Germany recalls heparin blood anticoagulant

More than 70 peoples fell sick because of heaprin injections used during dialysis medical procedure for their kidney problems, reported by German health authorities. – More than 70 peoples fell sick because of heaprin injections used during dialysis medical procedure for their kidney problems, reported by German health authorities.

Genes involved in inflammation may hold clue to age-related macular degeneration

A University of Southampton research team, led by Professor Andrew Lotery, has identified a new genetic risk factor for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a major cause of untreatable blindness in elderly people in developed countries. – A University of Southampton research team, led by Professor Andrew Lotery, has identified a new genetic risk factor for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a major cause of untreatable blindness in elderly people in developed countries.

UK’s oldest existing motoring club on track to boost life-saving campaign

The UK?s oldest existing motorsport club is giving a boost to the drive to encourage more people to become potential lifesavers by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register. – The 1,800-member Midland Automobile Club ? which was founded in Birmingham on 11_January 1901 ? is backing the call for more drivers and riders to sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR).

Plastic surgeons using laser for wrinkle removal, acne scarring, tattoo removal

Cosmetic surgeons are starting to use a new generation of laser that goes deeper than standard lasers, reducing wrinkles and tightening the skin. – UT Southwestern Medical Center plastic surgeons are among a handful in the US deploying a new type of laser that goes deeper into the skin to help reduce wrinkles, tighten surface structures and treat pigmentation differences.

Cholesterol lowering drug may fight staph infection

Cholesterol lowering drug could offer a new direction for therapies against staph infection – a bacterium that’s becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. – An international team of researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has blocked staph infections in mice using a drug previously tested in clinical trials as a cholesterol-lowering agent. The novel approach, described in the February 14 online edition of Science, could offer a new direction for therapies against a bacterium that’s becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics.

Baxter’s multiple-dose vial Heparin causing allergy

Baxter’s Multiple-dose Vial Heparin Linked to Severe Allergic Reactions. FDA advises health care practitioners to switch suppliers and limit use of drug until problem identified. – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today that Baxter Healthcare Corporation has temporarily stopped manufacturing multiple-dose vials of the injectable blood-thinning drug heparin due to reports of serious allergic reactions and hypotension (low blood pressure) in patients who receive high “bolus” doses of the drug.

IGFBP7 protein may stop melanoma skin cancer

One might call it a tale of two melanocytes. Given the same genetic mutation, why does one melanocyte shut down growth and become a relatively benign mole, while another rages out of control and develops into deadly melanoma” – Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) researchers have uncovered a protein that stops the growth of melanoma, a cancer that develops from pigment-producing cells in the skin called melanocytes.

First decellularized heart valve approved in US

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared for marketing the first replacement heart valve from donated human tissue in which the cells have been removed. – CryoLife, Inc., (NYSE: CRY) a biomaterials, medical device and tissue processing company, today announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its CryoValve(R) SG pulmonary human heart valve processed with the Company’s proprietary SynerGraft technology.

Melanomas may appear different than other moles

In the present study, melanomas were generally apparent as Ugly Ducklings. The potential of the Ugly Duckling UD sign for melanoma screening should be further assessed. – A preliminary study suggests that melanomas have a different appearance than other irregular skin moles (i.e., are “ugly ducklings”), according to a report in the January issue of Archives of Dermatology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Vitamin D deficiency may increase heart disease risk

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with incident cardiovascular disease. Further clinical and experimental studies may be warranted to determine whether correction of vitamin D deficiency could contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular disease. – The same vitamin D deficiency that can result in weak bones now has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, Framingham Heart Study researchers report in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

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