Computerized tomographic (CT) colonography (CTC), also known as virtual colonoscopy, is comparable to standard colonoscopy in its ability to accurately detect cancer and precancerous polyps in people ages 65 and older, according to a paper published online today in Radiology. This is consistent with results of the ACRIN National CT Colonography Trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2008, which demonstrated that CT colonography can serve as a primary colorectal cancer screening option for adults ages 50 and older, but did not specifically break out data for participants ages 65 and older included in the overall analysis. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have deferred coverage for CT colonography, primarily citing a lack of data on the exam’s performance in Medicare-eligible recipients ages 65 and older.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54777-acrin-national-ct-colonography-study-radiology-cancer-screening-seniors
Researchers have discovered that a subtype of leukemia characterized by a poor prognosis is fueled by mutations in pathways distinctly different from a seemingly similar leukemia associated with a much better outcome. The findings from the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital — Washington University Pediatric Cancer Genome Project (PCGP) highlight a possible new strategy for treating patients with this more aggressive cancer.
The work provides the first details of the genetic alterations fueling a subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) known as early T-cell precursor ALL (ETP-ALL). The results suggest ETP-ALL has more in common with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) than with other subtypes of ALL. The study appears in the January 12 edition of the journal Nature.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/46768-st-jude-cancer-genome-sequencing-project-combat-aggressive-leukemia
A study conducted by researchers from the University of L’Aquila in Italy and Mars, Incorporated provides compelling new evidence that the regular consumption of dietary cocoa flavanols may improve cognitive function in elderly subjects with early memory decline. Just published online in the journal Hypertension, this current study significantly advances understanding of the benefits of flavanols by specifically exploring the impact of regular cocoa flavanol consumption on cognitive function in a population with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Previous research has suggested that the benefits of cocoa flavanols could extend to the brain. However, these studies were either only short-term or did not demonstrate a consistent cognitive benefit. This unique study addresses this gap and provides important insights into the possibility of slowing or even reversing cognitive declines associated with aging through consumption of these natural compounds.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/marsincorporated/56580/
Symptoms improved significantly in adults with the bleeding disorder hemophilia B following a single treatment with gene therapy developed by researchers at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis and demonstrated to be safe in a clinical trial conducted at the University College London (UCL) in the U.K.
The findings of the six-person study mark the first proof that gene therapy can reduce disabling, painful bleeding episodes in patients with the inherited blood disorder. Results of the Phase I study appear in the December 10 online edition of the New England Journal of Medicine. The research is also scheduled to be presented December 11 at the 53rd annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology in San Diego.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/46766-st-jude-children-s-research-hospital-gene-therapy-bleeding-disorder
New findings from the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – Washington University Pediatric Cancer Genome Project (PCGP) have helped identify the mechanism that makes the childhood eye tumor retinoblastoma so aggressive. The discovery explains why the tumor develops so rapidly while other cancers can take years or even decades to form.
The finding also led investigators to a new treatment target and possible therapy for the rare childhood tumor of the retina, the light-sensing tissue at the back of the eye. The study appears in the January 11 advance online edition of the scientific journal Nature.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/46767-st-jude-genome-project-treatment-childhood-eye-tumor-retinoblastoma
New research has revealed that the use of Antimicrobial Copper surfaces in hospital rooms can reduce the number of healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) by 58% as compared to patients treated in Intensive Care Units with non-copper touch surfaces. In the United States, 1 out of every 20 hospital patients develops an HAI, resulting in an estimated 100,000 deaths per year. Although numerous strategies have been developed to decrease these infections, Antimicrobial Copper is the only strategy that works continuously, has been scientifically proven to be effective and doesn’t depend on human behavior, according to a recently published study in the SHEA Journal of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/61120-antimicrobial-copper-surfaces-reduce-healthcare-acquired-infections
Asuragen Inc., a leading molecular diagnostics company, today announced results from a study demonstrating that a new molecular test called Xpansion Interpreter® can improve the determination of a woman’s risk of having a child with fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and autism, compared to existing risk measures. The Xpansion Interpreter Test is based on a technology breakthrough that reveals both the number and position of “interrupting” DNA sequences in the fragile X gene of the mother and more accurately estimates the likelihood that her child will have fragile X syndrome. The study will be published in the April issue of the American Journal of Medical Genetics and presented today at the 2013 American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting in Phoenix, AZ.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/60719-asuragen-xpansion-interpreter-xi-test-data-fragile-x-syndrome-autism
Crosstex International, a subsidiary of Cantel Medical Corp. (NYSE:CMN), and Prestige Ameritech, the only two major U.S.-based medical mask manufacturers have joined forces to bring attention to a glaring void in public health research and policy – that, if addressed, has the potential to more quickly provide a simple, effective tool to mitigate the spread of influenza and other respiratory borne viruses. The awareness campaign comes in response to a new study, “ Exposure to Influenza Virus Aerosols During Routine Patient Care,” published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases, showing that influenza viruses may spread as far as six feet from a person coughing or sneezing, and that some people, referred to as “super spreaders,” may be more likely to spread the virus. The study, supported by the Department of Health and Human Services with a $600,000 research grant, pointed specifically to concerns for healthcare workers being exposed to coughs from sick patients. Yet government research and policy continues to overlook face masks as a feasible protection measure for both the healthcare industry and the general public.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/60417-cantel-medical-fitted-mask-infectious-disease-control-public-health-policy
Nearly six of ten Americans will develop kidney disease in their lifetime, according to a new analysis published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases. In comparison, lifetime risk of diabetes, heart attack and invasive cancer is approximately four in ten.
As a result of this and previous studies, the National Kidney Foundation is calling on healthcare professionals to screen patients in specific high-risk groups for kidney disease – those age 60 or older and those with high blood pressure or diabetes – by adding a simple urine albumin test for kidney damage to annual physical examinations.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/62772-national-kidney-foundation-study-screening-for-disease
According to the results of a recent study conducted by researchers at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service Western Human Nutrition Research Center, the Northwest Cherry Growers are pleased to announce that consuming about 45 (280 g) sweet Bing cherries significantly decreased circulating concentrations of specific inflammatory biomarkers in the blood. According to Dr. Kent Erickson, Professor at UC Davis School of Medicine and a collaborator in the study, “Many studies by other investigators have demonstrated that some of those inflammation markers are associated with increased risk for some chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.” The findings of the study have been published in the March 2013 issue of The Journal of Nutrition.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/61851-northwest-cherries-usda-study-health-benefits
For the millions who suffer from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), a study published today in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) provides clinical evidence of safety and effectiveness for a new, FDA-approved medical device. Torax Medical’s LINX® Reflux Management System was studied in a controlled, prospective, multicenter trial involving 14 U.S. and European medical centers as part of the FDA pre-market approval process. The patients were evaluated before and after treatment to determine the effect of the LINX System on their GERD using pre-defined success criteria, which included reduction of esophageal acid, improvement in quality of life and elimination of reflux medications.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/60077-torax-medical-linx-reflux-management-system-clinical-study-published
It’s not the first question a parent asks. It’s likely not the fourth or fifth. But for parents like Brian and Diane Vollmert, the question of how to pay for their son, Scott, to receive the best care while providing for their family became an unmanageable challenge.
“From the very beginning, Scott didn’t fit cleanly in any category. He wasn’t clearly autistic. He wasn’t clearly developmentally delayed. He had characteristics of both,” said Diane. That combination of Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmental delay can add up to more than $2.4 million in care over Scott’s lifetime, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association’s Pediatrics last year. An astronomical sum for most Americans, including the Vollmerts.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7422152-northwestern-mutual-special-needs/
