Law and Health Weekly

Medical Research Council, Lanark - Transient-replication assay allows quantitation of hepatitis C viral RNA replication

Medical University of South Carolina - Transplant patients with CHF and LVEF are at high risk for cerebrovascular accidents

Medicare - Medicare proposes a new coverage policy for bariatric surgery procedures

Medicare - PacifiCare Health Systems offers online resource to educate consumers about Medicare Part D

Medivir - Advances reported in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease research program

Medrad, Inc. - Premier awards 3-year contract for Veris MR Vital Signs Monitor

Medserve, Inc. - Enserv completes the acquisition of Engineered Recovery Systems

Medtronic, Inc. - New patient-activated pain control device now available in U.S. for difficult-to-treat chronic pain

Medwave, Inc. - 501(k) application submitted to U.S. FDA for Primo blood pressure monitoring system

Memorial University of Newfoundland - Positron emission tomography deemed cost effective in most jurisdictions in Canada

Mental Health - Insurance company offering free publication on brain health

Merck KGaA - Pharma company acquires Survac ApS for EUR 11 million

Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. - Computer company adds seamless 3D visualization to OEM product line

Mergers & Acquisitions - Financial services firm acquires AdminiSource

Mergers & Acquisitions - Geisinger acquisition of Mercy Hospital, Wilkes-Barre finalized

MicroIslet Inc. - Biotech company reports net loss of $1.9 million

MicroIslet, Inc. - Biotech company enters supply agreement with Mayo for designated pathogen-free pigs

Micrus Endovascular Corporation - Presidio Microcoil product line launched for the treatment of large cerebral aneurysms

Middlesex Hospital, London - Television viewing in early childhood predicts adult body mass index

Mie University - Reports describe recent advances in diagnostics research

Misonix, Inc. - Medical device company promotes Constantine to SVP marketing, sales and new product development

Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad - Modern dietary habits increase childhood obesity in developing countries

Myriad Genetics, Inc. - Biopharma company, Abbott extend collaboration focused on human genetic variation

Nagasaki University - Recent findings illuminate research in cardiomyopathy

National Cancer Center, Tokyo - Extended survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients studied

National Cancer Institute of Brazil - Moureau-Rio de Janeiro BCG strain reduces recurrence rate in bladder cancer

National Health Research Institute, Tainan - Epstein-Barr virus LMP1 has a role in hemophagocytic syndrome

National University of Singapore - Overexpression of CC3/TIP30 is associated with HER-2/neu status in breast cancer

Neoforma, Inc. - GHX announces expiration of Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period

Netherlands National Institute of Public Health & the Environment - Virulent MRSA strains carrying Panton-Valentine leucocidin genes prevalent in the Netherlands

Neurologix, Inc. - Preclinical study finds gene XIAP may prevent progression of Huntington disease

New York Eye & Ear Infirmary - Population-based incidence of uveal melanoma in various races and ethnic groups analyzed

New York University - Benzene increases protein-bound 3-nitrotyrosine in bone marrow of B6C3F₁ mice

NicOx S.A. - PRA International to assist with implementation of phase III program for HCT 3012

NicOx S.A. - Pfizer selects ophthalmology development candidate

Nobel Biocare - Esthetic dental solutions company endows chair in prosthodontics at University of Toronto

Northwick Park Hospital & Clinic Research Center, Harrow - Findings describe new data in imaging research

Novartis International AG - Omalizumab treatment for severe, uncontrolled asthma approved for use in U.K.

Nutrition 21 - Study: Chromium picolinate may provide cardiovascular benefits in prediabetes

Ohio State University - rDNA methylation predicted progression-free survival of ovarian cancer patients

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. - Long-term care industry investment firm closes public offering of 5,175,000 shares

Ophthalmology - Survey shows consumers confused about differences among eye care providers

Oregon Health & Science University - Report contradicts bias against using morphine in dying patients with respiratory difficulty

OrthoSupply Management, Inc. - Information technology company completes $1.5 million private placement

Osaka City University - Hormesis and dose-response-mediated mechanisms in carcinogenesis discussed

Oscient Pharmaceuticals - New drug application submitted to U.S. FDA for Factive's use in sinusitis and pneumonia

Ospedale San Giovanni Bellinzona - Anthracyclines plus fluoropyrimidines well tolerated and active in advanced breast cancer patients

Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital - Research add new data to SARS body of knowledge

Partek Incorporated - Analysis solution released for ultra high dimensional microarray data

Patents - HTH Worldwide wins patent in Australia for global health online tools and databases

Patterson Companies, Inc. - Medical products value-added distributor reports net income of $44,720,000

Peking University, Beijing - Voglibose raises CCl₄ and APAP hepatotoxicity by inducing CYP2E1

Pennsylvania Department of Health - Pennsylvania governor announces plan to protect residents from avian influenza

Pennsylvania State College of Medicine - Mutant fibulin proteins trigger signals leading to choroidal neovascularization

Pennsylvania State University - Interleukin-6 levels fluctuate with light-dark cycle in brain and peripheral tissues

Personnel - Hospital company VP and CFO Burke W. Whitman resigns to join Florida company

Peter MacCallum Cancer Center, Melbourne - Adoptive transfer of CD4+ helper T cells induces tumor rejection

Philanthropy - Napa Valley Vintners create $1 million fund for children's health

Phytomedics Inc. - Biopharma company appoints Dr. Mark W. Pierce to its board of directors

Poland National Institute of Public Health - MLVA reliable for short-term S. aureus epidemiological studies

Polytechnic University of the Marche Region Medical School, Ancona - New data illuminates research in oncology

Possis Medical, Inc. - Medical device company reports sales of $15.5 million for first quarter

Prince of Wales Hospital - Antibiotic resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae renders gonorrhea untreatable

Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland - Free fatty acids are linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and atherosclerosis in RTRs

Proteomics - Thombospondin may be linked to angiogenic suppression in ischemic limbs

Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham - Various chemoradiotherapy regimens in rectal cancer compared

R2 Technology, Inc. - New ImageChecker Version 8.1 Mammography CAD system introduced

RIKEN - Promoter polymorphisms are associated with increased risk of atopic dermatitis

RIKEN - p38 MAPK plays a key role in regulating MAPKAPK2 expression

Ranbaxy Laboratories, Ltd. - U.S. court decision clarifies launch of clarithromycin 500 mg ER tablets on approval

Rhode Island Hospital - Insulin levels reported to drop as Alzheimer disease progresses

Roche - EGFR-inhibitor receives approval in U.S. for pancreatic cancer

Roche - IV formulation of ibandronate may offer an alternative for women with postmenopausal osteoporosis

Roche Pharmaceuticals - Study shows MabThera significantly improves all efficacy measures of rheumatoid arthritis

Rutgers State University - Administration of caffeine or green tea affected mutation profile in murine p53 gene

Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris - Criteria of diagnosis of oligodendrogliomas compared between WHO and Sainte-Anne classifications

Sallie Mae - College financing company launches recruitment campaign for teachers and nurses in Oregon

Schering-Plough Corporation - U.S. FDA approves Avelox for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections

Scios - Natrecor-treated heart patients less likely to die from serum creatinine increases

Scolr Pharma, Inc. - Pharma company reported operating loss of $1,944,621

Scripps Research Institute - Reports add new data to oncology research

Second Military Medical College, Shanghai - Fusion protein-truncated Pseudomonas exotoxin A in E. coli is characterized

SemBioSys Genetics Inc. - Protein-focused biotech company executes $2.5 million debt financing agreement

Shiraz University - Viral transmission risk in BMT is lower with umbilical blood stem cells than with BM cells

Slotervaart Hospital, Amsterdam - Abdominal CT plus mammogram improves cancer detection in IVTE patients

Solbec Pharmaceuticals Limited - Coramsine receives orphan drug designation from U.S. FDA

Somerset Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - U.S. FDA issues extends goal date for transdermal patch to treat depression

Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, San Antonio - Humanized NOD/SCID mice were developed to study dengue virus and test antidengue products

Spain National Institute of Toxicology & Forensic Science - Antimalarial drug chloroquine is harmful to organisms in the aquatic environment

Sports Medicine - Little guidance available on when injured athletes should return to competition

St. George's Hospital, London - Double reading with CAD increases sensitivity for cancer detection over single reading

St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver - Rate of antiretroviral resistance similar among intravenous drug users and nondrug users

St. Polten Central Hospital - 3D Fluoroscopy useful for assessing bone decompression during anterior cervical spine surgery

Stanford University - Intraoperative radiation therapy may be beneficial in recurrent ovarian cancer

Steno Diabetes Center, Gentofte - SOCS-3 regulates cytokine signaling in pancreatic beta-cells

Stockholm University - Increased processing of amyloid precursor and precursor-like proteins is shown

Stockholm University - Low oxygen levels do not increase cold-induced VEGF in brown adipose tissue

Sun Microsystems, Inc. - Radiofrequency identification device-based system available for drug authentication

Synairgen plc - Phase I clinical trial launched for inhaled interferon-beta for asthma

TNO, Hoofddorp - A new method for bricklaying reduces physical load, absences due to sickness

Taipei Veterans General Hospital - CAPE sensitizes CT26 colorectal adenocarcinoma to IR, does not affect marrow radioresponse

Tehran University of Medical Science - Serum hyaluronate is a non-invasive marker of hepatic fibrosis and inflammation

The Peanut Institute - Study of three diets published, role of plant proteins discussed

Thomas Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia - Glucosamine, touted for joint problems, might help provide relief for MS symptoms

Tibotec Pharmaceuticals Ltd - Irish pharmaceutical company reports launch of reverse transcriptase phase III trials

Tiziani Whitmyre, Inc. - Provider of medical references for mobile devices picks marketing services partner

Tohoku University, Miyagi - IL-17 enhances angiogenic activity and growth of non-small cell lung cancer

Tokyo Institute Technology - An implantable carbon fiber microelectrode-based biosensor detects superoxide anions in vivo

Toshiba America Medical Systems - Imaging systems company gives $100,000 in founding support to cardiovascular CT society

Tri Service General Hospital, Tokyo - Convalescent plasma for SARS may be warranted for healthcare workers

Tulane University, New Orleans - Alpha interferon inhibits translation mediated by hepatitis C virus genotypes

U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - Findings in influenza vaccines provide new insights

U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - Maxi-Vac software aids in planning mass smallpox vaccination clinics

U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - Relative disparities should be measured in terms of adverse events

U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - Researchers' findings advance avian influenza research

U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - Small number of genes explains a major proportion of common complex diseases

U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - Vaccination reduces disease burden and health costs of rotavirus diarrhea in Vietnam

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Researchers' findings advance malaria therapy research

U.S. Food & Drug Administration - LC-MS sensitivity improved through increases in chromatographic performance

U.S. Military HIV Research Program - Results demonstrate importance of reagent selection for monitoring of HIV responses

U.S. National Cancer Institute - Radiation therapy after breast conserving surgery reduces risk of second tumors

U.S. National Cancer Institute - Research add new data to lung cancer body of knowledge

U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. - Metabolite of methoxychlor inhibits testosterone formation

U.S. National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases - Newcastle disease virus expressing foreign viral antigen is highly immunogenic in primates

U.S. National Institutes of Health -  Giardia lamblia surface protein cytotoxicity is enzymatically controlled

U.S. National Institutes of Health - HHV8-DNA in elderly Italians is associated with childhood crowding and low red blood cells

Ullevaal University Hospital, Oslo - No significant changes were noted in inflammatory markers with transdermal HRT

Ullevaal University Hospital, Oslo - Risk, tumor characteristics, and mortality in adult twins with malignant melanoma analyzed

Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin - Cerebrospinal shunt with gravitational valve safe and effective

Unilife Medical Solutions Limited - Safe syringe developer signs memo of understanding for U.S. production

United Medicorp, Inc. - Healthcare business services provider reports Q3 2005 revenue down 32% from year ago

University College of London - Human leukemia cells can be eliminated by gene-transduced human T cells

University Hospital, Bern - Review discusses antiatherosclerotic treatments for PAD patients

University at Buffalo - U.S., Japanese ADHD experts collaborator on treatment programs for Japanese children

University of Aberdeen - Polymorphisms of CLCN7 gene contribute to regulation of bone mineral density

University of Alabama - Sp1 and Sp3 regulate RANKL transcription in osteoblasts and bone marrow stromal cells

University of Alabama - Trials are needed to examine effect of lipid-lowering therapy and CHD risk in women

University of Amsterdam - Studies describe new findings in imaging research

University of Athens - Awareness of diagnosis among hospitalized cancer patients in Greece surveyed

University of Birmingham - Thyroid stimulating hormone receptor gene is linked with Graves disease

University of Bonn - Efficacy and side effects of opioids for cancer pain treatment evaluated

University of Bristol - Fetal stem cells may accelerate tissue repair

University of California, Irvine - Single-visit program for women with abnormal Pap tests increases follow-up rate

University of California, San Francisco - Proangiogenic signals help pancreatic cancer evade therapy

University of California, Santa Barbara - Pros, cons of needle-free immunization, other delivery methods are reviewed

University of Cambridge - MC4R-expressing neuron activation may be linked to serotonin's regulation of energy balance

University of Cincinnati - Bisphenol A, used in food containers, found to disrupt estrogen effects in developing brain

University of Cincinnati - Reports advance knowledge in virology research

University of Coimbra - Data advance knowledge in apoptosis research

University of Cologne - Bendamustine used to treat patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia

University of Connecticut - Nurse-delivered adherence intervention improves knowledge and HAART adherence

University of Copenhagen - ADAM 12-mediated focal adhesion formation is differently regulated by integrins

University of Copenhagen - Obesity increases mortality in liver transplantation

University of Delhi - Interferon-alpha and lamivudine combination yields higher therapeutic efficacy

University of Florida - Researchers link microRNA to limb development

University of Florida - Scientists are closer to a new technique to detect cancer before symptoms appear

University of Florida - The Diabetes Family Behavior Checklist is proposed as a valid assessment tool

University of Giessen - Parasites may produce factors that can modulate angiogenesis

University of Glasgow - Role of Bunyamwera virus glycoproteins in virus infectivity is examined

University of Glasgow - Rural group trusts non-prescribable remedies for diabetes treatment

University of Gottingen - New findings in the area of diagnostics detailed

University of Heidelberg - VEGF gene-activated matrix accelerates bone healing

University of Illinois - Expression of Sp1 is developmentally regulated in the mouse cornea

University of Istanbul - Linezolid inhibits multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates

University of Jena, Gera - Long-term results after gastric banding are positive

University of Kentucky - Guidance channels containing microfilament scaffolds enhance axon growth and maturation

University of Kiel - Electrical charge promotes viability and physiology of dendritic cells

University of Kiel - Lymphangiogenesis is not a conduit for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma lymph node metastasis

University of Laval - Signal peptide peptidase promotes the formation of HCV non-enveloped particles

University of Laval, Sainte-Foy - Novel microfluidic device enables rapid automated microarray hybridization

University of Liverpool - Fenofibrate may improve effects of high-fat diet on vascular function and metabolic changes

University of London - Fast food outlets in deprived districts may increase prevalence of obesity

University of Louvain - Java software calculates mean breath-by-breath variability in gas exchange parameters

University of Lund Hospital - TNF-alpha antibody infusion impairs survival of stroke-generated neuroblasts

University of Manchester -  Pichia anomala fungemia outbreak in a pediatric ICU in Brazil caused by a single strain

University of Manchester - Type 1 diabetes gene SUMO4 at IDDM5 is not linked to arthritis

University of Maryland - Electrospray interfacing of polymer microfluidics to MALDI-MS achieved

University of Melbourne - Systemic and vascular inflammation is linked to CVD risk factors and renal function

University of Miami - Vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap is reliable tissue source for neovagina

University of Michigan - Combination radiation-chemotherapy may preserve speech better than surgery in head and neck cancer

University of Michigan - Women's toughness about their heart disease may contribute to less-agressive care

University of Michigan Health System - Study shows additional analysis of medical studies could prevent medical safety issues

University of Missouri - Review provides insights into cardiometabolic prevention and management of DM

University of Navarra - New findings in the area of prions described

University of New Brunswick - Limb motion model provides a robust method of low computational load

University of North Carolina - A bifunctional G alpha_i /G alpha_s modulatory peptide attenuates adenylyl cyclase activity

University of North Carolina - Policies can increase influenza and pneumococcal immunizations

University of North Carolina - Scientists identify molecule that may contribute to prostate tumor formation growth

University of Nottingham - Recent study finds no evidence that COX-2 inhibitors provide greater stomach protection than NSAIDs

University of Oklahoma - Estrogen decline may cause older women to form degenerative eye disease

University of Oxford - Automated method detects venous gas bubbles in humans

University of Oxford - Disease patterns shown on x-rays may be a good predictor of survival in avian flu patients

University of Oxford - Researchers' data advance atherosclerosis research

University of Padua - Labeled glucose OMM provides reading of insulin effect on glucose metabolism and production

University of Paris 5 - Endothelial progenitor cells respond to PAR-1 with concentration-dependent angiogenesis

University of Paris Descartes - Macrophage-selective marker displays specificity in adipocytes

University of Pittsburgh - Geographic variation in diabetes complications is linked to health care performance

University of Pittsburgh - Immunosuppression may be beneficial for liver transplantation in HCV-infected patients

University of Poznan - Recombinant interferon-alpha and ribavirin treatment alters transferrin receptor level

University of Puerto Rico - Molecular weight of PEG emulsifier is key determinant of PLGA microsphere drug release

University of Quebec - Self-reported height and weight indicates higher BMI, does not increase cancer risk

University of Queensland - Physical activity reverses depressive symptoms independent of pre-existing mental status

University of Sao Paulo - Secretory IgA from colostrum and milk is used for oral passive immunization

University of Science & Technology China, Anhui - Nano neodymium oxide induced cell death in non-small cell lung cancer cells

University of South Australia - Healthcare workers are encouraged to give validation to women's reports of fatigue

University of South Florida - Association between aging and cancer explored

University of South Florida - Diabetes alters hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase promoter occupancy

University of Southern California - Neuropsychological impairment is a risk in HIV- and HCV-infected women

University of Sydney - Patients deem even small benefits worthwhile to undergo adjuvant chemotherapy

University of Texas, Houston - Erdheim-Chester disease was successfully treated with interferon-alpha

University of Tokyo - Protein kinase activity of herpes simplex virus is not needed for optimal UL41 and ICP0 expression

University of Trondheim Hospital - Endovascular surgical repair feasible in geriatric patients

University of Tubingen - PCR increases diagnostic yield of infectious pathogens from bronchoalveolar lavage after SCT

University of Turin - Postprandial lipid metabolism is a link between adiponectin and liver disease

University of Turku - New allergy strategies may halt life's atopic march

University of Ulm - Large cohort study shows obesity increases cancer risk for variety of cancer types

University of Uppsala - Interaction of host and viral risk factors required for development of cervical carcinoma

University of Uppsala - Quality of pathology department affects staging and management of colon cancer

University of Utah - Studies add new findings to obesity surgery body of knowledge

University of Utrecht - Social support was positively related to self-management and sense of well-being diabetics

University of Verona - Cobalt chloride has potential to substitute for blood doping in athletes

University of Washington - Adducin gene expression is regulated in a gene-specific manner during erythropoiesis

VNUS Medical Technologies, Inc. - Medical devices company reports Q3 2005 net revenues of $12.1 million

VSM MedTech Ltd. - Functional brain imaging company adds Barbara Braun and Pierre Leduc to board

VSM MedTech Ltd. - University of Frankfurt awards contract for functional brain imaging system

Valeant Pharmaceuticals - Positive interim data on oral anti-viral compound presented at liver association meeting

Vanderbilt University, Nashville - Patients with diabetes have a higher risk of mortality after LVAD implantation

Varian Medical Systems, Inc. - CEO Richard M. Levy to retire from cancer therapy systems company

Varian, Inc. - New instruments introduced for complex sample analysis

Vasogen Inc. - Compound shown effective in preventing plaque that leads to development of Alzheimer disease

Venous Diseases - Phlebology wins American Medical Association recognition as a self-designated practice area

Ventiv Health, Inc. - Pediatricians are second largest target audience for pharmaceutical companies

Vertex Pharmaceutical Inc. - HCV mutations confer cross-resistance against Ser protease inhibitors

Veterans Administration Medical Center, Memphis - Apolipoprotein E gene deficiency is linked to cochlear alterations

Virgen Macarena University Hospital, Seville - Oleylethanolamide inhibits insulin action in the adipocyte

Virgen Macarena University Hospital, Seville - Sam68 may play a role in the immune function of lymphocytes in HIV infection

Virginia Commonwealth University - Periodonitis patient's plasma lipoprotein profile may be link with cardiovascular disease

Viron Therapeutics Inc. - Biopharmaceutical company wins 2005 Prix Galien Award for excellence in research

Viventia Biotech Inc. - Developer of anticancer drugs announces transaction to become private company

Vrije University of Brussels - Two activating donor KIRs protects against leukemic relapse after related HLA-identical HSCT

Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem - Heparin antibodies may pose a risk for heart surgery patients

Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis - Researchers warn that anaphylaxis requires prompt and appropriate treatment

Washington University, St. Louis - Active surveillance and aggressive infection control eradicates MRSA from neonatal ICU

Washington University, St. Louis - Data advance knowledge in leukodystrophy research

Washington University, St. Louis - Gender differences to insulin response and resistance susceptibilities are prevalent

Wayne State University, Detroit - New findings in breast cancer described

Wuhan University - Researchers describe findings in cancer therapy studies

Xenome Ltd - Multicenter clinical trial of peptide therapeutic for severe cancer pain initiated

Yonsei University, Seoul - Doxorubicin-induced endothelial damage enhances hepatocyte engraftment

Zaldivar Institute, Mendoza - Five modifications improve LASIK outcome

Zila, Inc. - Distribution agreement signed with Asahi Godo to introduce vitamin C product in Japan

Zonagen, Inc. - Pharmaceutical company reports total revenues for Q3 2005 of $175,000

Zonguldak Karaelmas University - Chronic Helicobacter pylori infection can cause insulin resistance