried tomatoes – was released to the media on October 9th. Epidemiological investigation has been unable to pinpoint the source of the tomatoes that are at the bottom of the outbreak. Domestic producers are pointing to imp... eFoodAlert.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2989431 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:52:00 +0100 2989431 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2973992&cid=t_99928_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencebase.com%2Fscience-blog%2Fberlin-wall-falls-in-australia.html Twenty years ago today, my girlfriend (now my wife) and I lay on a bed in a cramped backpackers’ hostel in the Katherine Gorge National Park (now Nitmiluk), in Australia’s Northern Territory, watching news of the fall of the Berlin Wall (now rubble). Outside insects were buzzing ferociously, the temperature was in the high 30s, and the hostel owner told us that he wouldn’t bother going in the (tiny, dirty) pool unless the temperature in the shade was at least 45 Celsius. On a circuitous road trip (goin’ Greyhound) we’d set off from Melbourne, where an ex-pat couple we knew lived (working for ICI, he, and Monash U, she), that October. We travelled West to Adelaide and then North through opal (hydrated silica) capital Coober Pedy and up to Ayers Rock (now Uluru... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2973992 Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:00:21 +0100 2973992 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2931288&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FIGI9cu6imDI%2F Why? The report warns that Australia faces a diabetes “disaster,” and some experts say it could be seen as a marketing push to win public subsidies for a new medicine, The Australian reports. The report warns an estimated 1.6 million Australians will be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes by 2050, and the disease will cost the country $14 billion a year. Compiled by the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling at the University of Canberra, the report says more than 270,000 heart bypass operations on type 2 diabetic patients by 2050, and patients will suffer more than 250,000 strokes and 750,000 kidney complications. A release detailing the findings said while the findings were “alarming”, they “confirm effective and broader measures implemented now will ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2931288 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:07:47 +0100 2931288 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2902935&cid=t_99928_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2009%2F10%2F17%2Faurora-time-lapse-of-the-south-pole%2F Posted in Music - TV - Film Tagged: aurora, australia, southern lights (Source: Donna Trussell) Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2902935 Sat, 17 Oct 2009 21:04:49 +0100 2902935 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2890942&cid=t_99928_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FNSygJRhhGuc%2F The opposition party in Australia says the federal government has failed to properly regulate ADHD drugs, with acting opposition health spokesman Mathias Cormann charging that Health Minister Nicola Roxon has done nothing for almost two years, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. His comments follow reports 30 children have wanted to kill themselves while on AHDD meds. One seven-year-old boy became so depressed while taking Ritalin last year that he tried to commit suicide and an eight-year-old hallucinated that spiders were crawling up his skin, the paper writes. Overall, the number of serious reactions to ADHD drugs has doubled in a three-year period, according to Therapeutic Goods Administration figures. The former coalition government asked the Royal Australasian College of Physicia... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2890942 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:08:20 +0100 2890942 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4060669&cid=t_99928_109_f&fid=34859&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.davemsw.com%2Farchives%2F2009%2F10%2Fdid_selfhelp_course_lead_to_womans_suicide.php Tonight the New York Times reported on very sad story about an Australian woman who went to a self-help course called Turning Point with her husband in hopes of improving their marriage. Over the next few days, according to her husband, her behavior became increasingly strange until without warning, she jumped out of her office window and successfully committed suicide while stunned paramedics watched unable to move fast enough. Image via Wikipedia According to the article, the Turning Point program by People Knowhow run by unlicensed staff and includes group induction of hypnosis and/or regression where persons in the audience are encouraged to imagine themselves as children and encouraged to re-experience trauma. Hypnosis and regression are powerful therapeutic techniques I have come ... Ψ Dare To Dream... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4060669 Sat, 10 Oct 2009 18:50:29 +0100 4060669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2842485&cid=t_99928_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D7920 Australia’s judicial system has found baby Gloria’s parents guilty of failing to get proper medical attention for their child who had ezcema and have been sentenced to jail (via Digg.com) The couple’s infant daughter died from an infection her weakened immune system could not fight off in May 2002, after her parents watched her health “deteriorate before their eyes.” The Sams, from Earlwood, were found guilty by a Supreme Court jury in June of their daughter’s manslaughter by gross criminal negligence. The jury found the couple had breached their duty of care as parents by persisting with alternative remedies for their daughter’s skin condition which “plainly weren’t working” instead of seeking conventional medical help. Adults c... Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2842485 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2842485 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2828176&cid=t_99928_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F3l00-Wi5mQs%2F Last week I recommended reading a new paper published by the Lowy Institute in Australia, which proposes an utterly sensible reform for the G-20, if curbing protectionism is a serious aim. Using Australia’s own successful experience as an example, the authors recommend other countries adopt “domestic transparency” programs, which would essentially include analysis from an independent, apolitical board or agency that measures the real costs and benefits of proposed trade restrictions. The findings of these independent reviews would be accessible to the public—and probably published in newspapers and other popular media—in advance of any decision to impose or reject the proposed trade restrictions. The findings wouldn’t legally bind the authorities to take any particular ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2828176 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:04:16 +0100 2828176 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2803883&cid=t_99928_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FnHv08v7U-SI%2F Earlier this month, the Lowy Institute in Australia published a paper offering some very sound and, obviously, very timely advice about how to contain, and ultimately, eradicate protectionism. The paper is being circulated among the G20 delegations, who will undoubtedly discuss the topic of trade and protectionism in Pittsburgh next week. So for those of you interested in getting a sense of what will probably be the single best idea on (or at least near) the table at the G20 summit, I highly recommend this 20-pager. The solution proposed by the authors boils down to a two-word phrase: “Domestic Transparency.” What is meant by that phrase is that “defeating protectionism begins at home.” And by that slogan, the authors mean that the key to reducing, and ultimately el... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2803883 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:00:42 +0100 2803883 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800365&cid=t_99928_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FMdmVBHfM5-k%2F Will you allow a foreigner to comment on something that has intrigued her about this great country? All this hand-wringing and then censure (not to mention impeachment talk) over Rep. Joe Wilson’s admittedly rude intervention at President Obama’s speech last week has me baffled. Partly, it is because I come from a land that is governed by a parliamentary system, where Question Time is a much-loved institution. The offense (manufactured, perhaps) that Representative Wilson’s comment has caused is almost laughable when I think about some of the insults that have been hurled in both directions in Australia’s parliament. Here’s a collection of quotes from former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating just for starters (warning: offensive language). Here is a Br... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800365 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:46:47 +0100 2800365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2793365&cid=t_99928_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2FdIEGaC-npC4%2F A new study on the siblings of children with autism is showing that signs associated with the behavioral disorder appear in babies in their first weeks of life. Preliminary research, at Australia-based Flinders University, studied the Photo courtesy Eccentric Scholar (flickr.com) behavior of infants who have an increased risk of developing autism from as young as 10 days, and preliminary results show children in an at-risk group (with an older sibling with an ASD, including Asperger’s) were developing different behavioral patterns from children from families with no history of autism. Autism affects up to 16 children per 10,000 in Australia. More is here. •   •   • The University of Central Florida’s College Internship Program in Melbourne, Fla., is yet another campu... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2793365 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 20:05:19 +0100 2793365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2761802&cid=t_99928_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2009%2F09%2F03%2Fwelcome-back-to-perth%2F It’s quite possible that no-one even noticed this website was down but I’ve been busy over the last half a day. My old webhosting provider (netlogistics.com – stay away from them) was getting increasingly unreliable and their software didn’t allow me to take advantage of new features of wordpress. Finally yesterday after a week of crashes by account went offline and that was the last straw. I have now migrated succesfully to a new provider Dreamhost, who for about the same cost provide a much better level of service, or so it seems thus far. [thanks to ob1 for the recommendation] Setting up email and transferring my domain over to the new host was very simple, as was installing the WordPress blog software which basically was a 2 minutes job. The tricky and frustrati... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2761802 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 05:22:40 +0100 2761802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2751826&cid=t_99928_85_f&fid=34924&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baggas.com%2Fposts%2F2009%2F09%2F01%2Faustralian-geography-for-u2-2011%2F Usually if you ask me what I’ll be doing in 2011 I won’t have a clue, but I can tell you one thing I hope I’m doing – going to a U2 concert. Just came across this piece of news : U2 super tour here – in 2011. Now I’ll be amazed if the tour actually makes it to us in Perth. Usually it bothers me that big name artists always skip Perth on their tours – we’re a decent sized city not some little country town – but in U2’s case I will choose not to be angry. After all it does take 60 semi-trailers to cart their stage and equipment from city to city (wonder if The Edge has one of those just for his guitars and effects and amps?) and Perth is a very very long way from anywhere, as you can see on this map… If you’re not famil... Baggas' Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2751826 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:19:52 +0100 2751826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2748116&cid=t_99928_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F08%2Finsulin-gel-patch-and-nasal-spray-in-the-news-bah-humbug.html New briefs this week: An Australian company that makes “cosmeceuticals” is developing an insulin gel patch in collaboration with the Joslin Diabetes Center at Harvard Medical School. A Japanese company that makes synthetic fabrics is developing an insulin nasal spray with Hoshi University in Tokyo. Hey, I don’t make this stuff up.  As you well know, [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2748116 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:00:27 +0100 2748116 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2737701&cid=t_99928_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F9_TGue1-RV4%2F In the name of fighting identity fraud, the U.K. Home Office has entered into a biometric data-sharing agreement with Canada and Australia. “The USA will be joining the agreement shortly, and New Zealand is considering legislation to join in the near future,” they say. It would be nice to learn what commitments have been made to the U.K., justifying this statement. (Source: Cato-at-liberty) Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2737701 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:16:21 +0100 2737701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2691693&cid=t_99928_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fwhat-is-your-story-in-a-life-of-chronic-pain%2F It is said the Australian aborigines believe the only thing you own is your story. If you stop and think about that statement, it is true. Our history, our behavior and our relationships write our legacy and therefore our story. What does your story say about you? If this is to be our tale, for good or bad, for health or pain, we might as well “own it,” because it is who we are. We are not our pain, we are not our sorrow. We are not our suffering, our disease or our multiple problems. Thus arises the question, then who are we? We each are challenged to write our own story. The author Fannie Hurst, who wrote many novels years ago such as Imitation of Life and Backstreet, once wrote about her admiration for her husband, an artist. She once asked him why he was consistently mindful of oth... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2691693 Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:22:51 +0100 2691693