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 'diagnostics'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:47:34 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5174701&cid=t_92166_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2F_uaoTTAt2ko%2Fgerman-researchers-develop-implantable-oxygen-sensor-for-monitoring-tumor-growth.html A team of researchers from the Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM) have developed a prototype implantable oxygen sensor for continuously monitoring tumor growth. The chip measures oxygen concentration in its surrounding tissues and transmits the data wirelessly to a receiver carried by the patient. The receiver then relays the data to a clinician so that appropriate treatment strategies can be determined. The researchers believe that this approach will allow for continuous remote monitoring of slow growing or surgically challenging tumors. The team hopes to expand the sensing capabilities of the device to include acidity and temperature, and is in the process of developing a miniaturized medication pump for implantation with the sensor. It is envisaged that the pump will be able to rel... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5174701 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 17:49:34 +0100 5174701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5174865&cid=t_92166_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FSbGm4lXB2Kw%2F Welcome back. This was a long weekend thanks to the hurricane that swept past the Pharmalot corporate campus and inundated the surrounding region. We are slowly returning to our usual form and reviving our spirits with a needed cup of stimulation. We hope those of you who suffered the storm are doing well. As the Morning Mayor used to say: Every brand new day should be unwrapped like a precious gift. Meanwhile, as we get into gear, here are a few items that should be of interest… Roche Sees Government Austerity Bolstering Diagnostics Unit (Bloomberg News) FDA Asks Novartis For More Data On Gout Drug (Reuters) Pfizer Wins FDA Approval For Targeted Lung Cancer Med (Bloomberg News) India’s Piramal Wants To Buy Ailing Biotechs (Financial Times) More Than Half Of CRO Sales Are Made ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5174865 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:25:42 +0100 5174865 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5169589&cid=t_92166_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FrkCHFKSkWUQ%2Fmedgadget-interview-robert-oschler-robotic-telepresence-developer.html Robert Oschler is a robotics enthusiast with a special interest in telepresence.  He has been developing his own software for years, but the latest iteration of his Robodance client brings together the Rovio robot and EPOC’s EEG-monitoring device.  We often report on the developments of huge companies in the medical technology field, so we thought it would be a good idea to take a look at some of the smaller-scale, independent developers who are exploring applications of human-technology interfaces that could one day be translated into health care applications.  We had a chance to ask Robert a couple questions, but he did want to make sure we made it known that he is not a physician and that the comments below are merely speculation. Medgadget. : How robust is the EPOC’s int... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5169589 Sat, 27 Aug 2011 15:13:06 +0100 5169589 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159880&cid=t_92166_155_f&fid=39053&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.advanceweb.com%2Fblogs%2Fal_2%2Farchive%2F2011%2F08%2F26%2Fnih-genetic-test-site-may-go-live-by-year-s-end.aspx The National Institutes of Health is nearing completion on its Genetic Testing Registry (GTR), an information portal for healthcare providers and eventually consumers, on genetic tests on the market. The NIH is accepting public comments regarding how...(read more) (Source: ADVANCE Discourse: Lab) ADVANCE Discourse: Lab blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159880 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:25:00 +0100 5159880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5130830&cid=t_92166_109_f&fid=38951&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarlatpsychiatry.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fblood-test-for-depression-really.html (Source: The Carlat Psychiatry Blog) The Carlat Psychiatry Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5130830 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 19:10:00 +0100 5130830 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5130851&cid=t_92166_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FVRZhTjLQxpc%2Fmasimo-reintroduces-pronto-7-finger-sensor-after-recall.html We reported on the introduction of Masimo‘s Pronto 7 back in June 2010. To review, this handheld, noninvasive device provides a spot-check of hemoglobin (SpHb), SpO2, pulse rate, and perfusion index.  Since then, Masimo voluntarily recalled the sensors associated with this device due to problems with reliability of data at low ambient temperatures.  The company has subsequently redesigned the sensors and re-validated the data with thousands of patients. With the new sensors validated, Masimo has initiated international availability of Pronto-7 in Europe, Middle East, Africa, South America, and Asia (except for countries requiring clearance, such as Japan). As far as the U.S. is concerned, FDA 510(k) clearance is pending at this time. Masimo Founder and CEO, Joe Kiani, stated: &#822... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5130851 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:29:56 +0100 5130851 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5125821&cid=t_92166_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FcLYIYcbr06w%2Fsticky-news-electronic-skin-patch-promises-simpler-monitoring.html A skin-like electronic device has been engineered by a team of scientists led by professor John A Rogers at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. They have introduced to the world an “ultrathin, low-modulus, lightweight, stretchable skin-like membrane”, inside which they embedded various electronic sensors. It can be applied directly to the skin like a temporary tattoo and the sensors will move along with the skin. The researchers describe in their article, published in the latest issue of Science, the importance of the mechanophysiology of the skin for this project and how they engineered their device. It contained several kinds of sensors and matched the physical properties of the epidermis. After application on the skin they successfully tested their sensor by measuring electrica... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5125821 Fri, 12 Aug 2011 16:54:09 +0100 5125821 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118743&cid=t_92166_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FZZ8MIBp7Q1E%2Ffive-questions-for-mchip-researcher-samuel-k-sia.html Last week we reported on the success of the mChip lab-on-a-chip HIV and syphilis test in its first field trial. For some further information, we got in touch with Samuel K. Sia, associate professor at the department of biomedical engineering at Columbia University, who was one of the leading researchers in this study. His lab focuses on using microfluidics for global health diagnostics and for 3D tissue biology and he is one of the founders of Claros Diagnostics, the company responsible for commercializing the mChip diagnostic platform. 1. How long did it take you to develop this chip and what difficulties did you encounter? We started the work in 2002 when Vincent Linder and I were postdocs in George Whitesides’ lab at Harvard. Taking a proof of concept, even if one that already wor... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118743 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:41:23 +0100 5118743 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5103338&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fresearch-finds-success-in-small-cheap-and-strong-test-for-hiv-and-syphilis%2F2011.08.06 Researchers from Columbia University have developed a “lab on a chip” HIV and syphilis test, and are now reporting the first results from tests in the field conducted in Rwanda. The mChip, as it is called, is the size of a credit card and replicates all steps of an ELISA test, at a lower total material cost and within 20 minutes. After application of a blood sample, the chip is inserted into a $100 battery-powered handheld analyzer. It needs only 1 μl of unprocessed whole blood and does not require any user interpretation of the signal, providing a clear-cut yes or no result. Right now, HIV testing in developing countries either relies on expensive laboratory testing taking a long time, or uses cheaper methods based on lateral flow, which, although very rapid, do not provide very reli... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5103338 Sat, 06 Aug 2011 18:00:08 +0100 5103338 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5103482&cid=t_92166_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F05%2Fin-depth-review-the-cancer-genome-atlas-reports-on-landmark-analysis-of-high-grade-serous-ovarian-cancer%2F An analysis of genomic changes in high grade serous ovarian cancer provides the most comprehensive and integrated view of cancer genes for any cancer type to date. Ovarian serous adenocarcinoma tumors from 489 patients were examined by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network and its analyses are reported in the June 30, 2011 issue [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5103482 Sat, 06 Aug 2011 00:24:26 +0100 5103482 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5097132&cid=t_92166_155_f&fid=39053&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.advanceweb.com%2Fblogs%2Fal_2%2Farchive%2F2011%2F08%2F02%2Fclsi-seeks-volunteers-to-draft-mdx-document.aspx The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) is looking for volunteers to help draft a guideline on molecular diagnostic (MDx) methods for nonhematological cancers , which will set requirements for nucleic acid biomarker assays to accurately...(read more) (Source: ADVANCE Discourse: Lab) ADVANCE Discourse: Lab blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5097132 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:02:00 +0100 5097132 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086303&cid=t_92166_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FJtI7DFfG7oM%2Fself-heating-cartridge-enables-low-cost-point-of-care-dna-amplification.html We recently described the OpenPCR project which is expected to make previously costly and difficult procedures like DNA amplification more accessible. Now, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have opened the possibility of even more accessible molecular diagnostics by developing a self-heating, disposable microfluidic cartridge for isothermal nucleic acid amplification. Made out of the phase change material polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), the cartridge (38 mm x 19 mm x 17 mm) consists of amplification chambers containing at least one thermal battery composed of magnesium iron alloy. When exposed to water, the magnesium exothermically produces hydrogen gas (released through vents in cartridge), magnesium hydroxide, and – of course – heat that can be used for the DNA amplificat... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086303 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 21:05:28 +0100 5086303 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077803&cid=t_92166_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FlURZwNsIzys%2Fcontinuous-detection-system-to-monitor-environmental-air-for-bacterial-contaminations.html BioVigilant Systems, Inc., inventors of the Instantaneous Microbial Detection (IMD) technology,  introduces its next-generation IMD. This detection system monitors in real-time environmental air in healthcare, biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing environments. The IMD-A 300/350 uses optical technology to detect the presence of bacteria, in contrast to traditional culturing or molecular methods, which can take a long time as cultures are being grown. The system is capable of simultaneously detecting both size and intrinsic fluorescence of airborne particulates. When a particle enters the IMD-A system’s interrogation zone, it intersects the beam of a single laser light source. The scattering of the laser light determines the size of each individual particle. At the same time, th... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077803 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 19:54:26 +0100 5077803 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077807&cid=t_92166_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FmT-G_0zJIuw%2Fcell-phone-based-imaging-cytometry-device-for-developing-countries.html Researchers at UCLA have developed a cell phone–based imaging cytometry device, which they built with a very simple optical design that is very cost-effective and easy to operate and could be used in resource-limited regions. The optofluidic platform integrates imaging cytometry and florescent microscopy that can be attached to a cell phone. The resulting device can be used to rapidly image body fluids for cell counts or cell analysis. Flow cytometry is a technique for counting and examining cells, bacteria and other microscopic particles. Conventional flow cytometers are large and cost tens of thousands of dollars, and are thus not practical when resources are limited. The device created by the researchers uses a simple lens, a plastic color filter, 2 LEDs and basic batteries. In total ... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077807 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 20:51:57 +0100 5077807 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069562&cid=t_92166_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2Fon-Mvmcq690%2Fpowerful-new-lab-on-a-chip-device-could-redefine-genetic-analysis.html Scientists at the University of British Columbia have invented a lab-on-a-chip that could reduce the cost of genetic analysis while improving its speed and sensitivity. Roughly the size of a nine-volt battery, the unit directs fluid carrying cells through tiny tubes and valves, ultimately isolating the cells into separate chambers. Once the cells are separated, their genetic material can be removed and replicated for future study. Standard genetic tests present composite data based on thousands, or even millions, of cells. By contrast, the new lab-on-a-chip can analyze cells individually. This functionality comes in handy in cancer diagnosis because a single tumor can include a combination of various cancer cells and normal cells. “[Using standard genetic tests is] like trying to trying ... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069562 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 04:38:12 +0100 5069562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069564&cid=t_92166_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FxJXXFidFo1g%2Fpersonal-glucose-meters-used-to-measure-everything-from-cocaine-to-uranium.html Chemists from the University of Illinois have combined simple, portable and inexpensive glucose meters with molecular sensors to measure a number of target molecules in blood, serum, water or food. Glucometers are among the few widely available and affordable devices that can provide quantitative measurements. By using enzymes indirectly activated by the presence of a target molecule, sucrose is converted into glucose, and the final glucose reading can be used to quantify the amount of target molecule: Functional DNA sensors use short segments of DNA that bind to specific targets. A number of functional DNAs and RNAs are available to recognize a wide variety of targets. The DNA segments, immobilized on magnetic particles, are bound to the enzyme invertase, which can catalyze conversion of ... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069564 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 18:24:14 +0100 5069564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062321&cid=t_92166_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FMNUhYSYSP4c%2Ftoyota-to-integrate-ecg-sensors-into-steering-wheels.html Toyota is working on a multitude of technologies that will make driving safer, and showed some of its up and coming safety innovations in a demonstration to reporters last Thursday at its facility in Japan. Among the exhibits were a pre-collision system with a steering-control feature, a pop-up hood and blocking of high-beam headlights, but also an ECG detecting driving wheel. Whereas Ford is opting for a contactless ECG-sensing driving seat, Toyota is going the more obvious way, by direct contact sensors in the steering wheel. Of course this depends on the driver keeping hands on the steering wheel long enough to detect any abnormal heart rhythm, which might not be the case in more acute conditions such as VF. An optical sensor mounted in the steering wheel picks up a single-lead ECG sign... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062321 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 14:38:53 +0100 5062321 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5057794&cid=t_92166_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FBDvwYc3vTEA%2Fspacelabs-healthcare-xprezzon-patient-monitor-from-the-future-also-viewable-on-ipad.html Spacelabs Healthcare (named so because it originally developed telemetry devices to monitor the vital signs of orbiting astronauts) has recently launched XPREZZON, a patient monitor that pretty much fullfills all the wishes we ever had for a monitor and that also makes some clever use of existing remote desktop technology. It has a sleek, frameless, iPad-like high resolution touchscreen display. It can display custom trends which can be accessed with a single touch, or they can be displayed continuously and arranged to the user’s liking. It has bright LED alarm lights both on the front and the back. For those accustomed to dual-screen desktop set-ups, a second display can be attached to the monitor, acting as a secondary screen for charting and other clinical applications. Under the ... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5057794 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:08:50 +0100 5057794 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051279&cid=t_92166_155_f&fid=39053&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.advanceweb.com%2Fblogs%2Fal_2%2Farchive%2F2011%2F07%2F22%2Facla-raises-concerns-about-proposed-mdx-test-cpt-code-fee-schedule.aspx In comments Monday to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on newly proposed Current Procedural Terminology (CPT ® ) codes defining molecular genetic and oncology assays that CMS and payers use to set pricing, and being developed by...(read more) (Source: ADVANCE Discourse: Lab) ADVANCE Discourse: Lab blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051279 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:42:00 +0100 5051279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028523&cid=t_92166_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2Ffio869YVbIE%2Ftoumaz-receives-fda-approval-for-sensium-digital-plaster-disposable-wireless-body-monitoring-device.html Toumaz has received FDA approval for the Sensium Digital Plaster an ultra-small, ultra-low power wireless body-worn monitor that can collect vital signs data, including temperature, heart rate and respiration rate. It is intended for hospital ward environments but this might in the future expand into tele-care, chronic disease monitoring, community care settings and the home. The technology will be licensed to third-parties, allowing them to build custom wireless monitoring systems, with the only thing needed for branding being a customized enclosure and integration with a host system. From the product page: The platform includes ultra low power wireless sensor nodes, USB/UART base station (or gateway) for up to 8 sensor nodes, source code and example firmware and software for easy integra... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028523 Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:01:37 +0100 5028523 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028532&cid=t_92166_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FCyreUE_Uwgo%2Fnhs-approves-bd-focalpoint-for-automated-cervical-cancer-screening.html The United Kingdom National Health Service Cancer Screening Programmes (NHSCSP) has approved the use of automated technology that reduces the amount of cervical cancer screening samples needed to be examined by humans by 25%. The BD FocalPoint from Source BioScience can automatically analyze samples, giving a “no further review necessary” signal in cases that are all clear, with the remainder then being examined by a human being. 3.6 Million of these tests are being undertaken across England and Wales during one year, so use of this technology could lead to a significant reduction in laboratory workload and costs. The decision to approve the system was taken following recommendations from the Health Technology Assessment “MAVARIC” trial, published in March 2011, demonstrati... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028532 Wed, 13 Jul 2011 18:17:02 +0100 5028532 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968908&cid=t_92166_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FoxxvlqvSqOs%2F Hired someone new and exciting? Promoted a rising star? Finally solved that hard-to-fill spot? Share the news with us and we’ll share with it others. That’s right. Send us your announcements and we’ll find a home for them. Don’t be shy. Everyone wants to know who is coming and going, especially with all the layoffs. Despite the downsizing, there is movement. Here are some of the latest changes. Recognize anyone? And here is our regular feature. Send us a photo and we will spotlight a different person each week. This time around, we note that Health Market Science hired John Schultz, as executive vp of sales for all HMS business units, including life sciences and pharmacy. Previously, he was senior vp of sales and marketing at MedAssurant. And before that, he led sales and marketing... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968908 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 12:00:22 +0100 4968908 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4952780&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FZhYZYUgMMGU%2F Medical Cases: The Supreme Court will hear an appeal from the Mayo Clinic challenging two Prometheus Laboratories patents for a diagnostic test determining drug dosages for certain autoimmune diseases, the WSJ reports. Mayo says Prometheus is trying to patent medical observations of a natural phenomenon; the company says its patents “describe concrete and improved methods of treating seriously ill patients.” Separately, the court said it wouldn’t consider an appeal by Pfizer’s Wyeth unit of a $58 million judgment in favor of three women who claimed Wyeth’s hormone-replacement drugs caused their breast cancer, the WSJ reports. Auditing Recalls: An audit of the FDA’s procedures for removing contaminated imported foods from U.S. shelves found the agency did... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4952780 Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:55:34 +0100 4952780 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4921768&cid=t_92166_155_f&fid=39053&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.advanceweb.com%2Fblogs%2Fal_2%2Farchive%2F2011%2F06%2F09%2Fwill-personalized-medicine-help-break-stereotypes.aspx Personalized medicine is an ideal of care, and one that health professionals are embracing as research advances make it easier to define biomarkers, patient phenotypes, and individualized therapies. In the bigger picture of life, perhaps this whole notion...(read more) (Source: ADVANCE Discourse: Lab) ADVANCE Discourse: Lab blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4921768 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 18:28:00 +0100 4921768 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911620&cid=t_92166_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Flost-translation-clinical-decision-making-and-need-lab-data-standards The HITECH initiative and the promise of effectively coordinated care are fundamentally based on the adoption of standards as an integral part of the larger adoption of healthcare information technology. Numerous types of standards are being promoted, including messaging standards, secure communication standards and data standards. But perhaps, some of the most important standards are those that are not being enforced. No sticky read more (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911620 Tue, 07 Jun 2011 18:35:04 +0100 4911620 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902509&cid=t_92166_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2Fpw7mTXLHXzE%2Fmasimo-e1-pulse-oximetry-ear-sensor-receives-fda-and-ce-approval.html Masimo has received both US FDA and European CE clearance for its E1 single-patient-use pulse oximetry ear sensor. The ear is often used as an alternative site to measure oxygenation in situations where measurement at the fingertip is impractical, such as when there is excessive patient movement or when perfusion is too low to obtain reliable results. While traditional fingerclip sensors are often applied to the earlobe, the E1 is attached more securely in the cavum conchae. It promises to give faster detection of oxygen saturation changes during low perfusion, and to avoid cross-contamination risks associated with reusable sensors. Masimo has started a limited market release of the device. Press release: Masimo Initiates Limited Market Release of E1, Single-Patient-Use Ear Sensor for Puls... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902509 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 13:00:43 +0100 4902509 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893810&cid=t_92166_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F03%2F2011-asco-matching-targeted-therapies-to-specific-tumor-gene-mutations-key-to-personalized-cancer-treatment%2F Customizing targeted therapies to each tumor’s molecular characteristics, instead of a “one-size-fits-all” approach by tumor type, may be more effective for some types of cancer, according to research presented today at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting by the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. In patients with end-stage disease, matched patients achieved a 27% [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893810 Sat, 04 Jun 2011 03:36:14 +0100 4893810 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4883696&cid=t_92166_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FiC3yDNjZnCU%2Fsomnus-sleep-shirt-comfortably-and-fashionably-monitors-your-sleep.html MIT startup Nyx Devices wants to watch you sleep. However, unlike other methods of sleep diagnostics, their method doesn’t sterile-looking sleep laboratories or intrusive EEG’s. All you need to do is dress for the occasion, in this case, in Nyx Device’s Somnus Sleep Shirt. The Somnus Sleep Shirt is a form-fitting shirt embedded with a couple of sensors to measure your respiration. The sensor information is stored in a small data recorder kept in a hip pocket, which the user removes and connects to a computer for uploading. Analyzing sleep patterns based on respiration is still considered experimental, but inventor and Massachusetts General Hospital sleep neurologist Matt Bianchi thinks the device could help patients suffering from insomnia. Take a look at this video below... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4883696 Tue, 31 May 2011 17:58:51 +0100 4883696 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4883700&cid=t_92166_113_f&fid=22291&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMedgadget%2F%7E3%2FoD3PYK2R5VQ%2Fford-unveils-contactless-ecg-sensing-driver-seat.html Just a week ago, Ford announced partnerships for its in-car health management system, and now it is unveiling another, this time self-developed, auto part: a contactless ECG sensing driver’s seat. The seat has six built-in sensors that together produce a signal very similar to a single lead ECG. The sensors, developed by Aachen University in Germany, consist of capacitative electrodes that can detect electrical activity contact-free at a short distance.  Through thin layers of clothing an accurate ECG can be produced, while thicker layers increase interference.  But even with clothes thickness of 2.5 mm, at least the QRS-complex can be clearly identified. Several filtering techniques are employed to reduce artifacts caused by body movements. According to Ford, the seat produces acc... Medgadget blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4883700 Tue, 31 May 2011 05:26:27 +0100 4883700 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4852824&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fquest-diagnostics-settles-version-2.html And the latest entrant in the parade of legal settlements is a medical laboratory company, as reported by the Los Angeles Times:Quest Diagnostics Inc., the biggest provider of medical lab services in California, has agreed to pay $241 million to settle a whistle-blower's lawsuit that accused it of overcharging the state Medi-Cal program.This was not only about financial misbehavior, but about paying physicians and health care providers to influence their decisions in favor of the payer, but not necessarily their patients:The lawsuit also alleged that the Madison, N.J., company paid illegal kickbacks to doctors, hospitals and clinics that sent patients their way.As usual, despite the allegations above, the company issued the de rigeur denials:Quest acknowledged the settlement in a statement... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4852824 Mon, 23 May 2011 19:51:00 +0100 4852824 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4848043&cid=t_92166_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F38647165%2Ftailored_medicine_for_preventing_heart_attacks.php © gandhiji40Tailoring national guidelines on how to treat high blood pressure to better fit individuals could prevent many more heart attacks and strokes, according to a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. It estimated that the tailored approach could prevent 43% more heart attacks and strokes than the simpler, general recommendations used now. Current guidelines recommend treatment if blood pressure rises about 140/90 mm Hg, or above 130/80 mm Hg if a person has diabetes or chronic kidney disease. Doctors generally ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4848043 Fri, 20 May 2011 11:25:58 +0100 4848043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4842011&cid=t_92166_155_f&fid=38412&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpathlabmed.typepad.com%2Fsurgical_pathology_and_la%2F2011%2F05%2Fincidentalomas-revisited.html In this study, sarcoidosis was diagnosed by EBUS-FNA in 22% of patients and 2 patients developed lung cancer 2 years after initial finding. While I concur with the basic premise of the post (i.e. that one shouldn't jump into a full-blown diagnostic work-up of an incidental finding), I think we should also insist on developing evidence-based criteria for managing these types of findings such as, Fleishner criteria for lung nodules. (Source: The Daily Sign-Out) The Daily Sign-Out blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4842011 Thu, 19 May 2011 11:17:00 +0100 4842011 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4821100&cid=t_92166_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F13%2Fova1-blood-test-detects-ovarian-cancer-in-women-with-a-known-ovarian-mass-more-accurately-than-ca-125%2F A study published online in Obstetrics & Gynecology reports that the OVA1 blood test detects ovarian cancer in women with a previously discovered ovarian mass more accurately than the CA-125 blood test. The study also considers OVA1′s place in future surgical referral guidelines. A study published online ahead of print in the June 2011 edition of [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4821100 Fri, 13 May 2011 15:11:11 +0100 4821100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4768248&cid=t_92166_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FGYUstGjx3OI%2F Hired someone new and exciting? Promoted a rising star? Finally solved that hard-to-fill spot? Share the news with us and we’ll share with it others. That’s right. Send us your announcements and we’ll find a home for them. Don’t be shy. Everyone wants to know who is coming and going, especially with all the layoffs. Despite the downsizing, there is movement. Here are some of the latest changes. Recognize anyone? And here is our regular feature. Send us a photo and we will spotlight a different person each week. This time around, we note that Alliance Life Sciences hired Animesh Gandhi as a director on aggregate spend, which refers to the state and federal reporting process for payments to healthcare professionals. Previously, Gandhi worked as a management consultant at Daiichi Sank... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4768248 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 12:11:10 +0100 4768248 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4768109&cid=t_92166_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F38647165%2Fhealth_information_via_social_media.php © webtreatsModern medicine is making strides in the use of internet and social networking technology to help doctors connect with patients. Many health-care providers are turning to Facebook, Twitter, and text messaging in order to market their practice and share health information. For example, many plastic surgeons are starting professional Facebook pages to get the word out about their practices. They say that the recommendations that people give on Facebook can translate into new business for them. Many of these sites feature before-and-after videos, ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4768109 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 04:53:04 +0100 4768109 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4715015&cid=t_92166_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FQz8Sw-i4Qjs%2F Hired someone new and exciting? Promoted a rising star? Finally solved that hard-to-fill spot? Share the news with us and we’ll share with it others. That’s right. Send us your announcements and we’ll find a home for them. Don’t be shy. Everyone wants to know who is coming and going, especially with all the layoffs. Despite the downsizing, there is movement. Here are some of the latest changes. Recognize anyone? And here is our regular feature. Send us a photo and we will spotlight a different person each week. This time around, we note that Aileron Therapeutics hired Tony Manning as sr vp of research and preclinical development. Most recently, he was vp and head of inflammation and autoimmune diseases research at Biogen Idec. Before that, he was vp and global head of inflammation,... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4715015 Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:52:14 +0100 4715015 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4611004&cid=t_92166_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F56jJMRBUxuk%2F And so, another work will soon draw to a close. This is, of course, a signal to start daydreaming about weekend plans. Our agenda is modest: spending time with our assorted short people, catching up on some reading and promenading with the official Pharmalot mascots. What about you? Getting a headstart on spring cleaning? Perhaps there is time to take a walk in the park? Or plan the rest of your lives? Whatever you do, we hope you enjoy. Meanwhile, here are some tidbits. See you soon, everyone… Pfizer Sells A Chewable Viagra Tablet In Mexico (Reuters) FDA Rejects Lilly Drug For Alzheimer’s Test (Associated Press) Genzyme Warns EU Of Continued Thyrogen Shortage (Reuters) New Evidence That Avandia Is Riskier Than Actos (MedPage Today) Mylan Recalls Pills Over Labeling Mix Up (Ott... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4611004 Fri, 18 Mar 2011 11:46:59 +0100 4611004 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600798&cid=t_92166_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FNPe3p37WgVo%2F Hello, everyone, and nice to see you again. A spot of rain is falling on the Pharmalot corporate campus, but our spirits remain sunny. Of course, a cup or two of stimulation can help - our flavor this morning is Rain Forest Nut. Meanwhile, there are meetings and deadlines that await. So here are some interesting items to help you along. Have a great day and do stay in touch… Pfizer To Move Antibacterials Research To Shanghai (The Day) Abbott CEO Compensation Fell 2.5 Percent Last Year (Dow Jones) DEA Seizes Execution Drug In Georgia (Associated Press) Japan Nuclear Catastrophe Spurs Debate Over Radiation Pills (Bloomberg News) Those $4 Rx Programs Can Save US Billions (Reuters) Cephalon Sues US Over Fentora Generic Approval (Bloomberg News) Aegerion Receives Orphan Status For Lipid D... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600798 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 11:53:04 +0100 4600798 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4592642&cid=t_92166_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F15%2F2011-nccn-conference-new-treatment-options-lead-to-steady-progress-against-ovarian-cancer%2F Recommendations stemming from recent clinical trials highlight notable updates to the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines™) for Ovarian Cancer at the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) 16th Annual Conference. Although finding effective screening tools remains a priority, new treatment options for women with ovarian cancer, such as the ones outlined in the [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4592642 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 01:20:30 +0100 4592642 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4575088&cid=t_92166_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F39444424%2Fmail_order_genetics_testing_kit_to_predict_kidsa_sporting_ability.php © AdamKR Biotechnology is now reaching out to parents who want to know if their kid could be the next sports superstar. The new mail-order genetic testing kits that a few companies are selling online claim, that with a quick swipe of a swab you can determine the genetic information of your child relating to his sporting abilities. The Associated Press reports that these kits are priced at less than$200. The swabs are mailed back to the company by the parents, who then receive ... (Source: The Biotech Weblog) The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4575088 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 09:23:46 +0100 4575088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4566179&cid=t_92166_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emrandhipaa.com%2Femr-and-hipaa%2F2011%2F03%2F08%2Fcare360-ehr-medplus-and-quest-diagnostics%2F While some might consider the following commentary an ad for Quest Diagnostic’s Care360 EHR, it’s not. I don’t even have them as an advertiser. Plus, you could easily submit a number of other companies name in the place of Quest. However, the following were some thoughts I had after talking with the people behind Care360 EHR at Quest. First, let me clarify some name issues so we’re all on the same page. Quest Diagnostics is the company. It’s publicly traded on the NYSE with the ticker DGX. Most of you will know about Quest since they’re one of the leading lab companies in the US. MedPlus is the subsidiary within Quest that covers the healthcare IT portion of the company including their EMR software. Care360 is the name of their SaaS EHR software which th... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4566179 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 19:55:13 +0100 4566179 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4429228&cid=t_92166_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=4429047&cid=t_92166_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencebase.com%2Fscience-blog%2Fspectroscopynow-february-1-issue.html Valentine’s Day science – Spring may not quite be in the air, but Valentine's Day is on the way and love is certainly on the minds of researchers in the US. A small functional magnetic resonance imaging has been used to investigate love. The study revealed brain activity in 10 women and 7 men when they looked at photos of their spouses to whom they had been married an average of 21 years. The results? Apparently, love lasts. Grapes of worth – The position in which a grape in a bunch matures on the vine seems to influence the production of different metabolites more than the specific genetic clone from which the vine is raised, according to new NMR data. Researchers have turned to NMR spectroscopy to help them analyse and characterise the chemistry of grape berries. T... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4429047 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:09:50 +0100 4429047 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4419182&cid=t_92166_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencebase.com%2Fscience-blog%2Fspectroscopynow-february-1-issue.html Valentine’s Day science – Spring may not quite be in the air, but Valentine's Day is on the way and love is certainly on the minds of researchers in the US. A small functional magnetic resonance imaging has been used to investigate love. The study revealed brain activity in 10 women and 7 men when they looked at photos of their spouses to whom they had been married an average of 21 years. The results? Apparently, love lasts. Grapes of worth – The position in which a grape in a bunch matures on the vine seems to influence the production of different metabolites more than the specific genetic clone from which the vine is raised, according to new NMR data. Researchers have turned to NMR spectroscopy to help them analyse and characterise the chemistry of grape berries. T... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4419182 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:09:50 +0100 4419182 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4349659&cid=t_92166_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F01%2F14%2Fcaris-life-sciences-launches-molecular-profiling-service-for-ovarian-cancer-patients%2F Caris Life Sciences announces the launch of a new molecular profiling service for ovarian cancer patients Caris Life Sciences, Inc. (Caris), a leading biosciences company focused on enabling precise and personalized healthcare through the highest quality anatomic pathology, molecular profiling, and blood-based diagnostic services, announced the launch of a new, Caris Target Now™ molecular profile [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4349659 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 22:11:53 +0100 4349659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4322694&cid=t_92166_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FkXQ0zP99dZg%2F And so another week will soon draw to a close. And you know what that means - daydreaming about weekend plans. After clearing still more snow from the Pharmalot corporate campus, we hope to visit the town dump (an interesting place; ask us about the time we met former Schering-Plough ceo Dick Kogan disposing of boxes of who-knows-what) and spend time with the short people. What about you? A snowball fight, perhaps? A cozy moment with a special person? Whatever you do have a nice time. Meanwhile, here are a few tidbits of interest. See you soon… Dendreon To Bring Provenge Vaccine To Europe (TheStreet) Savient Has Manufacturing Problems With Gout Drug (Reuters) FDA Wants More To Review Astra Thyroid Cancer Drug (Associated Press) A Woman’s Tears Lower Male Testosterone: Study (B... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4322694 Fri, 07 Jan 2011 12:53:13 +0100 4322694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4322548&cid=t_92166_109_f&fid=34706&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdeborahserani.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fhow-to-spot-liar.html Everybody lies. That's what Dr. House says - and it's true. Like most people, I tell a fib every now and then, especially if I know the truth might sting or bring about conflict. But there are people who lie more than every once in a while. They present a false front about small, mundane things, and even lie about significant issues. For chronic liars, lying is a habit. Wanna know how to spot a liar? Experts reveal some tips below.1. What is the style of a person's speech?Experts say that a change in pitch, speech rate and breathing pattern - if either speeds up or slows down, can tip you off that someone's being untrue.2. What is the person saying?Liars are less likely to use the words "I," "me," and "mine." In their attempts to distance themselves from lies, liars tend to communicate usi... Dr. Deborah Serani blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4322548 Fri, 07 Jan 2011 12:02:00 +0100 4322548 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4318302&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FYPcUXa8yuRE%2F Depending on the disease and accuracy of the test, people said they'd pay up to $622 to know if they would get the disease. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4318302 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 22:34:10 +0100 4318302 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309820&cid=t_92166_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F01%2F04%2Flab-on-a-chip-veridex-mgh-collaborate-on-next-generation-circulating-tumor-cell-test%2F Veridex, LLC announces a collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital to develop and commercialize a next-generation circulating tumor cell technology for capturing, counting and characterizing tumor cells found in patients’ blood. Yesterday, Veridex, LLC (Veridex) announced a collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) to develop and commercialize a next-generation circulating tumor cell (CTC) technology for capturing, counting and characterizing tumor [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309820 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 20:52:21 +0100 4309820 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309850&cid=t_92166_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FY5B_olrn3eo%2F Even as the pharmaceutical industry hunkers down by cutting jobs, closing plants and eliminating research projects, there are areas where some growth occurs. And one example appears to be construction on plants and research centers across North America, at least according to research compiled by Industrial Info Resources, a research firm that tracks construction projects. In a recent report, IIR talled 85 facilities that were completed last year by drug and device makers, biotechs, diagnostics companies and government-backed research centers, including incubators. These projects represented a potential total investment value of $7.1 billion, which includes both original construction costs and possible future phases that are already planned or under consideration. This is up from the 76 th... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309850 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 15:02:59 +0100 4309850 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4055774&cid=t_92166_109_f&fid=34706&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdeborahserani.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Foctober-is-international-rett-syndrome.html Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a developmental disorder that affects 1 out of 10,000 children worldwide. Generally found in girls, symptoms begin in infancy or early childhood. Often misdiagnosed as Autism, Cerebral Palsy or Angleman's Syndrome, RTT is linked to a mutation on the MECP2 gene on the X chromosome. First described in 1966 by Austrian physician, Andreas Rett, RTT is a challenging syndrome that includes the following symptoms:* Loss of purposeful hand movements* Loss of speech* Balance and coordination problems* Inability to walk* Hand wringing* Breathing problems* Anxiety and social-behavioral problems* Intellectual and developmental disabilities For more on Rett Syndrome link here (Source: Dr. Deborah Serani) Dr. Deborah Serani blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4055774 Mon, 11 Oct 2010 13:57:00 +0100 4055774 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4002965&cid=t_92166_109_f&fid=34706&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdeborahserani.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Finkblot-fun.html There are many kinds of psychological tests that help us understand the human psyche. Some are standardized, meaning that they have varying degrees of right and wrong answers. While others psychological tests are subjective - having NO wrong answers. These kinds of tests, instead, reveal your perception and inner life as a person.This is not an actual Rorschach Inkblot (it's unethical to reveal them). But if you're so inclined, share what you see. I'll include my response in the comments so as to not influence yours. (Source: Dr. Deborah Serani) Dr. Deborah Serani blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4002965 Sun, 26 Sep 2010 20:12:00 +0100 4002965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3969040&cid=t_92166_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Fpreeclampsiapredicting_metabolic_markers_newly_found.php © mahalieFourteen simple metabolites that predict preeclampsia in early pregnancy with high accuracy have been detected by a team of international scientists. Marked by high blood pressure and excess protein in a pregnant woman's urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy, preeclampsia can lead to serious and even fatal complications for both the mother and the baby when left untreated. At the moment, there is no test that predicts preeclampsia and there is also no cure other than the baby's delivery. Reporting in Hypertension: ... (Source: The Biotech Weblog) The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3969040 Tue, 14 Sep 2010 21:50:08 +0100 3969040 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3920777&cid=t_92166_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F31%2Fjournal-of-the-american-medical-association-2010-vol-304-no-6%2F Contents Page Fade Fave: A 29-Year-Old Woman With Flu-like Symptoms: Review of Influenza Diagnosis and Treatment Fade Skinny: Using the case of Ms R, a 29-year-old woman who presented with acute onset of respiratory symptoms and was evaluated for influenza,considerations regarding symptoms and signs, evaluation, treatment, and prevention of influenza are discussed. Symptoms of influenza can be similar to those of other respiratory viruses, making diagnosis challenging. An NHS Athens password is required to access this article online, alternatively contact the Library for a copy of the article. Filed under: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Journals Tagged: Diagnostics, Influenza, Symptoms (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3920777 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:57:36 +0100 3920777 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3920780&cid=t_92166_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F31%2Fjournal-of-the-american-medical-association-2010-vol-304-no-3%2F JAMA 2010 Vol. 304 No. 3 Contents Page Fade Fave: HIV screening in health care settings: some progress, even more questions. Fade Skinny: In 2006, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued revised recommendations for HIV diagnostic testing and screening in health care settings. The CDC advised that all 13- to 64-year-old patients in US healthcare settings undergo nontargeted screening for HIV—that is, be tested without regard to their actual or perceived risk for HIV and without regard to signs or symptoms of HIV infection. The article further discusses the proposed fundamental changes needed to facilitate large-scale screening. An NHS Athens password is required ti access this article online. alternatively contact the Library for a copy of this article. Filed under:... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3920780 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:11:25 +0100 3920780 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3889069&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FGrBuWkVW7nk%2F Nobel Laureate Lee Hartwell on what's on his plate after he retires as head of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center this fall. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3889069 Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:49:54 +0100 3889069 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3868778&cid=t_92166_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Fimproved_vision_from_new_eye_procedure.php © FeatheredTarToday, most people are aware of the benefits of Lasik eye surgery for the treatment of an eyesight condition better known as double vision. However, there is a new procedure called laser blended vision surgery. Lasik eye surgery became a popular treatment procedure because of its success in treating the eye's difficulty in focusing up-close objects. This is done by correcting the vision of one eye for distance while the other, for close vision. What is not covered by Lasik however, is the ... (Source: The Biotech Weblog) The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3868778 Sun, 15 Aug 2010 22:22:12 +0100 3868778 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3868735&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.slideshare.net%2Fswf%2Fssplayer2.swf%3Fid%3D4882813%26%23038%3Bdoc%3Dfutureofhealth-slideshareversion-100801104636-phpapp01 A report on the future of health was presented to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) by PSFK, a trends research and innovation company. It features a wide range to topics including distant learning, diagnostics, gaming for health, offline web, DIY checkup, and many others: PSFK presents Future Of Health View more presentations from PSFK. (Hat Tip: iMedicalApps) *This blog post was originally published at ScienceRoll* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3868735 Sun, 15 Aug 2010 20:00:28 +0100 3868735 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3816657&cid=t_92166_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F03%2Flargest-study-matching-genomes-to-potential-anticancer-treatments-releases-initial-results%2F The largest study to correlate genetics with response to anticancer drugs released its first results on July 15. The researchers behind the study, based at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, describe in this initial dataset the responses of 350 cancer samples (including ovarian cancer) to 18 anticancer therapeutics. U.K.–U.S. [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3816657 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 03:43:59 +0100 3816657 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3746716&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F1bWT8tfMy6U%2F Bayer and GE are also developing diagnostic compounds to be used in tandem with imaging. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3746716 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:23:52 +0100 3746716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3794956&cid=t_92166_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator-2%2Fanother-article-about-oral-cancer%2F Yes. This morning, in my email, I found to notifications about oral cancer information, but they weren’t the same old heart wrenching statistics we already know about. Every dental professional knows that oral cancer screening is an essential part of a thorough dental checkup. The highly publicized statistics about oral cancer frequency, mortality rate, and cure rate are common knowledge in the field. A recent Web Exclusive article titled “Part 1: The importance of oral cancer screenings” appeared on www.DentalProductsReport.com this month. Written by Eileen Morrissey, a dental hygienist, the text supports the importance of oral cancer screenings and provides a good example of how a dentist can adopt new oral cancer screening technology. Morrissey provides this advice: “If you are ... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3794956 Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:53:18 +0100 3794956 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3706721&cid=t_92166_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Fbiomarker_for_severity_and_recurrence_of_breast_cancer.php © AmazonResearchers have identified a biomarker in the blood which can predict the severity of breast cancer in patients, distinguish breast cancer patients with a greater risk of disease recurrence, and may enable clinicians to track patients throughout the course of their treatment. The research, funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and Breast Cancer Ireland (BCI) investigated the protein changes in breast cancer that is resistant to treatment and found a higher level of a protein called HOXC11 and the presence of a secreted molecule ... (Source: The Biotech Weblog) The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3706721 Sat, 19 Jun 2010 02:58:29 +0100 3706721 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3644765&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fovertreatment-when-less-is-more-in-medicine%2F2010.06.08 The Associated Press recent article “Overtreated: More medical care isn’t always better” reiterated a commonly known fact which is not understood by the public. This problem of doing more and yet getting little in return is a common issue which plagues the U.S. healthcare system and was illustrated quite convincingly by Shannon Brownlee’s book. Americans get more procedures, interventions, imaging, and tests but aren’t any healthier. In fact they are often worse off. Too many unnecessary back surgeries. Too many antibiotics for viral infections, which aren’t at all impacted by these anti-bacterial therapies. Too many heart stents which typically are best used when someone is actually having a heart attack. Research shows that those that are treated with ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3644765 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 01:00:00 +0100 3644765 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3632299&cid=t_92166_109_f&fid=34706&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdeborahserani.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fugliness-of-self-righteousness.html Self-righteousness is an ugly beast. I don't run into the petty monster too often, but when I do, I always marvel at it. But as soon I see the envy, frustration and inflated sense of self in the self-righteous person - and experience the insult of their reactive behavior - I run for the hills. And so should you. You see, they're toxic.My last post on the early sexualization of girls featured a video, research and my own thoughts on the subject matter. I received the following email from a research blogging site that uses my blog feeds:"Clearly your blog has a large audience, but I'm not sure its audience intersects significantly with ours, so perhaps it's not beneficial for either of us to maintain an association."I was initially taken aback by this email as I've been a contributor for man... Dr. Deborah Serani blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3632299 Sat, 05 Jun 2010 00:10:00 +0100 3632299 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3581840&cid=t_92166_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FsDS6HDFg2Xo%2F And so another day begins. Our immediate challenge is hustling the short people off to their respective schoolhouses. This calls for a cup or three of stimulation. Meanwhile, the usual meetings and deadlines loom, although we look forward to a gathering this evening of industry types. As we all prepare for what lies ahead, here are a few items to help you along. Have a good one… German Court Rules Glaxo’s Advair Patent Isn’t Valid (Reuters) Piramal Downplays Takeover Rumors (PharmaTimes) Vanda Schizophrenia Drugs Gets Bad Review (TheStreet) PhRMA Spent $7M Lobbying DC In 1st Quarter (Associated Press) Roche Diagnostics Insists It’s Growing (Indianapolis Star) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3581840 Thu, 20 May 2010 11:47:18 +0100 3581840 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3573689&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcutting-healthcare-costs-means-saying-no-to-patients%2F2010.05.17 Let’s face it, the best way to cut healthcare costs is to say “no.” That means denying unnecessary tests that most patients in the United States are accustomed to having. The New York Times‘ David Leonhardt has the best take on this issue that I’ve read. He acknowledges the difficulty of telling the American public “no,” and cites examples ranging from the breast cancer screening controversy to the managed care backlash in the 1990s: This try-anything-and-everything instinct is ingrained in our culture, and it has some big benefits. But it also has big downsides, including the side effects and risks that come with unnecessary treatment. Consider that a recent study found that 15,000 people were projected to die eventually from the radiation they received from CT scans given i... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3573689 Mon, 17 May 2010 18:00:58 +0100 3573689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3556064&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fl6qdRkepbkA%2F The study puts the prevalence of food allergies at "more than 1% to 2% but less than 10% of the population." (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3556064 Tue, 11 May 2010 20:14:22 +0100 3556064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3552246&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffaith-in-healthcare-is-falling%2F2010.05.10 A newly-created index of consumer healthcare confidence has fallen steadily this year, reports The Thomson Reuters Consumer Healthcare Sentiment Index. Consumers report declining confidence in their ability to access, use, and pay for healthcare. The index, set at a baseline of 100 in December 2009, is now at 97. More consumers reported difficulty paying for services and insurance, or reported a reduction or cancellation of their insurance. More delayed or failed to fill a prescription in the past three months or canceled a diagnostic test (such as blood work, X-ray or mammogram). Further, consumers expect the situation to worsen in the next three months, including putting off elective surgery. Thomson will report figures monthly and has published their methodology online. *This bl... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3552246 Mon, 10 May 2010 20:00:00 +0100 3552246 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3534101&cid=t_92166_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FJchNP4f8488%2F Two units of the big drugmaker - Novartis Vaccines & Diagnostics and Novartis Pharmaceuticals - agreed to pay the $72.5 million fine in order to resolve civil False Claims Act charges over the marketing of the TOBI cystic fibrosis medicine that took place between January 2001 and July 2006. The US Justice Department charged Novartis and Chiron, which Novartis purchased in 2006, caused false claims to be submitted to federal health care programs for off-label uses and for patients who shouldn’t have received the drug (here is the settlement). The federal government will get $43.5 million and various states will receive $29 million. Meanwhile, three former Chiron employees – Robert Lalley, Courtney Davis and William Manos – who filed whistleblower, or qui tam lawsuits, will re... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3534101 Wed, 05 May 2010 12:19:10 +0100 3534101 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508396&cid=t_92166_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F04%2F26%2Fon-the-path-to-early-detection-fox-chase-sloan-kettering-researchers-identify-early-ovarian-cancers%2F Researchers at the Fox Chase Cancer Center and the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center discover early tumors and precancerous lesions in cysts that fold into the ovary from its surface, called inclusion cysts. “This is the first study giving very strong evidence that a substantial number of ovarian cancers arise in inclusion cysts and that there [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508396 Tue, 27 Apr 2010 04:01:54 +0100 3508396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3511802&cid=t_92166_155_f&fid=39053&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.advanceweb.com%2Fblogs%2Fal_2%2Farchive%2F2010%2F04%2F26%2Fgene-based-blood-test-performs-as-well-as-heart-biopsy.aspx A recent study published online in the New England Journal of Medicine finds that the AlloMap blood test from molecular diagnostics company XDx Inc. works as well as routine biopsies in monitoring heart transplant patients for signs of organ rejection;...(read more) (Source: ADVANCE Discourse: Lab) ADVANCE Discourse: Lab blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3511802 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:15:00 +0100 3511802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487029&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FfKbjuleznXA%2F It’s all fine and good to target cancer drugs to the specific pathways responsible for the disease. But as the NYT reports, the tests to determine who needs those drugs are not always accurate. The WSJ explored this same issue a few years back. The problem is that lab tests such as the ones assessing breast cancer for their estrogen or progesterone receptor status or tendency to overproduce the Her-2 protein aren’t black and white, and rely on a pathologist’s judgment. And test results have big consequences, since they determine which patients receive therapies like Genentech’s Herceptin and GlaxoSmithKline’s Tykerb — intended only for Her-2 positive cases – or other treatments for hormone receptor positive cancers. Take an ineffective and unnecessary drug and you risk harmful ... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487029 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:29:37 +0100 3487029 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3472064&cid=t_92166_155_f&fid=39053&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.advanceweb.com%2Fblogs%2Fal_2%2Farchive%2F2010%2F04%2F14%2Fnational-dna-day-this-month.aspx This year, the National Institutes of Health National Human Genome Research Institute will celebrate National DNA Day on April 23. The day commemorates the completion of the Human Genome Project in April 2003 and the discovery of DNA's double helix. The...(read more) (Source: ADVANCE Discourse: Lab) ADVANCE Discourse: Lab blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3472064 Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:40:00 +0100 3472064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3443742&cid=t_92166_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Fgene_therapy_using_nanoparticle_delivery_restores_vision_in_mice.php © Kyle MayIn a research report published in the April 2010 print issue of The FASEB Journal, scientists describe how they were able to reverse a type of blindness in mice using a form of gene therapy that does not involve the use of modified viruses. They used a non-viral, synthetic nanoparticle carrier to improve and save the sight of mice with retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disease characterized by progressive vision loss and eventual blindness. Using mice with the retinal degeneration slow (Rds) gene, ... (Source: The Biotech Weblog) The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3443742 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 05:37:30 +0100 3443742 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3443814&cid=t_92166_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fct_scans_may_identify_smokers_at_risk_of_emphysema.php © Aidan JonesEmphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) involving damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. When you have emphysema, your body does not get the oxygen it needs, thereby making it hard to catch your breath. Smoking is the primary cause of emphysema. Now...a University of Iowa study found that CT scans to measure blood flow in the lungs of smokers may offer a way to identify which smokers are most at risk of emphysema before ... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3443814 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 03:34:11 +0100 3443814 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3395178&cid=t_92166_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Fyou_test_youtm_cancer_assessment_kit.php Nowadays it is possible for an individuals to detect if they have cancer while it is in its early stages without even having to make an appointment with a own doctor. Whether it's due to a general anxiety about developing cancer or increased exposure to risk factors associated with cancer, an individual can now have answers with the You Test YouTM Cancer Assessment kit. The test kit measures a marker called tFFDP (tumor fibrin and fibrinogen degradation products), which is associated with 18 different ... (Source: The Biotech Weblog) The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3395178 Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:17:52 +0100 3395178 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3338441&cid=t_92166_155_f&fid=38412&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpathlabmed.typepad.com%2Fsurgical_pathology_and_la%2F2010%2F03%2Fwhen-disruptive-integration-comes-to-health-care.html When Disruptive Integration Comes to Health CarePosted using ShareThisInteresting article containing an interview with Dr. Jason Hwang co-author of The Innovator’s Prescription: A Disruptive Solution for Health Care (McGraw-Hill, 2009).It got me thinking about niches where "disruptive innovation" may occur in laboratory medicine and pathology.  Please share any thoughts you may have--let's get a conversation started about this!One area is lab testing for wellness or serial monitoring of chronic diseases managed on an outpatient basis.  The traditional hospital-based lab (like mine) just has not evolved to meet these needs.  Your lab may still be focused on inpatient lab testing.  Outreach efforts may want to incorporate marketing for these niches.Ano... The Daily Sign-Out blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3338441 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:38:10 +0100 3338441 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3326958&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FOHf9J4GSSEc%2F The American Cancer Society put out updated guidelines for prostate cancer screening today and they look, well, a lot like the current ones. After reviewing the recent scientific literature, there’s still no evidence that routine screening for men of any age makes sense, according to the committee that issued the guidelines. They continue to recommend that men of average risk receive information and weigh the “uncertainties, risks, and potential benefits” of screening starting at age 50. Higher-risk individuals — African-Americans or those with one relative diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65 — should be presented with the information at age 45. Men with a strong family history should start thinking about screening at age 40. The group also emphasize... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3326958 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:18:55 +0100 3326958 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3279952&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F5Toz8KRcem4%2F A global shortage of a medical isotope used in diagnostic tests for heart disease and cancer has vacillated from bad to worse over the last couple of years. Output has dwindled as the two nuclear reactors supplying the bulk of radioactive material — one in Chalk River, Ontario (pictured at right) and the other in Petten, the Netherlands — have been closed for repairs or maintenance. But now a new source — Poland — is appearing on the horizon. Covidien, a U.S. company that purifies isotope material, said this morning it has reached a deal with the operators of a reactor near Warsaw. Read the announcement for details. The deal is far from a complete solution. The Polish plant can fill only a fraction of the demand and just getting the isotope from the former Soviet bl... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3279952 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:24:07 +0100 3279952 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3258966&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FEXXgGQYFZ-0%2F Tomorrow’s mental illnesses went online today: The American Psychiatric Association posted a draft version of the DSM-V. Read it for yourself. The DSM (full name: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is the book that defines mental illness in America, so it’s not surprising that revising the thing is a contentious process that takes years and involves lots of debate. (The “V” attached to the name is Roman — this will be the fifth edition, replacing the current DSM-IV.) Among the changes proposed for DSM-V: A category called “substance-related disorders” would include not only drug and alcohol addiction but also gambling addiction, the WSJ notes. Other disorders, including “Internet addiction,” will be “considere... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3258966 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:07:39 +0100 3258966 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3259189&cid=t_92166_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F09%2Fabbott-labs-seeks-fda-510k-clearance-for-new-automated-ovarian-cancer-detection-test%2F A new diagnostic tool physicians can use to monitor patients for the most common form of ovarian cancer may soon be available in the United States. A new diagnostic tool physicians can use to monitor patients for the most common form of ovarian cancer may soon be available in the United States.  Abbott Laboratories’ (Abbott’s) ARCHITECT [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3259189 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:24:31 +0100 3259189 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3231577&cid=t_92166_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Fblood_test_for_schizophrenia.php © Neeta LindAccording to a report published recently in the Chemical & Engineering News, the weekly newsmagazine of the American Chemical Society, a diagnostic blood test for schizophrenia might be available by this year. [The authors] have identified schizophrenia biomarkers in serum, and working with the company Rules-Based Medicine, located in Austin, Texas, and Lake Placid, N.Y., she expects that a serum-based test to aid in the diagnosis of schizophrenia will be launched sometime this year. "We've identified a signature of numerous protein ... (Source: The Biotech Weblog) The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3231577 Sun, 24 Jan 2010 14:40:46 +0100 3231577 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3193663&cid=t_92166_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F01%2F21%2Fbritish-journal-of-hospital-medicine-2009-vol-70-no-12%2F British Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009 (Vol. 70 No. 12) contents page Title: Pulmonary complications in liver disease Skinny: Pulmonary complications of liver disease are poorly understood and often identified late. Article focuses on the two major pulmonary complications – hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension, which differ in their clinical features and management. Includes diagnostic criteria and staging tables. (Print subscription held at Fade Library) Posted in Diagnosis, Diseases and Disorders, Journals Tagged: Diagnostics, Disease Management, Hepatopulmonary Syndrome, Liver Diseases, Portopulmonary Hypertension (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3193663 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:22:56 +0100 3193663 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3167182&cid=t_92166_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Foncotype_dxa_a_breast_cancer_multigene_test_helping_patients_avoid_chemotheraphy.php © lofaesofaA multigene test (21 gene-test) is having an impact to both doctors and patients alike. The test predicts whether a patient will benefit from chemotherapy or not, thereby avoiding chemotherapy altogether in some patients. The said test is called Oncotype DX®. The multigene test, Oncotype DX®, is made by Genomic Health Inc. The test examines 21 genes from a tumor sample to determine how active they are. A test score between 0 and 100 predicts how likely the cancer is to recur. ... (Source: The Biotech Weblog) The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3167182 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:58:05 +0100 3167182 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3123390&cid=t_92166_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Ffast_accurate_urine_test_for_pneumonia.php © scottfeldsteinScientists have developed a urine test to provide rapid diagnosis of the cause of pneumonia. In the new study, Slupsky and colleagues applied "metabolomics" - the study of the chemicals produced by the body's metabolic processes - to develop a profile for pneumonia as it appears in a patient's urine. Using technology known as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the researchers were able to identify a chemical "fingerprint" for the type of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, and compare this to the ... (Source: The Biotech Weblog) The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3123390 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:20:38 +0100 3123390 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3023118&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2F9BgVPJIVN08%2F The following post represents my personal opinion and not that of any groups or organizations with which I am affiliated. Okay, it’s enough already! Why is it that women are always the target? First it’s abortions, then mammograms, pap smears following closely, behind and now cosmetic surgery (although that’s not only women!) It looks like the Congress is desperate to find any savings anywhere. Why not tell it like it is, it’s raising taxes. Whether it is through so called elective procedures or levying taxes on devices and diagnostics, to be passed on to the patients, it’s a tax. Instead of rewriting the rules on mammograms which will cost lives, maybe not that many, but if it is your life that’s all that matters and focusing on false positives and unnecessary screening, ... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3023118 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:05:21 +0100 3023118 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3019248&cid=t_92166_155_f&fid=39053&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.advanceweb.com%2Fblogs%2Fal_2%2Farchive%2F2009%2F11%2F23%2Fcorporate-announcements-from-amp.aspx In addition to a plethora of sessions revealing the latest methods, techniques and findings in molecular pathology, the AMP conference is also a prime time for major industry players to release their latest-breaking news and product releases. Twelve corporate...(read more) (Source: ADVANCE Discourse: Lab) ADVANCE Discourse: Lab blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3019248 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:16:00 +0100 3019248 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012522&cid=t_92166_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fpr-salivary-dna-tests-for-diagnosing-periodontal-disease%2F Molecular DNA Tests Positioning Dental Professionals at the Forefront of Oral Medicine – Company Planning the Launch of HPV/Oral Cancer DNA Test in 2010 Nashville, TN – November 16, 2009 – OralDNA Labs™ Inc. (www.OralDNA.com), a specialty diagnostics subsidiary of Quest Diagnostics® Incorporated (NYSE: DGX) focused on bringing advanced laboratory testing to the dental community, today announced the availability of two revolutionary molecular tests to help periodontists and general dentists identify patients with and at risk for periodontal disease. MyPerioPathsm detects the presence and quantity of specific bacteria associated with periodontal disease, while MyPerioIDsm PST®, which the company licenses from Interleukin Genetics, provides a means of quickly and accurately1 ass... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012522 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:53:17 +0100 3012522 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2984987&cid=t_92166_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F11%2Fucla-researchers-significantly-inhibit-growth-of-ovarian-cancer-cell-lines-with-fda-approved-leukemia-drug-dasatinib-sprycel%25c2%25ae%2F The drug dasatinib (Sprycel®), approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in patients with specific types of leukemia, significantly inhibited the growth and invasiveness of ovarian cancer cells and also promoted their death, say UCLA researchers in the November 10th issue of the British Journal of Cancer. The drug, when paired with [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2984987 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:45:53 +0100 2984987 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967424&cid=t_92166_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fcranham-on-patient-education-explaining-oral-health-function-and-beauty%2F I tell patients that there are three things to focus on. The first is biological issues that cause cavities or gum disease. Our first thing is to diagnose these issues. We know we can’t eliminate bacteria, but we can control it. We can create an environment that can be cleaned by the patient – smooth fillings, no deep periodontal pockets. This helps patients take care of their teeth, so they’re more likely to keep natural teeth for life. Secondly, we must control stress or forces on teeth. There has to be harmony with jaw, muscles, and teeth to distribute forces evenly. As we move the jaws, we want no damaging lateral forces on back teeth. We must establish balance with jaw movement. Lastly, we keep teeth looking natural for “invisible” dentistry. If a patient is unhappy with the... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967424 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:10:00 +0100 2967424 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2954464&cid=t_92166_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F03%2Fjournal-of-the-american-medical-association-2009-vol-302-no-16%2F The objective of this research is to assess the performance of liquid-based cytology compared with conventional cytology in terms of detection of histologically confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia(CIN). Posted in Current Awareness, Journals Tagged: Cervical Cancer, Cervical Screening, Cytology, Diagnostics, Liquid-Based Cytology (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2954464 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:08:26 +0100 2954464 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2912374&cid=t_92166_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FwfK90aoXZSQ%2F This is such a cool application of genetics! By sequencing all the genes of a patient, scientists diagnosed a congenital disease that could not be identified using clinical observations. Because of the “molecular diagnostics technique”, doctors were able to provide a treatment tailored for the disease.   The patient, an infant, was persistently dehydrated and failing to gain weight, and researchers uncovered a gene mutation that was responsible to the infant’s condition called congenital chloride diarrhea. Instead of sequencing all the thousand base pairs in a genome, researchers focused only on DNA that encodes proteins, about 1% of the total genome. DNA mutations in this region can result in a nonfunctional protein, and would have far-ranging effects on health. According to H... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2912374 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:57:31 +0100 2912374 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2876148&cid=t_92166_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Fnursing-health-20-hangover So it’s the morning after the big Health 2.0 bash and the hangover is awful. My head is awash with flashing screens of medical alerts, rainbow-colored demos of virtual patients flitting from one personal health app to the next, and a blur of snappy, almost sneering answers to the same old questions about user adoption, ROI, and business models. I just spent two days getting high on health care’s highest high-concept, I can’t log into my own health plan’s portal to look up a simple eligibility thing, and it’s dull, gray cloudy morning in San Francisco. (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2876148 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:58:42 +0100 2876148 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111617&cid=t_92166_131_f&fid=35743&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthegenesherpa.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2F2d6-rears-its-ugly-head_9554.html Ok, I have been to hell and back......but I am back.......I am working on a video you all may soon love to hate, I am also working on a poster for GAPPNet which you too may also soon love to hate......Well, for all you Amplichip fans, the data from a recent retrospective analysis of German and US cohorts reveals that null function 2D6 may actually portend a worse prognosis for those taking adjuvant (after surgery) chemotherapy for breast cancer. These are women who had hormone receptor positive breast cancer stages I-III, without metastases and without chermotherapy.At 9 years of follow up, patients who had null 2D6 CYP 450 enzymes ended up with a 29% recurrence rate instead of those who had active 2D6 enzymes. This compared to 14.9% for extensive metabolizers.Why does this matter? 1. Tamo... Gene Sherpas: Personalized Medicine and You blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111617 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:28:00 +0100 3111617 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865867&cid=t_92166_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fcoming-soon-the-diabetesmine-keas-health-account-plan.html What’s that you say? What the heck is a “Health Account Plan?” I am pleased to announce that this week, at the Health 2.0 Conference in San Francisco, I’ll be part of the launch of a brand new kind of online platform called Keas — featured in the New York Times today (!) As many [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2865867 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:00:31 +0100 2865867 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2820608&cid=t_92166_155_f&fid=38412&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpathlabmed.typepad.com%2Fsurgical_pathology_and_la%2F2009%2F09%2Fprogress-on-integrated-diagnostics-for-breast-cancer.html This will be the first in, hopefully, a series of blog entries that will chronicle my institution's effort to establish integrated diagnostic reporting for radiology-pathology testing for breast disease.The lab admin director with whom I work is also enthusiastic about this project and we have talked informally about this for a couple of months while gathering information from various sources, especially from LabSoftNews.  The first person with whom we met was her counterpart in radiology.  This conversation was open-ended and basically explored our "visions" of what something like this might look like and then a rough idea of where we needed to go to get started.  Unfortunately, my counterpart in rads was on vacation for the following week but the plan was ... The Daily Sign-Out blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2820608 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 01:36:13 +0100 2820608 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800663&cid=t_92166_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F15%2Ffda-clears-vermillions-ova1-test-to-determine-likelihood-of-ovarian-cancer-in-women-with-pelvic-mass%2F The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared a test that can help detect ovarian cancer in a pelvic mass that is already known to require surgery. The test, called OVA1, helps patients and health care professionals decide what type of surgery should be done and by whom. First Lab Test That Can Indicate Ovarian Cancer Prior [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800663 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:45:59 +0100 2800663 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2782179&cid=t_92166_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Foptical-coherence-tomography-oct-amazing-applications-in-dental-diagnostics%2F Radiation-free OCT has been used in optometry for a while, but now, applications in dentistry are evolving, and you’ll be amazed at what this little toy can do. Because it produces two and three-dimensional images as detailed as a single micron and as deep as 3mm into tissue, OCT can help dentists: Detect caries early Assess for periodontal disease Assess for oral cancer Create digital impressions Orthodontic treatment planning Endodontic imaging from inside a tooth’s canal According to an article in Dental Products Report, Dr. Craig Gimble, Executive VP of Clinical Affairs for Lantis Laser, Inc., believes that optical coherence tomography will replace 70% of radiography in dentistry. How it works… OCT scans gather cross-section images of hard and soft tissues by using fiber optic... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2782179 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:35:10 +0100 2782179 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2770132&cid=t_92166_109_f&fid=34706&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdeborahserani.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Ftop-ten-films-that-feature-mental.html I love watching movies. The cinematic experience not only entertains but also informs. Here are my top 10 favorite movies that show mental illness and psychotherapy in a realistic manner.1. Ordinary People (PTSD, Depression)My absolute favorite movie of all time because it portrays the human experience of loss so well and it also features psychotherapy in a realistic way. Robert Redford's directorial debut. Mary Tyler Moore, Donald Sutherland, Judd Hirsch and Timothy Hutton wow in their performances.2. A Beautiful Mind (Schizophrenia)The true story of Nobel Prize Winner John Nash is told in this award winning film. Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly star. Directed by Ron Howard.3. The Soloist (Schizophrenia)This is the true story of Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, a former Julliard Student, who ... Dr. Deborah Serani blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2770132 Sun, 06 Sep 2009 11:18:00 +0100 2770132 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2761839&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FTkHHhTu8f_E%2F Doctors’ decisions to order unneeded and expensive tests out of fear of being sued cost the health-care system a lot of money, an issue that President Obama and others have talked about in the debate on health reform. But how much so-called defensive medicine are physicians actually practicing? No one actually knows because it’s so hard to measure. Spending on medical malpractice litigation comes to about $30 billion a year, or just over 1% of our health-care spending, according to the WSJ. But costs from defensive medicine, say some experts in the field, are a lot more. That’s disputed by some others: Taylor Lincoln, a research director at consumer-advocacy group Public Citizen, told the WSJ that worries about defensive medicine are “fear-mongering” about th... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2761839 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:48:59 +0100 2761839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2702545&cid=t_92166_155_f&fid=38412&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpathlabmed.typepad.com%2Fsurgical_pathology_and_la%2F2009%2F08%2Fupcoming-audioconference-integrated-breast-cancer-diagnostics.html The Dark Report is presenting an audioconference on August 19, 2009 titled "Pathology and Radiology's Combined Future is Now at KU: How Integrated Breast Cancer Diagnostics are Improving Patient Care."I am sponsoring this audioconference at my hospital.  The radiologists and I started a radiology-pathology monthly correlation conference last December as part of the radiology quality assurance process which has evolved into a monthly breast conference as part of our weekly Tumor Board Conference that now also attracts oncologists, surgeons, internists, nurses and others.  As I’m sure you are aware, the Dark Report, Dr. Bruce Friedman in LabSoftNews blog has written extensively on this for quite some time and, honestly, I thought it was so “out-there” that I w... The Daily Sign-Out blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2702545 Sat, 15 Aug 2009 12:00:00 +0100 2702545 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2688635&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F9jg1OpHbNng%2F Parkinson’s disease, like Alzheimer’s and some other progressive brain diseases, is difficult to diagnose because there’s no blood or lab test to determine who has it. Now, GE is hoping the FDA will approve its chemical for brain imaging, which the company says may help docs rule out the possibility that a patient has Parkinson’s. But the results still won’t provide a definitive diagnosis. The chemical, a so-called radiopharmaceutical with the brand name Datscan, is injected into patients to allow doctors to get a look at the brain. Specifically, it helps detect the loss of certain brain cells in the substantia nigra, which is known to be associated with Parkinson’s. An FDA panel of experts will weigh in tomorrow on GE’s quest to have the chemical... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2688635 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 22:08:33 +0100 2688635 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2678608&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FyLVb9KYjQQE%2F Even if a rapid test says you don’t have swine flu, you might have swine flu. The CDC used the tests on 65 swabs from patients who had confirmed cases of H1N1 swine flu. About half the time (between 40% and 69%, depending on the test), the results came up negative, CDC researchers report in today’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. “These findings indicate that, although a positive [rapid detection test] result can be used in making treatment decisions, a negative result does not rule out infection with novel influenza A (H1N1) virus,” the authors wrote. The tests appear to be better at picking up seasonal strains of the flu compared to the new H1N1 pandemic flu virus. Other published studies have found even lower rates — between 10% and 40% — amon... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2678608 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:05:32 +0100 2678608 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2890970&cid=t_92166_155_f&fid=39053&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.advanceweb.com%2Fblogs%2Fal_2%2Farchive%2F2009%2F07%2F24%2Fehrs-unprepared-for-genetic-information.aspx Challenges for the use an implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) are well documented, but this study in the journal Genetics in Medicine discusses another notable aspect—EHRs will need vast improvements to meet the needs of genetics and genomic...(read more) (Source: ADVANCE Discourse: Lab) ADVANCE Discourse: Lab blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2890970 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 18:37:00 +0100 2890970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2630096&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FJUdLnYGLQzI%2F A global shortage of medical isotopes is expected to get worse in two weeks as supplies run down after nuclear reactor closings. The Petten nuclear reactor in the Netherlands closed for scheduled maintenance Saturday. Together with a Canadian reactor (pictured) in Chalk River, Ontario, that was shut down in May because of a leak, the idled reactors account for two-thirds of the world’s supply of molybdenum-99, the journal Nature reported last week. The isotope, which decays to technetium-99m, is used for diagnostic tests for heart disease and cancer. When injected into the patient, it gives off energy and is used in diagnostic tests. About 70,000 medical imaging tests use Tc-99m every day. Michael Graham, president of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and director of nuclear medicine at t... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2630096 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:56:44 +0100 2630096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2602054&cid=t_92166_109_f&fid=34706&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdeborahserani.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fambulatory-monitoring-know-as-you-go.html We, and our animal friends, might soon be wearing smart clothing that can monitor medical and mental health issues. Wearing such clothing can wirelessly relay information about cardiac health, mood swings, and academic performance - just to name a few.Awake, asleep, at home, work or school, this technology is limitless. How about smart blankets that can monitor respiration for newborns? Or clothing that can monitor gait changes in the elderly? Special shirts that track the oxygen levels of Firefighters as they battle a blaze? Or the adrenaline flow of a person with Panic Disorder?For more on the smart clothing trend read here. WILHELM, F., PFALTZ, M., & GROSSMAN, P. (2006). Continuous electronic data capture of physiology, behavior and experience in real life: towards ecological moment... Dr. Deborah Serani blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2602054 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:19:00 +0100 2602054 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2621860&cid=t_92166_109_f&fid=34706&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdeborahserani.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Funderstanding-learning-disabilities.html I enjoyed doing an interview with writer Diane for the Friends of Quinn on understanding the psychological issues that occur with learning disabilities. Read the whole interview here (Source: Dr. Deborah Serani) Dr. Deborah Serani blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2621860 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:16:00 +0100 2621860 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2464197&cid=t_92166_109_f&fid=34706&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdeborahserani.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fdealing-with-people-who-drain-you-dry.html I just heard an expression the other day. Emotional Vampires - Psychological slang for the kind of person who sucks the life out of you because they demand so much.Click here to learn more and to find tips to help ward off these behaviors if you have vampire tendencies. There's also compassionate suggestions to deal with those who drain you dry. No garlic needed. (Source: Dr. Deborah Serani) Dr. Deborah Serani blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2464197 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:15:00 +0100 2464197 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2453072&cid=t_92166_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F06%2F03%2Fgene-network-sciences-uconn-to-work-on-computer-modeled-ovarian-cancer-treatments%2F Gene Network Sciences, Inc. (GNS) today announced that it has entered into a research collaboration with The University of Connecticut Health Center’s Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center in which the parties will incorporate genetic, genomic and clinical data (”3-D Data”) together into computer models of different cancers [with ovarian cancer as initial area [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2453072 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:32:12 +0100 2453072 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441547&cid=t_92166_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Fpacmangenerated_gene_libraries_for_drosophila_melanogaster.php Using a tool called P[acman], group of researchers has established a library of clones covering most of the genome of Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly), an organism widely used in genetics research.... (Source: The Biotech Weblog) The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441547 Mon, 25 May 2009 10:40:06 +0100 2441547 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376123&cid=t_92166_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Furine_metabolite_identifies_smokers_with_higher_lung_cancer_risk.php © Saudi...Researchers have identified a metabolite in urine called NNAL that might predict risk of lung cancer among smokers. To evaluate the impact of NNAL, researchers identified 246 current smokers... (Source: The Biotech Weblog) The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376123 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:10:48 +0100 2376123 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349510&cid=t_92166_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F04%2F20%2Fpersonalized-medicine-helps-breast-colorectal-ovarian-cancer-patients-survive%2F “Cancer patients can survive longer under treatments based on their individual genetic profiles, according to a nationwide study released jointly today by Phoenix-area healthcare organizations. The study shows that molecular profiling of patients can identify specific treatments for individuals, helping keep their cancer in check for significantly longer periods, and in some cases even shrinking [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349510 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:33:00 +0100 2349510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2347931&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fquest-diagnostics-settles.html The latest big settlement, as reported by Bloomberg:Quest Diagnostics Inc. the world’s largest provider of medical diagnostic tests, agreed to pay $302 million to resolve allegations that its Nichols Institute Diagnostics unit manufactured, marketed and sold misbranded diagnostic test kits, the U.S. government said.The accord, which the U.S. said is one of the largest recoveries ever in a case involving a medical device, settles federal civil and criminal probes by prosecutors in the office of Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Benton Campbell.Nichols pleaded guilty to a felony misbranding charge today before U.S. District Judge Sterling Johnson in Brooklyn and agreed to a fine of $40 million, Campbell said.The kits that were misbranded involved a test used by labs called the Advantage Intact PTH As... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2347931 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:50:00 +0100 2347931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349515&cid=t_92166_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F04%2F15%2Fstanford-researchers-harness-nanoparticles-to-track-cancer-cell-changes%2F “A new imaging technology could give scientists the ability to simultaneously measure as many as 100 or more distinct features in or on a single cell. In a disease such as cancer, that capability would provide a much better picture of what’s going on in individual tumor cells. A Stanford University School of Medicine team [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349515 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 21:38:07 +0100 2349515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2299060&cid=t_92166_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F31%2Fpresident-of-md-anderson-outlines-10-steps-to-achieve-progress-against-cancer%2F “The Houston Chronicle recently published a commentary by John Mendelsohn, M.D., president of M. D. Anderson, outlining actions the nation should take to achieve great progress against cancer. … Here are 10 steps we can take to ensure that deaths decrease more rapidly, the ranks of survivors swell, and an even greater number of cancers [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2299060 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:03:00 +0100 2299060 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2312629&cid=t_92166_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Fmarker_that_predicts_breast_cancer_metastasis.php Researchers have identified a new marker for breast cancer metastasis called TMEM, for Tumor Microenvironment of Metastasis. These findings could lead to the first test to predict the likelihood of br... (Source: The Biotech Weblog) The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2312629 Sat, 28 Mar 2009 13:42:59 +0100 2312629 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2290620&cid=t_92166_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Ffoundation_for_nih_facilitated_partnership_announced_availability_of_alzheimeras_genome_biomarker_data.php The genome biomarker data for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) is ready to be shared with scientists world-wide for further analysis. Such were the announcement of the Founda... (Source: Straightfromthedoc) Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2290620 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2290620 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2257899&cid=t_92166_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Fprognostic_test_for_frontotemporal_dementia.php Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 6952418A blood test has been developed to predict the risks of frontal lobe dementia (Frontotemporal Dementia, FTD), a form of dementia that occurs most... (Source: The Biotech Weblog) The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2257899 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:06:25 +0100 2257899 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2241850&cid=t_92166_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Fbiomarkers_for_severity_of_chikungunya_fever_identified.php Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 7107223Researchers have identified three specific biomarkers which can provide an accurate indication of the severity of Chikungunya fever (CHIKF), a viral... (Source: The Biotech Weblog) The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2241850 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 14:22:57 +0100 2241850 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2240582&cid=t_92166_109_f&fid=34706&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdeborahserani.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fcoping-with-chronic-illness.html Chronic Illness is a term used to describe persistent and enduring bouts of illness. These disorders can be of a medical and physical nature as well as mental. Anemia, Bipolar Disorder, Colitis, Depression, Eczema, & Fibromyalgia are just a few that begin the Chronic Illness alphabet. Though there are many more, they are too numerous to list here.Living with a chronic illness presents a myriad of issues. Most notably that both mind and body take the hit on a regular basis when an enduring illness presses on life. One's family, social and love life can be challenged as can work and school life. For tips on coping with Chronic Illness go to the American Psychological Association or visit Health Central for an interview I did a few weeks back.I know about Chronic Illness professionally as... Dr. Deborah Serani blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2240582 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:39:00 +0100 2240582 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2202581&cid=t_92166_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F20%2Fendocyte-begins-phase-ii-clinical-trial-of-ec145-for-treatment-of-women-with-platinum-resistant-ovarian-cancer%2F “Endocyte Inc. has announced the initiation of a randomized Phase II clinical study of the company’s investigational drug EC145 in women with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. The phase II trial, also called the “PRECEDENT study,” will evaluate the efficacy and safety of EC145 when administered in combination with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD). …The PRECEDENT study will [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2202581 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 21:35:15 +0100 2202581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2187687&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fwhat-ruc-again-one-of-worlds-most.html With health care reform continuing as a hot topic in the US, more discussions of issues of interest to Health Care Renewal are appearing. We previously posted about a prominent expert's discussion of how the US Medicare system pays physicians. We noted that he seemed to avoid critical issues, and thus may have failed to suggest changes that would address the real problems. Finally, we noted that his undisclosed financial relationships with several companies which have profited from the status quo may have affected his arguments, and failure to disclose these apparent conflicts of interest muddied the discussion.In a similar vein, we will discuss an article just published entitled "Reforming Medicare's Physician Payment System," by Gail R Wilensky, PhD(1). [Note that the discussion will be ... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2187687 Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:28:00 +0100 2187687 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2168375&cid=t_92166_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Ffda_approxes_atryn_first_drug_from_a_genetically_engineered_animal.php The Food and Drug Authority has approved ATryn, the first ever transgenically produced therapeutic protein and the first recombinant antithrombin approved in the U.S. ATryn is indicated for the... (Source: The Biotech Weblog) The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2168375 Sat, 07 Feb 2009 07:32:15 +0100 2168375 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2148061&cid=t_92166_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Fnanosensor_for_skin_based_glucose_monitoring.php Researchers from Draper Laboratories have developed an injectable nanosensor that can be injected into the skin to monitor an individual's blood-sugar level. The material consists of 120-nanometer... (Source: The Biotech Weblog) The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2148061 Fri, 30 Jan 2009 13:01:51 +0100 2148061 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2137476&cid=t_92166_109_f&fid=34706&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdeborahserani.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fgene-for-borderline-personality.html A large scale study across numerous countries has revealed genetic material on chromosome nine was linked to Borderline Personality Disorder . BPD is characterized by pervasive instability in moods, interpersonal relationships, self-image and behavior, and can lead to suicidal behavior, substance abuse and failed relationships, among other things.According to researchers, "The highest linkage peak was found on chromosome 9p at marker D9S286 with a logarithm of odds score of 3.548 (empirical P=0.0001). "Yeah, I don't know what that means either, but it implies that genetic origins continue to underscore mental illness as a real thing. So take that, nonbelievers!For more, check out the Science Daily article here (Source: Dr. Deborah Serani) Dr. Deborah Serani blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2137476 Tue, 27 Jan 2009 20:02:00 +0100 2137476 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2110936&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FMKFNQEEeFVg%2F The federal government is proposing a tougher test to assure the competence of pathologists and others who read Pap tests to catch cervical cancer. Wikimedia Commons Normal squamous cells on left and slightly abnormal cells on right, as seen in a ThinPrep Pap smear. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which manages the Medicare health program for the elderly and disabled, wants a test that uses 20 samples instead of the current 10. The change means the test would take four hours, instead of the current two. But the agency would require the test only every two years instead of the current annual schedule. Find more on CMS’s rationale here. CMS is required by law to develop such proficiency tests. Congress passed the law in 1988 after The Wall Street Journal documented th... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2110936 Sat, 17 Jan 2009 10:40:43 +0100 2110936 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2092766&cid=t_92166_131_f&fid=35743&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthegenesherpa.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fattention-lab-directors-fda-is-coming.html I have been mentioning this several times to several VC firms and to several small companies. If your business plan or investment does not have a section devoted to getting FDA approval, you will soon see that business do 1 of 3 things.1. Be sold to a commercial lab who can get FDA approval quicker2. Become extinct3. Struggle to create a plan to attain FDA approval and be 6 months to 1 year later to launch.Why am I saying this today???? Did anyone look at the NY Times yesterday?Quest admits problems with the Vitamin D test???On Good Morning America Diane Sawyer said "I didn't know that the tests which my doctor ordered are not FDA approved"Translation: A huge amount of public demand on an already strapped organization to regulate and assure the quality of laboratory testing, just as they d... Gene Sherpas: Personalized Medicine and You blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2092766 Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:55:00 +0100 2092766 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2092546&cid=t_92166_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F01%2F09%2Fptsd-and-the-purple-heart%2F Yesterday the New York Times wrote that the Pentagon “decided that it will not award the Purple Heart, the hallowed medal given to those wounded or killed by enemy action, to war veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder because it is not a physical wound.” This is an interesting decision on many levels. My first reaction was: How typical. Go ahead and ignore all the research and data collected by psychologists, neuropsychologists and psychiatrists the world over to define and develop diagnostic and treatment protocols for this horrible condition. On the other hand it is impressive that the Pentagon advisory group took any time to deliberate on this issue. Apparently they did leave the door open to future changes, which sounds like Bush administration code for, “I’... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2092546 Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:26:09 +0100 2092546 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2080983&cid=t_92166_109_f&fid=34706&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdeborahserani.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fdissociative-disorder-explored-in.html Showtime will be debuting later this month a new series called "The United States of Tara" about a woman with Dissociative Identity Disorder (formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder). The show is presented as a dramedy and has a magnificent cast. But, well. . . I am not sure how I feel about this show. It's too early to tell with one episode. All I can say is that my work with individuals with DID was quite different."The United States of Tara" comes from Steven Spielberg and Diablo Cody, and utilizes consultants who specialize in trauma and dissociation. It is always my hope that a show like this will handle the psychological and neurobiological issues with realism and humanity. The greatest goal would be for a piece of creative entertainment to educate and take the stigma out of ... Dr. Deborah Serani blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2080983 Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:01:00 +0100 2080983 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2061532&cid=t_92166_131_f&fid=35743&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthegenesherpa.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fcopy-number-variation-epigenetics-bio.html I was watching National Geograpghic HD last night. Yes, I do have a few minutes to watch TV. I always love to watch their in the womb specials. This time it was Twins.What I love is the way they tell the story and teach the science (very lightly). I have to say, I have tried to teach doctors these subjects for a while now and most of what I get are these blank stares.NatGeo has these wonderful graphic animations and weave a story around the animations with real clinical examples that bring the science to life.Maybe we need to start having physicians watch NatGeo. We could scrub NCHPEG and anything EMedicine or UpToDate has to offer (which are average tools and topics).Why? In one brief 60 minutes episode of NatGeo, they covered1. Twins have epigenetic differences, explained epigenetics inc... Gene Sherpas: Personalized Medicine and You blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2061532 Mon, 22 Dec 2008 12:02:00 +0100 2061532 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2053180&cid=t_92166_131_f&fid=35743&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthegenesherpa.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fouch-cnv-with-lackluster-results.html All it takes is 2 seconds to step on some of my readership's toes and I feel it. Yesterday I posted on a 5% error rate for Whole Genome sequencing, I argued that even at 30x coverage it would not be ready for clinical diagnosis. I had CEOs of sequencing companies emailing me and VPs calling me. I even had pound for pound one of the best bloggers in the space say he was embarrassed for me.....Ouch!Why do I get pushback from people, when all I am doing is throwing some cold water on the party??? Get ready, because I am about to throw some more.....Remember yesterday when I said SNPs were one of 7 or 8 factors that will differentiate each of us??? Well, CNVs are another of those 7 or 8, 2 more include histone modification and methylation, telomerase activity and size would be another factor, ... Gene Sherpas: Personalized Medicine and You blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2053180 Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:06:00 +0100 2053180 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2053750&cid=t_92166_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Fhydrocyanine_fluorescent_dyes_to_detect_reactive_oxygen_species.php Researchers have developed new fluorescent probes called hydrocyanines that can be used to detect... (Source: The Biotech Weblog) The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2053750 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:11:27 +0100 2053750 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2028456&cid=t_92166_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.creative-weblogging%2Faudio%2F%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Fuk_validation_study_initiated_on_pathwork_tissue_of_origin_test.php In this study, pathologists and oncologists at Guy's and St Thomas' will not only be able to validate the test for use in their institution, but more importantly, soon be able to use information generated to help them determine the most effective, cancer-specific treatment regimen for hard-to-diagnose cases." In the collaboration, Dr. Giuseppe Culora, the clinical director, and Dr. Eugene Halligan, the scientific director, are performing a proof-of-concept validation study. "Since patients with cancer of unknown primary have a very poor prognosis, we hope that with this novel diagnostic test our oncologists will have new information at their fingertips to guide treatment and be able to offer a better standard-of-care for our cancer patients," said Dr. Culora. The Pathwork Tissue ... The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2028456 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:14:30 +0100 2028456 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1924939&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FSOe2i0DGj6A%2F We can’t say we recall many instances of health insurers making a big show about what they’ll pay for twice. But Aetna put out an announcement today that says if there’s uncertainty about the accuracy of a test that breast-cancer patients get, the insurer will cover a do-over. The test determines whether a patient’s tumor expresses an excess amount of a protein called HER2. If the test comes back positive, the patient may be a candidate for Genentech’s breast-cancer drug Herceptin, which targets HER2. But, as we pointed out early this year, the tests have sometimes proved unreliable. Some problems have to do with the labs’ technique; others have to do with how the results are interpreted by doctors. Aetna isn’t making a big change to its benefits s... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1924939 Sat, 01 Nov 2008 13:24:01 +0100 1924939 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1873304&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FCQsdd9mt048%2F Illinois Medicaid is dipping its toes into the genetic-testing waters. The insurance program for the poor has decided to cover tests for mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2, genes that when altered, as the NIH explains, are risk factors for breast and ovarian cancer. Doctors participating in Illinois Medicaid can order the genetic test, the Chicago Tribune reports, and the state will also pay for genetic counseling for women considered at high risk of developing either type of cancer. Insurance coverage for genetic testing, which is often very costly, has been a subject of debate. On BusinessWeek’s site early this year, for instance, Greg Fish argues that if one looks “beyond the marketing and into the science, we’ll see that genetic testing is hardly as definitive as often assumed,... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1873304 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:30:00 +0100 1873304 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1873453&cid=t_92166_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.creative-weblogging%2Faudio%2F%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Fdecode_breastcancer_genetic_diagnostic_test_launched.php Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Dawn PolanddeCoODE Genetics launched deCODE BreastCancer™, a new non-invasive tool for assessing risk of the common forms of breast cancer. The deCODE BreastCancer™ test measures seven widely replicated single-letter variations (SNPs) in the human genome that deCODE and others have linked to risk of breast cancer. These SNPs contribute to the incidence of an estimated 60 percent of all breast cancers. The test integrates data from discovery and replication studies published in major peer-reviewed journals and involving nearly 100,000 breast cancer patients and healthy volunteers from many populations, principally of European descent. deCODE and other organizations are conducting replication studies to validate these markers in populations of other contin... The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1873453 Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:43:03 +0100 1873453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1871261&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FCK-Uunf2N5Y%2F Doctors may fail to diagnose heart disease in some women because of gender bias, according to some new research. When a patient is showing signs of stress as well as signs of heart problems such as chest pain and shortness of breath, family physicians and internists are more likely to decide the cause is anxiety if the patient is female, according to data presented at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics meeting in Washington over the weekend and reported by Bloomberg. When patients didn’t complain about stress, there was no difference in diagnoses of male and female patients. The results came from doctors who read vignettes about either a male or a female patient with similar risk of heart disease, Bloomberg explains. When the patient appeared stressed out, the docs interp... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1871261 Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:29:49 +0100 1871261 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1863234&cid=t_92166_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F-D2eOYfjouQ%2F The FDA has warned clinical-test giant LabCorp that it has been marketing an ovarian cancer test without approval, vindicating skeptics of the assay who worried it wasn’t ready for prime time. OvaSure, developed by researchers at Yale, measures six proteins in blood samples and calculates the chances that a woman has ovarian cancer. LabCorp made the $220 test available in June, without prior FDA review, by taking advantage of a technicality. The regulator doesn’t require a premarket review for tests developed and performed by a single lab. But in a letter dated Sept. 29 and released today, the FDA determined that because the test was developed at Yale and that parts of it were manufactured elsewhere to the university’s specifications, it must meet the agency’s us... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1863234 Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:38:35 +0100 1863234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1739049&cid=t_92166_117_f&fid=34696&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.straightfromthedoc.com%2F50226711%2Fallomapa_novel_noninvasive_test_for_managing_heart_transplant_patients.php Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 1937886 AlloMap® - developed by XDx Inc. - is a non-invasive test utilizing molecular expression techniques that will help doctors in managing heart transplant patients after surgery to monitor organ rejection. The FDA has cleared AlloMap® Molecular Expression Testing - making XDx Inc. the first U.S. molecular diagnostics company to obtain FDA clearance of an In Vitro Diagnostic Multivariate Index Assay (IVDMIA) for use in transplant management. AlloMap Testing assays the RNA levels of 11 rejection biomarker genes and nine control genes. AlloMap Testing was clinically validated using data from 9 leading heart transplant centers participating in the Cardiac Allograft Rejection Gene Expression Observational (CARGO) study. AlloMap Test has been avai... Straightfromthedoc blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1739049 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 06:48:42 +0100 1739049 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1734638&cid=t_92166_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Fchitosanbased_vehicle_for_antioxidants.php Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Stephanie Horrocks Researchers have designed a nano-sized "trojan horse" particle to aid in the absorption of antioxidants in the gut by protectin antioxidants from enzyme and acid breakdown. The solution is to design a tiny sponge-like chitosan biopolymeric nanoparticle as a protective vehicle for antioxidants. Chitosan is a natural substance found in crab shells. "Antioxidants sit within this tiny trojan horse, protecting it from attack from digestive juices in the stomach," Dr Larson said. "Once in the small intestine the nanoparticle gets sticky and bonds to the intestinal wall. It then leaks its contents directly into the intestinal cells, which allows them to be absorbed directly into the blood stream. "We hope that by mastering this technique, drug... The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1734638 Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:56:46 +0100 1734638 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1723651&cid=t_92166_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F371194184%2F The drugmaker plans to eliminate the positions over the next four years as part of a plan to streamline operations and cut costs in its medical diagnostics business, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The streamlining includes the closing of a clinical chemistry plant in South Pasadena, California and transferring production of some diagnostic products to plants in Europe that are closer to a big part of the company’s customer base, an Abbott spokeswoman tells Reuters. When completed, the cost cutting should provide about $150 million in annual pretax savings. In the meantime, the company plans to take pretax charges of about $370 million for the program over the next several years, according to the SEC filing. (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1723651 Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:09:15 +0100 1723651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1696047&cid=t_92166_109_f&fid=34706&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdeborahserani.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Faddiction-and-your-genes.html I remember trying my first (and only) cigarette when I was twelve years old. I lit it up, took a puff and decided that it was truly a hideous thing.I hated it. The taste. The smell. Nothing about the experience made me feel good. In fact, I felt nauseous. But there are many people who get a "high" right from cigarette one. And it becomes an addiction thereon in.Research over the last few years has shown us how addiction has a great deal to do with genetic makeup. Read more about how a nicotine receptor gene makes it harder for individuals to kick the smoking habit. This explains why some take to smoking right away, and why others, like me, don't go past the puff of one. Now, there must be a chocolate receptor gene that I have, but that is for another post, another day. (Source: Dr. Deborah... Dr. Deborah Serani blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1696047 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:09:00 +0100 1696047 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1682887&cid=t_92166_109_f&fid=34706&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdeborahserani.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Fflushing-out-liar.html How can we tell who’s lying and who’s not?Fidgety hands? Stuttering speech?Pants on fire?Actually, it seems that the face will betray true emotion if we look for it. So, it isn't in the sweaty brow, the hesitant words or the shifty eyes. Instead, it's the liar's facial muscles that "crack” or "leak" through, displaying the real emotion. For more read hereAnother technique to test for truthfulness is to ask a person to recall his or her story backwards - From end to beginning in sequential stages. Reverse order is harder to create than building a lie from the start. Telling the story from its end to its beginning will be easy for the truth teller.Interesting stuff . . .and I ain't lying. (Source: Dr. Deborah Serani) Dr. Deborah Serani blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1682887 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:31:00 +0100 1682887 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1677351&cid=t_92166_131_f&fid=35743&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthegenesherpa.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Fmuscle-pain-from-statins-time-for.html This study was signed sealed and delivered to the door of the makers of Zocor(Merck). I sure hope they license that test!!!! Oh wait...this will likely be sold by deCode. How was it done? From NEJM...Methods: We carried out a genomewide association study using approximately 300,000 markers (and additional fine-mapping) in 85 subjects with definite or incipient myopathy and 90 controls, all of whom were taking 80 mg of simvastatin daily as part of a trial involving 12,000 participants. Replication was tested in a trial of 40 mg of simvastatin daily involving 20,000 participants. At first, I balked.....80 mg of Zocor. That's a whopping dose! Who the hell uses that much Zocor? So I tried to dismiss this study....but it was the replication in the 40mg Group that got me.....So what did they fin... Gene Sherpas: Personalized Medicine and You blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1677351 Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:24:00 +0100 1677351