Medicine and Law Weekly

NOVAVAX, INC. - Pharma company reaffirms development strategy for ANDROSORB

Nagoya City University - Ultrasound aids determination of vessel size in diabetic patients

Nanogen, Inc. - Patent issued for active biological sample preparation apparatus

National Defense Medical Center, Taipei - Xanthoma of the sacrum investigated

National Institute Animal Health, Tsukuba - Three major genetic groups associated with recent IB outbreaks in Japan

National Research Council of Canada - Scientists picture the place where chemistry happens

National Research Inst. for Child Health & Devlpt. - Glucocorticoid-targeted genes in lymphoma and leukemia cells induce apoptosis

National Taiwan University, Taipei - Decrease of leaded gasoline led to concomitant decrease in cord blood levels

Natl. Inst. for Environmental Studies, Ibaraki - Effects of diesel exhaust on LPS-related gene expression characterized

Nautilus Biotech - Biotech companies sign manufacturing agreement for Belerofon

New York Academy of Medicine - Postmenopausal bone loss may cause increase in blood lead levels

Nihon University - Markers on chromosome 1 associate with essential hypertension susceptibility

NitroMed - Pharma company prices public offering of common stock

Northwestern University - PPARgamma ligands help the thrombospondin peptide ABT510 fight tumor growth

Norwood Abbey Limited - Ophthalmic devices company expands distribution to five countries

Novartis Oncology - Iron chelator demonstrates efficacy but trial does not reach primary endpoint

Novartis Oncology - Prolonged efficacy for Gleevec demonstrated for newly diagnosed patients

Nutra Pharma Corp. - Pharma company engages research group to validate Portage BioMed technology

Nutraceutical International Corporation - Nutraceutical company announces financial results

ORC Macro - Behavior change communication campaign associated with higher condom knowledge

OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - FDA approves Tarceva for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Obesity - U.S. living may increase immigrants' obesity

Obstetric Fistula - Preventable condition called a "challenge to human rights"

Office of the Governor of Pennsylvania - Health holdings company relocates in Pennsylvania, adds new jobs

Ohio State University - Study: Absolute risk of complications from VBAC is very small

Omnicell, Inc. - Health Enterprises signs agreement with for MedGuard patient safety solutions

Omnicell, Inc. - Patient safety technology company showcased offerings at conference

Oragenics, Inc. - David Gury elected chairman of emerging biotech company

Oral Health - Fluoride debate renewed in Central Oregon

Orchid BioSciences, Inc. - Biosciences company announces senior management changes

Oregon Health & Science University - Heightened osmolality raises excitatory amino acid drive in rat RVLM

Oregon State University - TCDD affects activation and survival of antigen-specific T cells

Orion Genomics, LLC - Grant awarded to determine gene sequence of parasitic worm

Orthofix International, N.V. - Medical device company announces appointment of new directors

Oxford BioMedica U.K. Ltd. - Non-primate EIAV-based lentiviral vectors guide genes to motor neurons

Oxford Brookes University - Six months training improved leg power and balance in older adults

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory - Team discovers large, new class of airborne particles

Pain Therapeutics, Inc. - Study confirms Remoxy less abusable than narcotic pain killer Oxycontin

PainCare Holdings, Inc - Holding company acquires nonmedical assets of pain management company

Parkinson Disease - Reduced-calorie diet may offer help for PD patients

Pasteur Institute, Antananarivo - Artemether-lumefantrine effective against resistant P. falciparum

Patheon Inc. - Pharma company announces filing of preliminary prospectus

Pediatric Care - Alliance announced to identify, treat methamphetamine-exposed children

Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc. - Newborn and maternal fetal physician services provider announces acquisition

Peking University - Activation of specific promoters studied, potent inhbition by A20 revealed

Penn State University - TLR4-induced TNF alpha critical in defense against B. bronchiseptica

Pennsylvania Department of Health - Pennsylvania Department of Health confirms first influenza case

People's Hospital Hainan Province - Triptolide appears to be a moderately effective immunosuppressive

Personnel - Arizona Health Officer retiring as of December 31

Personnel - Centura Health names marketing/planning executive

Personnel - Clark Consulting announces departure of Archer from board of directors

Personnel - Dennis Barry joins MercuryMD's board of directors

Peter Wiltjer - Provider of ancilllary health services names R. Scott Jones president, CEO

Pfizer Inc. - Long-term data show benefit of Detrol LA as first-line therapy

Pharmaceutical Outsourcing - Ventiv fills gaps for drug companies

Pharmacy Benefits - AHIP issues statement on proposed formulary guidance for Medicare

Philanthropy - Millionaire puts his money into health research

PhytoMedical Technologies, Inc. - Biopharma company announces three-way research agreement

Plant Genomics - Genome of economically important fungus soon to be identified

Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia - Nested PCR sensitive/specific for diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis from PBMC

Prana Biotechnology Limited - Biotech company exercises options

Preeclampsia - NF-kappaB and reduced bcl-2 expression involved in trophoblastic apoptosis

Prescription Drug Costs - Louisiana hopes to join other states to cut prescription drug costs

Procter & Gamble - Consumer products company announces financial results

Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - Enrollment target reached for opioid-induced constipation trial

Proneuron Biotechnologies - Biotech company provides update on spinal cord injury trial enrollment

Proton Laboratories, Inc. - Biotechnology company names member to board, announced stock offering

Queensland Inst. Medical Research, Brisbane - NKT cell subpopulations expand following cytokine stimulation

Queensland University of Technology - Physical activity in management of obesity reviewed

RUG, Medische Microbiologie - Vaccine prevents and treats cervical cancer tumors in mice

Regina Elena Cancer Institute - Lonidamine blocks angiogenesis by interfering with endothelial cell functions

Rehabilitation Medicine - Courage Center camp programs receive accreditation

Roswell Park Cancer Institute - Half of smokers incorrectly believe nicotine causes cancer

Rotes Kreuz Krankenhaus, Bremen - Noninvasive treatments can help many patients

Royal Free University College, London - Lower maternal levels of inhibin A may be due to decrease in placental mass

Rudjer Boskovic Institute - Role of PTCH1 signaling in ovarian dermoids elucidated

Rx for Ohio - Free program helps Ohioans find information on free or discounted medicines

RxGen, Inc. - Biotech firm gets NIH grant to study environmental causes of Parkinson disease

SARS - U.S. government launching human trials of experimental SARS vaccine

Sagemark Companies Ltd. - PET imaging center owner closes private placement of common stock shares

Saint Joseph's Hospital, Atlanta - Atlanta hospital provides physicians with wireless access to patient data

Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. - World Economic Forum selects 20 Technology Pioneers for 2005

Sarcoidosis - Insecticides implicated in lung-scarring disease

Savient Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - U.S. FDA grants approval for drug to treat pain in osteoarthritis of the knee

Scanvit, Ltd. - Forbes Medi-Tech expands Reducol business into Scandinavia

Schering Plough Research Institute - Desloratadine plus fluoxetine caused no significant changes

Scottish Biomedical - Biomedical company agrees to extend collaboration with Sosei Co. Ltd

Scottish Cntr. for Infection & Environmental Hlth. - Two-dose regimens improve adolescent hepatitis B vaccination uptake

Seattle Genetics - Large cell lymphoma, Hodgkin drug study results reported at hematology meeting

Seclarity, Inc. - Companies partner to create computer systems that address security requirements

Sequoia Healthcare District - New nursing skills lab at Canada College dedicated

SeraCare Life Sciences, Inc - Life sciences company, Cellular Technology partner on immune reactivity testing

Serologicals Corporation - Biological products provider announces plans for follow-on equity offering

Simulations Plus, Inc. - Pharmaceutical software maker announces multisite order

SinoFresh HealthCare, Inc. - Nasal spray maker secures $1.8 million in financing to promote product

SkyePharma PLC - Pharma company announces U.S. launch of extended-release postop pain drug

Social Sectors Development Strategies, Inc. - Male U.S. Army soldiers who drink heavily are more likely to abuse spouse

Somnia, Inc. - Anesthesia services provider names Jamie Harris government relations director

Sonic Innovations, Inc. - Hearing aid manufacturer purchases diagnostics company Tympany, Inc.

Sontra Medical Corp. - Medical devices company, VNUS Medical announce distribution agreement

St. Jude Medical, Inc. - DINAMIT clinical study results published; identifies limitation of ICDs

St. Louis University - Factors often present in uremia contribute to vascular calcification

Stanford University - Diabetes develops faster after hypertonic than normotonic hyperglycemia

Stanford University - Study finds new method improves chemotherapy survival in mice

Sunrise Senior Living - Senior living centers introduce short-term stay program to help caregivers

SuperGen, Inc. - Studies of anticancer drug in combination cancer therapies reported at meeting

Symmetry Medical Inc. - Orthopedic implant, devices provider prices initial public offering

SynaMed LLC - Electronic medical records software maker wins 1st place in 2004 TETHIC Awards

Synergie Wellness Products, Inc. - Personal products manufacturer signs media agreement with Edaddywarbucks

Synovis Life Technologies, Inc. - Technology company purchases rights to microsurgery bioabsorbable nerve conduit

Tampere University Hospital - Cardiopulmonary bypass does not affect health-related QOL

Tampere University, Finland - Mannan-binding lectin is a co-factor in the development of atherosclerosis

Targacept, Inc. - Biopharmaceutical company with CNS-focus raises $33 million in private placement

Technion-Israel Institute of Technology - Citrus oils may hold key to asthma prevention

Tel Aviv University - Anger, negative emotions may trigger stroke

Telik, Inc. - Positive data from phase 2 trial of drug for myelodysplastic syndrome reported

Telos Pharmaceutical - Mutant IL-15/Fc protein prevents development of collagen-induced arthritis

TeraRecon, Inc. - Companies collaborate in development and distribution of ultrasound products

Tiger Team Technologies - Medical services firm announces plans to be fully reporting company

Tobacco Use - Top E.U. court upholds EU ban on Swedish snuff

Tohoku University, Miyagi - Mutation frequencies differ among tissue types with advancing age

Toyama Medical & Pharmaceutical Univ. - Bilateral insular cortex gray matter volume may diminish after disease onset

TransMolecular, Inc. - Clinical trial with amino acid peptide conjugate to treat glioma completed

Trestle Holdings Inc. - Internet-enabled microscope selected by Canadian health provider network

Tuberculosis Therapy - Drug offers new hope in treating TB

Tufts University - Dorso- and ventromedial nuclei help regulate maternal behavior in rats

Tulane Ctr. for Cardiovascular Health - eNOS gene may influence predisposition to high blood pressure in females

Tutogen Medical, Inc. - Implant products manufacturer appoints Guy L. Mayer chief executive officer

U.K. Health Protection Agency, London - FADLP is high resolution tool for epidemiological investigation of Salmonella

U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - Kainic acid causes hippocampal damage in C57BL/6J mice without seizures

U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - Neuroendocrine and immune gene expression in blood cells examined

U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - Polymorphisms increasing risk for breast and prostate cancer reviewed

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Doctors urged to consider RSV with respiratory symptoms

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture - Regulation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 esp operon, hha and ler involved

U.S. MedSys Corp. - Marketing, distribution firm buys New England orthotic, diabetic shoe company

U.S. National Cancer Institute - Several genes are differentially expressed in papillary serous ovarian cancer

U.S. National Institutes of Health - Flipping from monomeric to dimeric CV-N has little effect on antiviral activity

U.S. National Institutes of Health - Gene variant and birth era interaction modifies hypertension risk

U.S. National Institutes of Health - Genetic polymorphism variants not major contributors to high EC in Iran

U.S. National Institutes of Health - Phosphatidylinositol (4,5) P-2 regulates HIV-1 gag targeting to plasma membrane

U.S. Oak Ridge National Laboratory - Copper-denitrifying bacteria detected/quantified by competitive PCR assay

UCB Pharma - Data supports use of Keppra in children resistant to AED therapy

Univ. Nacl. Educacion Distancia, Madrid - Quick profile to screen for depression during pregnancy enables treatment

Univ. of California, Davis - Small interfering RNA inhibits the replication of hepatitis viruses

Univ. of California, Irvine - Link between orphan G protein-coupled receptors and obesity examined

Univ. of California, Los Angeles - Dendritic cell-based helper-dependent vectors limit antiviral activity

Univ. of California, San Diego - Death rates peak during the winter holidays

Univ. of California, San Francisco - Inadequate sleep in late pregnancy may influence labor and delivery

Univ. of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign - Selective coatings create biological sensors from carbon nanotubes

Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico - Alpha_1D -adrenoceptor activation induces contraction in a variety of vessels

Universite de Lille 2 - Poliovirus-specific antibody response may promote Bifidobacterium

University Clinic, Leipzig - Effects of therapeutic measures can be the cause of right-sided heart failure

University College London - Cannabinoid-mediated neuroprotection results from interferon-gamma treatment

University College London - Disabled persons with HIV/AIDS face unequal access to health information

University College London - Up to 80% of children with ischemic stroke have abnormal vascular status

University Hospital Basel - Risk of heart attack higher for several weeks after stopping NSAID therapy

University Hospital Geneva - Lymphatic vessel density and VEGF-C levels shadow pancreatic cancer growth

University Hospital, Heraklion - Rituximab effective in patient with refractory Evans syndrome

University Hospital, Munster - Novel immunoassay detects psilocin in serum and blood samples

University of Alabama - Efforts to control adenoviral cancer gene therapy mitigate adverse effects

University of Alabama - Study of C. trachomatis infection conducted in U.S. teens at high risk for HIV

University of Antwerp - Electroporation aids RNA-based gene transfer to adult stem cells and T cells

University of Arkansas - Botox reduces pain after mastectomy, study finds

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences - Immune cells protect perforin knockout mice from cytomegalovirus retinitis

University of Birmingham - Dysregulated growth factors are therapeutic targets for treating preeclampsia

University of California Los Angeles - The social context of early life may precipitate adverse health consequences

University of California San Diego - Altered P-glycoprotein expression in patients with HIV encephalitis

University of California San Francisco - Improvements were modest for fetal tracheal occlusion for diaphragmatic hernia

University of California San Francisco - Modulation of nociception studied, role of nociceptin revealed

University of California, Davis - Cassette-based digital mammography an alternative to screen-film mammography

University of California, San Diego - Immunostaining for p53 can identify high-risk astrocytic tumors

University of California, San Diego - Remote memory access similar in HIV-associated dementia and Huntington disease

University of Chicago - Computerized mass lesion detection scheme created for DBT images

University of Colorado - Hypotension, acute lung injury follow transfusion of blood during surgery

University of Dublin Trinity College - DRD4 gene polymorphisms associate with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

University of Edinburgh - Cells in human corpus luteum identified that have progesterone receptors

University of Fed Rio de Janeiro - Diterpenes isolated from marine alga active against HIV-1 RT

University of Freiburg - Natural killer cell receptor KLRG1 frequently expressed in cord blood T cells

University of Georgia - Researchers get NIH contract to create a stem-cell-based drug assay for SMA

University of Goteborg - Dietary n6:n3 fatty acid ratio in perinatal period affects adult bones

University of Gottingen - Angiogenic protein levels drift in urinary bladder transitional cell carcinomas

University of Gottingen - Estrogen effect in uterus, vagina, bone analyzed, benzophenone action revealed

University of Halle-Wittenberg - Contraction strengthens L-type Ca²⁺ currents in adherent cardiomyocytes

University of Heidelberg - Human serotonin receptor gene HTR3B variations may affect mental health

University of Heidelberg - Parathyroid hormone inhibits protein kinase in osteoblast-like cells

University of Helsinki - CXCL12/IL-2/IL-6/IL-7/IL-15 inhibits spontaneous CD45R0+ CD4+ T cell apoptosis

University of Henri Poincare - Nonviral PTEN gene transfer halts endometrial cancer cell proliferation

University of Hong Kong - Antivirals combat viral pneumonia when steroids are added to drug regimens

University of Hong Kong - HPV heterozygosity differs by geography and is associated with cancer risk

University of Illinois - Research studies effects of soy baby formula on intestinal development

University of Iowa Hospital - Glia maturation factor knockout impairs motor performance and learning

University of Istanbul - Maintaining sinus rhythm was beneficial for patients with atrial fibrillation

University of Kentucky - The hereditary aspect of Alzheimer disease stresses caregivers

University of Klin Munster - FlaB sequencing more stable than flaA for monitoring Campylobacter populations

University of Klinikum Munster - sfpA gene is a screening target for sorbitol-fermenting E. coli O157:H-

University of Laval - Peripherin gene deletion is linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

University of Leeds - Study investigated the role of endothelin-1 cardiac fibroblast proliferation

University of Leipzig - Oxidative stress correlates with secretase activity and plaque formation

University of Lille - Long-acting lipophilic ACE inhibitors should be a routine treatment

University of Liverpool - Flt3 ligand augments suicide gene therapy in a murine colon cancer model

University of Liverpool - Metabolomics is emerging post-genomic tool for nutrition

University of Louisville - Functional interaction between protein- and DNA-binding proteins revealed

University of Magdeburg - Study examined influence of phytanic acid on mitochondrial functions

University of Maryland - CD8+ T cell subset identified in patients immunized with typhoid vaccine

University of Massachusetts - Endoplasmic reticulum stress in beta cells stimulates insulin degradation

University of Medicine Berlin - Oral Candida variants in HIV disease similar to those seen in pre-HAART era

University of Michigan - Cumulative trauma in adulthood can worsen health in later years

University of Michigan - Transcriptome of uropathogenic Escherichia coli characterized

University of Modena - Mullerian-inhibiting substance and polycystic ovary syndrome reviewed

University of Montreal - Canadian researchers develop method to assess thymus function

University of Montreal - Reactive oxygen species in vascular biology reviewed

University of Munich - Mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade studied, opiod receptors involved

University of Navarra - Researchers developed a short questionnaire to easily estimate dietary habits

University of Nebraska - Data demonstrate radical stress in autonomic areas of the brain in heart failure

University of North Carolina - Multiple V1/V2 env variants frequently present during primary HIV infection

University of North Carolina - Suicide rate possibly linked to chemicals released from asphalt plants

University of Ottawa - Treatment metronidazole-resistant Trichomonas vaginalis infections reviewed

University of Oxford -  Haemophilus LPS biosynthesis mechanism similar to that of O-antigen synthesis

University of Oxford - Method to deliver micro-particles into skin developed

University of Paris - Delay in diagnosing Marfan syndrome could be shortened by familial enquiries

University of Pennsylvania - IL-27 receptor inhibits innate and adaptive elements of type 2 immunity

University of Pennsylvania - SNP haplotypes in the matrix metalloproteinase 8 gene alter pregnancy outcomes

University of Pennsylvania - Sp1 mediates the activation of angiogenic cytokine by myristoylated Akt

University of Perugia - CD28 induces immunostimulatory signals in dendritic cells via CD80 and CD86

University of Rochester - Expression of inflammatory chemokines analyzed, fibrinogen regulation revealed

University of Rotterdam - BIBN4096BS is a potent CGRP receptor antagonist with antimigraine potential

University of Saskatchewan - Cardiac muscle heat-shock protein studied, kinase phosphorylation revealed

University of Southampton - Acupuncture - no longer a pain in the neck

University of Sydney - Platinum(IV) complex activity studied in ovarian cancer cell lines

University of Texas - Host response to coccidioidomycosis and vaccine development reviewed

University of Texas, Dallas - Gene family identified as involved in determining potential for acquiring SLE

University of Tokyo - Novel oncoprotein RNF43 may be diagnostic marker

University of Tokyo - Processing of beta-amyloid precursor analyzed, carboxyl fragments involved

University of Tokyo - Rat study suggests low-dose estrogen protects against clogged arteries

University of Tokyo - Snake venom shows VEGF receptor-1 is important to vascular permeability

University of Toronto - Corticosterone helps modulate maternal behavior in the postpartum rat

University of Tubingen - Ancient DNA alters the polymerase chain reaction results

University of Ulm - Neural stem cell-like cells efficiently generated from adult BM stromal cells

University of Veracruz - Whey protein concentrate suitable for CLA microencapsulation

University of Vermont - Tibiofemoral kinematics of post-TKA kneeling characterized

University of Warwick - Increased expression of sPLA₂ -IIA may be involved in onset of labor

University of Washington - A site on chromosome 15q is implicated for causing dyslexia

University of Western Ontario - Hepatocyte growth factor regulates proliferation of epithelial monolayers

University of Western Ontario - Mounting evidence suggests that cryoablation is safe adjacent to arterial system

University of York - New study reveals that manipulation and exercise can help back pain sufferers

University of York - York scientists to explore link between copper and arsenic in sheep liver

Uppsala University - Calcium release via triggers exocytosis in pancreatic beta cells

Vanderbilt University - Depressed patients display lessened serotonin receptor-stimulated signaling

Ventracor - Transplant company provides CE mark trial update

Via Alla Falconara 120, Palermo - HSP10 selective preference for myeloid/megakaryocytic precursors in normal BM

Vision Institute, Sao Paulo - Early opacification of SI-40NB silicone intraocular lenses reported

Vital Needs International - The Voyager wound care technology ready for release

Vrije University Medical Center, Amsterdam - Utility of microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization reviewed

Wake Forest University - Explanatory models of diabetes meanings among nondiabetic Latinos developed

Washington University - Kinder, gentler procedure gives superior results for stem cell transplants

Water Treatment - Home water treatment launches in Uganda

Wild Blueberry Association of North America - New research shows wild blueberry compounds may fight off cancer cells

William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak - Paper explores the complications of hemodialysis as they relate to the CV system

Women's & Children's Hospital, Adelaide - Disease-specific markers for mucopolysaccharidoses discovered

Zinman College, Israel - Age-related characteristics affect overall rate of heat gain and dissipation