Alcohol intake may increase blood pressure

Link between alcohol and blood pressure may be greater than previous studies suggest – The relationship between heavy drinking and hypertension is more significant than previously thought according to a new analysis of recent studies by researchers at Bristol University, published in PLoS Medicine.

Baxter recalls remaining heparin sodium vial products

Baxter International on thursday recalled nearly all of its heparin blood-thinning products six weeks after they were linked to severe allergic reactions in some patients. – Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX) announced that the company is proceeding with the voluntary recall of all remaining lots and doses of its heparin sodium injection multi-dose, single-dose vials and HEP-LOCK heparin flush products.

FDA updates guidance to seafood processors after recent ciguatera poisoning

FDA advises seafood processors about ciguatera fish poisoning in the Northern Gulf of Mexico near the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a letter to seafood processors, advising them of recent illnesses linked to consuming fish carrying the ciguatera toxin, which has led to cases of ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) in consumers.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviours from epilepsy drugs, alerts Medsafe

Medsafe, New Zealand’s Ministry of Health’s medicines regulatory arm, is alerting health care professionals in New Zealand about a small increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours in patients taking anti-epileptic medicines. – Medsafe, New Zealand’s Ministry of Health’s medicines regulatory arm, is alerting health care professionals in New Zealand about a small increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours in patients taking anti-epileptic medicines.

Epilepsy drugs may raise suicide risk, warns FDA

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued new information to health care professionals to alert them about an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (suicidality) in patients who take drugs called antiepileptics to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorder, migraine headaches, and other conditions. – An increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (suicidality) in patients who take drugs called antiepileptics to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorder, migraine headaches, and other conditions, reported by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Deep brain stimulation may improve memory

Hypothalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery may evoke detailed autobiographical memories. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, which is used to treat Parkinson?s disease and other movement disorders, is now being studied for its potential to treat a variety of conditions. – A new study found that hypothalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery performed in the treatment of a patient with morbid obesity unexpectedly evoked detailed autobiographical memories.

Mobile phone may interrupt sleep

Scientists studied the effect of using a mobile phone before going to bed and found that those who were exposed to phone radiation took longer to reach the deep sleep. – Radiation from mobile phones delays and reduces sleep, and causes headaches and confusion, according to a new study funded by handset manufacturers. The study was published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal: Progress In Electromagnetics Research Symposium (PIERS) Online.

Safety warning on fentanyl skin patch by US FDA

The FDA warned, for the second time in two years, that improper use of the fentanyl patch, a painkiller, is still claiming lives. – The US Food and Drug Administration issued its second safety warning about the fentanyl transdermal system, an adhesive patch that delivers a potent pain medicine through the skin. In July 2005, the agency issued a similar warning to the public and to health care providers, saying that the directions on the product label and on the patient package insert should be followed exactly in order to avoid overdose.

Test for targeted therapy in acute myeloid leukemia

Researchers have discovered that a particular hormone is responsible for driving a cancer enzyme to cause an often deadly red blood cell cancer, Polycythemia vera.
– An Oregon Health & Science University Cancer Institute researcher has discovered that a particular hormone is responsible for driving a cancer enzyme to cause an often deadly red blood cell cancer.

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