patient | Page 157 of 164 | Health Newstrack

Studies highlight MRSA evolution and resilience

A single strain of an evolving bacterium has been responsible for most of the community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections. – Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections are caused primarily by a single strain-USA300-of an evolving bacterium that has spread with “extraordinary transmissibility” throughout the United States during the past five years, according to a new study led by National Institutes of Health (NIH) scientists. CA-MRSA, an emerging public health concern, typically causes readily treatable soft-tissue infections such as boils, but also can lead to life-threatening conditions that are difficult to treat.

Gene therapy promising for chronic pain relief

Researchers in the Department of Medicine and Department of Neurosciences at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have discovered that chronic pain can be successfully treated with novel targeted gene therapy. – Now, chronic pain can be successfully treated with novel targeted gene therapy. In an effort to find a more effective treatment for chronic pain, researchers at Mount Sinai developed a gene therapy technique that simulates the pain-killing effect of opiate drugs.

Saline nasal wash improves cold symptoms

A saline nasal wash solution made from processed seawater appears to improve nasal symptoms and may help prevent the recurrence of respiratory infections when used by children with the common cold. – Children show faster resolution of some nasal symptoms during acute illness and less frequent reappearance of rhinitis subsequently, after nasal isotonic saline application to prevent reappearance of cold and flu in children during the winter.

Australian health budget for a responsible long term health plan

Australian Medical Association (AMA) Federal Budget Submission 2008-09 provides the Government with suggested health spending priorities to build a sustainable and equitable health system to serve Australians for the long term. – The Australian Medical Association (AMA) Federal Budget Submission 2008-09 provides the Government with suggested health spending priorities to build a sustainable and equitable health system to serve Australians for the long term. The Submission was lodged with Treasury on 18 January in keeping with the Treasurer’s deadline.

Black women get breast cancer two decades earlier than white women

Black British women in UK are diagnosed with breast cancer 21 years younger than white British women. – Black British women in Hackney, East London, are diagnosed with breast cancer 21 years younger than white British women, according to a Cancer Research UK study published online in the British Journal of Cancer.

Aspirin resistance increases heart attack, stroke risk

Increased risk of heart attack or stroke for patients who are resistant to aspirin — Aspirin ‘resistance’ and risk of cardiovascular morbidity : Systematic review and meta-analysis – Being resistant to aspirin makes patients four times more likely to suffer a heart attack, stroke or even die from a pre-existing heart condition, according to a study published in British Medical Journal, UK. The study relates to patients who are prescribed aspirin long term as a way of preventing clots from forming in the blood.

Prodesse’s ProFlu+ Test for Respiratory Viruses receives FDA clearance

Prodesse’s ProFlu+ Test for Respiratory Viruses receives FDA clearance for Marketing Real-Time Test, detects four viruses, including influenza; results available in about 3 hours. – Prodesse, Inc., the leader in multiplex real-time PCR for infectious disease, announced that it received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its ProFlu+? Assay.

Intelence, etravirine HIV Drug approved in US

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved etravirine tablets for the treatment of HIV infection in adults who have failed treatment with other antiretrovirals. Etravirine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) that helps to block an enzyme which HIV needs to multiply. – US FDA approved Tibotec Therapeutics’ Intelence, etravirine tablets for the treatment of HIV infection, to be used in combination with other anti-HIV medications, in adults who have failed treatment with other antiretrovirals.

Strong health system in Canada by 2020, says CNA

Integration of Canada?s individual provincial and territorial health systems will support improved efficiency and effectiveness of the system. Integration will mean Canadians can readily access health services both where they live and where they travel, whether it?s across the country or around the world. – By 2020, problems with access to health services will be eradicated and registered nurses will be central to Canada’s primary care system, predicts the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) in Vision for Change a vision statement for Canada’s health system and a signature component of their 100th anniversary.

Pfizer updated CHANTIX label to quit smoking with more warnings

Pfizer’s CHANTIX label in the U.S. to include a warning for neuropsychiatric symptoms, including changes in behavior, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior. – Cigarette smoking is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Smoking is the leading preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States, with more than 438,000 U.S. deaths annually attributable to smoking. Patients who smoke cigarettes should be counseled to quit. CHANTIX was approved in May of 2006 in the U.S. as an aid to smoking cessation.