Thursday, September 30, 2010

Medical News

Medical News


Neurocognitive deficits evident in adolescents with psychotic-like symptoms

Posted: 30 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

Adolescents with psychotic-like symptoms have impairments in receptive language, motor function, and executive function/speed of processing, study results show.

Siblings of bipolar patients show reduced executive function and memory

Posted: 30 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

The unaffected siblings of patients with bipolar disorder show deficits in executive functions and memory relative to mentally healthy individuals without a family history of the condition, researchers have found.

Margarine, red meat, cheese linked to increased risk for IBD

Posted: 30 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

Individuals with signs and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease often change their diet before a confirmed diagnosis, say researchers who also found that a high consumption of margarine, red meat, and cheese increases the risk for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Percutaneous endovenous intervention reduces post-DVT complications

Posted: 29 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

Percutaneous endovenous intervention reduces the risk for recurrent venous thromboembolism and post-thrombotic syndrome in patients with acute proximal deep vein thrombosis, US researchers report.

GWTG–Stroke mortality model published

Posted: 29 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

The Get With The Guidelines–Stroke researchers have developed a "practical bedside tool" to predict mortality in patients admitted to hospital with stroke.

Novel PSA test detects ‘undetectable’ antigen levels post-prostatectomy

Posted: 29 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

US researchers have developed a novel method to detect serum prostate-specific antigen levels in men who have undergone surgery for prostate cancer.

Less pelvic lymph node dissection, less lymph node metastasis detection

Posted: 29 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

Analysis of SEER registry data indicates that the rate of pelvic lymph node dissection at radical prostatectomy is decreasing over time, resulting in fewer prostate cancer patients being diagnosed with lymph node metastases.

Novel PSA test detects ‘undetectable’ antigen levels post-prostatectomy

Posted: 29 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

US researchers have developed a novel method to detect serum prostate-specific antigen levels in men who have undergone surgery for prostate cancer.

Less pelvic lymph node dissection, less lymph node metastasis detection

Posted: 29 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

Analysis of SEER registry data indicates that the rate of pelvic lymph node dissection at radical prostatectomy is decreasing over time, resulting in fewer prostate cancer patients being diagnosed with lymph node metastases.

Relatives of young breast cancer patients at risk for other cancers

Posted: 29 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

First-degree relatives of women with very early-onset breast cancer have an increased risk for other cancers, even if they do not carry mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, researchers report.

<i>APOE</i> variants determine triglyceride concentrations before and after meals

Posted: 29 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

Apolipoprotein E gene polymorphisms are important determinants of triglyceride concentrations, especially in the fasting state, claim researchers.

Malnutrition and inflammation modify cholesterol-CVD relationship in CKD

Posted: 29 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

Malnutrition and inflammation may obscure the relationship between total cholesterol and cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease attributed to hypertension, research indicates.

High pulse pressure predicts CV events, mortality and ESRD in Type 1 diabetes

Posted: 29 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

High pulse pressure predicts cardiovascular events, mortality, and end stage renal disease in patients with Type 1 diabetes, report researchers.

Dapagliflozin monotherapy effective for improving HbA1c in Type 2 diabetes

Posted: 29 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

The sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin effectively reduces hyperglycemia in newly diagnosed patients with Type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on diet and exercise alone, show findings from a phase III trial.

<i>CYP2C19</i>*2 and <i>CYP2C9</i>*3 linked to increased stent thrombosis risk

Posted: 29 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

Dutch researchers report that patients who carry the CYP2C19*2 or CYP2C9*3 loss-of-function alleles have an increased risk for stent thrombosis after percutaneous coronary intervention.

BP-lowering shows J-curve effect in CVD but not stroke complications

Posted: 29 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

A study suggests that as blood pressure is lowered a patient's risk for cardiovascular disease complications decreases but then increases with aggressive lowering thus mimicking a J-shaped curve.

Relatives of young breast cancer patients at risk for other cancers

Posted: 29 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

First-degree relatives of women with very early-onset breast cancer have an increased risk for other cancers, even if they do not carry mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, researchers report.

Surgery offers long-term survival for patients with aggressive prostate cancer

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

Radical prostatectomy offers patients with aggressive prostate cancer better long-term survival compared with radiotherapy, US researchers report.

Potential therapeutic target identified for triple-negative breast cancer

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

US researchers have identified a potential molecular therapeutic target among patients with triple-negative breast cancer.

Antibodies may predict prostate cancer better than PSA test

Posted: 27 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

UK researchers have developed a novel method for detecting prostate cancer by scanning blood samples for autoantibodies known to be associated with the development of the disease.

Disadvantaged men may benefit most from prostate screening

Posted: 27 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

Prostate cancer screening may be of most benefit in communities where disadvantaged men live and work, suggest the results of a US study undertaken within the public health system.

Decreased breast cancer rates in Canada coincided with reduced HRT use

Posted: 27 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

A decrease in hormone replacement therapy use among Canadian women during a 2-year period coincided with decreased breast cancer incidence, research shows.

Hormone therapy before prostate BRT may improve urinary function

Posted: 26 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

A short course of neoadjuvant hormonal therapy before brachytherapy for low-risk prostate cancer may reduce the duration of urinary dysfunction in the first year after treatment, report researchers from The Netherlands.

Partners of breast cancer patients at risk for severe mood disorders

Posted: 26 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

Men whose partners have breast cancer are at increased risk for requiring hospitalization for severe mood disorders, study findings indicate.

Health Informatics News

Health Informatics News


Dell, University of Buto Create Institute for Healthcare Informatics

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 06:44 AM PDT

Dell, University of Buto Create Institute for Healthcare Informatics

CDW Healthcare, VHA Inc. Expand Regional Supply Network

Posted: 27 Sep 2010 07:28 AM PDT

CDW Healthcare, VHA Inc. Expand Regional Supply Network

Cover FL in limbo awaiting waiver ruling

Posted:

 9/30/2010 © Florida Tribune United HealthCare, one of just two statewide participants in the state-sponsored program, has stopped issuing new policies because of uncertainty on whether such bare-bones coverage will be allowed under the new law.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

iPhone Medical News

iPhone Medical News


The iPhone in Dentistry

Posted: 08 Apr 2008 01:29 PM PDT

The iPhone in Dentistry

by William Jackson, DDS

The next-generation of communication and collaboration tools has finally reached dentistry in a meaningful way via the iPhone. Through the use of the iPhone and web-based clinical and practice management software, dentists can manage electronic communications, share and publish information, and stay connected while on the go.

Planet DDS , the industry leader for web-based dental software, has recently created an interface with the iPhone. From the iPhone, a dentist can remotely:

  • View basic patient demographic information
  • View health history and treatment history
  • View and send any stored digitized images, like x-rays
  • Review prescription history
  • Send e-prescriptions
  • See appointment schedules
  • See any dental insurance information
  • View billing status and patient balances
  • Run and view thousands of reports

Planet DDS customers have found these capabilities especially useful when receiving away-from-the-office emergency calls. Dental x-rays, as opposed to most medical x-rays, are typically small enough to be seen easily on the iPhone. Also, the common result of an emergency call is the prescribing of medication. With the iPhone, this is made much safer and because of the access to health and prescription history, and it is much easier because of the immediate communication capabilities of sending an e-prescription.

One can only imagine how mobile communications will improve healthcare delivery as information storage moves beyond paper, becomes more standardized and available, and as bandwidth issues get less and less. As we move toward that inevitable future, companies like Planet DDS will help speed the transitions by offering services that deliver immediate value to both doctor and patient.

Medical News

Medical News


Exposure to violence increases hospital admissions for asthma

Posted: 29 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

Exposure to community violence is associated with increased asthma-related emergency care and hospital admissions, as well as reduced asthma-related quality of life, US research shows.

Antipsychotic switching prevalent in schizophrenia

Posted: 29 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

Antipsychotic switching is common in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia and can be predicted by a small number of variables, researchers have found.

Bipolar features linked to treatment resistance in unipolar depression

Posted: 29 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

Bipolarity features are significantly associated with treatment resistance in patients diagnosed with unipolar depression, research shows.

Rebound platelet hyperactivity after clopidogrel cessation unlikely

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

Results from the PACT study suggest that rebound platelet hyperactivity does not occur when clopidogrel therapy is discontinued.

Potential therapeutic target identified for triple-negative breast cancer

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

US researchers have identified a potential molecular therapeutic target among patients with triple-negative breast cancer.

Surgery offers long-term survival for patients with aggressive prostate cancer

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

Radical prostatectomy offers patients with aggressive prostate cancer better long-term survival compared with radiotherapy, US researchers report.

Blood glucose promotes lipoprotein(a) oxidization

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

Blood glucose levels influence the oxidization of lipoprotein(a), a molecule with potent atherosclerotic properties, research has found.

<i>INSIG2</i> variant influences lipid, lipoprotein levels

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

Polymorphisms in the INSIG2 gene have a direct influence on lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, a genetic mapping study has found.

Very low vitamin D levels linked to asymptomatic CAD in high-risk patients

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

Study results show that very low levels of vitamin D are associated with subclinical coronary artery disease in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is not a CHD risk equivalent

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

Type 2 diabetes is not a coronary heart disease equivalent, suggest findings from an Austrian study presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes 46th annual meeting in Stockholm, Sweden.

Greater antiplatelet effect with ticagrelor than clopidogrel in ACS

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

A subanalysis of the PLATO study indicates that platelet inhibition is more pronounced among acute coronary syndrome patients taking ticagrelor than among those taking clopidogrel.

Rebound platelet hyperactivity after clopidogrel cessation unlikely

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 05:00 PM PDT

Results from the PACT study suggest that rebound platelet hyperactivity does not occur when clopidogrel therapy is discontinued.

Health Informatics News

Health Informatics News


Survey: Privacy compliance has declined

Posted: 14 May 2006 01:56 AM PDT

Three years after federal rules governing the privacy of patients' medical records went into effect, compliance seems to have declined for 6 percent, according to an annual survey conducted by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Read more about this at here.

E-book: Making E-Health Work

Posted: 14 May 2006 01:53 AM PDT

E-Health has become an integral part of present-day healthcare delivery. With healthcare consumers, increasingly the focus of most health systems, the widespread implementation of health information and communications technologies offers cost-effective opportunities to meet their increasingly sophisticated healthcare needs.Bankix Systems Ltd has released its latest e-book. It is a 200-page in-depth analysis of the issues involved in "Making E-Health Work," the e-book's title. Read more about this e-book at here.

Consumer tools: UCompareHealthCare Offers Free Reports on Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Physicians

Posted: 11 Mar 2006 01:01 AM PST

"UCompareHealthCare has just unveiled its Web site, ucomparehealthcare.com, which features free reports on the nation's nursing homes, hospitals and physicians to help consumers make informed healthcare decisions. I checked the web site and found it very informative for health consumers to help them make informed decision about their choices of doctors, hospitals and others." Read more about this at UCompareHealthCare

Articles: Direct to Consumer: Women are a powerful, but untapped, audience

Posted: 03 Feb 2006 12:04 AM PST

"Women influence many family decisions—from choosing what's for dinner to selecting the medications their children take. In fact, nearly two-thirds of women are responsible for family healthcare decisions, according to a 2004 national survey conducted by Plan for Your Health. Many women also assume the care-giving role outside their nuclear families. Today's middle-aged woman may also look after her parents and in-laws too, often determining how long they can live on their own and how to best care for them. In addition, she often influences the important health decisions of grandchildren, co-workers, and friends." Read more at PharmExec.

Consumer tools: Really Personal PHRs

Posted: 27 Jan 2006 01:05 AM PST

"If we're committed to fostering the adoption of personal health records, we should take a page out of the consumer marketing textbooks — not the primers of health IT marketers. This was my conclusion after attending a recent meeting in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the Markle Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Agency for Healthcare Quality Research and Quality. " Read more about this at iHealthBeat .

Consumer trends: Manhattan Predicts Online Health Trends

Posted: 27 Jan 2006 12:06 AM PST

"US healthcare specialist Manhattan Research has published a summary of the major trends for health and pharmaceutical marketers to consider in 2006. The trends chart the increased use of the web and other new technologies as a health information and communication tool for both patients and physicians." Read more at Daily Research News Online.

News: Wall Street Journal Looks at Tools That Identify Low-Cost Care Options

Posted: 26 Jan 2006 01:07 AM PST

"The Wall Street Journal on Thursday looked at efforts by insurers to provide patients with tools - including a cell phone Web browsing service - to help them find low-cost treatment options. Lumenos, a unit of WellPoint, in February will launch the cell phone service, which lets patients type drug names into their cell phones' Web browsers and get lists of lower-cost alternatives. The program is designed so that patients can ask their physicians about cost-effective alternatives while they still are at their appointments." Read more at iHealthBeat.

Consumer tools: Consumer Health Complete Now Available from EBSCO Publishing

Posted: 25 Jan 2006 12:09 AM PST

"In continuing with the company's goal of providing the most comprehensive collection of online health and wellness resources, EBSCO Publishing has announced the release of Consumer Health Complete (CHC). This full text database is designed to support consumer and patients' information needs as well as foster an overall
understanding of health-related topics." Read more at Managing Information News.

HMA fights Medicare lawsuit

Posted:

9/29/2010 © Naples Daily News Former executive Mike Mastej alleges the hospital company submitted false Medicare claims and bribed doctors for patient referrals. Health Management Associates says Mastej failed to provide specifics.