One thousand three hundred seventy-three Articles match your search

Task Force Member Defends Mammography Guidelines

November 19, 2009
Meanwhile, three doctors weigh in on what women should do about the new recommendations. Responding to the uproar over revised mammogram recommendations unveiled earlier this week, a member of the independent task force that crafted the recommendations defended them Thursday, saying they were based on the most current, accurate information available.

Dr. Timothy Wilt, a member of the U.

Late Preterm Births Increasing in U.S.

November 18, 2009
Reasons for early births vary, but all premature babies face higher risks, experts warn. The percentage of babies born preterm in the United States rose by more than 20 percent from 1990 to 2006, most delivered at the end of the preterm period, federal health officials report.

Every day in the United States, more than 900 of these "late preterm" births occur, adding up to 333,461 a year, according to the report, Born A Bit Too Early: Recent Trends in Late Preterm Births, issued by the U.S.

Clinical Trials Update

Nov. 18, 2009

November 18, 2009
Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Ragweed Allergy
Healthy Volunteers Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

This study is for people with colorectal cancer that has metastasized (spread). The study will evaluate an investigational fully human monoclonal antibody combined with chemotherapy to see if it will extend survival.

Mammography

What to Do Now?

November 18, 2009
Three doctors weigh in on what women should do about the new guidelines. When a U.S. government task force recommended that women wait until they're 50 to get their first mammogram to check for breast cancer, reaction was swift.

Clinical Trials Update

Nov. 17, 2009

November 17, 2009
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
H1N1 Flu Vaccine
Pediatric ADHD Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

The study is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication to treat COPD. Qualified participants must be at least 40, and be a current or former smoker.

Clinical Trials Update

Nov. 16, 2009

November 16, 2009
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Depression
Type 2 Diabetes Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

This study is for people with high blood pressure.The research site is in Katy, Texas.

Study Raises New Questions About Cholesterol Drug Zetia

November 16, 2009
It was found less effective than extended-release niacin, or Niaspan. A new study raises more questions about ezetimibe (Zetia), a drug used by millions of Americans in tandem with statins to lower LDL, or "bad," cholesterol.

The trial, known as ARBITER-6 HALTS, was stopped early in June after it was discovered that LDL-cholesterol-lowering Zetia was less effective than extended-release niacin (Niaspan), which raises HDL, or "good," cholesterol levels, in reducing plaque build-up in the arteries.

Clinical trials are generally terminated early if a safety issue arises, less so when a measure of success is achieved.

Families Could Benefit From Gene Tests in Sudden Cardiac Death Victims

November 16, 2009
Identifying mutation in deceased cuts costs for evaluating risk in relatives, study shows. Genetic testing of people who've suffered sudden unexplained death is an effective and cost-efficient way of identifying genetic mutations that may put surviving relatives at increased risk for potentially deadly heart rhythm disturbances, a new study suggests.

Genetic defects that can cause sudden cardiac death occur in 25 percent to 30 percent of victims of sudden unexplained death. The current recommended approach is for first-degree relatives of sudden unexplained death victims to undergo comprehensive cardiac testing.

Clinical Trials Update

Nov. 13, 2009

November 13, 2009
Osteoarthritis of the Knee
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with Constipation Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Osteoarthritis of the Knee

This is a 6-week study to evaluate a new pain medication for people with osteoarthritis of the knee. Qualified participants must be aged 18 to 75.

Clinical Trials Update

Nov. 12, 2009

November 12, 2009
Crohn's Disease
Treatment Resistant Depression
High Cholesterol Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Crohn's Disease

This study seeks people who have taken medication for Crohn's disease without adequate relief of symptoms.The research site is in Lakewood, Wash.

Trial Data on Anti-Seizure Drug Might Have Been Manipulated

Report

November 11, 2009
Study found outcome measures differed between company documents, published reports. An unusual look at internal documents from a pharmaceutical company suggests that clinical data was manipulated to make a popular anti-seizure drug, gabapentin (Neurontin), look more effective than it actually was, thereby increasing possibilities for its off-label usage, according to a new report.

"This means we're not seeing the full picture, and the picture we are seeing is suspect because perhaps there was selective reporting of outcomes so that only the positive outcomes were reported," said Kay Dickersin, senior author of a paper reporting the alleged deception in the Nov. 12 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Income Inequality Affects Quality of Life for All

November 11, 2009
Closing gap between rich and poor could save 1.5 million lives a year, study suggests. Reducing the income gap between the richest and poorest people in developed countries could save 1.5 million lives a year, a new study claims.

American and Japanese researchers analyzed data on about 60 million people in 30 developed countries who took part in previous studies and found that those living in areas with a large income inequality gap are more likely to die at a younger age, regardless of their income, socioeconomic status, age and gender.

Clinical Trials Update

Nov. 11, 2009

November 11, 2009
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Influenza
Iron Deficiency Anemia Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

This study is for people with post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD can cause nightmares, flashbacks and recurring thoughts of a negative event.

New Polyp Detection Method Could Be Cost-Saver

November 11, 2009
Optical technology is as accurate as colorectal tissue examination, study finds. Optical technology could help physicians detect small colorectal polyps during colonoscopies and save money, too, new research suggests.

In the report, published online Nov. 10 in The Lancet Oncology, the study authors explained that the technique could replace histopathology, which requires more testing and can be costly.

Clinical Trials Update

Nov. 10, 2009

November 10, 2009
Psoriasis
Osteoporosis
Hypertension Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Psoriasis

If you have moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, you may qualify for this study of an investigational medication. Participants will receive all study related exams and investigational medication at no cost, and may be compensated for time and travel.

Clinical Trials Update

Nov. 9, 2009

November 09, 2009
Alzheimer's Disease
Depression
Pediatric ADHD Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Alzheimer's Disease

As participants in this study of an investigational medicine for Alzheimer's disease, you and your caregiver may be compensated for time and travel.The research site is in Norristown, Penn.

Clinical Trials Update

Nov. 6, 2009

November 06, 2009
Stress and Cognition
Constipation
High Blood Pressure Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Stress and Cognition

This study is evaluating age differences in the cognition of healthy older adults. You must be at least 65 to participate.

Health Tip

Follow Directions When Taking Medication

November 06, 2009
Here's what can happen if you don't A number of adverse effects can result if you don't take a medication as directed.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers this list of possibilities:


Side effects, such as dizziness or nausea.
An interaction with another drug.

Firm Says Low-Cost Genome Sequencing Is Possible

November 05, 2009
10,000 human genomes could be sequenced next year, company says. A genome sequencing company says it has developed a lower-cost DNA platforming sequence.

Its report, including an analysis of data from three full human genomes, was published Nov. 5 in Science.

Doctors Point Out Gaps in U.S. Health Care

November 05, 2009
Survey finds poorer results, higher costs than in other countries. The United States lags behind other developed countries in a range of health-care practices, according to a new international survey of primary care doctors.

"We spend far more than any of the other countries in the survey, yet a majority of U.S.

Clinical Trials Update

Nov. 5, 2009

November 05, 2009
Ulcerative Colitis
Weight Loss (Ages 18-60)
Pediatric Depression Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Ulcerative Colitis

This study will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of an investigational medication in people with active mild-or-moderate ulcerative colitis.The research site is in Los Angeles, Calif.

School Violence Drops With Federal Program

November 05, 2009
Participating districts report safer campuses and communities. A program called Safe Schools/Healthy Students greatly increases the safety of students, says a U.S. government report.

FDA Initiative Seeks to Reduce Accidental Overdoses

November 04, 2009
The program will enlist health-care workers, drug makers, consumers, patients. U.S. health authorities unveiled Wednesday an initiative designed to reduce preventable injuries and deaths caused by misuse of medications.

Clinical Trials Update

Nov. 4, 2009

November 04, 2009
Hepatitis C
Osteoarthritis of the Hip or Knee
Ankle Sprain Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Hepatitis C

This study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication to treat chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 infection.The research site is in Los Angeles, Calif.

Folate Levels in Pregnancy Tied to ADHD in Offspring

November 03, 2009
Prenatal nutrition seems to affect child's nervous system, brain growth, researchers say. Low folate levels during pregnancy are associated with higher odds for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in offspring aged 7 to 9, new research has found.

The findings seem to support the long-held belief that folate (folic acid) levels in expectant mothers influence their children's nervous system development.

The researchers also found that children of mothers with low folate levels had notably smaller head circumference at birth, which may indicate a slower rate of prenatal brain growth.

CDC Finds U.S. 30th in Infant Mortality

November 03, 2009
Finding is attributed to country's high rate of premature births. When comparing rates of infant mortality, the United States lags dismally behind most other developed countries, largely because of a disproportionately high number of babies delivered prematurely, according to a new government report.

"The U.S.

Clinical Trials Update

Nov. 3, 2009

November 03, 2009
Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Prevention
Insomnia
Frequent Night Time Urination (Nocturia) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Prevention

This study will evaluate an investigational drug to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis and treat menopausal symptoms while ensuring uterine lining safety.The research site is in Chicago, Ill.

One Dose of Swine Flu Vaccine Works for Pregnant Women

November 02, 2009
Young children need two doses, spaced several weeks apart, U.S. health officials say. Results from ongoing clinical trials confirm that pregnant women need only one dose of the swine flu vaccine, while young children .

Food Stamps Help Stave Off Hunger in Many U.S. Homes

November 02, 2009
Over 30-year period, nearly half of American children received nutrition assistance, analysis shows. At some point, nearly half of all American children and teens will live in a home that receives food stamps, a new study shows.

Researchers analyzed 30 years (1968 to 1997) of national data collected by the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and found that by the time they were 1 year old, 12.1 percent of U.

Clinical Trials Update

Nov. 2, 2009

November 02, 2009
Type 2 Diabetes with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)
Smoking Cessation and Depression
Seasonal Allergies Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Type 2 Diabetes with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)

This study will evaluate the cardiovascular safety of an investigational medication given to type 2 diabetics with ACS. Participants will receive at no cost physical exams, labs, ECG reports, and if qualified, diabetic medication.

Asians Seem to Suffer Less During Childbirth

October 30, 2009
Length of labor and intensity vary among ethnic groups, study finds. Asian women experience less labor pain than other women, say U.S. researchers.

Undocumented Hispanics Face Health Care Roadblocks in U.S.

October 30, 2009
Policies needed to eliminate disparities among immigrants, survey findings suggest. Financial and language issues pose serious barriers to quality health care for undocumented foreign-born Hispanics in the United States, say researchers who called for improved health systems for all immigrants.

The study authors analyzed data from the 2007 Pew Hispanic Center/Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Latino Health Survey of more than 4,000 Hispanic adults across the United States. The researchers examined differences in perceived quality of care, receipt of preventive care, and usual source of health care among foreign-born, U.

17,000 Child Deaths Linked to Lack of Insurance

October 29, 2009
Kids without coverage are more apt to die while hospitalized, study finds. An estimated 17,000 children in the United States might have died unnecessarily over nearly two decades because they didn't have health insurance, according to a report from researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center in Baltimore.

They found that kids who lacked health insurance were 60 percent more likely to die in the hospital than were kids who had insurance. After adjusting for such differences as race and gender, uninsured kids were still 37.

Clinical Trials Update

Oct. 29, 2009

October 29, 2009
Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Skin Pain - Shingles
Chronic Low Back Pain Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Osteoarthritis of the Knee

This study is evaluating an investigational drug to see if it helps reduce hip or knee pain from arthritis. All study related care is included, and no insurance is required.

Clinical Trials Update

Oct. 28, 2009

October 28, 2009
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Cold Sores Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

This 10-week study is for people aged 40 to 80 who have been diagnosed with COPD. The research site is in Phoenix, Ariz.

Access to U.S. Burn Centers Varies by Region

October 27, 2009
Northeasterners have best proximity, southerners the worst, study finds. Nearly 80 percent of Americans live within two hours by ground or helicopter transport of a verified burn center, but there are significant regional variations in access to these centers, a new study finds.

A verified burn center is one in which the quality of care has been assessed and confirmed by the American Burn Association. More than a half-million burn injuries and about 4,000 burn-related deaths occur each year in the United States, according to the association.

Clinical Trials Update

Oct. 27, 2009

October 27, 2009
High Blood Pressure
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Overactive Bladder (Ages 65+) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

High Blood Pressure

If you have high blood pressure, you may be eligible to participate in this study of an investigational medication.The research site is in Gurnee, Ill.

Clinical Trials Update

Oct. 26, 2009

October 26, 2009
High Cholesterol
Type 2 Diabetes
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with Constipation Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
High Cholesterol

This study is evaluating the effects of adding an investigational drug to a current cholesterol regimen in people who have heart disease or its risk factors. The research site is in Atlanta, Ga.

Clinical Trials Update

Oct. 23, 2009

October 23, 2009
Ragweed Allergy
Atrial Fibrillation
Psoriasis Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Ragweed Allergy

This study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational drug. You must be 18 to 50 and have a history of ragweed allergy to qualify.

Some Parts of Human Genome Get Lost

October 22, 2009
Technology allows scientists to spot non-essential DNA base pairs. Researchers have created their first map of parts of the human genome that are considered disposable.

Scientists estimate that at least 2.7 million base pairs of the human genome, which reside in 58 distinct regions of DNA, are non-essential and can disappear without hurting people's health.

Money Woes Keeping Many Couples From Fertility Treatments

October 22, 2009
They're foregoing expensive therapies or opting to discard stored embryos, studies show. A squeeze on finances is now playing a key role in many couples' decisions about fertility treatments, including whether they will try to conceive using assisted reproductive technology or whether they will discard leftover embryos put into storage, new studies show.

Among the new findings, presented this week at the annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine in Atlanta:

More than half (58 percent) of couples diagnosed as infertile who opted not to pursue treatment said cost was the primary reason;

About 7 percent of couples who had leftover embryos in cold storage discarded the embryos from October 2008 to March 2009, a number that was almost three times higher than six months prior;

About 57 percent of young women who donated eggs to infertile couples in 2008 now say they planned to use the money to pay for school, up from 28 percent in 2002-2004.

Given the high cost of fertility treatments, which are often not covered by insurance, experts said they weren't surprised by the findings.

Clinical Trials Update

Oct. 22, 2009

October 22, 2009
Alzheimer's Disease
Asthma
Restless Legs Syndrome Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Alzheimer's Disease

If someone you care about is taking Namenda (memantime), you may be interested in this study of a research medication for Alzheimer's disease.The research site is in Los Alamitos, Calif.

Alternative Treatments May Boost IVF Success

October 21, 2009
Mind-body therapies increase odds of pregnancy, studies find. New research suggests that mind-body treatment can boost the odds that infertile women will become pregnant by in vitro fertilization .

Clinical Trials Update

Oct. 21, 2009

October 21, 2009
Migraine
Chronic Low Back Pain
Parkinson's Disease Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Migraine

This study will evaluate an investigational medication to treat migraines. You must have a history of migraines for at least a year and have more than one migraine episode per month, but not more than 15 migraine days per month, to qualify.

School Meals Need to Get Healthier

Report

October 20, 2009
New recommendations tackle obesity epidemic in U.S. New guidelines are needed to improve the diets of U.S. school children, finds a new government report that would set maximum calorie counts for school breakfasts and lunches.

Full Results of AIDS Vaccine Trial Confirm Modest Benefit

October 20, 2009
But the Thai trial also suggests shot's effects may wane with time The full results of a landmark trial of an AIDS vaccine show that the shot did have limited success in protecting recipients from HIV.

But the study, published Tuesday in the New England Journal of Medicine, also suggests that this effect fades with time and may not work well for those at highest risk from HIV, such as people who engage in risky sexual practices or abuse intravenous drugs.

"Although our study provided preliminary evidence that an HIV vaccine regimen has the potential to prevent infection, it did not have the power to address two intriguing questions: vaccine efficacy may have decreased over the first year after vaccination, and vaccine efficacy may have been greater in persons at lower risk of infection," wrote the researchers who tested the vaccine on more than 16,000 young adult volunteers in Thailand.

Clinical Trials Update

Oct. 20, 2009

October 20, 2009
Depression
Gout
Fibromyalgia Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Depression

This study is evaluating the effectiveness of a research program for depression. A professional evaluation and the investigational program are being offered at no cost.

Childhood ADHD Linked to Criminal Behavior in Adults

October 19, 2009
More study needed to see if medical treatment cuts rates of illegal activities, researchers say. Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely than other children to engage in criminal activity when they grow older, a U.S. study has found.

U.S. Relaxes Opposition to Medical Marijuana

October 19, 2009
Prosecutors will no longer go after users or suppliers in states that permit use of the drug. The Obama administration has decided it will no longer prosecute medical marijuana users or suppliers, provided they obey the laws of states that allow use of the drug for medicinal purposes.

The new guidelines, which were to be sent in a Justice Department memo to federal prosecutors on Monday, are designed to give priorities to U.S.

Clinical Trials Update

Oct. 19, 2009

October 19, 2009
High Cholesterol
Hepatitis C
Metastatic Colorectal Cancer - PEAK Study Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
High Cholesterol

This study will evaluate the effectiveness of a new medication is in lowering lipid levels. The medication is niacin based with non-flushing properties.

Scientists Provide First Map of Complete Human Epigenome

October 16, 2009
The information may help accelerate research into diseases and treatments, experts say. Researchers have developed the first detailed map of the human epigenome, gaining greater understanding of the body's genetic makeup.

"In the past, we've been limited to viewing small snippets of the epigenome," Joseph Ecker, professor and director of the Genomic Analysis Laboratory at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, Calif., and senior author of a new study, said in an institute news release.

Clinical Trials Update

Oct. 16, 2009

October 16, 2009
Healthy Volunteers (Ages 18+)
Alzheimer's Disease
GERD (Acid Reflux) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Healthy Volunteers (Ages 18+)

This study is enrolling people 18 and older who are non-smokers. Participation will include a clinic visit from Nov.

Soda Taxes Not Making a Dent in U.S. Waistlines

October 16, 2009
Small increases in cost for sugary drinks haven't slowed obesity epidemic, study finds. Current state taxes and levies on soft drinks are slowing consumption, but not enough to curb the obesity epidemic in the United States, researchers say.

In an analysis of 16 years of data (1990 to 2006) on how various forms of soft drink taxation affected body mass index, researchers found that taxation has only a minor effect on BMI, which is a measurement based on weight and height. For example, a 1 percent tax increase causes a BMI decrease of 0.

Clinical Trials Update

Oct. 15, 2009

October 15, 2009
Cold Sores
Birth Control Patch
Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Cold Sores

This study is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of an investigational device to treat cold sores. Participants will receive study treatment and study related medical care at no cost, and may be compensated up to $250 for time and travel.

Families Need to Know When Dementia Becomes Terminal

October 14, 2009
Too often, onerous and futile medical interventions are ordered for these end-stage patients, researchers say. Many people see end-stage dementia as affecting only the mind, but a new study shows that the disease's effects are far-reaching and eventually fatal.

The misconception by family members that end-stage dementia is not a terminal condition can have negative consequences for the patient, the researchers say. That's because concerned loved ones often order aggressive, sometimes burdensome interventions such as feeding tubes that will not improve patient outcomes.

Clinical Trials Update

Oct. 14, 2009

October 14, 2009
Chronic Low Back Pain
Diverticulitis
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Chronic Low Back Pain

This study is evaluating an investigational medication to see if it can improve chronic low back pain. All study related care is provided at no cost, and no insurance is required.

Clinical Trials Update

Oct. 13, 2009

October 13, 2009
Hip or Knee Pain
Diabetes
Asthma Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Hip or Knee Pain

This study is for people who have stiffness and joint pain that interferes with their daily activities. Participants will see a study doctor to discuss their pain.

Stop-Smoking Vaccine in the Works

October 12, 2009
Researchers move closer to a shot for kicking nicotine addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has given a $10 million grant to a Maryland company to help it in the final phases of research regarding a possible anti-nicotine vaccine.

Nabi Biopharmaceuticals of Rockville will launch a phase III study of a potential vaccine called NicVAX. The study, which could be the last step of research if the vaccine works, represents the most advanced investigation of a smoking-cessation vaccine.

Clinical Trials Update

Oct. 12, 2009

October 12, 2009
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Malaria Vaccine
Anemia Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

This study will evaluate FDA-approved medications for high blood pressure.The research site is in Santa Ana, Calif.

A Little Cash Buys a Lot of Calories at the Corner Store

October 12, 2009
Kids are purchasing cheap junk food on way to and from school, survey finds. Kids who shop at the corner store before or after school purchase nearly 360 calories worth of food and beverage, on average, during each visit, according to a study of Philadelphia students.

Junk food is the most popular purchase, including chips, candy and sugar-sweetened beverages such as soft drinks, the study found. Results are in the November issue of Pediatrics.

Poor Education May Lead to Poor Health

October 10, 2009
Navigating a complex health system takes a more literate consumer, experts say. Adults with a poor education are also likely to have poor health, a growing body of evidence suggests.

Study after study has confirmed the link, and now experts are zeroing in on the reasons for it and what can be done.

"Persons with a higher education tend to have better jobs, and better income, better benefits," said David R.

Clinical Trials Update

Oct. 9, 2009

October 09, 2009
Severe Nodular Acne
Bipolar Depression
Osteoarthritis Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Severe Nodular Acne

This study is comparing an investigational medication for severe nodular acne to an FDA-approved medication.The research site is in Denver, Colo.

New Technology Shows Human Genome in 3-D

October 08, 2009
Technique lets researchers see how and where DNA fits into cells. The 3-D structure of the human genome has been deciphered by U.S. researchers, an achievement that improves understanding of genomic function and reveals how two meters of DNA can be packed into each human cell.

Recession Adds to Ranks of Americans With Depression

October 08, 2009
Being unemployed or underemployed puts mental health at risk, survey finds. Unemployed Americans are four times more likely than those with jobs to report symptoms of severe mental illness, such as major depression, according to a new national survey that reveals the mental health toll of the recession.

The poll of 1,002 adults aged 18 and older also found that people with jobs who were forced to accept work changes, such as reduced hours or pay cuts, were twice as likely to have symptoms.

The findings were released to coincide with Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct.

Clinical Trials Update

Oct. 8, 2009

October 08, 2009
Psoriasis
Type 2 Diabetes
High Blood Pressure Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Psoriasis

This study is enrolling participants with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. It will compare an investigational medication that combines two FDA-approved psoriasis treatments with a single marketed psoriasis medication.

Health Care Varies From State to State

October 08, 2009
Where you live really does make a difference, report finds. Want cheaper health care? Consider moving across the state line.

A new report finds that health-care costs, quality and the ability of people to access care vary widely, depending on where you live. And compared with two years ago, the gap is widening in some places.

Potential Pieces of Autism Puzzle Revealed

October 07, 2009
Researchers identify possible genetic links, but urge further study. New genes and genomic regions that might be associated with autism have been identified by an international research team.

The researchers identified a single-letter change on chromosome 5 near a gene called semaphorin 5A, which is believed to help guide the growth of neurons and their long progressions, called axons. The activity of this gene appears to be reduced in the brains of people with autism.

Clinical Trials Update

Oct. 7, 2009

October 07, 2009
Gout
Schizophrenia
Parkinson's Disease Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Gout

This study is evaluating an investigational medication for gout when used in combination with another medication.The research site is in Dallas, Texas.

Clinical Trials Update

Oct. 6, 2009

October 06, 2009
Low Back Pain
Migraine
Coronary Heart Disease Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Low Back Pain

To qualify for this study, you must be at least 18 and have had low back pain for at least three months.The research site is in St.

Teens With ADHD, Depression Risk Internet Addiction

October 06, 2009
In a wired world, obsessive use is likely to increase, experts say Teenagers with psychosocial disorders such as ADHD, depression and social phobia are more likely to be addicted to the Internet than other teens, new research suggests.

Because computer use is a way of life in the United States, the potential exists for childhood computer addiction to become a major public health problem, the Taiwanese study authors say.

They asked 2,293 seventh graders, whose average age was 12, to fill out questionnaires that assessed whether they had ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder), depression, social phobia or abnormal feelings of hostility.

Clinical Trials Update

Oct. 5, 2009

October 05, 2009
Hypertension
Alzheimer's Disease
Depression Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Hypertension

This study will evaluate FDA-approved medications for high blood pressure. Qualified participants must be aged 18 to 80, have high blood pressure, and be at risk for diabetes.

Gene Discovery May Advance Head and Neck Cancer Therapy

October 05, 2009
Expanded list of genetic links might improve diagnosis, treatment, researchers say. In a finding that could have a major impact on the diagnosis and treatment of one of the most deadly types of cancer, U.S. researchers have identified 231 potential new genes associated with head and neck cancer.

Autism May Be More Common Than Thought

October 05, 2009
U.S. government study estimates that 1 of every 91 children is affected. While research has suggested that the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in American children was about 1 of every 150 children, a new government study estimates that the prevalence is more likely about 1 in every 91 children.

The study, which is published in the October issue of Pediatrics, estimated that 110 of every 10,000 U.S.

Clinical Trials Update

Oct. 2, 2009

October 02, 2009
Crohn's Disease
Chronic Low Back Pain
Fibromyalgia Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Crohn's Disease

This study seeks men and women who have taken medication for Crohn's disease but did not receive adequate relief or did not tolerate the medication.The research site is in Lakewood, Wash.

Swine Flu Tests Could Swamp Diagnostic Labs

October 02, 2009
Might lead to delays in tests for other diseases, experts say. Concerns about a swine flu outbreak this fall are spreading to the nation's diagnostic laboratories, which could see a big surge in their testing workload this fall.

According to several laboratory professionals affiliated with the American Society for Clinical Pathology, a large spike in swine flu screenings could clog a lab system already struggling with a shortage of workers. Such swine flu screenings, they said, could slow down testing for other diseases, potentially putting some patients at risk.

Clinical Trials Update

Oct. 1, 2009

October 01, 2009
Flu Vaccine
Head Lice
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Flu Vaccine

Qualified participants for this flu vaccine study will receive study related care and vaccine at no cost, and may be compensated for time and travel.The research site is in Chicago, Ill.

Doctor Visits Are Getting Short Shrift in Tight Economy

September 30, 2009
More than a third of Americans have cut back on medical care, survey finds. Because of recession-related financial problems, 36 percent of Americans have cut back on doctor visits, according to a new survey.

When asked which types of health visits they were reducing, 63 percent of the 1,000 adult respondents cited visits to a dentist, 59 percent said primary care physician visits and 52 percent said eye doctor appointments.

Just 8 percent said they were adhering to their regular health-care schedule.

Workplace Wellness Seems to Really Work

September 30, 2009
Investing in employee health reduces medical costs and increases productivity, heart experts say Workplace wellness programs are an effective way to reduce major risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes, says a new American Heart Association policy statement.

Each year, heart disease costs the United States about $304.6 billion, the association says.

Clinical Trials Update

Sept. 30, 2009

September 30, 2009
Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Ragweed Allergy
Endometriosis Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Osteoarthritis of the Knee

This study will evaluate an investigational drug for osteoarthritis made from bee venom. To qualify, you must have OA in both knees and be taking a prescription or over-the-counter pain medication.

Exercise 30 Minutes a Day? Who Knew!

September 29, 2009
Most Americans aren't aware of national recommendations, study finds. Despite 14 years of public education campaigns, only one-third of Americans know about national recommendations for a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise a day, and fewer than half meet that goal, a new study has found.

The lack of awareness is greatest among men, the unemployed and people born in the United States, the researchers said. Their finding came from an analysis of data from 2,381 people who took part in the 2005 Health Information National Trends Survey.

More Retinal Detachment Seen With Higher Income Status

September 29, 2009
Findings shed no light on reason for link, Scottish researchers say. Wealthy people are twice as likely to suffer retinal detachment as poorer people, according to Scottish researchers who said they couldn't identify the reason for the disparity.

Retinal detachment .

Clinical Trials Update

Sept. 29, 2009

September 29, 2009
Alzheimer's Disease
Atrial Fibrillation
Bipolar Depression Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Alzheimer's Disease

If someone you care about is taking Namenda (memantine), you may be interested in this study of an investigational drug for Alzheimer's disease.The research site is in Newport Beach, Calif.

Clinical Trials Update

Sept. 28, 2009

September 28, 2009
Epilepsy
Gout Attacks
Migraine Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Epilepsy

This is study is for people aged 18 to 60 who have epilepsy. To qualify, you must be taking a stable dose of Dilantin (phenytoin).

Many Kids Suffer Medication Side Effects

Study

September 28, 2009
Adverse drug reactions cause more than half a million children's outpatient visits a year, researchers find. More than half a million kids a year are treated for medication side effects in American outpatient clinics and emergency rooms, according to new data.

Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston analyzed National Center for Health Statistics outpatient data between 1995 and 2005. Among children up to age 18, there were 585,922 visits a year for adverse drug events (ADEs).

Clinical Trials Update

Sept. 25, 2009

September 25, 2009
Atrial Fibrillation
Chronic Pain
Flu Vaccine Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Atrial Fibrillation

Volunteers are needed to participate in a clinical study of atrial fibrillation, sometimes called "heart flutter." The research site is in Corona, Calif.

FDA Acknowledges Mistakes in Knee-Device Approval

September 25, 2009
Agency says it will review procedure for endorsing medical devices. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration violated procedures last year when it approved a knee repair device even though its own scientists recommended against approval, agency officials said Thursday.

Experimental AIDS Vaccine Delivers Good News

September 24, 2009
Thai trial is first test in humans to show vaccine can work against HIV. In an apparent milestone advance, an experimental AIDS vaccine tested on more than 16,000 young adult volunteers in Thailand cut the risk of infection by a third, researchers reported Thursday.

The researchers acknowledged that the protection offered by the vaccine was relatively modest and did not represent a breakthrough. But the trial results marked a significant gain in the so-far frustrating fight against AIDS, which has killed an estimated 32 million people worldwide since it struck more than a quarter century ago.

Clinical Trials Update

Sept. 24, 2009

September 24, 2009
Pain Medication
Endometriosis
Epilepsy Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Pain Medication

Study leaders seek volunteers from across the United States to help in development of a new system for taking pain medication.The research site is in New York City.

Cost Savings Adds to Value of Preventing Chronic Disease

September 23, 2009
Avoiding diabetes, high blood pressure can add years to life, researchers say. Prevention of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure improves the lives of older Americans and also reduces medical costs, study findings show.

Researchers looked at a group of 51- and 52-year-olds from across the nation and projected their future state of health and medical costs if they could avoid developing certain chronic diseases. In a 51-year-old, prevention of obesity would extend life by 0.

Clinical Trials Update

Sept. 23, 2009

September 23, 2009
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Menstrual Migraine
Osteoarthritis of the Knee or Hip Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

This study will evaluate an investigational treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This may involve conditions referred to as "smoker's cough," chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.

Flavored Cigarette Ban Takes Effect

September 22, 2009
New federal law may help deter young smokers, health advocates say. Young people who enjoy a hint of vanilla, berry or chocolate when they light up are about to have their favorite smokes snuffed out. A new federal law banning fruit- and candy-flavored cigarettes takes effect Sept. 22.

Global Cooperation Urged to Control Species-Crossing Disease

September 22, 2009
Goal is to prevent zoonotic infection rather than just track outbreaks, experts say. A better-coordinated global system is needed to improve prevention, detection and responses to outbreaks of infectious diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans, according to a new report released Tuesday by the U.S. Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council.

Clinical Trials Update

Sept. 22, 2009

September 22, 2009
Stomach Ulcers
Malaria Prevention
Type 2 Diabetes Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Stomach Ulcers

This study will evaluate an investigational combination of aspirin with a second drug to see if it can help prevent stomach ulcers.The research site is in Ormond Beach, Fla.

Smoking Bans Bring a Drop in Heart Attacks

September 22, 2009
In one Montana city, incidents fell but rose again when restrictions were lifted. Localities that ban smoking in bars, restaurants and other public places witness a quick drop in heart attacks, two new studies show.

The research .

1 Swine Flu Shot Enough for Older Kids

September 21, 2009
But children under 10 will need two doses, preliminary U.S. trial results show. Kids who are between 10 and 17 years old will apparently need only one shot of the H1N1 swine flu vaccine, according to initial results of ongoing trials, U.S. health officials announced Monday.

Clinical Trials Update

Sept. 21, 2009

September 21, 2009
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Depression (Ages 18-65)
Alzheimer's Disease Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

To qualify for this study of an investigational therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, you must be at least 18 and diagnosed with RA.The research site is in Tampa, Fla.

Lower Drinking Age Linked to Later-Life Problems

September 18, 2009
Study finds more alcohol, drug abuse among those who could drink before 21. People who grew up in a place and time when they could legally buy alcohol before age 21 are more likely than others to be alcoholics or have a drug problem, even well into adulthood, new research shows.

"The effect lingers," said study author Dr. Karen Norberg, a research instructor in psychiatry at Washington University in St.

Suicides Higher in Rural Areas With Bars

September 18, 2009
Whether action stems from access to alcohol or feelings of isolation remains unclear. A new study suggests there's a link between suicide and rural communities that have higher numbers of bars.

However, the research doesn't confirm that more bars mean more suicides because it does not show cause and effect.

The findings were released this month online and will appear in the December issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research.

Clinical Trials Update

Sept. 18, 2009

September 18, 2009
Type 2 Diabetes

Overactive Bladder

Healthy Volunteers Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Type 2 Diabetes

You must be 18 to 78 to join this year-long study for people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. The research site is in Phoenix, Ariz.

Clinical Trials Update

Sept. 17, 2009

September 17, 2009
Type 2 Diabetes

Overactive Bladder

Healthy Volunteers Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Type 2 Diabetes

For this year-long study for participants with uncontrolled type II diabetics, you must be 18 to 78. The research site is in Phoenix, Ariz.

Clinical Trials Update

Sept. 16, 2009

September 16, 2009
Hypertension & Type 2 Diabetes

Depression

Cholesterol Screening Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Hypertension & Type 2 Diabetes

This local research study is for individuals with diabetes and high blood pressure. Qualified participants will receive related health assessments and study medication.

Better Day Care, Smarter Kids?

September 16, 2009
High-quality child care offsets deficits of poverty, study finds. Scientists have long known that poverty can inhibit a child's intellectual development. But now researchers have found a possible equalizer .

FDA Approves 4 Swine Flu Vaccines

September 15, 2009
Agency expects first batches to be available within a month. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday approved four H1N1 swine flu vaccines, with the first doses expected to be available within four weeks.

Clinical Trials Update

Sept. 15, 2009

September 15, 2009
Flu Vaccine (Ages 60+)

High Blood Pressure

Chronic Low Back Pain Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Flu Vaccine (Ages 60+)

This study for healthy men and women, ages 60 or older, will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational seasonal flu vaccine. The research site is in San Antonio, Texas.

Small Businesses Urged to Prepare for Swine Flu

September 14, 2009
Advance planning may help to minimize disruptions, officials say. With cases of H1N1 swine flu continuing to rise, U.S. health officials on Monday urged small businesses to prepare now to keep their shops running if the flu season turns severe.

Clinical Trials Update

Sept. 14, 2009

September 14, 2009
Diabetes

Endometriosis

Bipolar Disorder Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:


Diabetes

This clinical research study will evaluate whether an investigational medication can lower blood sugar levels to a healthy range. The research site is in Long Beach, Calif.

Swine Flu Trials Continue to Point to 1-Dose Vaccine

September 11, 2009
U.S. reports unusually high flu activity, most of it swine variety. U.S. health officials said Friday that additional trials of the H1N1 swine flu vaccine continue to find that a single dose produces a strong immune response in healthy adults.

Curbing Obesity Epidemic Key to Health Care Reform

Experts

September 11, 2009
Overweight is major contributing factor for chronic disease, U.S. health groups say. A diverse alliance of payer, provider and consumer organizations, girded by two former U.S. Surgeons General, on Wednesday urged policymakers to address the nation's obesity epidemic as part of federal health care reform legislation.

Clinical Trials Update

Sept. 11, 2009

September 11, 2009
High Blood Pressure
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Type 2 Diabetes Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

High Blood Pressure

This study is for African Americans with high blood pressure. Participants will receive study related health assessments, compensation for time and travel, and the investigational study drug at no cost.

One Dose of Swine Flu Vaccine Offers Protection

Studies

September 11, 2009
Findings could expand vaccine supply and speed immunity, experts say. Preliminary tests of an H1N1 swine flu vaccine conducted in Australia and Britain show that a single dose creates enough antibodies to protect against the virus within about 10 days.

That's a potentially significant development, because it was thought that two shots would be needed to provide full immunity to the virus. A one-dose protocol would greatly expand the supply of vaccine and hasten individual immunity.

Environment May Play Role in Racial Health Disparities

September 10, 2009
Society affects biology, researchers say. The differences in health between racial groups may have more to do with how people look at each other than with genetics, a new study suggests.

"We have to take seriously the way race shapes people's experiences, the environments they live in and their life chances," study author Clarence C. Gravlee, an assistant professor of anthropology at the University of Florida, said in a university news release.

Deep Sea Microbes Shed Light on Human Biology

September 10, 2009
Scientists determine structure of enzymes involved in making ribosomes. By studying microbes that live near the boiling thermal vents of the deep sea, scientists have identified the structure of an RNA and protein enzyme that is key to making human ribosomes, new research shows.

Ribosomes, a component of all cells that have a nucleus, are responsible for translating the information encoded in DNA into proteins that are crucial for biological processes.

In their study, researchers from Yale University studied Methanocaldococcus jannaschii, a microbe considered an "extremophile" because it thrives in harsh conditions, including in Antarctic ice and at the bottom of the ocean.

Clinical Trials Update

Sept. 10, 2009

September 10, 2009
Schizophrenia
Epilepsy
Depression Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Schizophrenia

People aged 18 to 65 who have schizophrenia may qualify for this study. Participants will receive study medication and labs, and may be reimbursed for time and travel.

Treating Workers' Mental Woes May Boost Productivity

September 10, 2009
But not treating problems resulted in roughly same outcome, research shows. Treatment can help workers with mental health problems return to near-normal productivity, but not treating people who have high levels of mental stress seemed to have the same effect, researchers report.

In the study, investigators looked at statistics regarding mental health and productivity levels in more than 60,000 Australian workers.

Not surprisingly, the workers who didn't have symptoms of mental health problems were the most productive on the job.

Health Tip

Take Medications Safely

September 10, 2009
Here's a basic checklist Many medications may seem harmless, but they can still cause harm if not taken correctly.

The University of Virginia Health System offers these suggestions to help prevent problems with medications:


Understand that even vitamins, herbs, supplements and over-the-counter medications can have adverse effects if taken incorrectly.
Always follow label instructions, paying particular attention to any warnings.

U.S. Health Costs Will Continue to Cause Financial Pain

September 09, 2009
Medical services expected to take up more of the American economy in the future, experts say. Spending on health care is growing so fast that it will devour much more of the American economy in the future and take even larger chunks out of personal income, a new study warns.

Even if spending stops growing so much, it will account for more than half of the increases in the salary that Americans will make over the next 75 years, according to researchers at Harvard University and the University of Michigan.

"These projections make the impact of health care spending more dire," the authors of the study wrote in the September/October issue of Health Affairs.

Clinical Trials Update

Sept. 9, 2009

September 09, 2009
Healthy Volunteers (Ages 18-40)
Osteoporosis
Gout Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Healthy Volunteers (Ages 18-40)

Non-smokers aged 18 to 40 may be eligible to participate in a study of approved medications.The research site is in Baltimore, Md.

Motivation May Be at Root of ADHD

September 08, 2009
Scans suggest that symptoms stem from deficits in brain's rewards system. The trouble concentrating that affects people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might be related to motivation, a new study has found.

The motivational problems seen with the condition, which is often associated with children but can persist into adulthood, appear to stem from a reduction in dopamine, an important neurotransmitter in the nervous system that is considered a hallmark of ADHD.

"ADHD is traditionally a disease where people think the disruption is in attention and hyperactivity," said Dr.

Clinical Trials Update

Sept. 8, 2009

September 08, 2009
Nocturia
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Bipolar Disorder Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Nocturia

This study will evaluate an investigational drug to treat nocturia. If you wake up twice or more during the night to go to the bathroom, you may qualify.

Clinical Trials Update

Sept. 4, 2009

September 04, 2009
Alzheimer's Disease
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Alzheimer's Disease

This study of an investigational medication is for people with Alzheimer's disease who are displaying aggressive verbal or physical behavior.The research site is in Denver, Colo.

Fear of Job Loss May Be Worse Than Loss Itself

September 03, 2009
Workers who constantly worried reported poorer health overall, study shows. People who constantly worry about losing their jobs reported poorer physical health and more symptoms of depression than those who'd actually been laid off, a new study shows.

University of Michigan researchers analyzed nationally representative samples of surveys from more than 1,700 adults over age 25 who were asked about their physical and mental health, as well as their feelings about the security of their job.

One group answered the questions in 1986 and again in 1989, while another group answered questions between 1995 and 2005.

Intuniv Approved for Pediatric ADHD

September 03, 2009
No known potential for abuse, maker says Intuniv (guanfacine) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in people aged 6 to 17, drug maker Shire Plc said Thursday.

Mistrust May Cause People to Put Off Treatment

September 03, 2009
But delaying needed care ends up raising health-care costs, study says. Patients who don't trust the health-care system are more likely to postpone treatment, potentially hurting their own health and raising overall health care costs, a new study suggests.

Researchers surveyed 401 Baltimore residents, the majority of whom were black, about their attitudes toward the health care system, including doctors, hospitals and insurance companies.

The survey found that people who doubted the trustworthiness of the medical care system were more likely to ignore medical advice, neglect to go to follow-up appointments or to fill prescriptions.

Clinical Trials Update

Sept. 3, 2009

September 03, 2009
Diabetes
Osteoporosis
Gout Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Diabetes

This study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication to control type 2 diabetes. To qualify, you must be aged 18 to 80 and have a history of diabetes.

Pfizer to Pay Record Fine in Fraud Probe

September 02, 2009
Drug maker was accused of marketing drugs for uses not approved by FDA. In what it calls the largest health-care fraud settlement in U.S. history, the Justice Department said Wednesday that pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc.

Clinical Trials Update

Sept. 2, 2009

September 02, 2009
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Osteoarthritis
Atrial Fibrillation Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Iron Deficiency Anemia

This study of iron deficiency anemia will last four months. To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old.

Government Best Source for U.S. Hospital Data, Study Finds

September 01, 2009
Magazines that rank facilities don't take all measurements into account. Many hospitals don't make it onto the U.S. News & World Report list of best hospitals for heart disease but still perform well in some measurements regarding heart failure, researchers say.

Clinical Trials Update

Sept. 1, 2009

September 01, 2009
Painful Diabetic Neuropathy (DPN)
Gout
Restless Legs Syndrome Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Painful Diabetic Neuropathy (DPN)

This study of an investigational medication is for people with painful diabetic neuropathy, characterized by severe burning pain, and other sensations that may include prickling, tingling, burning or aching.The research site is in New York City.

Blood Thinner May Prevent Chemo-Related Clots

September 01, 2009
Daily injection cut risk in half for Italian study patients. Cancer patients who receive chemotherapy are more likely to develop blood clots than other people, but now a new study says a blood-thinning drug could cut the risk in half.

Besides posing a significant risk of problems in the heart, brain and lungs, blood clots are especially difficult to treat in cancer patients and can lead to interruptions in chemotherapy. They can also greatly increase costs in patients who already face high expenses, the researchers noted in their study published online Aug.

Exposure to Tobacco Smoke Before Birth Affects DNA

August 31, 2009
Cigarettes may trigger prenatal gene changes, leading to lifelong health problems, study suggests. Women who smoke while pregnant increase their unborn child's long-term risk for health problems, including childhood asthma, cardiovascular disease and lower pulmonary function, and a new study may help experts understand why.
Researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC) found that maternal smoking actually changes the unborn child's DNA patterns.
The new study found that fetal exposure to maternal smoking was linked to differences in DNA methylation, an epigenetic mechanism.

Is Eye Exam on Your Back-to-School List?

August 31, 2009
Kids should have first vision screening at 6 months of age, optometrists say. Parents should add an eye exam to their children's back-to-school list, experts say.

Studies show that 86 percent of children start school without ever having an eye examination, even though youngsters can't learn if they can't see properly.

According to the American Optometric Association's 2009 survey, which assesses the knowledge and understanding of issues related to eye and visual health, 88 percent of respondents were unaware that one in four students has a visual impairment.

Clinical Trials Update

Aug. 31, 2009

August 31, 2009
Heart Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Heart Disease

To qualify for this study of an investigational medication, you must be 18 or older and have had a heart attack or have had heart surgery.The research site is in Chicago, Ill.

Clinical Trials Update

Aug. 28, 2009

August 28, 2009
Gout
Depression
Triglycerides Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Gout

This study is for people aged 18 to 80 with gout, a condition characterized by pain, swelling and tenderness in the joints.The research site is in St.

Clinical Trials Update

Aug. 27, 2009

August 27, 2009
Flu Vaccine
Coronary Heart Disease
Osteoarthritis Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Flu Vaccine

This study will evaluate an investigational flu vaccine. Qualified participants will receive study related care and study vaccine at no cost, and may be compensated for time and travel.

Get Ready for Gruesome Cigarette Warnings

August 27, 2009
Graphic images of diseased body parts could become the norm on packaging. Would a gruesome picture of a cancer-ravaged mouth with rotting teeth make you think twice about buying a pack of cigarettes?

That's the goal of new federal regulations expected to go into effect within three years. The rules will require tobacco companies to cover at least half of the front and back of packages with graphic .

Gene 'Fix' in Egg Prevents Inherited Diseases in Monkeys

August 26, 2009
But the technique is bound to be controversial if tried in humans, experts warn. A genetic tweak of the unfertilized eggs of macaque monkeys effectively prevented the transmission of diseases typically passed down through the maternal line, U.S. scientists reported.

Clinical Trials Update

Aug. 26, 2009

August 26, 2009
Bipolar Disorder
Swine Flu Vaccine
Migraine Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Bipolar Disorder

This study will evaluate a medication for depression in adults with bipolar disorder. If you qualify, you will receive help identifying symptoms, research-related care, and the study medication at no cost.

Clinical Trials Update

Aug. 25, 2009

August 25, 2009
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Type 2 Diabetes
Alzheimer's Disease Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

This study is for African Americans who have high blood pressure. Qualified participants will receive study related health assessments, compensation for time and travel and an investigational study drug at no cost.

Clinical Trials Update

Aug. 24, 2009

August 24, 2009
Parkinson's Disease
Chronic Low Back Pain
Anxiety Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Parkinson's Disease

This study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an experimental treatment to reduce the motor symptoms of people with advanced Parkinson's disease.The study has sites nationwide.

Abuse of ADHD Drugs on the Rise

August 24, 2009
Jump in poison control center calls mirrors increasing prescriptions, study shows. As more and more prescriptions are being written for medications to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), more and more children are abusing these drugs.

That's the conclusion of new research in the September issue of Pediatrics that found the rate of ADHD medication abuse was up 76 percent from 1998 to 2005, and at the same time, the rates of prescriptions for these medications rose about 80 percent.

"We looked at all the poison control centers across the nation and found a significant increase in the number of calls for ADHD medication abuse that parallels the amount of prescriptions being written," said Dr.

Gene Linked to Inherited Kidney Disease Found

August 21, 2009
Researchers already testing potential treatment. A genetic mutation associated with inherited kidney disease has been pinpointed by an international team of researchers, who also identified a potential treatment that's currently being tested in a clinical trial.

The mutation occurs in the gene that encodes the protein renin, which plays an important role in blood pressure regulation. People with this genetic mutation suffer from anemia in childhood and progressive kidney disease, resulting in the need for dialysis, the researchers noted.

Medication Review May Help With Heart Failure

August 21, 2009
Hospitalizations decline when doctors, pharmacists collaborate, study finds. If doctors and pharmacists work together to ensure that people with heart failure take their medicines correctly, hospitalizations would be less frequent, an Australian study suggests.

In a study of 5,717 people with heart failure, the hospitalization rate for the 273 who had their medications reviewed by doctors and pharmacists was 45 percent lower than the hospitalization rate for the others, whose medicines did not undergo a collaborative review.

People in the study averaged about 82 years old.

Clinical Trials Update

Aug. 21, 2009

August 21, 2009
Acute Migraines
Constipation-IBS
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Acute Migraines

This year-long study of acute migraines involves eight clinic visits. You must be 18 or older and have no more then 15 migraines per month to qualify.

Without Reform, U.S. Health Costs Expected to Rise

August 20, 2009
Average insurance premiums ranged from $11,000 to over $13,500 for U.S. families in 2008, report finds. From 1999 to 2008, family premiums for Americans with employer-sponsored health insurance increased 119 percent and could rise another 94 percent, to an average of $23,842 by 2020, if health-care costs continue to increase at current rates, a report released Thursday shows.

The Commonwealth Fund paper also concluded that national reforms that limit health-care cost increases by 1 percent to 1.5 percent per year would lead to major savings for families and businesses.

Clinical Trials Update

Aug. 20, 2009

August 20, 2009
Sleep Apnea
Osteoarthritis of the Hip
Female Low Libido Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Sleep Apnea

This study will examine the relationship between the use of PAP (positive airway pressure) for sleep apnea and whether it improves diabetic control.The research site is in Baltimore, Md.

Treatment May Limit Graft-Versus-Host Disease

August 19, 2009
Problem in stem-cell transplants is common when donor, recipient are not related. People who need a blood stem-cell transplant may be able to lessen the chances that the transplanted material will attack the body .

Clinical Trials Update

Aug. 19, 2009

August 19, 2009
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Schizophrenia
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

This study is for people with high blood pressure, which can increase your risk of diabetes, stroke, or heart attack.The research site is in Portland, Ore.

Foreclosures Plunge People Into Depression

August 19, 2009
New U.S. study finds many also skip food and needed drugs in an effort to cut costs. The epidemic of home foreclosures is having a serious impact on Americans' health, suggests a study that looked at 250 Philadelphia homeowners facing foreclosure.

More than half of them reported being depressed, and 37 percent of them had major depression. In addition, almost 60 percent reported skipping meals because they couldn't afford food and 48 percent said they couldn't afford prescription drugs.

Herb Shows Potential for Rheumatoid Arthritis

August 19, 2009
Study compares ancient remedy to modern drug, but not the most common, experts say. An ancient Chinese herbal remedy called "thunder god vine" helps reduce inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis, a new study shows.

The remedy is an extract of the medicinal plant Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF) .

Cervical Cancer Vaccine Seems Safe

August 18, 2009
Fainting most common adverse event with Gardasil, study finds. The vaccine that protects against human papillomavirus (HPV), a cause of cervical cancer, appears safe, with relatively few serious side effects, according to a new U.S. government study.

Clinical Trials Update

Aug. 18, 2009

August 18, 2009
High Cholesterol (Hypercholesterolemia)
Diabetes
Depression (Ages 18-65) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

High Cholesterol (Hypercholesterolemia)

This study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the study medication vs. placebo when added to a statin in slowing the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

Clinical Trials Update

Aug. 17, 2009

August 17, 2009
Overactive Bladder
Psoriasis (Ages 18-65)
Alcoholism (Opiate Dependence) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Overactive Bladder

To qualify for this study, you must 65 or older and be diagnosed with an overactive bladder.The research site is in DeLand, Fla.

Genetic Discovery May Improve Hepatitis C Treatment

August 17, 2009
Finding will help predict patient response to therapy, researchers say. The first biomarker that predicts a patient's response to hepatitis C treatments has been identified by U.S. researchers.

International Travel Health Guidebook Gets Updated

August 15, 2009
New CDC Yellow Book includes information on medical tourism and exotic destinations. If you are an international traveler, the U.S. government has a guidebook that could save your life.

New Migraine Drug Shows Promise

August 14, 2009
Orally inhaled therapy effective with few side effects, study finds. An experimental inhaled drug called Levadex is an effective treatment for migraines, according to a drug company-funded study.

The phase III trial, conducted at the Jefferson Headache Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, found that migraine patients who took the drug had greater relief from symptoms such as pain, nausea and light/sound sensitivity than those who took a placebo.

The drug provided pain relief within 30 minutes and sustained relief for 48 hours in patients with moderate or severe migraines.

Clinical Trials Update

Aug. 14, 2009

August 14, 2009
Atopic Dermatitis
Erectile Dysfunction
Insomnia Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Atopic Dermatitis

Volunteers are needed for this study of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema.The research site is in Denver, Colo.

It's Time for More Moms to Breast-Feed, U.S. Officials Say

August 13, 2009
Experts note rates are too low when benefits are so high. With breast-feeding rates still not at the levels health-care providers and policymakers would like, two U.S. health agencies have decided it's time to take action.

Clinical Trials Update

Aug. 13, 2009

August 13, 2009
Acne
Schizophrenia
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Acne

This study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a plant-based topical skin cream to minimize the appearance of acne. The research site is in Sausalito, Calif.

FDA Details Access to 'Investigational' Drugs

August 12, 2009
Goal is to help patients who might benefit from experimental medications. By clarifying rules governing patient access to so-called investigational drugs, U.S. health officials said Wednesday that they hope to expand the number of people who might benefit from these not-yet-approved medications.

Clinical Trials Update

Aug. 12, 2009

August 12, 2009
Chronic Knee Pain
Adolescent Depression
Smoking Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Chronic Knee Pain

If you've had knee pain for six months and are aged 35 to 75, you may qualify for this study of an investigational product.The research site is in Burbank, CA.

Folk Medicine Therapy May Prevent Alcoholic Relapse

August 12, 2009
Study in rodents used synthetic form of substance found in the kudzu vine. A synthetic form of a substance found in the kudzu vine can reduce drinking among alcoholics and help prevent relapse, a new study suggests.

Daidzin, the substance in kudzu, has long been used in traditional Chinese folk medicine to treat alcoholism. It inhibits human aldeyhyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH-2), which metabolizes alcohol into acetaldehyde.

Clinical Trials Update

Aug. 11, 2009

August 11, 2009
Asthma
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Migraine Study for Asthma Suffers Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Asthma

This study is for people aged 18 to 45 who have asthma.The research site is in Philadelphia, Penn.

Oral Drug Ups Survival in Advanced Prostate Cancer Cases

August 11, 2009
But no reduced death risk in patients with localized disease, research shows. Oral sodium clodronate improves overall survival in advanced prostate cancer patients but doesn't reduce the risk of death in those with localized disease, British researchers say.

They reported on the long-term survival outcomes of more than 800 men enrolled in two trials launched in 1994. The trials examined the effects of sodium clodronate in patients with advanced (311 men) or localized prostate cancer (508 men).

Genome Sequencing Gets More Affordable

August 11, 2009
Stanford researcher says he completed the task for $50,000 A U.S. researcher says he was able to sequence his entire genome for less than $50,000, with the help of only two people.

Clinical Trials Update

Aug. 10, 2009

August 10, 2009
Osteoarthritis
Overactive Bladder
Diabetes Type 2 Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Osteoarthritis

If you are bothered by arthritis pain, you may qualify for this study to compare approved osteoarthritis medicines.The research site is in Plano, Texas.

Sharing Prescription Meds Common Among U.S. Teens

August 10, 2009
One in five have 'loaned' or 'borrowed' drugs, study found. About 20 percent of U.S. teens exchange prescription drugs such as antibiotics and allergy medications with friends, a practice that can be dangerous and potentially deadly, warns a new study.

Clinical Trials Update

Aug. 7, 2009

August 07, 2009
Mild to Moderate Asthma
Female Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (Low Libido)
Psoriasis Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Mild to Moderate Asthma

This study is for people who take an inhaled corticosteroid but whose asthma is not well controlled. Biweekly or monthly injection of an FDA-approved medication for allergic asthma is required.

Clinical Trials Update

Aug. 6, 2009

August 06, 2009
Major Depression
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Osteoarthritis Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Major Depression

This study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medicine to treat major depressive disorder. Participants will receive study medication and study related care at no cost, and compensation is available for time and travel.

U.S. Spending on Mental Health Care Soaring

August 06, 2009
Rate of increase now outstrips that for heart disease, cancer, data shows. U.S. spending on mental illness is soaring at a faster pace than spending on any other health care category, new government data released Wednesday shows.

Clinical Trials Update

Aug. 5, 2009

August 05, 2009
Overactive Bladder
Healthy Male Volunteers
Pain After Shingles Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Overactive Bladder

This study will compare the study drug and placebo for symptoms of overactive bladder. Qualified participants will receive assessments, visits, study medication at no cost, and compensation for time and travel.

Clinical Trials Update

Aug. 4, 2009

August 04, 2009
High Cholesterol and High Triglyceride
Endometriosis
Atrial Fibrillation Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

High Cholesterol and High Triglyceride

This study will evaluate an investigational medication to treat high cholesterol and triglycerides. Qualified participants will be reimbursed for transportation expenses.

Clinical Trials Update

Aug. 3, 2009

August 03, 2009
Type 2 Diabetes
Testosterone and Pain
High Cholesterol (Hypercholesterolemia) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Type 2 Diabetes

This study is for people with type 2 diabetes. If eligible, you will receive study related investigational medication or placebo, physicals and laboratory tests, diet counseling, and reimbursement for time and travel expenses.

ER Visits Mostly by Medicare, Medicaid Recipients

July 31, 2009
But government study also shows uninsured accounted for almost 1 out of 5 ER patients. An estimated 50 million, or 42 percent, of the 120 million visits made in 2006 to U.S. hospital emergency departments were billed to the Medicaid and Medicare programs, according to a U.

Clinical Trials Update

July 31, 2009

July 31, 2009
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Opioid-Induced Constipation
High Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Disease or Type 2 Diabetes Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Participants in this study of erectile dysfunction will receive study related health assessments, potential compensation for time and travel of up to $300, and study medication at no cost.The research site is in DeLand, Fla.

Americans Spend Billions on Alternative Medicine

July 30, 2009
Out-of-pocket spending hit $33.9 billion in 2007, government report shows. Americans spent $33.9 billion out-of-pocket on complementary and alternative medicine in 2007 alone, U.S.

Researchers Discover the Tale Behind Short Dogs

July 30, 2009
Dachshunds, corgis and others may trace their height to an evolutionary event. Certain breeds of dogs may have developed distinctively short legs following a single change to the genetic code during their evolution, according to a finding that may also help explain a type of human dwarfism.

Researchers with the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) found that about 20 short-legged dog breeds, including dachshunds, corgis and basset hounds, have two copies of a gene that play a role in production of the protein fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4). The copies are not identical, though, as one lacks some essential parts of the DNA code, according to the study published July 16 in the online edition of Science.

Clinical Trials Update

July 30, 2009

July 30, 2009
Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
High Cholesterol
Depression Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Painful Diabetic Neuropathy

This study will evaluate an investigational drug for people with painful diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage that can cause numbness or painful tingling).The research site is in Santa Ana, Calif.

Multiple Myeloma Genome Unlocked

July 29, 2009
Discovery paves way for better therapies for some blood cancer patients, experts say. The sequencing of the first three multiple myeloma whole genomes has been completed by U.S. scientists, who said this success will lead to a better understanding of this form of blood cancer and advance efforts to develop new therapies.

Clinical Trials Update

July 29, 2009

July 29, 2009
Healthy Volunteers (Ages 18-65)
Overactive Bladder
Congestive Heart Failure Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Healthy Volunteers (Ages 18-65)

This study will evaluate an investigational medication. It involves one screening visit, one in-house stay of four nights, and one outpatient visit.

Stent Studies Tied to Rapid Changes in Use

July 28, 2009
Fast dissemination of data may become main stimulus for change, experts say. Rapid dissemination of new data about the risks posed by drug-eluting stents led to an almost immediate decrease in the use of the stents, according to a new report.

Drug-eluting stents are coated with drugs meant to prevent re-narrowing of coronary arteries.

An analysis of patient registries showed that between January and September 2006, about 90 percent of people who had a type of heart attack called a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction and underwent coronary stent implantation received drug-eluting stents.

Viagra Trial for Sickle Cell Lung Problems Halted

July 28, 2009
Safety concern from side effects prompts action by U.S. government. The first clinical trial of a treatment for pulmonary hypertension in adults with sickle cell anemia has been stopped because of severe side effects in some participants.

The trial involved sildenafil .

More Can Be Done to Slow Obesity's Toll on Health

Experts

July 28, 2009
HHS Secretary Sebelius says real change begins with America's kids. Obesity in the United States now carries the hefty price tag of $147 billion per year in direct medical costs, just over 9 percent of all medical spending, experts reported at a national conference Tuesday in Washington, DC.

"To put that figure in perspective, the American Cancer Society estimates that all cancers combined cost our health care system $93 billion a year. So ending obesity would save our health care system 50 percent more dollars than curing cancer," Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Tuesday morning in prepared remarks for the "Weight of the Nation" conference, sponsored by the U.

Clinical Trials Update

July 28, 2009

July 28, 2009
Type 2 Diabetes
Gout
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Type 2 Diabetes

This study is for people with type 2 diabetes. If eligible, you will receive study related investigational medication or placebo, physicals and laboratory tests, diet counseling, and reimbursement for time and travel expenses.

Save Swine Flu Drugs for Younger Patients, Study Urges

July 28, 2009
Curbing use in elderly may be controversial but wise, experts say. Antiviral drug treatment of swine flu may be wasted on the elderly and should be reserved for young people, suggest researchers who created a model of the effect of antiviral treatment on the spread of the H1N1 virus.

If the current swine flu pandemic behaves like the 1918 flu, antiviral drugs would not significantly reduce death rates among people older than 65 and, in fact, might cause the H1N1 virus to develop increased drug resistance, according to Stefano Merler, of the Bruno Kessler Foundation in Italy, and his colleagues.

Their report appears online in BMC Infectious Diseases.

Almost 10 Percent of U.S. Medical Costs Tied to Obesity

July 27, 2009
Only a return to healthy behaviors will bring expenditures down, experts say. Obesity in the United States now carries the hefty price tag of $147 billion per year in direct medical costs, just over 9 percent of all medical spending, experts report.

In fact, people who are obese spend almost $1,500 more each year on health care .

Clinical Trials Update

July 24, 2009

July 24, 2009
Overweight Volunteers
Migraine
Restless Legs Syndrome Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Overweight Volunteers

This study will evaluate an investigational drug for weight loss.The research site is in Baltimore, Md.

Clinical Trials Update

July 23, 2009

July 23, 2009
Osteoarthritis of the Hip or Knee
Heart Disease
Alzheimer's Disease Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Osteoarthritis of the Hip or Knee

This study is for people with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. You must be at least 18, have joint pain caused by arthritis, and meet other criteria to participate in this study.

Medicare Drug Plan Still Needs Work

July 22, 2009
More are covered, but gaps in coverage and other problems persist, analysis shows. The number of older Americans with access to prescription drug coverage has ballooned since Medicare's Part D program was rolled out almost four years ago, a new analysis finds, yet seniors' ability to pay for needed medications remains a concern due to limitations in coverage and rising drug plan costs.

"Based on nearly four years of experience, the Medicare drug benefit has helped seniors by expanding access to prescription drug coverage and lowering out-of-pocket costs, particularly helping those who previously lacked drug coverage," said Tricia Neuman, director of the Medicare Policy Project at the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, who led the analysis.

Clinical Trials Update

July 22, 2009

July 22, 2009
Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Prevention
Healthy Volunteers (Ages 18+)
Depression Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Prevention

This study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational drug to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis and treat menopausal symptoms while ensuring endometrial (uterine lining) safety.The research site is in Las Vegas, Nev.

Clinical Trials Update

July 21, 2009

July 21, 2009
High Cholesterol
Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation
Chronic Low Back Pain Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
High Cholesterol

This study will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of an investigational medication to treat high cholesterol.The research site is in Brooklyn Center, Minn.

Millions in U.S. Can't Afford Health Insurance

July 21, 2009
Obstacles mount when employer-based coverage is not an option, survey finds. Most people in the United States who try to buy an individual health insurance policy on their own never end up getting coverage, often because the premiums are just too expensive, according to a new study.

A report by the Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation that supports independent research on health policy reform, found that roughly three of every four people who tried to buy a policy from the individual health insurance market in the past three years didn't get one. The main reason cited was premium cost.

In New York City, Trans Fat Ban Is Working

July 20, 2009
Success has spawned similar efforts across the U.S., report finds. When the New York City Health Department mandated that city restaurants change their menus to restrict trans fats, known to be a health hazard, the action was greeted with resistance and grumbling.

"There were the usual 'nanny state' comments," said Dr. Lynn Silver, assistant commissioner of the department's Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control.

New Alzheimer's Treatment Could Be on the Horizon

July 20, 2009
Potential of immune system treatment is 'exciting,' expert says. A treatment already used to bolster the immune systems of people with leukemia and other serious diseases might also help ward off Alzheimer's disease, new research suggests.

Researchers looked at the association between the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and the occurrence of Alzheimer's. "IVIg has been used safely for more than 20 years to treat other diseases but is thought to have an indirect effect on Alzheimer's disease by targeting beta-amyloid, or plaques, in the brain," said Dr.

Clinical Trials Update

July 20, 2009

July 20, 2009
Birth Control (Healthy Female Volunteers)
Type 2 Diabetes
Bipolar Disorder Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Birth Control (Healthy Female Volunteers)

This study will evaluate an investigational birth control patch. To qualify, you must be a woman aged 18 to 45, willing to use contraception, and be generally healthy.

Elder Boom Will Be Felt Worldwide

July 20, 2009
Population older than 65 could reach 1.3 billion by 2040. The proportion of people who are age 65 and older will double from 7 to 14 percent of the world's total population by 2040, says a new U.S. Census Bureau study.

Fetal Alcohol Disorders Often Misdiagnosed as ADHD

July 17, 2009
Behavioral difficulties can look the same, researchers note. Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are often initially diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, since the two problems can manifest in similar ways, a new study shows.

However, children with FASD have more difficulty interpreting social information than children with ADHD, and this results in more severe behavioral problems, the researchers found.

The study also found that children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) have a high risk of psychiatric problems.

Clinical Trials Update

July 17, 2009

July 17, 2009
Emphysema
Osteoarthritis
Women's Health
Atrial Fibrillation
Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Hepatitis C Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Emphysema

If you are at least 40 and have severe emphysema, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Milwaukee, Wis.

Congress Braces for Showdown Over Health-Care Reform

July 17, 2009
Cost, financing remain volatile issues in the drive for bipartisan support. The beginnings of legislation to overhaul the nation's health-care system started to emerge from Capitol Hill this week, raising hope among some health-reform advocates that this may, at long last, be the year that Congress enacts a law to help America's uninsured and make health care more affordable.

"I think we're in a very good position to meet the president's ultimate schedule of getting a good health reform bill to his desk by mid-October," said Ron Pollack, executive director of the consumer advocacy group Families USA, in Washington, D.C.

Clinical Trials Update

July 16, 2009

July 16, 2009
Heart Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Opioid-Induced Constipation
Neuropathy
Asthma
Solid Tumors Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:

Heart Disease

This study will evaluate whether a cholesterol medication combined with an investigational drug can reduce plaque build-up in the arteries. If you have high cholesterol, are taking a cholesterol medication, or have a history of heart disease, you may qualify for this study.

Teaming Up to Tackle a Deadly Cancer

July 16, 2009
Family bonds, dedicated scientists set their sights on the bone malignancy chordoma. As a child, Daniel Alter had blazing headaches that doctors explained away as lazy eye or asthma.

He pushed himself through Boy Scout hikes until one day he fell three times in one hour. On the baseball field, he would see a fly ball coming right for his mitt and it would fall to the ground, 10 feet away.

Health Tip

Does Your Child Have Symptoms of ADHD?

July 16, 2009
Here are general warning signs Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects a child's ability to perform in school and form relationships.

The disorder is characterized by primary traits including inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity, or a combination, the U.S.

Clinical Trials Update

July 15, 2009

July 15, 2009
Frequent Nighttime Urination (Nocturia)
Healthy Children Studies
Insomnia
Depression
Atherosclerotic Plaque
Alzheimer's Disease Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Frequent Nighttime Urination (Nocturia)

If you are at least 50, a non-smoker and get up two or more times per night to urinate, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Mountlake Terrace, Wash.

Stem Cell Decision Opens New Doors, May Spur More Research

July 15, 2009
Some avenues of scientific inquiry remain unfunded, however. The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced last week their new guidelines for stem cell research funding, including allowing some previously ineligible stem cell lines to receive federal grants, provided they were obtained in an ethical manner.

Clinical Trials Update

July 14, 2009

July 14, 2009
Pain Patch for Acute Injuries
Osteoporosis
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Alzheimer's Disease
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
Heart Disease Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:

Pain Patch for Acute Injuries
If you have hurt your wrist, arm, leg or ankle within 72 hours, you may qualify for this study evaluating an investigational pain patch.The research site is in Dallas, Texas.

Obama Taps Alabama Doctor to Be Surgeon General

July 13, 2009
Dr. Regina Benjamin was first black woman to be on AMA's board. President Barack Obama announced Monday that he has nominated a rural Alabama family physician to be the United States' next surgeon general.

Dr. Regina Benjamin .

Swine Flu Vaccine Taking Longer Than Expected

July 13, 2009
A fully tested shot may not be ready until year's end, WHO says. A fully tested swine flu vaccine may not be available until the end of the year, a vaccine expert at the World Health Organization said Monday.

But countries could use emergency measures to get the vaccines out faster if they decide they are needed, Marie-Paule Kieny, director of WHO's Initiative for Vaccine Research, said during a news conference in London, the Associated Press reported.

The problem: The swine flu viruses being used to develop a vaccine are only producing about half as much "yield" to make vaccines as regular flu viruses.

Clinical Trials Update

July 13, 2009

July 13, 2009
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Breast Cancer
Depression
Type 2 Diabetes
Menstrual Migraine
Osteoarthritis of the Knee or Hip Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

If you are at least 40, have a smoking history of more than 10 years, and currently have trouble breathing, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in San Antonio, Texas.

How to De-Stress a Recession-Riddled Life

July 12, 2009
Simple strategies should help in staying calm and moving on. Recessions are bad for the stress level, as many in the midst of the current economic situation know and surveys prove.

Perhaps not surprisingly, nearly half of the 1,791 adults polled for the American Psychological Association's latest Stress in America survey said that their stress had increased in the past year. As a result, more than half reported fatigue, 60 percent said they were irritable or angry, and more than half said they lie awake at night because of stress.

Clinical Trials Update

July 10, 2009

July 10, 2009
Depression
Sleep in Osteoarthritis Project
Overactive Bladder (Females)
Keratoses
Liver Cancer
Alzheimer's Disease Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:

Depression

This study will test the safety and effectiveness of an investigational drug for people with major depressive disorder.The research site is in Seattle, Wash.

Overall Health of U.S. Children a Mixed Bag

July 10, 2009
Government study finds gains and losses More of America's children get recommended vaccinations and have health insurance than in years past, but a new U.S. government report paints a mixed picture of the overall health of the nation's youngsters.

Health Tip

Understanding ADHD

July 10, 2009
Information for parents Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral condition that can affect both social interaction and academics.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers the following information about ADHD:


Most children won't outgrow ADHD. But with early treatment, ADHD can be managed so that it doesn't interfere with a person's adult life.

Stroke in Children Rare But Costly

July 09, 2009
U.S. study finds pricetag hits $42 million a year. Strokes in American youngsters under the age of 20 cost at least $42 million a year, a new study finds.

The incidence is not high .

Swine Flu Summit Focuses on Preparedness

July 09, 2009
U.S. taking steps to handle virus' anticipated return in the fall. The initial scare posed by the sudden emergence of swine flu in April may have passed, but federal officials are warning against complacency and bracing for the virus' expected return in the fall.

On Thursday, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Education Secretary Arne Duncan and others led an H1N1 swine flu "preparedness summit" at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. The summit comes amid reports that the H1N1 virus continues to infect people in the United States and at least 100 other countries.

Clinical Trials Update

July 9, 2009

July 09, 2009
Nocturia
Spinal Cord Injuries
Depression
Memory Loss or Alzheimer's Disease
Congestive Heart Failure
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Nocturia

If you wake twice or more during the night to go to the bathroom, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Dallas, Texas.

Questions to Pharmacists Rise After Michael Jackson's Death

July 09, 2009
Consumers more alert to overdose risks from prescription drugs, survey suggests. News reports about a possible link between pop star Michael Jackson's death and his alleged abuse of prescription drugs may have increased the public's concern about prescription medication overdose risks, suggests a survey of U.S. pharmacists.

Clinical Trials Update

July 8, 2009

July 08, 2009
Fibromyalgia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
Migraine and Cluster Headaches
Psoriasis and Psoriatic Disorders
Breast Cancer Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:
Fibromyalgia

This study of fibromyalgia will last for 7 months and require 12 visits.The research site is in Sacramento, Calif.

U.S. Unveils Stricter Food-Safety Standards

July 07, 2009
Measures aimed at reducing salmonella and E. coli outbreaks. In an effort to reduce salmonella, E. coli and other outbreaks of food-borne illness, U.S.

Clinical Trials Update

July 7, 2009

July 07, 2009
Lower Back Pain
Lupus
Anxiety
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Low Back Pain
Atrial Fibrillation Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Lower Back Pain

If you are an adult with chronic low back pain that you treat with medication, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Mixed Marks for Swine Flu Updates

July 07, 2009
Study finds wide variations in Web reports by states and municipalities. State and local health departments in the United States get mixed marks for their use of Web sites to inform the public about the swine flu outbreak, a new study shows.

After the U.S.

Final Rules Broaden Pool for Stem Cell Research

July 07, 2009
Older stem cell lines eligible for U.S. research dollars, NIH says. The U.S. government issued final guidelines Monday describing which embryonic stem cell lines will be eligible for government funding, effectively expanding the universe of stem cells that can be used for research.

Drug Limits Stomach Trouble in Patients Taking Low-Dose Aspirin

July 06, 2009
Study found famotidine effective at curtailing ulcers. The drug famotidine prevents stomach and upper-intestinal ulcers in people taking low-dose aspirin, often to reduce the risk of heart attack, a new British study finds.

The phase III trial included 404 patients taking 75 milligrams to 325 milligrams of aspirin a day. They were randomly selected to take either 20 milligrams of famotidine or a placebo twice a day.

Clinical Trials Update

July 6, 2009

July 06, 2009
Chronic Low Back Pain
Atrial Fibrillation
Restless Legs Syndrome
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia)
Diabetic Gastroparesis Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:
Chronic Low Back Pain

You may qualify for this study of an investigational drug if you have chronic low back pain and have been treating it with mild pain medication, either prescription or over-the-counter.The research site is in Winston-Salem, N.

Living Healthily on Less

July 05, 2009
Even when budgets are tight, experts say, health and fitness need not suffer. Most people are cutting back in these tough economic times, trying to save more and make do with less. But can you cut back when it comes to your health?

As it turns out, experts say you can .

On Memory, Older Americans Outsmart the English

July 03, 2009
Education, income and preventive health differences may explain results, study says. Older people in the United States scored better than their counterparts in England on a memory and awareness test, possibly because of differences in levels of depression and education and the fact that American adults receive more aggressive treatment for heart disease, a new study suggests.

The test assessed immediate and delayed recall of 10 common nouns, such as tree, skin, river, table, baby and village. The participants, 13,575 people all older than 65, listened to the words being spoken and then were asked to repeat as many as possible immediately and again five minutes later.

C-Section Stress Could Alter Baby's Immune Cells

July 02, 2009
And that might raise odds for diabetes, asthma later on, researchers say. Babies delivered by cesarean section experience changes to the DNA of white blood cells, which might explain why they're at increased risk for immunological diseases such as diabetes and asthma later in life, Swedish researchers say.

"Delivery by C-section has been associated with increased allergy, diabetes and leukemia risks," Dr. Mikael Norman, a pediatric specialist at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, said in a news release from Wiley-Blackwell publishers.

Clinical Trials Update

July 2, 2009

July 02, 2009
Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial
Depression
Diabetic Neuropathy
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Menopause and Osteoporosis Prevention
Healthy Volunteers (Ages 18-65) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial

If your child (boys aged five to eight and girls aged five to seven) has had allergy symptoms for at least one year, he or she may qualify for this study.The research site is in Metairie, La.

With Medicare Plan, Drug Spending May Be Up

July 01, 2009
Researchers suspect overuse may be to blame, but other costs are down. Older people who signed up for Medicare's prescription drug coverage, called Part D, spent more on drugs after enrolling than they had before but less on other types of medical care, researchers have found.

Their study, in the July 2 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, also found that spending varied depending on the type of drug coverage participants had before enrolling in Part D.

Although the report was not designed to look at improvements in health, another study on Part D, presented at the AcademyHealth meeting in Chicago, did.

Clinical Trials Update

July 1, 2009

July 01, 2009
Low Back Pain
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Atrial Fibrillation
Menopause
Migraine and Cluster Headaches
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:

Low Back Pain

This trial is for people with chronic low back pain. Qualified participants must be at least 18, and have had low back pain for at least three months.

Hormones May Affect Neurological Disease Risk

June 30, 2009
Women are more vulnerable during certain stages of life, study finds. Fluctuating hormone levels may explain trends in the timing of women's susceptibility to neurological diseases such as Parkinson's, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, Tourette's and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, new research suggests.

Significant estrogen level changes occur at various stages of women's lives, including adolescence and menopause, and as a result of menstrual cycles. The onset or exacerbation of neurological diseases are most likely to occur at these times, said researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch.

Assessment of Bone Growth Stimulator Is Mixed

June 30, 2009
It's used more often in spinal fusions, but experts worry about costs and complications. A relatively new agent that stimulates the creation of new bone as part of spinal fusion surgery is being increasingly used in the United States, although costs and some complication rates also appear to be higher with its use, a new study reports.

The therapeutic agent, known as bone-morphogenic protein, or BMP, is now used in at least 25 percent of spinal fusion surgeries.

"The use of BMP is rapidly increasing every year," said the study's lead author, Dr.

Even After Death, Heart Attack Treatment May Not End

June 30, 2009
Too often, EMS crews feel obliged to bring unresponsive patient to hospital, study finds. Chances of surviving a heart attack that occurs outside of a hospital are slim, but paramedics often take people who have died to a hospital anyway because a variety of factors keep them from following recommended guidelines, a new study finds.

In the United States, paramedics treat almost 300,000 people with cardiac arrest each year. But despite what's portrayed on TV, fewer than 8 percent survive, according to the American Heart Association.

Clinical Trials Update

June 30, 2009

June 30, 2009
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Glioblastoma multiforme
Fibromyalgia
Type 2 Diabetes
Depression - Adult
Depression Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

If you are at least 40 and a current or former smoker with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis or emphysema, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in St.

Drug Found Ineffective Against Lung Disease

June 30, 2009
People with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis gain no survival benefit, research finds. Treatment with interferon gamma-1b (Ifn-g1b) does not improve survival in people with a fatal lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, according to a study that was halted early after no benefit to participants was found.

Previous research had suggested that Ifn-g1b might benefit people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, particularly those with mild to moderate disease.

The new study included 826 people, ages 40 to 79, who lived in Europe and North America.

Younger People Appear More at Risk From New Swine Flu

June 29, 2009
Not just the infirm should be vaccinated, experts urge. With a worldwide pandemic under way and more than a million Americans sickened by the new swine flu, the special nature of this disease is becoming better understood.

Several articles published online Monday by the New England Journal of Medicine show that, unlike seasonal flu, the new H1N1 flu strain attacks younger people and can be more severe and deadly in that group. The reports suggest a possible vaccination policy and also account for some reasons that this strain of flu appears milder than that of other pandemics.

Clinical Trials Update

June 29, 2009

June 29, 2009
Weight Loss
Bipolar Disorder
Migraine Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Weight Loss

Volunteers are being sought for a clinical study of an investigational medication for weight loss.The research site is in Baltimore, Md.

15 Percent of U.S. Teens Think They'll Die Young

June 29, 2009
Link between risky behavior and pessimistic outlook surprises experts. Challenging the notion that risky behavior reflects a youthful sense of immortality, a new study has found almost 15 percent of American teens believe they will die before age 35 .

Alcohol-Related Ills Increasing Worldwide

June 26, 2009
One in 25 deaths is drinking-related, study finds. Consumption of alcohol is up, and so it seems are the ills associated with it. Worldwide, one in 25 deaths and 5 percent of the years that people live with health-related disabilities are related to alcohol, according to a new study.

Globally, average yearly alcohol consumption per person is the equivalent of about 1.

Hundreds of Genes Could Be Linked to ADHD

June 25, 2009
Variations would explain different attention-disorder symptoms, study suggests. Hundreds of gene variations that may be associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been identified by U.S. researchers.

Clinical Trials Update

June 25, 2009

June 25, 2009
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Diabetes Mellitus, Types 1 and 2
Atrial Fibrillation Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

If you have irritable bowel syndrome, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Bristol, Tenn.

More informationPlease see http://www.

Obese Poor Shut Out From Weight-Loss Surgeries

June 25, 2009
Too often, they lack insurance or face roadblocks in getting the procedures, study finds. Despite having one of the highest rates of obesity in America, the poor are less likely to undergo weight loss surgery than obese people who are better off financially, new research shows.

White women with higher incomes and private health insurance were the most likely to have the surgery, according to a study to be presented Wednesday at the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) annual meeting, in Dallas.

Using data from the 2006 Nationwide Inpatient Sample, sponsored by the U.

Clinical Trials Update

June 24, 2009

June 24, 2009
Osteoarthritis
Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C)
Asthma
Healthy Patient Studies
Smoking Cessation
Women's Health Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:

Osteoarthritis

This study will evaluate a new osteoarthritis medication. To qualify, you must be 18 or older, have a diagnosis of arthritis in the hip and/or knee, and not have used a cortisone medication in the past three months.

Obesity While Young Boosts Pancreatic Cancer Risk

June 23, 2009
Study points to yet another reason to maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese as a young adult increases the risk for pancreatic cancer, and obesity in middle age is linked with poorer survival from the disease, a new study finds.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death for men and women in the United States. As the number of people who are overweight and obese has increased in the past two decades, evidence has grown that excess body weight is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer.

Clinical Trials Update

June 23, 2009

June 23, 2009
Conjunctivitis, Bacterial
Neuropathy
Bladder Disorders
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Type 2 Diabetes and Weight Loss
High Cholesterol Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Conjunctivitis, Bacterial

If you have conjunctivitis, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Haverhill, Mass.

Whites More Likely to Get Rare Bone Cancer

June 23, 2009
Reasons for racial disparity remain unclear, researcher says. Scientists have documented that the rare bone and soft tissue cancer Ewing's sarcoma disproportionately strikes white people.

What's more, among whites who have the disease, males are more likely to die from it than females, according to a study published online June 22 in Cancer.

Led by Dr.

Obama Signs Tough New Anti-Smoking Law

June 22, 2009
FDA gets the authority to regulate tobacco manufacturing and marketing. President Barack Obama signed into law Monday the nation's toughest anti-smoking law that gives the U.S. Food and Drug Administration unprecedented powers to regulate tobacco products.

Clinical Trials Update

June 22, 2009

June 22, 2009
Osteoarthritis of the Hip
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Osteoarthritis of the Knee or Hip
Staphylococcal Infections
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD - Adults)
Alzheimer's Disease Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:

Osteoarthritis of the Hip

This study is being conducted across the United States for people with osteoarthritis of the hip.The research sites are located nationwide.

The Nuts and Bolts of Reform Proposals

June 22, 2009
Suggestions range from greater emphasis on preventive care to universal electronic records. U.S. legislators continue to debate the details of what many hope will be the blueprint for a transformation of the nation's health-care system.

Health-Care Reform Could Be Obama's Toughest Challenge

June 22, 2009
But experts say time might be right to succeed where others have failed. President Barack Obama's efforts to reform health care in the United States could prove to be the toughest challenge of his already-ambitious young presidency.

But if Obama can reach that long-elusive goal, it would not only guarantee his legacy but prove to be a watershed in American history, experts say.

"Assuming that President Obama gets real health-care reform, it will be an amazing moment in American history," said Linda Fentiman, an expert in health-care law at Pace Law School in New York City.

Chemicals in Marijuana Smoke May Harm DNA

June 19, 2009
Lab tests find cannabis even more toxic than tobacco. The smoke from cannabis, the plant from which marijuana is derived, contains compounds that can damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer just like tobacco smoke, says a new study from the United Kingdom.

In laboratory tests, Rajinder Singh from the University of Leicester and colleagues found certain carcinogens in cannabis smoke in amounts 50 percent greater than those found in tobacco smoke. They noted that light cannabis use could possibly prove to be even more damaging because cannabis smokers usually inhale more deeply than cigarette smokers.

Treatment Option Shortens Path to Pregnancy

June 19, 2009
Skipping one phase when treating infertility also cuts costs, study finds. Among couples going to fertility clinics, pregnancy occurred more quickly .

Program Helps 1st Graders Stay Safe Long-Term

June 19, 2009
It cut odds for substance abuse, violence by the time they reached 5th grade. A school-based prevention program begun in the early grades can reduce rates of substance abuse, violence and early sexual activity, says a U.S. study.

Clinical Trials Update

June 19, 2009

June 19, 2009
Neuropathy
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Bladder Disorders
Overactive Bladder
Healthy Volunteers (Females 18-40)
Keloids (Raised Scars) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Neuropathy

If you have diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Green Tea Component May Slow Prostate Cancer

June 19, 2009
Men in small study took capsules equivalent to brewed beverage. The active compounds in green tea might slow the progression of prostate cancer, the results of a small study suggest.

The study included 26 men, 41 to 72 years old, who had prostate cancer and were scheduled for radical prostatectomy. The men took four capsules a day of an investigational agent called Polyphenon E, an amount equivalent to about 12 cups of normally brewed, concentrated green tea.

Clinical Trials Update

June 18, 2009

June 18, 2009
Schizophrenia
Restless Legs Syndrome
Oral Contraceptive (Female Healthy Volunteers)
Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorders
Healthy Patient Studies
Rash Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnetion.com and CenterWatch:

Schizophrenia

This study is for people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia to evaluate an investigational medication. The research site is in Glendale, Calif.

Breast-Feeding Boosts Child's School Performance

June 17, 2009
It led to better chances of higher GPA, college attendance, study shows. Children who were breast-fed do better in high school and are more likely to go to college than their bottle-fed siblings, researchers report.

While the health benefits of breast-feeding to both infants and mothers is well known, this study suggests the practice may have educational benefits as well. This is the first study using data on siblings to examine the effect of breast-feeding on high school completion and college attendance, the researchers noted.

Clinical Trials Update

June 17, 2009

June 17, 2009
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Multiple Sclerosis
Asthma
Chronic Migraine
Hysterectomy
Lower Back Pain Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

If you are 30 or older and have normal or mildly elevated blood pressure, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Boston, Mass.

Boys May Feel a Genetic Pull Toward Gangs

June 17, 2009
Presence of a 'warrior gene' variant ups violence inclination, study finds. Bad neighborhoods and lack of opportunity are usually blamed for boys joining violent street gangs. But a new study finds that the urge to join gangs might lie, at least in part, in their genes.

Boys who have a variant of the gene monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) .

Lifestyle May Counter Blood Pressure Genes

June 16, 2009
Smoking, drinking and more can override what you're born with, study finds.Being born with genes that predispose you to high blood pressure doesn't mean you're doomed to have it, a long-term study shows.

"It's been known for many years that blood pressure is affected by genes," said Dr. Nora Franceschini, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of North Carolina and lead author of a report on the study.

Clinical Trials Update

June 16, 2009

June 16, 2009
Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetic Neuropathy
Epilepsy
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
Alzheimer's Disease
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:

Type 2 Diabetes

This study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of adding an additional FDA-approved medication for diabetics who cannot control glucose levels.The research site is in Houston, Texas.

Dad's Genes May Play Greater Role Than Thought

June 15, 2009
Data on 'packaging' in sperm cells may also help assess infertility. Biologists say they have discovered a clever packaging scheme that allows the genetic material in sperm to have far more influence over development of a fertilized egg than had been imagined.

The discovery has potential applications in helping infertile men, said Brad Cairns, a professor of oncological sciences at the University of Utah and a leader of the team reporting the finding in the June 14 online edition of Nature.

The vast majority of the DNA molecules that carry genetic information are tightly packaged in sperm cells, Cairns said.

Clinical Trials Update

June 15, 2009

June 15, 2009
Obesity
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Lupus
Osteoarthritis
Depression
Severe Hypertension Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Obesity

If you are a postmenopausal woman aged 50 to 75, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in New York City.

ADHD Drugs Linked to Sudden Death in Kids

June 15, 2009
But these unexplained events are exceedingly rare, study finds. Stimulant medications commonly prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are associated with an increased risk of sudden death, but those deaths are still rare, new research finds.

Children and teens taking ADHD stimulant medications were seven times more likely to die suddenly than their peers, the study found.

"What we found .

Health Tip

Taking an Herbal Supplement

June 15, 2009
Recommendations to help stay safe Any product labeled "herbal" doesn't automatically make it safe. So, it's important to carefully evaluate any herbal supplement.

The Cleveland Clinic offers these suggestions:


Don't look straight to herbal remedies if you get sick.

Tobacco Control Bill Heads to White House as Health Groups Cheer

June 12, 2009
Legislation to let FDA regulate tobacco manufacturing and marketing called long overdue. Legislation that gives the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulatory control over tobacco products headed to the White House Friday for President Obama's signature, as health organizations across the country cheered.

Clinical Trials Update

June 11, 2009

June 11, 2009
Overactive Bladder
Alzheimer's Disease
Asthma
Breast Cancer - Adults
Bladder Disorders
Rash Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:

Overactive Bladder

This study if for people with overactive bladder. To qualify, you must be at least 18 and urinate at least eight times per day.

Clinical Trials Update

June 10, 2009

June 10, 2009
Women's Health
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Healthy Patient Studies
Post-Menopausal Symptoms
Pandemic Flu Vaccine (Healthy Volunteers)
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Women's Health

If you are an African-American woman aged 18 to 35 with regular menstrual cycles, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Boston, Mass.

Health Care 'Gap' Continues for Minority, Poor Americans

June 09, 2009
Government report finds they have higher incidence of illness, fewer options for care. Minority and low-income Americans are much more likely to suffer from a chronic, debilitating illness than whites and are far less likely to have the kind of coverage that would ensure quality care, according to a new report issued Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Clinical Trials Update

June 9, 2009

June 09, 2009
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
Osteoarthritis
Multiple Sclerosis
Healthy Volunteers
Atrial Fibrillation
Epilepsy Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2

If you are an adult with type 2 diabetes and are not taking insulin, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Milwaukee, Wisc.

Colorectal Cancer Rates Rising for Under 50 Set

June 08, 2009
Upturn is especially strong among those in their 20s, study finds. Despite a steady decline in colorectal cancer rates in the United States in the past two decades, new research indicates that the disease is actually on the upswing among people younger than 50.

The analysis suggests that the well-established drop in new diagnoses .

Clinical Trials Update

June 8, 2009

June 08, 2009
Restless Legs Syndrome
Depression
Alzheimer's Disease
Sleep Apnea
Weight Loss Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnectionc.om and CenterWatch:

Restless Legs Syndrome

An estimated 12 million Americans have restless legs syndrome (RLS), which is characterized by discomfort or pain in the legs that worsens at night or when resting, and a strong urge to move the legs for relief.The research site is in Austin, Texas.

Still Too Few Women in Cancer Trials

June 08, 2009
Many may lack the time, resources to participate, study finds. Women are underrepresented in clinical cancer research published in the world's most influential medical journals, a new study says.

The findings raise concerns that scientists aren't learning all they can about gender differences in response to chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.

Researchers analyzed 661 prospective studies about types of cancer that afflict both genders at relatively equal rates, including colon cancer, oral cancers, lung cancer, brain tumors and lymphomas.

U.S. Response to Swine Flu Called Good

June 05, 2009
But report said the health-care system would be overburdened if an outbreak were more severe. Although the U.S. response to the ongoing H1N1 swine flu outbreak that surfaced unexpectedly in April has been largely effective, there are shortcomings that must be addressed.

Clinical Trials Update

June 5, 2009

June 05, 2009
Cardiac Surgery
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD - Adults)
Depression
Migraine
Type 2 Diabetes
Osteoarthritis of the Hip Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Cardiac Surgery

If you are an adult planning to have a cardiac surgical procedure, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Bismarck, N.

Grilled Meats Not Tied to Breast Cancer in Older Women

June 05, 2009
Study finds no added risk for eating meat, even when cooked at high temps. Eating meat doesn't increase postmenopausal women's risk for breast cancer, new research has found.

Previous studies looking at whether eating meat and increased breast cancer risk might be linked have yielded inconsistent results.

In the new study, researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University analyzed data on 120,755 older American women, including the types of food the women ate, how often they ate certain foods and how they prepared their meat.

Special Ed Services Lacking for Kids Who Repeat a Grade

June 04, 2009
Majority of youngsters not given individual education plans, research shows. Many elementary school students who are held back don't receive a plan for special education services, according to a U.S. study that looked at 380 kindergarten, grade 1 and grade 3 students who had to repeat a grade.

Tourette Syndrome Diagnosed in 3 in Every 1,000 Kids

June 04, 2009
Many more cases have probably not been identified, U.S. health officials say. In the first estimate of its kind, U.S. health officials report that three of every 1,000 children, mostly boys, are diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome.

Report Gives U.S. Good Grades for Swine Flu Response

June 04, 2009
But it also said the health-care system would be overburdened if an outbreak were more severe. Although the U.S. response to the ongoing H1N1 swine flu outbreak that surfaced unexpectedly in April has been largely effective, there are shortcomings that must be addressed.

Herb May Offer Hope for Autoimmune Diseases

June 04, 2009
In lab and mice studies, compound halts disease without crimping immune system. A compound derived from hydrangea root, an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine, halted the progression of an autoimmune disorder in laboratory mice and human cells, new research shows.

What makes the compound, halofuginone, so promising, the researchers said, is that it slowed progression of the disease without suppressing normal immune system functioning.

A major drawback to current treatments for autoimmune disease is increased risk for infections because of suppressed immune system functioning, according to the study, which appears in the June 5 issue of Science.

Medical Bills Driving Most Middle-Class Bankruptcies

June 04, 2009
Private insurance isn't covering costs as promised, report's authors say, In 2007, medical problems and expenses contributed to nearly two-thirds of all bankruptcies in the United States, a jump of nearly 50 percent from 2001, new research has found.

Since the data used in the study were collected prior to the current economic downturn, it's likely that the current rate of medical-related bankruptcies is even higher, said the researchers at Harvard Law School, Harvard Medical School and Ohio University.

They randomly surveyed 2,314 bankruptcy filers in early 2007 and found that 77.

Clinical Trials Update

June 4, 2009

June 04, 2009
Gastroparesis
Restless Legs Syndrome
Arthritis
Cancer/Tumors
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Enlarged Prostate)
Parkinson's Disease Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:

Gastroparesis

This study is for people with diabetes who also have nausea, vomiting, bloating and abdominal discomfort after eating. If you have been diagnosed with diabetic gastroparesis, you may qualify for this study of an investigational medication.

Clinical Trials Update

June 3, 2009

June 03, 2009
Constipation
Epilepsy
Crohn's Disease
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Coronary Artery Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Constipation

If you have constipation from taking opioid pain medication, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Edina, Minn.

Clinical Trials Update

June 2, 2009

June 02, 2009
High Cholesterol
Renal Impairment
Insomnia
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
Osteoarthritis
Alzheimer's Disease Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:

High Cholesterol

This study seeks people who have high cholesterol. Participants will receive all study related care and investigational medication at no cost, and may qualify for time and travel compensation.

'Micro' Spreading of Breast Cancer Needs Treating, Study Urges

June 01, 2009
Other research cautions against too much screening for lung cancer. Researchers are now recommending that doctors treat women with breast cancer who have tiny metastases in the so-called sentinel lymph nodes.

That's because leaving these cancers untreated appears to result in a higher rate of cancer recurrence, according to a new study.

Skipping additional treatment for the tiny metastases, known as micrometastases or micromets, could actually result in more deaths, said the study's lead author, Dr.

Clinical Trials Update

June 1, 2009

June 01, 2009
Bladder Disorders
Seizure Disorders
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Postherpetic Neuralgia (Pain from Shingles)
Type 2 Diabetes
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Bladder Disorders

If you are an adult with overactive bladder symptoms of urinary frequency and urgency, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Charlotte, N.

Drug Trials Show Modest Gains Against Lung Cancer

June 01, 2009
Alimta, Zactima extend survival but cure remains out of reach, studies show. Certain drugs offer incremental yet significant improvements in pushing back advanced lung cancer.

That's the conclusion of studies presented Saturday at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Orlando, Fla.

Lung cancer remains America's leading cancer killer, and "significant" improvements in time-to-disease recurrence and survival are measured in weeks and months, not years, experts stress.

Experts Optimistic About Melanoma Vaccine

June 01, 2009
Phase 3 study reports improved survival for those with advanced disease.A vaccine for advanced melanoma has shown promise in a new study.

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. The five year-survival rates for local and metastatic melanoma are 65 percent and 16 percent, respectively.

Neighborhood Safety Is Linked to Disability

May 29, 2009
Even questioning security poses risks for older, poorer people, study finds. Living in unsafe neighborhoods .

Clinical Trials Update

May 29, 2009

May 29, 2009
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Post-Menopausal Symptoms
Kidney Disease
Osteoarthritis
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Memory Loss Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

This four-month study is recruiting people with high blood pressure.The research site is in Sacramento, Calif.

Clinical Trials Update

May 28, 2009

May 28, 2009
Sprains
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
Alzheimer's Disease
Fibromyalgia
Diabetic Erectile Dysfunction
Pediatric Acid Reflux Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Sprains

If you have a history of ankle sprains, have weak ankles, and have not sprained your ankle in the previous six weeks, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Lexington, Ky.

Green-Glowing Gene Heralds a Better Research Monkey

May 27, 2009
'Transgenic' primates can pass along clues to human disease in their DNA, scientists explain. Monkeys that have a gene encoding green fluorescent protein in their DNA will prove valuable in developing new ways to study human diseases, according to researchers who developed the "transgenic" line of monkeys.

The scientists used viral DNA as a way to introduce the gene for green fluorescent protein into the DNA of the common marmoset Callithrix jacchus. The gene integrated into the monkeys' DNA and was successfully passed down to their offspring.

Clinical Trials Update

May 27, 2009

May 27, 2009
Healthy Volunteers
Depression or Anxiety with Insomnia (Females)
Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Keratoses
Melanoma
Migraine and Cluster Headaches Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:

Healthy Volunteers

This study will evaluate an investigational medication in people aged 18 to 65. Participants may qualify for up to $2,060 compensation.

Drug May Extend Life When Breast Cancer Spreads

May 26, 2009
Study funded by pharmaceutical company finds benefits in Abraxane. A new study affirms that the chemotherapy drug Abraxane is more effective, with less troublesome side effects, than the current drug of choice for metastatic breast cancer.

When compared with Taxotere, Abraxane extended the time before a recurrence by almost seven months, effectively doubling survival. Both are members of a class of drugs known as taxanes.

Clinical Trials Update

May 26, 2009

May 26, 2009
Constipation
Depression (Adult and Geriatric)
Conjunctivitis, Bacterial
Schizophrenia
Healthy Volunteers
Alzheimer's Disease Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Constipation

If you are an adult with opioid-induced constipation, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in San Antonio, Texas.

Attention Problems in Kindergarten Could Spell Long-Term Academic Trouble

May 26, 2009
They have bigger impact than issues such as depression, anxiety, study finds. Children with attention problems in kindergarten often struggle academically right through high school, a new study suggests.

The study, led by Joshua Breslau of the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, is among the first to show how attention problems early in a child's life can shape and predict future academic performance, he said.

"The evidence suggests what many educators may already suspect, that kids with attention problems don't learn as much," said Breslau, an anthropologist and epidemiologist.

Youth and Driving Don't Always Mix Safely

May 23, 2009
Teens' opinions of their driving prowess pose risks on the road, experts say. Teen drivers are more likely than adults to crash their car, due to their youth and inexperience .

Looks, Money, Fame Don't Bring Happiness

May 22, 2009
Study finds reaching more intrinsic goals is what leads to well-being Having lots of money, good looks and fame may sound like a sure ticket to happiness, but a new study suggests otherwise.

Researchers at the University of Rochester in New York tracked 147 college graduates, evaluating their goals and their happiness at two points in time .

Many Black Women Refuse Breast Cancer Treatments

May 22, 2009
Poverty, fear play roles in skipping lifesaving therapies, researchers say. Almost 25 percent of black women with advanced breast cancer refuse the chemotherapy and radiation treatments that could save their lives, a new study finds.

Black women have almost twice the rate of advanced breast cancer as white women do, largely because the disease is often diagnosed after it has already progressed. In addition, some black women have misconceptions about cancer and are reluctant to seek medical help, the researchers said.

Clinical Trials Update

May 22, 2009

May 22, 2009
Smoking
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Psoriasis
Cystic Fibrosis
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD - Adults)
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:

Smoking

If you smoke, you may be eligible for this study. You dont need to be ready to quit smoking to participate.

Clinical Trials Update

May 21, 2009

May 21, 2009
Heartburn
Urticaria
Epilepsy
Migraine Headaches
Depression in Adults
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch:

Heartburn

If you are an adult with heartburn or acid reflux, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Bristol, Tenn.

More informationPlease see http://www.

Limiting Work Hours for Medical Residents Could Be Costly

May 20, 2009
And it may not lead to fewer medical errors, researchers suggest. For years, legislators and patient advocates have called for less grueling hours for medical residents to reduce the chances of medical errors.

Now, new research shows that allowing doctors-in-training to work fewer hours and take longer naps during their shifts won't come cheap .

Gene Gives Clues to Why Autism More Common in Boys

May 20, 2009
Family study sheds more light on mysterious condition. A new gene variant that may increase the risk of autism, particularly in boys, has been identified by U.S. researchers.

Online System Could Cut Referrals to Dermatologists

May 20, 2009
Suspect skin conditions evaluated by e-mail may also keep lid on costs, study suggests. Having general practitioners e-mail photos of suspicious moles and other skin conditions to dermatologists could reduce referrals to the skin specialists by more than 20 percent, new research shows.

Using Web-based technologies could be one way of keeping a lid on medical costs, which have been rising as the population in Western countries ages and the demand for referrals to costly specialists increases.

The study appears in the May issue of the Archives of Dermatology.

Clinical Trials Update

May 20, 2009

May 20, 2009
Type 2 Diabetes
Osteoporosis and Menopause
Moderate-to-Severe Hypertension
Osteoarthritis
Sprains
Fibromyalgia Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:

Type 2 Diabetes

This study is for people who are unable to manage their type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise.The research site is in San Diego, Calif.

Parents Influence Sex Decisions, Hispanic Teens Say

May 19, 2009
Survey findings may spark new pregnancy prevention tactics. Parents of Hispanic teens in the United States have the most influence on their kids' decisions about sex, according to a new national survey.

The birth rate among teens overall in the United States is rising after 14 years of decline. Among racial and ethnic groups, the rate of teen pregnancy and births is highest among Hispanic teens, with 53 percent of Hispanic females becoming pregnant when they're teens, according to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and the National Council of La Raza, which co-sponsored the survey.

Clinical Trials Update

May 19, 2009

May 19, 2009
Urinary Tract Infections
Endometriosis
Gout (Hyperuricemia) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch:
Urinary Tract Infections

If you are an adult with a urinary tract infection, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Fountain Valley, Calif.

More informationPlease see http://www.

Poor Women Seem to Be Skipping Breast Cancer Drugs

May 18, 2009
Theories vary as to why, but experts say consequence can be severe. In another sign of the challenges facing the health-care industry as it tries to serve the poor, researchers from North Carolina are reporting that nearly four in 10 poor women recovering from breast cancer do not take the drugs recommended to keep their cancer from returning.

Those who do not follow instructions to take these drugs, medications that block hormones, face a higher risk of dying, said study author Dr. Gretchen Kimmick.

Money May Matter, Health-Wise, in Old Age

May 18, 2009
With wealth and education come fewer chronic problems, study finds. People who are wealthy and educated appear to have a better chance of living a longer and healthier life.

Researchers from the British Economic & Social Research Council, who analyzed data from 2002 to 2007, found that that wealthier people lived longer, and those who were richer and better educated were less likely to have depression, high-blood pressure or diabetes or to be obese.

The gap in health and life expectancy caused by socioeconomic status was obvious in all age groups, but it was most pronounced among those in their 50s and 60s.

Multivitamins Might Prolong Life

May 18, 2009
By preserving protective ends of DNA, aging might be slowed, study suggests. Multivitamins may help women live longer by preventing parts of their DNA from shortening, a new study has found.

Telomeres, or the end portion of chromosomes, protect chromosomes from damage. Because telomeres shorten slightly when cells divide, researchers speculated that preventing this shortening could protect new cells and thus reduce the effects of aging.

Clinical Trials Update

May 18, 2009

May 18, 2009
Migraine and Cluster Headaches
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Eye Disorders/Infections
Gastroparesis
Gout
Type 1 Diabetes Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Migraine and Cluster Headaches

If you are an adult with moderate-to-severe migraine pain, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Bronx, N.

Short-Term Air Pollution Exposure May Damage DNA

May 18, 2009
Gene reprogramming can occur in just 3 days time. Breathing polluted air for even a short period of time can cause some genes to undergo reprogramming, which may affect a person's risk of developing cancer and other diseases, say Italian researchers.

Comparisons of blood DNA samples from healthy workers who were exposed to high levels of airborne particulates at a foundry near Milan revealed that after only three days of exposure, changes occurred in four genes that have been linked to tumor suppression, according to research presented Sunday at the International Conference of the American Thoracic Society, in San Diego.

This finding indicates "that environmental factors need little time to cause gene reprogramming, which is potentially associated with disease outcomes," investigator Dr.

New Insights Show Ginseng Fights Inflammation

May 15, 2009
Scientists spot anti-inflammatory components in the traditional remedy. Ginseng has been used in medicine for centuries, and now its reputation for improving health is expanding: A new study has found that the herb, which is used in traditional Chinese and other Asian medicine, fights inflammation.

Researchers from the University of Hong Kong identified seven constituents of ginseng, called ginsenosides, that showed immunosuppressive effects.

The findings are published online in the Journal of Translational Medicine.

Clinical Trials Update

May 15, 2009

May 15, 2009
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Osteoarthritis of the Hip
Prostate Disorders
Breast Cancer
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

This study is evaluating the long-term safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication to treat COPD.The research site is in New York City.

Clinical Trials Update

May 14, 2009

May 14, 2009
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Atrial Fibrillation
Conjunctivitis, Bacterial
Fibromyalgia
Alzheimer's Disease
Healthy Volunteers Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

If you are an adult with high blood pressure, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Raleigh, N.

More Single Women Are Having Babies

May 13, 2009
In U.S., 40 percent of new moms aren't married, CDC reports. The number of unmarried women having children has risen sharply in the United States and several other countries, according to U.S. health officials.

Clinical Trials Update

May 13, 2009

May 13, 2009
Chronic Constipation
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Healthy Volunteers
Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorders
Renal Cell Carcinoma
Anemia Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:

Chronic Constipation

Researchers are evaluating an investigational medication to see if it effectively treats constipation.The research site is in Burbank, Calif.

Biomarkers May Help Measure Rate of Decline in Dementia

May 12, 2009
Cerebrospinal fluid could be key in improving Alzheimer's research. Checking levels of certain biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid may help predict the rate of cognitive decline in people with very mild dementia, and this information could be used to improve the effectiveness of clinical trials, say U.S. researchers.

Clinical Trials Update

May 12, 2009

May 12, 2009
Neuroblastoma
Contraception
Arthritis and Arthritic Pain
Crohn's Disease
Depression (Ages 18-64)
Schizophrenia (Outpatient) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Neuroblastoma

If you or your child (aged one year or older) has relapsed or resistant neuroblastoma, you or your child may be eligible for this study.The research site is in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Most Women Struggle With Rising Health Care Costs

May 11, 2009
7 of 10 are uninsured, under-insured or have debt or access problems, study finds. Even before the slowdown in the economy began, women were more likely than men to have trouble meeting rising health-care costs to get the care they need.

So finds a report released Monday by the nonprofit research foundation The Commonwealth Fund.

More than half of women surveyed said they had problems getting care because of cost issues, including skipping a needed medical test, prescription medication or other treatment.

Where You Live May Affect Your Cancer Diagnosis

May 11, 2009
Risk of late-stage cancer greater in city dwellers than in rural residents, study shows. Living in the city could lead to certain common cancers being diagnosed at much later stages of their development, new research has found.

A study of residents of Illinois finds that city dwellers are more likely to have doctors spot breast, colorectal, lung or prostate cancer later in the disease's progression than their peers residing in the suburbs or rural areas. The rates for these late-stage cancers were highest in Chicago, the most densely populated and urban of the areas in the analysis, and tapered off the more rural and sparse an area's population became, according to the findings, which were based on a review of the 1998 to 2002 Illinois State Cancer Registry.

Clinical Trials Update

May 11, 2009

May 11, 2009
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Oral Contraceptives (Healthy Female Volunteers)
Depression
Crohn's Disease
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
Women's Health Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

If you are having alternating or diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, you may qualify for this study of an investigational medication.The research site is in Burbank, Calif.

Conflicts of Interest Still Exist in Cancer Research

May 11, 2009
Medical journals need to be more vigilant, analysis suggests. A recent analysis of major medical journals has found many potential conflicts of interest between researchers and medical industry companies, raising concern that investigators may at least be tempted to report favorable results to help the financial backers of their work.

The analysis, to be published in the June 15 issue of Cancer and headed by the University of Michigan, looked at more than 1,500 cancer studies published in eight authoritative journals, including Cancer, the New England Journal of Medicine and the Lancet, during a recent year and found:


Randomized clinical trials that assessed patient survival were more likely to link a survival advantage to the medical treatment being studied when a conflict of interest was present.

These trials, the authors noted, are how drugs, technologies, procedures and so on eventually get approved for use in medical practices.

Impulsivity Raises Alcoholism Risk

May 08, 2009
Mouse study finds those that crave alcohol are more likely to choose quick rewards. Being impulsive is a risk factor for alcoholism, a new study finds.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis researchers found that mice bred to crave large amounts of alcohol were more impulsive than mice that consumed little or no alcohol. The rodents' impulsivity was tested by giving them the choice between a small, immediate reward and a large, delayed reward.

Clinical Trials Update

May 8, 2009

May 08, 2009
Urinary Incontinence
Migraine and Cluster Headaches
Lupus
Anemia
Dry AMD-Age Macular Degeneration
Keloids (Thick Scars) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Urinary Incontinence

If you are an adult with a frequent urge to urinate, difficulty preventing leakage or other problems with urinating, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Mountlake Terrace, Wash.

Health Tip

Manage Medications Safely

May 08, 2009
Suggestions for storing, scheduling them To avoid the possibility of overdose, interaction or reaction, you must pay attention to how often, how and which medications you take.

The American Heart Association offers these suggestions to help you safely manage your medications:


Store medications in a cool, dark dry place. Don't store them in a bathroom or anywhere else that's prone to moisture.

Clinical Trials Update

May 7, 2009

May 07, 2009
Epilepsy
High Cholesterol
Overactive Bladder
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Post-Menopausal Osteoporosis
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:

Epilepsy

If you have epilepsy that does not respond to conventional antiepileptic drug treatments, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in New York City.

America's Top Allergy Capitals

May 06, 2009
Louisville, Ky., is rated most challenging city to live in for springtime sufferers. Louisville, Ky., is the most challenging place to live for people with spring allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's 2009 list of top 100 Spring Allergy Capitals.

The list, released Wednesday, is based on the impact that key environmental and medical factors have on people with allergies.

Clinical Trials Update

May 6, 2009

May 06, 2009
Crohn's Disease
Gout (Hyperuricemia)
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD - Adults)
Gout
Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms and Stress
Psoriasis Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Crohn's Disease

If you are a non-smoking adult with Crohn's disease, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Neptune, N.

Less Education May Mean Poorer Health

May 06, 2009
High school dropouts more than twice as prone to illness as college grads, study finds. American adults with the least education have the worst health, a new study finds.

Almost half of U.S.

U.S. Mental Health Spending Rises, But Many Still Left Out

May 05, 2009
Access to care improves, studies find, but treatment quality lags for elderly, vets. Mental health spending in the United States increased 65 percent in the past decade, and many more Americans are using mental health services, but there's still a big difference between access to care and quality of mental health care received, new research shows.

In a special edition of the May/June issue of Health Affairs focusing on mental health care in the United States, one study found that about half of Americans suffering from mental illness in a given year don't receive treatment, and another 25 percent receive treatment that's not consistent with evidence-based guidelines.

Some patients may receive inappropriate treatments, simply because doctors lack the evidence to make an informed decision about appropriate care, noted Philip Wang, acting deputy director of the National Institute of Mental Health, and colleagues.

Clinical Trials Update

May 5, 2009

May 05, 2009
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Alcohol Dependence
Birth Control with Transdermal Patch
Seizure Disorders
Bladder Disorders
HIV Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

If you have been affected by a traumatic or life-threatening experience, you may qualify for this study of PTSD.The research site is in New York City.

Hospital Volume Imperfect Gauge of Cancer Surgery Outcomes

May 04, 2009
Review finds inconsistent results, questions validity of numbers. Looking at the number of cancer surgeries performed at a hospital to determine where patients will receive the best care is a useful, but imperfect, method, say Australian researchers who reviewed 101 studies on hospital case volume and patient outcomes.

The studies included more than 1 million patients with esophageal, gastric, hepatic, pancreatic, colon or rectal cancer.

The review authors found a significant association between hospital case volume and death risk for five of the six cancer types.

More Kids Being Hurt by Falling Furniture

May 04, 2009
Researcher calls for parental diligence and new safety regulations. It was the scariest moment of Charlene Stevenson's life as a mother.

Last March, her 2-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter were playing in her bedroom while she got dressed in the bathroom.

Stevenson heard a crash.

Clinical Trials Update

May 4, 2009

May 04, 2009
Alzheimer's Disease
Women's Health
Epilepsy
Acne
Post-Menopausal Symptoms
Asthma Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Alzheimer's Disease

If you are aged 50 to 90 with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Tulsa, Okla.

Prescription Training Puts Docs in Shoes of Older Patients

May 01, 2009
Challenges for seniors on multiple meds better understood after taking hands-on approach. Two new studies show that specific training and tools can help young doctors do a better job of prescribing medications for their elderly patients.

Seniors face added challenges with prescriptions, especially since many tend to take multiple medications at one time. Avoiding their greater susceptibility to side effects and higher risk of drug interactions, and finding solutions to their possible physical, mental or financial impairments to maintaining dosing schedules were the focus of the studies, scheduled to be presented this week in Chicago at the American Geriatrics Society's Annual Scientific Meeting.

Treating Sleep Disorders May Ease ADHD Symptoms

May 01, 2009
Team suggests screening spares patients lifetime of problems. Researchers say a lifetime of problems with getting a good night's sleep could be in store for any child diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The study of 281 children, aged 10 to 17, who had been diagnosed with ADHD, found that regardless of the severity of that condition, they were two to three times more likely to have short-term or lifetime issues with insomnia or nightmares than peers without ADHD. They were also more likely to experience night terrors, teeth grinding and snoring.

Clinical Trials Update

May 1, 2009

May 01, 2009
Osteoarthritis of the Knee or Hip
Type 2 Diabetes
Ocular Hypertension or Open Angle Glaucoma
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD - Adults)
Arthritis and Arthritic Pain
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:

Osteoarthritis of the Knee or Hip

If you have osteoarthritis of the knee or hip, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Plano, Texas.

More Educated Choose Healthier Foods, But Pay More

May 01, 2009
Higher quality diets also associated with higher income levels, study finds. People with higher levels of education and income tend to eat healthier diets, but pay more for selecting foods that are less energy-dense (lower calorie/higher nutrient content), a U.S. study finds.

Clinical Trials Update

April 30, 2009

April 30, 2009
Cardiovascular Abnormalities
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Post-Menopausal Osteoporosis
Anemia
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Cardiovascular Abnormalities

If you are an adult with a saccular aneurysm (penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer) and have patent iliac or femoral arteries or can tolerate a vascular conduit that allows endovascular access to the aneurysm site, you may be eligible for this study.The research site is in Manhasset, N.

New Network Connects the Dots Between Diseases

April 29, 2009
Worldwide mapping furthers understanding of conditions, experts say. The world's largest disease network database has been created by U.S. researchers.

Clinical Trials Update

April 29, 2009

April 29, 2009
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Contraception (Health Female Volunteers Ages 18-40)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Language Disorder
Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Metastatic Bone Disease Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

If you have been diagnosed with ADHD or have difficulty concentrating, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Los Alamitos, Calif.

Clinical Trials Update

April 28, 2009

April 28, 2009
Vaccines
Hepatitis C, Chronic
Depression
Atrial Fibrillation
Lupus
Hot Flashes Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Vaccines

If you are the parent of an infant aged 55 to 89 days, he or she may qualify for this study of an investigational vaccine for meningitis.The research site is in Raleigh, N.

High Co-Pays Keeping Chronically Ill From Their Meds

April 27, 2009
Many are waiting years after a diagnosis to fill a first prescription, study finds. Rising co-pays may be keeping Americans with chronic illnesses from get the potentially lifesaving medications they need, a new study finds.

The problem may be symptomatic of rising health care costs in general and, according to Dr. Matthew D.

Clinical Trials Update

April 27, 2009

April 27, 2009
Chronic Constipation
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Healthy Volunteers Aged 65 and Older
Alzheimer's Disease
Prostate Disorders
Brain Injury Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:

Chronic Constipation

This study will evaluate whether an investigational medication effectively treats constipation.The research site is in Burbank, Calif.

Drug May Help Against Inflammatory Breast Cancer

April 27, 2009
Study shows those who respond to lapatinib survive longer. The drug lapatinib could be used to treat aggressive inflammatory breast cancer, suggest the findings of a phase 2 study.

Inflammatory breast cancer accounts for up to 6 percent of all invasive breast tumors in the United States and western Europe, according to the researchers. Symptoms include rapid onset of swelling, redness of breast skin, a pitted appearance caused by fluid under the skin of more than two-thirds of the breast, tenderness, hardening and warming of the breast.

Meds Help Kids With ADHD in Classroom

April 27, 2009
Study finds they do better than unmedicated peers but not as well as kids without disorder. Children who take medication to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) do better in elementary school than those who don't, a new study has found.

Of 594 children whose parents reported an ADHD diagnosis, those who took medication scored 2.9 points higher on standardized math tests and 5.

Clinical Trials Update

April 24, 2009

April 24, 2009
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
Sleep Disorders
Coronary Artery Disease
Type 2 Diabetes
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Migraine Prevention Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2

If you are an adult diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and have trouble controlling blood sugar on your current medication, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Phoenix, Ariz.

Racial Disparity in Death Rate May Be Avoidable

April 24, 2009
About half of all deaths stem from treatable conditions, study finds. Preventable or treatable health conditions account for nearly 70 percent of the difference in death rates between blacks and whites in the United States, a new study shows.

Overall, half of all deaths among Americans younger than 65 are caused by preventable or treatable conditions such as stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, colon cancer, appendicitis and the flu, the researchers said.

Their analysis of data from 1980 to 2005 found that black women had a 42 percent higher risk of death than white women, whereas black men had a 30 percent higher risk than white men.

Family History of Asthma Boosts Odds Almost 6 Times

April 23, 2009
U.S. researchers say assessing kin may identify those at risk for developing condition. Adults with a family history of asthma are up to six times more likely to develop the disease than an average person, say U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researchers.

As Earth Warms, Lyme Disease Could Flourish

April 23, 2009
Study warns that climate changes affect deer tick's life cycle. Global warming may increase the severity of Lyme disease by changing the feeding habits of the deer ticks that transmit it, new research has found.

During its two-year life span, a deer tick goes through three stages: larval, nymphal and adult. To survive, a tick must obtain a blood meal during each stage.

Clinical Trials Update

April 23, 2009

April 23, 2009
Heartburn / GERD
Alzheimer's Disease
Depression
Breast Cancer
Alzheimer's Disease
Bladder Disorders Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:
Heartburn / GERD

Do you have heartburn that's related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? If so, you may qualify for this study of an investigational medication.The research site is in Chandler, Ariz.

No Verdict Yet on Grape Seed Extract vs. Breast Cancer

April 23, 2009
Researchers plan more controlled study at different dosages. More research is needed to determine whether grape seed extract lowers hormone levels in postmenopausal women and provides protection against breast cancer, say researchers at the City of Hope cancer center in Duarte, Calif.

Because studies have suggested that grape seed extract inhibits aromatase, an enzyme that helps in estrogen production, the researchers looked at whether grape seed extract supplements could lower hormone levels in postmenopausal women.

What they found was a dramatic and sustained decrease in one patient with high baseline estrogen levels.

Osteoporosis Drugs Might Not Raise Cancer Risk

April 22, 2009
Two studies suggest bisphosphonates don't increase chances of esophageal tumors. Two new studies find that the class of osteoporosis drugs known as bisphosphonates may not, in fact, raise the risk of esophageal cancer.

This is in contrast to news earlier this year that the U.S.

More Americans Experiencing Gaps in Health Coverage

April 22, 2009
Further erosion of private insurance could boost the ranks of the uninsured The number of Americans going without health insurance for a period of time is greater today than it was two decades ago, a new survey has found.

These gaps in coverage, however, are shorter than they used to be because people are getting insurance through public programs, such as Medicaid.

"The bad news is the continuing reduction of private health insurance," said a co-author of the survey, David Cutler, an applied economics professor at Harvard University and a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research, both in Cambridge, Mass.

Medicare Change May Impact Black Kidney Patients

April 23, 2009
Single payment plan for dialysis and meds could put many at disadvantage, study suggests. Black kidney patients may have more difficulty getting dialysis under a new Medicare payment policy, researchers warn.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will make a single payment to dialysis units to cover both dialysis and injectable medications. These services were previously reimbursed separately.

Acupuncture Cuts Dry Mouth in Cancer Patients

April 22, 2009
Small study suggests larger trials needed to assess therapy over longer time. Acupuncture reduces severe dry mouth (xerostomia) among patients receiving radiation for head and neck cancer, a small pilot study suggests.

"The quality of life in patients with radiation-induced xerostomia is profoundly impaired," study senior author Mark S. Chambers, a professor in the dental oncology department at the University of Texas M.

Clinical Trials Update

April 22, 2009

April 22, 2009
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Migraine and Cluster Headaches
Pain
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Psoriasis
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

If you are 18 to 75 with a history of GERD symptoms (e.g.

Distance No Bar to Kidney Transplants in Remote Areas

April 21, 2009
Finding contradicts belief that process favors people in urban areas. People with kidney failure who live in rural or remote areas are not less likely to get a kidney transplant than people in urban areas, a new study finds.

Researchers analyzed U.S.

Clinical Trials Update

April 21, 2009

April 21, 2009
Osteoarthritis of the Hip
Smoking Cessation and Depression
Shingles Pain
Panic Disorders
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ocular Hypertension Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:
Osteoarthritis of the Hip

If you have osteoarthritis of the hip, you may qualify for this study.The research sites are located throughout the United States.

Grapefruit Juice Boosts Anti-Cancer Drug's Effects

April 20, 2009
Small study finds 8-ounce glass enhances absorption of rapamycin 3 to 4 times. Grapefruit juice boosts the anti-cancer effects of the drug rapamycin, according to a small study that included 25 patients with advanced solid tumors, for which there is no effective treatment.

The patients took 15- to 35-milligram doses of the drug, as a liquid, once a week. After the first week of the study, they also drank a glass (eight ounces) of grapefruit juice immediately after taking the drug and once a day for the rest of the week.

Kids and Veggies

Offer Them and They Will Eat

April 20, 2009
Availability in poor areas more of an issue than youngsters' tastes, studies find. Good nutrition may be more an issue of supply than demand in the poorest parts of the lower Mississippi Delta.

A new study found that children in these rural areas are open to eating more fruits and vegetables, but other research shows these products are not readily available and could become even less so if the economy continues to lag.

The findings are from two studies that were to be presented Sunday at the Experimental Biology conference in New Orleans as part of a program sponsored by the American Society for Nutrition.

Clinical Trials Update

April 20, 2009

April 20, 2009
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Depression (Adolescent)
Prostate Disorders
Menopause (Females, Ages 40-64)
Chronic Pain
Healthy Volunteers Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

If you are an adult with well-controlled asthma or stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you may be eligible for this study.The research site is in Clearwater, Fla.

Death Certificates Incomplete for Suicide Victims

April 17, 2009
Failing to list mental disorders makes prevention more difficult, study finds. About half of those who commit suicide have been diagnosed with a mental disorder.

But fewer than 10 percent of their death certificates list mental disorder as a contributing factor, a new study shows.

Incomplete death certificates make it more difficult for health-care policymakers to create prevention strategies, said lead researcher Ian Rockett, a professor of epidemiology and associate chairman of the West Virginia University Department of Community Medicine.

Clinical Trials Update

April 17, 2009

April 17, 2009
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
Depression
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Healthy Patient Studies
Chronic Leg Pain
Women's Health Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

This study seeks qualified participants with restless leg syndrome.The research site is in DeLand, Fla.

'Phase 0' Trials Aim to Speed Cancer Drug Development

April 17, 2009
Report on first such study involves effort to improve chemotherapy effectiveness. Even after years of painstaking research and testing, only a small percentage of cancer agents make it from the laboratory to the patient. So scientists have come up with a way to weed out the duds earlier in the process and speed good medications to the marketplace.

The new model, a so-called "phase 0" clinical trial, promises to streamline the costly and time-consuming drug development process, helping to deliver good drugs to people who need them more quickly.

Tough Laws, Higher Prices Mean Fewer Kids Smoke

April 17, 2009
Study finds that enforcing existing laws cuts rate by 21 percent American adolescents who live in states that comply with tobacco sales laws are less likely to pick up a smoking habit than are those who live where the laws are not vigorously enforced, a new study has found.

And raising the price of a pack of cigarettes might have an equal, if not greater, effect, the study also showed.

"Efforts to prevent the sale of tobacco to children pay off," said study author Dr.

Mild Flu Season Coming to a Close

April 16, 2009
Outpatient visits, deaths were lower than previous year, CDC says. Confirming earlier reports, U.S. health officials said Thursday that the 2008-09 flu season was one of the milder seasons in recent years.

Clinical Trials Update

April 16, 2009

April 16, 2009
Ocular Hypertension
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Gout
Malaria Vaccine
Female Sexual Dysfunction Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:
Ocular Hypertension

If you are at least 21 and have been diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension in at least one eye and are currently being treated with Istalol or Betimol, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Philadelphia, Penn.

Clinical Trials Update

April 15, 2009

April 15, 2009
Childhood Major Depression
Heart Disease
Weight Loss (Obesity) / Type 2 Diabetes
Sexual Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction
Rheumatoid Arthritis Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:
Childhood Major Depression

This 38-week study is for young people aged 7 to 17. Clinic visits will be more frequent initially, once weekly, then progress to every 2 to 4 weeks.

New Drug Being Tested for Pancreatic Cancer

April 15, 2009
Lab findings show potential for use alone or in combination, scientist says. An experimental drug appeared to reduce pancreatic cancer growth in laboratory tests, according to researchers from the drug's maker, Amgen.

Called AMG 479, the drug is designed to inhibit the activity of insulin-like growth factors IGF-1 and IGF-2.

"We know that insulin-like growth factors play a role in cancer development, particularly in mediating cell survival," Pedro J.

Across the U.S., Stress Varies by Region

April 14, 2009
CDC surveys find more relaxed people in Hawaii, fewer in Kentucky, W. Va. Life in America is getting more stressful, especially if you live in the Appalachian or Mississippi Valley regions.

Almost 10 percent of some 1.2 million people surveyed annually by the U.

Former Inmates at Increased Risk for High Blood Pressure

April 14, 2009
And they're more likely to lack treatment for it years after freedom, study finds. Young adults who are former prison inmates are at increased risk for high blood pressure and a related heart condition called left ventricular hypertrophy, a U.S. study finds.

Clinical Trials Update

April 14, 2009

April 14, 2009
Prostate Cancer
Leukemia
Migraine and Cluster Headaches
Insomnia
Osteoarthritis of the Knee or Hip
Female Hot Flashes Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch and ClinicalConnection.com:

Prostate Cancer

If you have prostate cancer with evidence of progression (by rising PSA, nodal/visceral disease, bone scan or local recurrence), you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Boston, Mass.

Slow-Healing Bones May Get Boost From Drug

April 14, 2009
Full-fledged study will test effect on healing time and pain reduction. A drug that boosts the body's production of stem cells appears to "jump-start" the bone-healing process to a point that older adults' bones heal as fast as young people's, suggest preliminary results released Tuesday by U.S. researchers.

Awareness of Alternative Therapies May Be Lacking

April 13, 2009
Clinicians who don't know about studies won't use findings, survey suggests. About 25 percent of practicing clinicians in the United States aren't aware of two major federal government-funded clinical trials of complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies, a new survey has found.

The survey, which included 1,561 acupuncturists, naturopaths, internists and rheumatologists, also found that many clinicians aren't fully confident in their ability to interpret research results.

CAM therapies are widely used in the United States, but it's only been in recent years that rigorous studies of the safety and effectiveness of the treatments have been conducted, according to background information in the study.

Review Confirms Links Between Diet, Heart Health

April 13, 2009
Vegetables, nuts, and 'Mediterranean' fare most beneficial, researchers find. Vegetables, nuts and the so-called "Mediterranean" diet are heart-friendly, while trans fats and foods with a high glycemic index can harm your heart, say researchers who reviewed 189 studies published between 1950 and 2007.

The studies included 146 prospective cohort studies (which examined past habits of participants) and 43 randomized controlled trials (volunteers were randomly assigned to consume a certain kind of diet).

"The relationship between dietary factors and coronary heart disease has been a major focus of health research for almost half a century," wrote Andrew Mente, of the Population Health Research Institute, and colleagues.

Wristbands May Lessen Nausea After Radiation

April 13, 2009
Small study finds acupressure cut symptoms beyond mere placebo effect. Acupressure wristbands might help cancer patients experience almost a 25 percent less nausea during radiation treatments, a new study says.

The finding, published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, also discounted the common belief that such non-Western medical treatments act more as a placebo than an actual pain reliever.

"We know the placebo effect exists; the problem is that we don't know how to measure it very well," corresponding author Joseph A.

Clinical Trials Update

April 13, 2009

April 13, 2009
Type 1 Diabetes
Alzheimer's Disease
Healthy Volunteers
Alzheimer's Disease
Epilepsy
Asthma Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com and CenterWatch:
Type 1 Diabetes

This study will evaluate an investigational drug in people aged 20 to 65 with type 1 diabetes, who have used insulin for at least three years.The research site is in San Antonio, Texas.

Race May Not Be Key in Cancer Disparities

April 13, 2009
Study finds differences drop or disappear when scale is reduced. Race and genetics may not be as big a factor in surviving certain cancers as long suspected, a new study finds.

Though racial disparities have been found in many studies, researchers say they are far less apparent when zeroing in on smaller populations or geographical areas, such as a neighborhood instead of a city.

A report in the May 15 issue of Cancer suggests that this means that modifiable factors .

Clinical Trials Update

April 10, 2009

April 10, 2009
Healthy Patient Studies
Chronic Leg Pain
Restless Legs Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch:
Healthy Patient Studies

If you are a healthy adult aged 18 to 55, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Neptune, N.J.

Medication May Improve Scar Healing

April 10, 2009
Juvista scores well for skin appearance in 3 trials. The drug avotermin (brand name Juvista) seems to improve the healing of skin scars, according to three new studies.

Some volunteers had avotermin (Human Recombinant TGFa3) administered to their skin before wounding and again 24 hours later to both sides of 1-centimeter incisions that went all the way through the skin of the upper inner arm to the depth of the underlying muscle. Identical wounds were inflicted on other volunteers who received a placebo or standard wound care.

Secondhand Smoke Affecting Millions of New Yorkers

April 09, 2009
Nonsmokers have higher-than-average levels of residue, study finds. More than half of New York City residents who do not smoke have elevated levels of the residue of secondhand smoke in their blood, says the city's health department.

And that suggests that nonsmokers in the city .

Clinical Trials Update

April 9, 2009

April 09, 2009
Allergies and Asthma
Emphysema
Alzheimer's Disease Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch:
Allergies and Asthma

If you or your child is 12 or older with uncontrolled allergic asthma, you or the child may qualify for this study.The research site is in Missoula, Mont.

More informationPlease see http://www.

Flu Strikes a Milder Blow This Season

April 08, 2009
Effective vaccine and more vaccinations among young people helped, experts say. As the flu season winds down, experts say this has been the mildest season in years.

Less severe strains of influenza and a good vaccine match for the strains that were circulating combined to create a milder season this year than last, according to the U.S.

Clinical Trials Update

April 8, 2009

April 08, 2009
Depression (Pediatric)
Asthma
Hepatitis C Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch:
Depression (Pediatric)

If your child is aged 7 to 17 and has pediatric depression, the child may qualify for this study.The research site is in Seattle, Wash.

More informationPlease see http://www.

New TB Vaccine Passes Safety Trial

April 08, 2009
Experimental preparation was tested in people with latent infection. An experimental tuberculosis vaccine called MVA85A proved safe in a small phase I clinical trial.

The study included 12 people with latent tuberculosis infection, which, when re-activated, can cause full-blown TB. It's believed that about a third of the world's population has this latent infection.

Traveling for Treatment

April 08, 2009
Americans are looking overseas for less-expensive medical care. David Boucher celebrated his 50th birthday this year by jetting to Bangkok for his first colonoscopy.

There he was seen by a California-educated physician and no shortage of nurses, who verified his identity 15 times before the procedure.

To be sure, Boucher had a secondary motive: He is founder and president of Companion Global Healthcare, a subsidiary of Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina that includes in its network 13 hospitals around the world that have been accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI).

New Prostate Cancer Drug May Hold Promise

April 07, 2009
Researchers apply for large-scale testing after 'very promising' early results. A new drug with a radically different way of attacking prostate cancer has done well in an initial trial and is ready for larger-scale testing, researchers report.

One standard treatment for the malignancy is to inhibit the activity of androgens, male hormones such as testosterone that help drive tumor growth. Existing anti-androgens try to "shut down the factory" that produces the hormones, but the new drug blocks the receptors for those androgens on the tumor cells, said Dr.

Clinical Trials Update

April 7, 2009

April 07, 2009
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
Liposuction
Breast Cancer Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch:
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2

If you are an adult with type 2 diabetes, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Researchers Profile the 'Light' Smoker

April 06, 2009
They're younger, more often black or Hispanic, report finds. The dangers of heavy and regular cigarette smoking are well known, but researchers have now produced an overview of "light" smokers in the United States.

The examination of intermittent or occasional smokers, which the U.S.

H - Clinical Trials Update

April 6, 2009

April 06, 2009
Allergy
Sprains
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch:
Allergy

If your child is 12 or older and has at least a two-year history of seasonal allergies, he or she may qualify for this study.The research site is in San Antonio, Texas.

More informationPlease see http://www.

Clinical Trials Update

April 3, 2009

April 03, 2009
Painful Diabetic Neuropathy (Inpatient)
Weight Loss (Obesity) / Type II Diabetes
Child Allergies Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Painful Diabetic Neuropathy (Inpatient)

This study seeks people aged 18 to 80 with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who have painful diabetic neuropathy. The research site is in DeLand, Fla.

Plain-Language Guides Detail Insulin Treatments

April 02, 2009
U.S. agency compiles comparison of therapies for both doctors and patients. New "plain language" guides from the federal government spell out the differences between available treatments for type 2 diabetes for patients and doctors alike.

The guides, produced by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), compare and contrast newer premixed insulin analogues to conventional insulin (human insulin). The guides examine cost, side effects and the medication's effectiveness based on a patient's need.

For Some, More Costly Care Is Not by Choice

April 02, 2009
Study finds poorer, less healthy families are sometimes shunted to high-deductible plans. Many low-income American families with sick children are being enrolled in high-deductible health-care plans, a new study has found.

In 2007, about 10 percent of employers offered high-deductible plans, and about 14.8 million adults were enrolled in the plans.

Typical Binge Drinker Is Young White Male

April 02, 2009
Half of alcohol-linked deaths are tied to bouts of excessive consumption, CDC notes. Binge drinking in the United States is most common among whites, males, people ages 18 to 34, and those who make $50,000 or more a year, according to a study released Thursday.

The study defined binge drinking as having five or more drinks on one occasion.

The U.

Clinical Trials Update

April 2, 2009

April 02, 2009
Stuttering
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Hip and Knee Arthritis Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Stuttering

People who stutter are being sought for a clinical research study. You may qualify if you are aged 18 to 65 and have stuttered since before the age of 8.

High Rate of Rehospitalizations Costing Billions

April 01, 2009
More than half of discharged Medicare patients are readmitted within a year, study finds. One in five Medicare patients discharged from the hospital is readmitted within 30 days, while half end up back in the hospital within a year, a new study finds.

The groundbreaking research exposes a "frequent, costly and sometimes life-threatening" problem that researchers believe could be prevented through better care coordination. The study appears in the April 2 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Researchers Test Lithium as Radiation Protector

April 01, 2009
Study in mice hints at possible use in brain cancer treatment. Lithium may help protect brain cells when people with brain cancer undergo radiation therapy, a new study suggests.

Cranial radiation therapy can cause long-term neurological effects, particularly in children, according to researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. But they explain that lithium has brain-protective properties that might reduce these side effects.

Living Near Major Road May Boost Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk

April 01, 2009
And women closest to traffic were 63 percent more likely to develop the disease, study says. People exposed to high levels of traffic pollution have an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis, a new study suggests.

Researchers analyzed the records of 90,000 women in the Nurses Health Study and used special software to measure the distance between each woman's home and the nearest major roadways. The results showed that women who lived within 50 meters (164 feet) of interstates or primary, multi-lane roads were 31 percent more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis (RA) than those who lived more than 200 meters (656 feet) from a major roadway.

Clinical Trials Update

April 1, 2009

April 01, 2009
Osteoporosis in Females
Severe High Blood Pressure
Anxiety and Nervousness Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Osteoporosis in Females

If you or a loved one has osteoporosis or weak/soft bones, you may qualify for this study of an investigational drug. The research sites are nationwide.

An Online Guide to Cope With Recession-Related Stress

April 01, 2009
U.S.-supported site offers advice, referrals to help protect your health. People struggling with emotional turmoil during these uncertain economic times can find help online through a new U.S. government-sponsored guide.

Gene Mutation Doubles Risk of Aggressive Colon Cancer in Blacks

April 01, 2009
Study found whites much less likely to have this variant A genetic mutation may explain why blacks are more likely than whites to have a more aggressive form of colorectal cancer, U.S. researchers report.

Statin Might Help Fight Blood Clots in Veins

March 30, 2009
Cholesterol-lowering Crestor cut risk by 43%, study found. In addition to dramatically reducing the incidence of heart attacks and stroke, the cholesterol-lowering drug Crestor appears to have another important benefit: reducing the rate of blood clots in the veins, new research has found.

Interestingly, participants in this study, which was presented Sunday at the American College of Cardiology annual meeting, in Orlando, Fla., did not have elevated levels of LDL, or "bad," cholesterol, but they did have increased levels of the inflammatory marker called C-reactive protein (CRP).

Clinical Trials Update

March 30, 2009

March 30, 2009
Osteoarthritis of the Hip
High Blood Pressure Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:
Osteoarthritis of the Hip

A six-month study for people who have osteoarthritis of the hip is being conducted in Houston, Texas.

More informationPlease see http://www.

Statin Might Help Fight Blood Clots in Veins

March 29, 2009
Cholesterol-lowering Crestor cut risk by 43 percent, study found. In addition to dramatically reducing the incidence of heart attacks and stroke, the cholesterol-lowering drug Crestor appears to have another important benefit: reducing the rate of blood clots in the veins, new research has found.

Interestingly, participants in this study, being presented Sunday at the American College of Cardiology annual meeting in Orlando, Fla., did not have elevated levels of LDL, or "bad," cholesterol, but they did have increased levels of the inflammatory marker called C-reactive protein (CRP).

Hormone Reduces Mortality in Heart Patients With High BP

March 30, 2009
Relaxin cuts shortness of breath and trimmed hospital stays, phase 2 study concludes. The hormone relaxin reduces shortness of breath and cardiovascular death in people with heart failure who also have high blood pressure, according to a phase 2 trial conducted in eight countries.

The study included 234 people who, within a few hours of arriving at a hospital, were randomly assigned to receive an intravenous infusion of a placebo or varying doses of relaxin .

New Surgery for Heart Failure Proves Ineffective

March 30, 2009
Isolating damaged heart tissue does not produce better outcomes, study finds. A surgical procedure called ventricular reconstruction that doctors hoped would improve symptoms in people with heart failure does not seem to work, a new study has found.

The hope was that by isolating the damaged part of the left ventricle .

One in Five Working Adults Said to Lack Health Insurance

March 27, 2009
Experts say job losses pose new problems in era of rising costs. Since Hillary Clinton unsuccessfully led the charge for national health care reform when she was first lady in 1994, about 9 million more Americans .

Study Links Sugar Production in Yeast Cells to Longevity

March 27, 2009
Conservation of glucose for survival may apply to humans as well, researchers say. The process by which yeast cells produce glucose may affect how long the cells .

Health-Care Costs Go Up, and Stay Up, for Abused Women

March 27, 2009
Domestic violence carries 'substantial financial price,' study finds. Women who are physically or psychologically abused by their partners spend more each year on health care, even years after the abuse stops, a new report says.

The long-term study of more than 3,300 women in the Pacific Northwest revealed that women in ongoing abusive relationships spent about 42 percent more a year on physical and mental health-care services than did women not in abusive relationships.

Even those who had not been subjected to abuse in at least five years spent 19 percent a year more for health care than those who had never suffered abuse from an intimate partner, according to findings by a team from Ohio State University, the Group Health Cooperative, and the University of Washington in Seattle.

Clinical Trials Update

March 27, 2009

March 27, 2009
Epilepsy
Cancer Pain
Healthy Children Studies Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch:
Epilepsy

If you are an adult being treated for epilepsy and have at least three partial seizures per 28 days, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Lexington, Ky.

More informationPlease see http://www.

Patients' Bill of Rights Too Tough to Read

March 27, 2009
Analysis shows most documents require reading skills beyond those of general population. This one should come as no surprise to most consumers: A patient's bill of rights, the document that outlines your expectations for medical care, is usually written in language so dense and crammed with legalese that you need college-level reading skills to understand it.

That's the crux of a new analysis, which also points out that the average American reads at an eighth-grade level.

The problem is highlighted in the report, recently published by the Journal of General Internal Medicine, with two striking examples:

For the Right to Know Names of Providers, there is this: "Upon request, to obtain from the facility in charge of his care the name and specialty, if any, of the physician or other person responsible for his care or the coordination of his care.

Midwest and Northeast May Face Surgeon Shortage

March 26, 2009
Specialists are concentrating in areas with high doctor/patient ratios, experts say. Certain rural and urban areas of the United States may soon face shortages of access to surgical care, especially for underserved and aging populations, a new study warns.

Researchers found that surgeons are moving to areas with already established medical communities, a trend that could lead to shortages in some local areas, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest. Though the federal government offers incentives to persuade primary care doctors to practice in underserved areas, no such program exists for general surgeons.

Working Memory Fluctuates in Kids With ADHD

March 26, 2009
Study reveals varied response times for tasks, though answers were still correct. Compared with other children, those with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have more inconsistent responses when doing short-term memory tasks, a new study finds.

"Our study helps explain why working memory may be fine at one moment and poor at another, just as one day a child with ADHD seems to be able to learn and focus in class and on another day seems distracted and not paying attention," study author Julie Schweitzer, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of California, Davis, said in a news release from the school. The study was done while Schweitzer was at the University of Maryland.

Clinical Trials Update

March 26, 2009

March 26, 2009
Ocular Hypertension

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2

Prostate Disorders Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch:
Ocular Hypertension

If you have been diagnosed with ocular hypertension or open angle glaucoma and are currently using Xalatan eye drops, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Clarksville, Tenn.

More informationPlease see http://www.

Few Hospitals Embracing Electronic Health Record Systems

March 25, 2009
Researchers say cost, doctors' reluctance to change are main barriers to adoption. Only a small number of hospitals in the United States have comprehensive electronic health record systems currently in place, a new study finds.

The biggest obstacle to adopting such systems are costs, which can run as high as $20 million to $100 million, plus the reluctance of doctors to change their ways, experts say.

"President Obama, members of Congress and other policymakers have been pushing the notion that we need to have electronic records in hospitals and doctor's offices to make our health-care system work better," said lead researcher Dr.

U.S. Asked to Do More for Kids' Mental Health

March 26, 2009
Report urges new role in coordinating, funding local prevention efforts. A report from private, nonprofit groups calls on the U.S. government to become more involved in protecting and improving the mental health of the nation's youth.

Clinical Trials Update

March 25, 2009

March 25, 2009
Lupus
Breast Cancer
Atherosclerosis Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch:
Lupus

If you are 16 or older with systemic lupus erythematosus and active kidney disease, you may qualify for this study of an investigational medication.The research site is in Oklahoma City, Okla.

More informationPlease see http://www.

Licorice May Block Absorption of Organ Transplant Drug

March 24, 2009
Study finds potential interaction with cyclosporine could lead to fatal complications. People taking the immunosuppressant cyclosporine should avoid consuming licorice because it may weaken the drug's effectiveness and possibly lead to deadly consequences, new research suggests.

Chemists in Taiwan report that lab rats taking cyclosporine .

Clinical Trials Update

March 24, 2009

March 24, 2009
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Shingles
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch:
Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you are an adult with rheumatoid arthritis and have been on methotrexate for at least six months, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Wilmington, N.C.

With Alzheimer's, Health-Care Costs Could Triple

March 24, 2009
Experts urge greater investment in research to stem 'crippling' expenses. In a new report, the Alzheimer's Association estimates that Alzheimer's disease and dementia triple the health-care costs for afflicted seniors.

In addition, people who live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities pay an average of $16,689 in out-of-pocket costs each year, researchers found. The association also estimates that nearly 10 million unpaid caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease spent 8.

Electrical Signal in Brain Seems to Warn of 'Mistakes'

March 23, 2009
Finding may help in kids with ADHD, workers under stress. A distinct electric signature in the brain indicates when someone is about to make a mistake, say researchers who scanned the brain waves of volunteers as they worked on attention-demanding tasks.

The American and Dutch researchers said their findings could have a wide range of applications, such as developing new ways to help children cope with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or creating monitoring devices that alert air traffic controllers when their attention is wavering.

The study included 14 university students who did a test called the "sustained attention response task," which is used to evaluate brain damage, ADHD and other neurological disorders.

Clinical Trials Update

March 23, 2009

March 23, 2009
Bladder Disorders
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
Eye Disorders/Infections Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch:
Bladder Disorders

If you are a woman 18 or older with at least a six-month history of pure or predominantly urge incontinence, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Norfolk, Va.

More informationPlease see http://www.

Study IDs Gene Variants Tied to Sudden Cardiac Death

March 23, 2009
Finding could prevent fatal arrhythmias by limiting meds in those with risk factor. Fourteen common genetic variants associated with a risk factor for sudden cardiac death have been identified by researchers who analyzed genetic data from more than 13,000 people.

The gene variants they identified influence the QT interval measured on electrocardiograms (EKGs) routinely used by doctors to assess patients' heart health. The QT interval is the time from the beginning of electrical activation of the heart to the end of electrical relaxation, according to background information in a news release about the study.

With the Economy Down, Vasectomy Rates Are Up

March 23, 2009
The expense of raising another child may be driving the trend, doctors say. Doctors around the United States are reporting a sharp increase in the number of vasectomies performed since the economy soured last year, with one noting that many of his clients are from the beleaguered financial industry.

Their best guess is that the trend is due both to a decreased desire to have children because of the expense involved, and an increased desire to get such medical procedures done before their jobs .

Clinical Trials Update

March 20, 2009

March 20, 2009
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Diabetic Neuropathy
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch:
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

If you are aged 18 to 75, you may qualify for this study of hand eczema.The research site is in West Palm Beach, Fla.

More informationPlease see http://www.

TB Still Declining in U.S., But at Slower Rate

March 19, 2009
CDC analysis finds almost half of all cases last year in 4 states. Tuberculosis cases reached an all-time low rate in the United States last year, according to a new federal government report.

The U.S.

Dearth of Data on Capabilities May Be Hurting ER Care

March 19, 2009
Day-to-day emergencies require coordination similar to trauma system, expert says. Though most Americans live within an hour of an emergency medical facility, chances are it's not one that can save them when time is of the essence, a new study has found.

The study in the Annals of Emergency Medicine reported that when time is a critical issue in a medical crisis, as is the case with a heart attack or stroke, the nearest facility is not always the best to handle the situation. The dispersal of the U.

Clinical Trials Update

March 19, 2009

March 19, 2009
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Osteoporosis
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch:
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

If you are a woman aged 40 to 70, are a current or former smoker, and have been diagnosed with COPD, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Kirkland, Wash.

More informationPlease see http://www.

Trial Vaccine May Protect Against Serious Viral Infection

March 18, 2009
Women given injection could cut risk for CMV in half, study suggests. Women who were given an experimental vaccine for a viral infection that can cause serious problems in babies, known as cytomegalovirus, reduced their risk of infection by 50 percent for as long as three and half years after vaccination, according to new research.

"In many ways, this was a surprising result," said the lead author of the study, Dr. Robert Pass, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Millions of Americans With Chronic Ills Put Off Health Care

March 18, 2009
Survey shows they suffer consequences of delaying doctor visits, filling prescriptions. Millions of Americans suffering from at least one chronic health problem are putting off care, not taking needed medications, and resigning themselves to feelings of isolation and depression.

So reveals a new poll commissioned by the National Council on Aging, with support from The Atlantic Philanthropies and the California HealthCare Foundation.

"This report presents a distressing picture of the barriers facing those most in need of ongoing care and support, whether or not they have insurance," said Carol Pryor, policy director of the Access Project in Boston.

Clinical Trials Update

March 18, 2009

March 18, 2009
Gastrointestinal Diseases and Disorders
Migraine (Pediatric)
Psoriasis and Psoriatic Disorders Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch:
Gastrointestinal Diseases and Disorders

If you have had at least one documented attack of acute diverticulitis in the previous 24 months that has been resolved with colonic resection, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Kalamazoo, Mich.

More informationPlease see http://www.

Admissions for Prescription Painkiller Abuse on Rise

March 17, 2009
Alcohol treatment still heads list but figures decline, report finds. Admissions for treatment of prescription painkiller abuse in the United States have risen dramatically over the past decade, from 1 percent of all substance abuse admissions in 1997 to 5 percent in 2007, according to a government report released Tuesday.

Alcohol was still the leading cause (40 percent) of the 1.8 million substance abuse treatment admissions in 2007, but has declined from 50 percent in 1997, said the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration report.

Narcolepsy Drug Might Be Addictive

March 17, 2009
Finding comes as use of stimulant for enhanced mental function is on the increase. A drug used to treat narcolepsy is increasingly being taken to sharpen mental skills, but researchers now report troubling evidence that it also harbors the potential for abuse.

Modafinil (Provigil) apparently alters the dopamine "reward system" in the brain, the new study shows.

"This drug does seem to show properties that it can be habit-forming," said Dr.

Lymphedema Raises Cost of Breast Cancer Care

March 17, 2009
Painful swelling can require treatments for infections and depression. In breast cancer survivors, lymphedema .

Clinical Trials Update

March 17, 2009

March 17, 2009
Healthy Patient Studies
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Rheumatoid Arthritis Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch:
Healthy Patient Studies

If you are 50 or older and do not have a history of neck pain, you may qualify for this study of balance and its association with head and neck position.The research site is in Lexington, Ky.

More informationPlease see http://www.

Tiniest Babies Carry Biggest Costs

March 17, 2009
Businesses urged to help lower health costs and prevent preterm births. One year of medical costs paid by a company's health insurance for a premature baby could cover the medical costs of almost a dozen healthy, full-term babies, a new report from the March of Dimes claims.

Medical costs for healthy, full-term babies during their first year average $4,551, of which about $3,800 is covered by employer heath insurance. But for preterm babies, the cost is almost $50,000, with about $46,000 paid by employer insurance.

Fewer Teens Sniffing Glue, Household Products

March 16, 2009
But report finds perception of dangers from inhalants at lowest point since 1991. More than 17 percent of American adolescents who use drugs started by sniffing common household products such as glue, shoe polish and air fresheners to get high, according to a U.S. government report released Monday.

Clinical Trials Update

March 16, 2009

March 16, 2009
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
Weight Loss
Alzheimer's Disease Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch:
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2

If you have type 2 diabetes, are 18 or older, have an HbA1C of 7 to 10, and have been on 1500 mg daily of metformin for at least 8 weeks or sulfonylurea for at least three months, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Escondido, Calif.

More informationPlease see http://www.

Clinical Trials Update

March 13, 2009

March 13, 2009
Gout (Hyperuricemia)
Neoplasm Metastasis
Head and Neck Cancer Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch:
Gout (Hyperuricemia)

If you are aged 18 to 80 and have met the preliminary criteria of the American Rheumatism Association for primary gout or meet other criteria for gout diagnosis, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Atlanta, Ga.

More informationPlease see http://www.

Investigational Drug May Help Avert Blood Clots

March 13, 2009
Researchers say it works even when common blood thinners also are taken. A drug derived from the magnolia tree appears to be safe and tolerable in preventing blood clots, according to a phase 2 study conducted by researchers at the Duke Clinical Research Institute.

The trial included 1,030 people, 45 years and older, who were scheduled to undergo either percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) .

Many Seniors Not Selecting Lowest Cost Medicare Drug Plans

March 13, 2009
Too many choices, confusing options are roadblocks to smartest decision, report says. Most seniors facing the staggering choices of drug plans available through Medicare don't select the plan with the lowest costs, a new report says.

The report found that the more than 50 standalone drug plans in many states should let people pick the best value for their individual medical and financial needs, but most consumers aren't making the smart economic choice.

"The idea that was touted, when it became clear that there would be so many plans available, was that seniors would compare plans and choose the best possible plan given their individual needs and economic circumstances," said Tricia Neuman, the Kaiser Family Foundation's vice president and director of its Medicare Policy Project.

Pancreatic Drug Trial Halted on Promising Results

March 12, 2009
Sutent showed greater survival rates, Pfizer says. Drug maker Pfizer Inc. said Thursday that a late-stage clinical trial of its cancer drug Sutent has been stopped early, because it showed significant benefit for patients with a rare form of pancreatic cancer.

The phase 3 trial included patients with advanced pancreatic islet cell tumors, also known as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, the company said in a news release.

Clinical Trials Update

March 12, 2009

March 12, 2009
Allergy
Epilepsy
Pain Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch:
Allergy

If you or your child are 12 or older and have been diagnosed with year-round allergies, with symptoms including runny nose, congestion, sneezing, or itchy eyes/nose, you or the child may qualify for this study.The research site is in Raleigh, N.C.

Clinical Trials Update

March 11, 2009

March 11, 2009
Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorders
Migraine and Cluster Headaches
Healthy Patient Studies Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch:
Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorders

If you are aged 18 to 65, are currently stable in an outpatient setting, have not been hospitalized in the last two months, and have not taken risperidone for the last six weeks, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Little Rock, Ark.

More informationPlease see http://www.

DNA Testing Lays Romanov Murder Mystery to Rest

March 11, 2009
Bodies found near rest of Tsar Nicholas II's family identified as 2 missing children An enduring mystery has been laid to rest with the DNA identification of the bodies of two children of the last Tsar of Russia.

The bones of the siblings, Tsarevich Alexei and a sister, were discovered in a grave outside Yekaterinburg in 2007. The remains of their father, Tsar Nicholas II, the Tsarina Alexandra and their three other daughters were found in 1991 about 70 meters away and were subsequently identified.

Shootings Linked to Alcohol-to-Go Outlets, Study Finds

March 10, 2009
Tighter controls are urged to help reduce urban violence. The chances of being shot increase when excess drinking occurs near a place that sells alcohol to go, according to a study by University of Pennsylvania researchers.

"Individuals in and around off-premise alcohol outlets were shot as the victims of predatory crimes, possibly because they had heavily consumed and were easier targets or they were shot as the victims of otherwise tractable arguments that became violent, because one or more of the combatants had consumed alcohol," Charles C. Branas, an associate professor of epidemiology at the university and corresponding author of the study, said in a university news release.

Clinical Trials Update

March 10, 2009

March 10, 2009
Lung Cancer
Women's Health
Psoriasis and Psoriatic Disorders Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch:
Lung Cancer

If you are at least 18 and have inoperable stage III non-small cell lung cancer, you may qualify for this study.The research site is in Denver, Colo.

More informationPlease see http://www.

For Primary Care, More Patients Are Seeing Specialists

March 10, 2009
Even prenatal care visits