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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today granted the first waiver to allow a nucleic acid-based test, the Alere i Influenza A B test, to be used in a greater variety of health care settings. The test was previously only available for use in certain laboratories. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by two types of influenza viruses: Type A and Type B. Flu infections can range from mild

It’s 6.30am and after a long holiday break, your alarm clock is insistently telling you it’s time to get out of bed. For many people – me included – the automatic reaction is to hit the snooze button, often more than once. But while it might feel like those extra minutes leave you more rested, morning snoozes can leave you feeling groggier and less alert. And late. Sleep regulation Sleep is regulated by two mechanisms: a homeostatic

(HealthDay)—Older nurses report leaving the workforce before retirement or pension age primarily for financial, social, and health reasons, according to a study published online Dec. 19 in the Journal of Clinical Nursing. Christine Duffield, Ph.D., R.N., from the University of Technology in Sydney, and colleagues analyzed data from the Mature Age Workers Questionnaire, the Job Descriptive Index, and the Job in General Scale to assess job satisfaction, intention to retire, and factors encouraging retirement in

Two common and sometimes dangerous respiratory diseases, a viral one caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and a bacterial one caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae may be linked, suggests a study published in this week’s PLOS Medicine. Daniel Weinberger, from Yale University School of Public Health, and colleagues, analyzed US hospitalization data to investigate a possible association between RSV activity and pneumonia in children under two, and found that infection with RSV may increase the risk

One of the mysteries in cancer biology is how one protein, TGF-beta, can both stop cancer from forming and encourage its aggressive growth. Now, researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center have uncovered a key gene that may explain this paradox and provide a potential target for treatment. TGF-beta is known as a tumor suppressor, meaning it’s necessary to keep cells in check and growing normally. But at some point, its function flips

(HealthDay)—As a new cold snap sends temperatures plunging across much of the United States, one expert offers tips on how to stay warm and safe. “With the proper knowledge and precautions, most [cold-related] pain and suffering can be prevented,” Dr. Barry Rosenthal, chair of emergency medicine at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola, N.Y., said in a hospital news release. Most obvious: Lots of clothing, preferably in layers. Layered clothing provides the best insulation to retain body

In 2014, prostate cancer was the leading cause of newly diagnosed cancers in men and the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Writing in the January 6, 2015 issue of the journal Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Disease, a team of scientists and physicians from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, with counterparts at University of California, Los Angeles, describe a novel imaging technique that measurably improves upon current prostate imaging

EnGeneIC, Ltd., an emerging biopharmaceutical company focused on developing its proprietary EDVâ„¢ nanocell platform for the targeted delivery of cancer therapeutics, announced it has completed an oversubscribed $10 million Series B financing. The round was led by new investor GRT Capital Partners LLC, a Boston-based institution prominent in the healthcare and energy space, and included participation from other new U.S. and existing investors, as well as Foley Ventures LLC and various partners of Foley Lardner

Clear goals, strong leadership and infrastructure, staff engagement, and transparent reporting methods are key for complex health care systems seeking to establish successful patient safety performance improvements, according to a Johns Hopkins study published in the journal Academic Medicine in December. Led by Peter Pronovost, senior vice president for patient safety and quality at Johns Hopkins Medicine and director of the Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality, the researchers examined the model used by

Vital Medical Services, a Glendale, CA-based private medical care provider, has earned a one-year contract enabling them to examine and treat local inmates on-site at the Glendale Police Department. On-site treatment is a more cost-effective approach that will provide considerable savings to the city. Last year alone, over 2,000 police hours were spent escorting inmates to the hospital, a process that will be eliminated under the new Vital Medical on-site model. The one-year contract comes

Adding radiation treatment to hormone therapy saves more lives among older men with locally advanced prostate therapy than hormone therapy alone, according to a new study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology this week from Penn Medicine researchers. The researchers found that hormone therapy plus radiation reduced cancer deaths by nearly 50 percent in men aged 76 to 85 compared to men who only received hormone therapy. Past studies have shown that 40 percent of

CytRx Corporation (NASDAQ: CYTR), a biopharmaceutical research and development company specializing in oncology, today announced positive interim results from its ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial with aldoxorubicin for the treatment of unresectable glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a deadly form of brain cancer. The open-label, multisite trial is designed to investigate the preliminary efficacy and safety of aldoxorubicin in patients whose tumors have progressed following prior treatment with surgery, radiation and temozolomide. Preliminary results in 12 patients

A considerable number of Western Australian nursing students are exposed to aggression and violence while on clinical placement, it has been revealed in new research from Murdoch University. PhD student Martin Hopkins conducted the first ever survey of violence towards nursing students in Australia, recording both the prevalence and type of aggression experienced. Around 150 students enrolled in their second and third years of their Bachelor of Nursing program participated in the study, where they

(HealthDay)—Considerable challenges are projected to impact practice management in 2015, according to an article published in Medical Economics. Among the challenges that physicians are likely to face in 2015, the authors describe the six issues relating to practice management. According to the report, administrative burdens represent a considerable challenge, contributing to a reduction in physicians’ on-the-job happiness; prior authorizations represent a major source of the administrative burden. Issues related to independence versus employment present a

(HealthDay)—More attention to cost-utility analyses (CUA) research and the quality of these studies is needed in spine care, according to the authors of a review published in the Jan. 1 issue of Spine. Benedict U. Nwachukwu, M.D., M.B.A., from the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, and colleagues conducted a systematic review to identify U.S.-based CUA in spine care. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria and their quality was examined using the Quality

“I will definitely give up smoking – that’s my New Year’s resolution,” she stated emphatically as she thumped her fist on the table to underline her determination. “All very well”, I thought, as I sat opposite her in my medical consulting room in October. What is it about New Year’s resolutions that we find so compelling? Many of us make resolutions and many of them are broken by January 31. Yet come the next New

Scientists used to believe that our neurologic fate was sealed at birth with a single, lifetime allotment of brain cells. The thinking went – not so very long ago – that little by little, with the bumps of age and lifestyle, this initial stash of neurons died, taking our brain function along with them. Yet, strange as it may sound, canaries, video games, and young blood are finally putting that punishing prospect to rest. Studies

Researchers in Brazil found encouraging results providing nutrition education to patients Breast cancer is the most frequent cause of death among women worldwide, and five-year survival rates are just 58.4% in Brazil, lower than in many other regions. In a new study, however, researchers from Federal University of Santa Catarina provided Brazilian breast cancer patients with nutrition education and found it could benefit patients and may help prevent reoccurrence of the cancer. Eighteen patients were

Many patients undergoing lumpectomy surgery at NYU Langone Medical Center for the removal of an early detected breast tumor – the surgical option of choice for this diagnosis — are benefitting from new intra-operative technology that detects microscopic amounts of cancer cells on removed tumor tissue not visible during or following surgical intervention. The Division of Breast Surgery at NYU Langone was the first in New York City to utilize MarginProbe® for early stage breast

Johnson Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) today announced the start of a Phase 1, first-in-human clinical trial of a preventive Ebola vaccine in development at its Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies. The trial is being led by the Oxford Vaccine Group, part of the University of Oxford Department of Paediatrics. Recruitment in the trial is underway, and the first volunteers have received their initial vaccine dose. Enrollment is expected to be completed by the end of January. Johnson Johnson

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A new study published in Investigative Ophthalmology Visual Science (IOVS) has found that chronic (long term) hypertension increases a person’s susceptibility to glaucoma. These results suggest that doctors should consider a patient’s blood pressure levels in managing the potentially blinding eye disorder. Glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness in the world, is a condition that occurs when too much pressure builds up inside the eye. This excess pressure pushes back against blood trying to

This fall, the deaths of three high school football players were linked to direct head injuries on the field of play and one collegiate football player’s death has been potentially attributed to unresolved post concussion syndrome. Even though these athletes were football players, any sporting or recreational events can pose a risk for concussions and head injuries. Despite the tragic news recently associated with sport, the amazing outcomes of sport participation grossly outweigh the negative

An evaluation of Ohio’s Behavioral Health/Juvenile Justice (BHJJ) initiative in 11 counties by social work researchers at Case Western Reserve University found the program benefits most young offenders diverted from detention centers to community-based agencies to treat mental health issues, drug problems or both. BHJJ is a program started 15 years ago at the request of Ohio juvenile court judges with help from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Ohio Department

In 2011 and 2012, Mexico was the site of a battle over precisely how agave-based liquors could be branded or marketed. In the end, as outlined in a new paper in the journal Gastronomica, U.S. bartenders, retailers, and consumers played a key role in the debate – which raises some interesting questions about how to best protect local food customs and producers. To understand the debate in Mexico, you have to know a little about

One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to eat healthier. Here, Christine Clark, dietitian for Northeastern University Dining Services and University Health and Counseling Services, offers five strategies for improving your eating habits and overall health in 2015. Decrease calorie intake: Even something as little as using low-fat milk instead of creamer in your coffee can make a difference over time. Replacing one 12-ounce can of regular soda with a glass of water

Oxford University doctors and scientists are starting the first safety trial of an experimental preventative Ebola vaccine regimen being developed by the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson Johnson (Janssen). The Oxford Vaccine Group, part of the University of Oxford Department of Paediatrics, aims to have vaccinated all 72 healthy adult volunteers by the end of January. The development of this prime-boost vaccine regimen has been accelerated in response to the current outbreak of Ebola virus

Journal of Medical Case Reports 2015, 9:2 doi:10.1186/1752-1947-9-2 Published: 6 January 2015

/ no comments Falling gasoline prices are a benefit to motorists — but those lower prices come with a hidden cost: increased traffic fatalities.

i i Barotrauma can causes a fish’s eyes to pop out of its head and its stomach to be pushed out of its mouth, Chris Lowe, a marine scientist at Cal State Long Beach, says. Jon Hamilton/NPR hide caption itoggle caption Jon Hamilton/NPR Barotrauma can causes a fish’s eyes to pop out of its head and its stomach to be pushed out of its mouth, Chris Lowe, a marine scientist at Cal State Long Beach,

Johns Hopkins study could advance use of stem cells for treatment and disease research A powerful “genome editing” technology known as CRISPR has been used by researchers since 2012 to trim, disrupt, replace or add to sequences of an organism’s DNA. Now, scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have shown that the system also precisely and efficiently alters human stem cells. In a recent online report on the work in Molecular Therapy, the Johns Hopkins team

BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: BCLI), a leading developer of adult stem cell technologies for neurodegenerative diseases, today announced positive final results from its phase 2a clinical trial of NurOwnâ„¢ in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, which enrolled 14 subjects at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem. The study achieved its primary endpoint in demonstrating that NurOwnâ„¢ is safe and well-tolerated at doses up to 2 million cells per kilogram administered intrathecally (IT) and 48 million

Low alcohol consumption and a plant-based diet, both healthy habits aligning with current cancer prevention guidelines, are associated with reducing the risk of obesity-related cancers, a New York University study shows. The findings appear in the journal Cancer Causes Control. “Our research aims to clarify associations between diet and physical activity in relation to cancer to encourage at-risk individuals to make lifestyle modifications that may reduce their risk of certain cancers,” said Nour Makarem, a

Amedica Corporation (Nasdaq:AMDA), a biomaterial company that develops and commercializes silicon nitride ceramics, today released the results of its CASCADE study, a blinded, randomized clinical trial that compared outcomes of spinal fusion surgery between its composite silicon nitride spacers manufactured with a central core of cancellous structured ceramic (CsC), to the gold standard, i.e., PEEK (polyether ether ketone plastic) spacers filled with bone autograft. “Surgeons have long known that autograft is the holy grail of

Each year, more than four million women in America give birth and 2,600 infants are born with neural tube defects. While consuming folic acid is a key measure women can take to prevent these birth defects, a recent Grain Foods Foundation survey with Nielsen uncovered that less than half of Americans are aware of this method. With the common goal to advance the public’s understanding of the important role that folic acid-rich food, like white

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Sometimes, a new way of looking at something can bring to light an entirely new perspective. Using a different type of MRI imaging, researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered previously unrecognized differences in the brains of patients with bipolar disorder. In particular, the study, published Jan. 6 in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, revealed differences in the white matter of patients’ brains and in the cerebellum, an area of the brain not previously linked

Cassandra C., 17, and her mother are battling the state of Connecticut over the teen’s right to refuse chemotherapy. Cassandra was diagnosed in September 2014 with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a rare condition not to be confused with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Physicians recommended chemotherapy, which according to the National Cancer Institute can cause hair loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue and pain. The teen’s mother, Jackie Fortin, supports Cassandra’s decision not to undergo chemotherapy, saying that Cassandra had expressed

Journal of Biomedical Semantics 2015, 6:2 doi:10.1186/2041-1480-6-2 Published: 6 January 2015

SpringerPlus 2015, 4:3 doi:10.1186/2193-1801-4-3 Published: 6 January 2015

Trials 2015, 16:4 doi:10.1186/1745-6215-16-4 Published: 6 January 2015

World Journal of Surgical Oncology 2015, 13:3 doi:10.1186/1477-7819-13-3 Published: 6 January 2015

Trials 2015, 16:6 doi:10.1186/1745-6215-16-6 Published: 6 January 2015

A study, in which the International School for Advanced Studies collaborated with the Josef Stefan Institute of Ljubljana, analyzed how genome mutations of RNA viruses tend to be lethal for these infectious agents. It takes very little to make the RNA too messy and bulky to fit into the capsid—the shell that contains the viral genome—and by doing so disrupt the reproductive process. To get into the capsid, the “exoskeleton” of viruses, RNA must be

Yes, you rock your yoga gear and your downward dog form is totally on point, but it turns out your skeletal system looks pretty awesome during your yoga session, too. Hybrid Medical Animation created the ridiculously cool animation below to show “a realistic representation of radiological (X-ray) imaging” of a person crushing classic yoga poses such as Crow and Wheel. Check it out: Seriously, this video proves just how amazing your body is. Now click here

You just started your weight-loss plan, and you feel pretty unprepared. But (whether it’s for better or for worse) your dating experience can actually tell you a whole heckuva lot about what you’re getting into with your weight-loss journey. Check out these 14 hilarious, frustrating, and totally awesome ways trying to drop pounds is just like dating. 1. You Swear Them Off at Least Once a Week #ImSoOverThis 2. You Obsess Over Both You check

Do you resolve to eat healthier and lose weight in 2015? Watch out for this “healthy illusion” discovered by researchers at the Cornell Food and Brand Lab. First, the researchers found that shoppers spend 15% more on food during the holiday season (Thanksgiving to New Year’s) and only about 25% of that additional food is healthy. This means that during the holidays we tend to buy more junk food—not a big surprise. “What was surprising,

IMAGE: This shows RNA in capsid. view more Credit: SISSA To get into the capsid, the “exoskeleton” of viruses, RNA must be well combed and “packed”, because otherwise it won’t fit. The packing of RNA is governed by the genome itself. Based on previous research that demonstrated that viral RNA is normally optimized for packing (outside the capsid it is only slightly bigger than the capsid itself), a Italian-Slovenian research team, including Cristian Micheletti of SISSA,

Vitamin D status may influence the duration of respiratory support needed for surgical intensive care patients, according to a new cohort study conducted by researchers at Boston’s Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. The study demonstrated that plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels on admission to the surgical ICU were inversely associated with the need for mechanical ventilation in critically ill surgical patients. The study’s results are published today in the OnlineFirst version of the

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (JANUARY 6, 2015). The use of flow-diverting stents to treat intracranial aneurysms appears safe and highly successful. Recently, however, there have been reports of ischemic complications occurring in brain territories supplied by the parent artery in which the stent is placed and in brain regions fed by small arterial branches whose ostia are covered by the stent. To determine the extent of these ischemic complications and their implications on clinical outcomes in patients

IMAGE: This is one of an estimated 28,000 lemurs that have been illegally held captive as a pet in Madagascar. Illegally keeping lemurs as pets may threaten conservation efforts, as well… view more Credit: Kim Reuter/Temple University An estimated 28,000 lemurs, the world’s most endangered primates, have been illegally kept as pets in urban areas of Madagascar over the past three years, possibly threatening conservation efforts and hastening the extinction of some of lemur species, according

IMAGE: This is Lihong Wang, Ph.D. view more Credit: Washington University in St. Louis Lihong Wang, PhD, continues to build on his groundbreaking technology that allows light deep inside living tissue during imaging and therapy. In the Jan. 5 issue of Nature Communications, Wang, the Gene K. Beare Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, reveals for the first time a new technique that focuses diffuse light inside a dynamic scattering medium containing

I have this theory that most of us, deep down, know exactly what changes we need to make in our lives. But these changes are uncomfortable and scary and we keep their screams for attention muffled under layers and layers of status quo. We go to work, we fold the laundry, we watch our shows, we lather, we rinse, we repeat. What was that? Oh nothing, nothing at all. Carry on. Maybe at some level,

Thank you for reading this blog post. I appreciate it. Especially because you didn’t have to. I was chopping scallions last night, muttering to myself and thinking, “I can’t believe I have to cook dinner again!” Ridiculous, I know, I am actually pretty lucky and grateful to have this “problem.” It’s great to notice how automatic this kind of thinking is, “I have to…” comes out of our mouths all day long. Is it true?

You may have seen a photo on Facebook or Pinterest of a cute little mason jar half-filled with slips of paper with a caption: “Fill a gratitude jar this year.” I’m not sure how many people who share those images actually follow through with theirs. I just saw a post from Elizabeth Gilbert who has a big honking jar completely filled. I did not write a slip every day. I did not use a mason

We all have two wolves inside us, a Cherokee lesson suggests. One tugs at us to do evil and the other to act good. What will we do? It depends on which wolf we feed. The one you feed is the one that grows stronger. Pope Francis suggested that year’s end is an apt time to examine our conscience. That’s not always easy but always vital as Todd Essig suggests, citing Peter Seeger and Martin

Below is a three-panel cartoon depicting what it means to recover from depression. What do you think? Is this an accurate depiction? Does this help you better understand depression? This cartoon was created by Karen Zainal and was originally published on Under Reconstruction. You can follow the blog on Facebook. Karen is currently recovering from her second major depressive episode.

Trials 2015, 16:8 doi:10.1186/1745-6215-16-8 Published: 6 January 2015

In October 2014, a 41-year-old man in the goldfields region of Western Australia collapsed and died within an hour of being bitten by the brown snake he was trying to capture. While such deaths are infrequent, around 580 Australians are hospitalised for snakebites each year. But compared to centuries past, we now have a much better understanding of this bush hazard and how to combat venom toxicity. In the 19th century, the treatment for a

Who doesn’t want a blissed-out relationship based on the kind of love musicians write songs about? That might be the dream, but you may actually be standing in your own way of achieving it. The good news is that you can ID the sneaky things you do that might sabotage your happiness without realizing it, then change them to boost your chances of finding forever love. We talked to Jane Greer, Ph.D., New York-based relationship

Grandmas love to dole out words of wisdom—whether you want to hear them or not. Their wealth of knowledge extends to the beauty world, but whether their tips are worth their salt (or Vaseline) is another story. Here, Women’s Health readers share the beauty regimens their grandmothers recommended—the good, the bad, and the just plain weird. Vaseline Works for Everything “Grandma always relied on Vaseline for pretty much every beauty trick in the book. Makeup remover?

You know what would be awesome? If we could all work out with a personal trainer every single time we hit the gym. Yeah, not going to happen. Of course, that doesn’t mean you don’t always want to get the most out of your workout—burn-wise, confidence-wise, and safety-wise. In each of our Fix Your Form videos, certified strength and conditioning specialist Holly Perkins breaks down the right way to do one of your favorite exercises. Watch the

Oncoceutics Inc. and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center today announced the initiation of a strategic alliance and research collaboration agreement for the clinical development of ONC201, a novel anti-cancer drug. Earlier, preclinical studies of ONC201 have indicated there is merit in further investigation of the drug, which appears to kill cancer cells without harming healthy cells. The Oncoceutics and MD Anderson agreement will result in clinical trials in specific hematologic tumors. This

By adjusting the levels of a key signaling protein, researchers improved motor function and brain abnormalities in experimental animals with a form of Huntington’s disease, a severe neurodegenerative disorder. The new findings may lay the groundwork of a novel treatment for people with this fatal, progressive disease. “This research shows the intricate workings of a biological pathway crucial to the development of Huntington’s disease, and is highly relevant to drug development,” said study leader Beverly

/ no comments Thomas Jefferson University

Women who have adequate levels of B vitamins in their bodies are more likely to get and stay pregnant even when they also have high levels of a common pesticide known to have detrimental reproductive effects, according to new Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health research. The findings, published in the December issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggest that B vitamins may have a protective effect that counteracts the levels of

A 12-year study of two measles-containing vaccines, published today in Pediatrics, found that seven main adverse outcomes were unlikely after either vaccine. The study, conducted by the Kaiser Permanente Vaccine Study Center, included children aged 12 to 23 months, from January 2000 through June 2012, who received measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (or MMRV) or separately administered, same-day measles-mumps-rubella and varicella (or MMR + V) vaccines. A total of 123,200 MMRV doses and 584,987 MMR + V doses were

1 Department of Nephrology, VU University Medical Centre, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, 1081HV, The Netherlands 2 Department of Surgery, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands 3 Department of Intensive Care, Medical Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands 4 Department of Intensive Care, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 5 Department of Intensive Care, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands For all author emails, please log on.

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation 2015, 12:2 doi:10.1186/1743-0003-12-2 Published: 5 January 2015

Malaria Journal 2015, 14:7 doi:10.1186/1475-2875-14-7 Published: 5 January 2015