Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Family Practice for June 2010. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
Group of Older Men Have Cardio Events With Testosterone Gel
WEDNESDAY, June 30 (HealthDay News) -- Older men with limited mobility have improved muscle strength but an increased risk of cardiovascular events when they receive testosterone gel supplementation, according to research published online June 30 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Cardio Exercise Safe, Beneficial in Rheumatoid Arthritis
WEDNESDAY, June 30 (HealthDay News) -- Cardiorespiratory aerobic exercise is safe for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and leads to improved function and quality of life, though its effect is small, according to a meta-analysis published in the July issue of Arthritis Care & Research.
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Expectant, New Moms Uninformed on Preterm Birth
WEDNESDAY, June 30 (HealthDay News) -- Most new or expectant moms have not discussed the possibility of preterm birth with their health care providers, despite the fact that one in eight babies born every year is preterm, according to the results of a survey conducted by the March of Dimes and BabyCenter.
Overweight Linked to Cancer Mortality in Asia-Pacific Region
WEDNESDAY, June 30 (HealthDay News) -- Overweight and obese individuals in groups across the Asia-Pacific region have a higher risk of death from cancer than normal-weight individuals in the region, according to research published online June 30 in The Lancet Oncology.
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Many Breast Cancer Patients Don't Adhere to Therapy
WEDNESDAY, June 30 (HealthDay News) -- Only half of hormone-sensitive stage I to III breast cancer patients prescribed adjuvant hormonal therapy adhere to that therapy for the full duration at the optimal schedule, and younger women in particular are at high risk of non-adherence, according to a study published online June 28 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Children's Language Skills Tied to Later Psychosocial Effects
WEDNESDAY, June 30 (HealthDay News) -- Early receptive language skills have a significant association with adult mental health and psychosocial adjustment, according to a study published online June 29 in Pediatrics.
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Benzoyl Peroxide/Salicylic Acid Wins As Initial Acne Treatment
WEDNESDAY, June 30 (HealthDay News) -- Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) with salicylic acid (SA) works better than BPO with clindamycin (CL) for the initial treatment of acne, but after 10 to 12 weeks there is little difference in results between the two treatments, according to research published in the July issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
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Adult Obesity Rate Increases in 28 States
WEDNESDAY, June 30 (HealthDay News) -- In the past year, the adult obesity rate increased in 28 states, and there are marked differences in obesity rates by region, race, and income, according to a report published June 29 by the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Family-Centered Rounds Are Popular, Well-Perceived
WEDNESDAY, June 30 (HealthDay News) -- Family-centered rounds (FCRs) are the most common pediatric hospital rounding method, lead to better communication, and do not extend the duration of rounding time, according to research published online June 29 in Pediatrics.
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Generic Effexor XR Approved
TUESDAY, June 29 (HealthDay News) -- The first generic version of Effexor extended release capsules (venlafaxine hydrochloride) to treat major depressive disorder has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
MMRV Vaccine Ups Fever and Seizure Risk
TUESDAY, June 29 (HealthDay News) -- Measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccination is associated with an increased risk of fever and seizure in young children, above that already associated with measles-containing vaccines, according to research published online June 29 in Pediatrics, confirming preliminary evidence from a previous study.
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Mammograms for Poor Insured Rise With Stepwise Reminders
TUESDAY, June 29 (HealthDay News) -- A stepwise screening mammogram reminder program significantly increases the likelihood that an insured, very low-income woman will obtain a mammogram, according to research published online June 29 in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
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Maternal Smoking May Impact Child's Mental Health
TUESDAY, June 29 (HealthDay News) -- Maternal smoking may have an intrauterine effect on child conduct and externalizing problems, and there may be a biologically mediated association between paternal smoking and increased childhood body mass index (BMI), according to two studies published online June 29 in Pediatrics.
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Lower CYP2C19 Function Plus Clopidogrel May Cause Harm
TUESDAY, June 29 (HealthDay News) -- Patients treated with clopidogrel who are carriers of the loss-of-function CYP2C19*2 allele may be at increased risk for cardiovascular events and death, according to research published in the July 6 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Collegial Atmosphere Promotes Effective Child Protection Team
TUESDAY, June 29 (HealthDay News) -- Hospital-based child protection teams (CPT) are most effective when working within a collegial, multidisciplinary environment, according to research published online June 29 in Pediatrics.
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Diagnostic Adverse Events Usually Due to Human Failure
TUESDAY, June 29 (HealthDay News) -- Diagnostic adverse events (DAEs) are most often caused by human error, and their consequences are more severe than those of other types of adverse events, according to research published in the June 28 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.
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14 Percent of Cancer Survivors Live With Minor Children
TUESDAY, June 29 (HealthDay News) -- Nationwide, an estimated 1.58 million cancer survivors live with their minor children, representing a large number of families who confront special challenges and may need additional support, according to research published online June 28 in Cancer.
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Statins May Slow Post-Surgery Cancer Recurrence
TUESDAY, June 29 (HealthDay News) -- In men who undergo radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer, those who take statins have a decreased risk of biochemical recurrence, according to research published online June 28 in Cancer.
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End-of-Life Hospital Care Has Room for Improvement
TUESDAY, June 29 (HealthDay News) -- In U.S. hospitals, the care of patients at end of life nearly always includes close attention to pain management and efforts to ease breathing, but there are other areas of care that need improvement, according to research published in the June 28 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.
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New Guidelines Issued for Clopidogrel After FDA Warning
TUESDAY, June 29 (HealthDay News) -- The American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF) and the American Heart Association (AHA) released a joint clinical alert on June 28 to guide physicians in the interpretation of the boxed warning recently placed on the antiplatelet drug clopidogrel (Plavix) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The full text of the alert will be co-published online June 28 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and Circulation.
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Statins May Not Help High-Risk Patients With No CVD History
MONDAY, June 28 (HealthDay News) -- Statins do not appear to be associated with a reduced risk of death in people who are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) but have no history of it, according to research published in the June 28 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Doctors Agree Malpractice Fears Drive Overuse of Tests
MONDAY, June 28 (HealthDay News) -- A large majority of physicians agree that the practice of defensive medicine -- stemming from malpractice concerns -- is responsible for an overuse of medical tests and procedures, according to a research letter in the June 28 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.
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AHA Releases Guide for Cardiopulmonary Exercise Tests
MONDAY, June 28 (HealthDay News) -- In response to the increasing clinical value of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX), the American Heart Association has developed the Clinician's Guide to Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Adults to complement existing exercise testing guidelines with details on CPX. The new guide is being released as a scientific statement and published online June 28 in Circulation.
Two Studies Demonstrate Cardiac Risks of Rosiglitazone
MONDAY, June 28 (HealthDay News) -- New evidence suggests that rosiglitazone is associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, according to two studies published online June 28 in the Journal of the American Medical Association and the Archives of Internal Medicine. The studies were released online ahead of publication because of their relevance to an upcoming U.S. Food and Drug Administration meeting intended to review the safety of rosiglitazone.
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Teen Girls More Likely to View Drug, Alcohol Use Positively
MONDAY, June 28 (HealthDay News) -- Teenage girls are more likely than their male counterparts to perceive potential benefits -- including "self-medicating" benefits -- from drug and alcohol use, according to survey data released by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America and the MetLife Foundation.
Venous Thromboembolism Risk Factors Vary by Race
MONDAY, June 28 (HealthDay News) -- Black Americans with venous thromboembolism (VTE) are less likely to have commonly recognized transient risk factors for the condition, are more likely to have cardiovascular disease risk factors, and are more likely to progress to pulmonary embolism than are white Americans, according to research published in the July issue of the American Journal of Hematology.
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Spinal Kinematics Unlikely Marker for Teen Back Pain
FRIDAY, June 25 (HealthDay News) -- Spinal kinematics may not effectively distinguish adolescents with nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) from their pain-free counterparts unless those with NSCLBP are subclassified, according to a study in the June 15 issue of Spine.
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Digoxin May Increase Mortality Risk in Hemodialysis Patients
FRIDAY, June 25 (HealthDay News) -- Digoxin use by patients on hemodialysis is linked to increased mortality, particularly in patients who have low pre-dialysis potassium concentrations, according to research published online June 24 in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
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Maternal Homocysteine Does Not Predict Low Birth Weight
FRIDAY, June 25 (HealthDay News) -- Maternal levels of homocysteine and related B vitamins in late pregnancy have no association with birth weight, according to a study in the June issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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Statins May Lower Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in Heart Patients
FRIDAY, June 25 (HealthDay News) -- Statin therapy is associated with a reduced risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) among coronary artery disease patients, and lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) appears to reduce the risk of death and cardiovascular events among individuals who already have AF, according to research published in the June 15 issue of the American Journal of Cardiology.
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Updated Recommendations for Endometriosis Released
FRIDAY, June 25 (HealthDay News) -- Women who suffer from endometriosis-related pain should be treated first with conservative, non-surgical approaches and then with more invasive options if pain does not resolve, and hysterectomy only as a last resort, according to a practice bulletin issued by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and published in the July issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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Substantial Proportion of STI Consultations Involve Swingers
FRIDAY, June 25 (HealthDay News) -- Swingers -- heterosexuals who practice mate swapping or group sex or visit sex clubs as couples -- make up a considerable proportion of consultations for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and should be identified and treated as a risk group for STI prevention and care services, according to research published online June 24 in Sexually Transmitted Infections.
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Recent Low Back Pain Guidelines Offer Similar Advice
FRIDAY, June 25 (HealthDay News) -- Recent clinical practice guidelines offer similar recommendations for assessing and managing low back pain, and clinicians can improve patient care by adopting these recommendations, according to a review published in the June issue of The Spine Journal.
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Moldy Homes Linked to Higher Risk of Severe Asthma Attacks
FRIDAY, June 25 (HealthDay News) -- High mold exposure in the home may lead to an increased risk of severe asthma attacks among children with variants in the chitinase gene CHIT1, according to research published online June 10 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
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Active Surveillance Sound Approach to Prostate Cancer
FRIDAY, June 25 (HealthDay News) -- Active surveillance appears to be a sound approach to managing prostate cancer with a favorable risk profile, according to a review published in the July issue of The Journal of Urology.
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Panel Urges Two Yearly Preventive Visits for Teens
FRIDAY, June 25 (HealthDay News) -- Adolescent girls may require two "well-child" visits annually -- one general preventive visit and one dedicated to reproductive health, and both visits should be covered by health insurance, according a committee opinion of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) published in the July issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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Only 1 in 10 Meets '05 Sodium Intake Recommendations
THURSDAY, June 24 (HealthDay News) -- Only one in 10 American adults adheres to the 2005 recommendation for daily sodium intake, according to a report published in the June 25 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Dulera Inhaler Approved for Asthma
THURSDAY, June 24 (HealthDay News) -- Merck & Co.'s Dulera inhaler has been approved for people 12 and older whose asthma isn't controlled with other medication, the company said Thursday in a news release.
Rate of HIV Testing Up, New AIDS Cases Down in D.C.
THURSDAY, June 24 (HealthDay News) -- In Washington, D.C., where the HIV case rate is nearly 10 times the U.S. rate, the proportion of the population tested for HIV has increased and the rate of newly diagnosed AIDS cases has decreased in recent years, according to a report published in the June 25 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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Phone Reminders Up Colorectal Cancer Screening Rate
THURSDAY, June 22 (HealthDay News) -- An automated telephone intervention appears to increase the completion of fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) for colorectal cancer screening, according to a study published in the July issue of Medical Care.
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Cytology Limits Seen in Low-Risk Patients With Hematuria
THURSDAY, June 24 (HealthDay News) -- During evaluation of low-risk patients with asymptomatic microscopic hematuria (AMH), voided urine cytology is associated with a substantial cost without providing a diagnostic benefit, according to research published in the June issue of Urology.
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Computerized Decision Support Boosts Postpartum Vaccination
THURSDAY, June 24 (HealthDay News) -- A computer-based clinical decision-support algorithm can dramatically increase rates of tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination of postpartum women, according to a study in the July issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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Parents Divided Over Genetic Testing of Minors for Cancer
THURSDAY, June 24 (HealthDay News) -- Genetic testing of minors for adult hereditary cancer syndromes is not currently recommended, and parents' opinions on testing of minors for BRCA1/2 mutations are divided, according to research published online June 21 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
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Many Psoriasis Sufferers Hindered by Insurance Issues
THURSDAY, June 24 (HealthDay News) -- A third of people with psoriasis do not receive adequate treatment for their condition because they lack adequate health care coverage or are unable to meet the copays for treatment, according to results of a survey conducted by the National Psoriasis Foundation.
Underinsured African-Americans With Breast Cancer Fare Worse
THURSDAY, June 24 (HealthDay News) -- Underinsured African-American patients are more likely to experience poorer breast cancer-specific survival than their non-Hispanic white counterparts, though the effect of race on survival is not statistically significant after adjustment for sociodemographic and clinical factors, according to research published online June 23 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
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Excess Gestational Weight Gain Linked to Long-Term Issues
THURSDAY, June 24 (HealthDay News) -- Gaining an excessive amount of weight during pregnancy may have long-term effects on mothers' and children's body sizes, but the benefits of lower gains should be balanced against the risk of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) births, according to research published in the June issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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Test Combination Predicts Fall Risk in Parkinson's Disease
WEDNESDAY, June 23 (HealthDay News) -- A combination of tests on disease-specific and mobility- and balance-related measures can accurately predict which Parkinson's disease patients are more likely to fall, according to a study published online June 23 in Neurology.
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U.S. Ranks Last in International Health Care Survey
WEDNESDAY, June 23 (HealthDay News) -- Of seven wealthy countries, the United States ranks last in health care, according to the 2010 edition of "Mirror, Mirror on the Wall," a report on the quality of international care released June 23 by The Commonwealth Fund.
New 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus Test Authorized by FDA
WEDNESDAY, June 23 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized a new test that uses molecular biology techniques to diagnose 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection in humans.
Health Professionals Often Do Little to Help Smokers Quit
WEDNESDAY, June 23 (HealthDay News) -- Many health care professionals ask patients about smoking and advise them to quit but do not follow guidelines to help patients actually give up the habit, according to research published online May 27 in Nicotine & Tobacco Research.
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Childhood Cancer Risk Not Linked to Cell Tower Exposure
WEDNESDAY, June 23 (HealthDay News) -- The risk of early childhood cancer does not appear to be linked to a mother's exposure to a mobile phone base station during pregnancy, according to a study published June 22 in BMJ.
Oral Bisphosphonate Use May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk
WEDNESDAY, June 23 (HealthDay News) -- The use of oral bisphosphonates by postmenopausal women appears to significantly reduce the risk of some breast cancers, according to a pair of studies published online June 21 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
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Findings Suggest Harmful Effects From MP3 Players
WEDNESDAY, June 23 (HealthDay News) -- Temporary changes in hearing sensitivity associated with MP3 players suggest that the devices could have potentially harmful effects, according to research published in the June issue of the Archives of Otolaryngology -- Head & Neck Surgery.
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C-Section Risk Found High for First-Time Moms Induced at Term
WEDNESDAY, June 23 (HealthDay News) -- Nulliparous women who undergo induced labor at term have double the risk of requiring cesarean delivery, according to a study in the July issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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Weight Control Important for Diabetes Risk in Later Years
TUESDAY, June 22 (HealthDay News) -- In older adults, body fat and weight gain after the age of 50 are associated with a higher risk of diabetes, according to research published in the June 23/30 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Folic Acid, B12 Do Not Reduce Vascular Events
TUESDAY, June 22 (HealthDay News) -- Supplementation with folic acid and vitamin B12 over an extended period does not have a beneficial effect on vascular outcomes in individuals who have had a myocardial infarction, but it also poses no excess cancer risk, according to a study in the June 23/30 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Panel Says Ob-Gyn Hospitalist Trend Aids Patients, Doctors
TUESDAY, June 22 (HealthDay News) -- The increasing number of obstetrician-gynecologist hospitalists has the potential to improve patient safety, streamline patient care, and improve the lifestyle of currently practicing Ob-Gyns, according to a committee opinion of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) published in the July issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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Surveillance Colonoscopy Can Be Cost-Effective
TUESDAY, June 22 (HealthDay News) -- Surveillance colonoscopy is cost-effective for patients at high risk of colorectal cancer, but aggressive surveillance may be expensive or harmful, according to research published in the June issue of Gastroenterology.
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Incidence Rate of Rare Skin Carcinoma on the Rise
TUESDAY, June 22 (HealthDay News) -- The incidence rate (IR) for cutaneous appendageal carcinoma (CAC) in the United States is low and varies by sex/ethnic group, but it has been increasing, possibly partly due to increased ultraviolet exposure and improvements in diagnosis, according to research published in the June issue of the Archives of Dermatology.
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Some Moist Toilet Paper Can Cause Severe Reaction
TUESDAY, June 22 (HealthDay News) -- A preservative used in moist toilet paper can cause a severe allergic reaction in some people, as demonstrated by four case reports published online June 21 in the Archives of Dermatology.
Flame Retardant Affects Thyroid Levels in Pregnant Women
TUESDAY, June 22 (HealthDay News) -- In pregnant women, blood levels of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) are associated with lower levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone and higher odds of subclinical hyperthyroidism, according to research published online June 21 in Environmental Health Perspectives.
Post-Heart Attack Drinkers May Fare Better Than Quitters
MONDAY, June 21 (HealthDay News) -- Moderate drinkers who continue to drink after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) do not appear to experience related adverse effects, and may even have better physical functioning than those who opt to quit drinking alcohol, according to a study in the June 15 issue of the American Journal of Cardiology.
Breast-Feeding for Six Months Best for Infection Prevention
MONDAY, June 21 (HealthDay News) -- Exclusive breast-feeding until age 6 months is slightly more protective against infectious diseases than exclusive breast-feeding for four months and partially thereafter, according to research published online June 21 in Pediatrics.
Severe Colitis Reported in Child After Rituximab Treatment
MONDAY, June 21 (HealthDay News) -- Children treated with rituximab for nephrotic syndrome (NS) may be at risk for severe T-cell mediated ulcerative colitis, as demonstrated by a case study published online June 21 in Pediatrics.
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PCBs Linked to Reduced Response to Vaccinations
MONDAY, June 21 (HealthDay News) -- Exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) early in life may reduce the effectiveness of childhood vaccinations and impair immune-system responses to infection, according to research published online June 20 in Environmental Health Perspectives.
Watchful Waiting May Suffice in Low-Risk Prostate Cancer
MONDAY, June 21 (HealthDay News) -- For patients with prostate cancer that has a low risk of progression, active surveillance is associated with a low death rate, suggesting that it may be a sufficient management approach, according to research published online June 18 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Rescue Antenatal Steroids Beneficial for Preterm Infants
MONDAY, June 21 (HealthDay News) -- If it has been at least 14 days since an initial dose of antenatal steroids, an additional course of rescue antenatal steroids administered to pregnant women at continued risk of premature delivery can improve their infants' postnatal respiratory function, according to research published in the June issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Most Pediatricians Admit to 1-2 Diagnostic Errors Per Month
MONDAY, June 21 (HealthDay News) -- Most pediatricians report making at least one to two diagnostic errors per month, and patient harm resulting from these errors is not uncommon, according to research published online June 21 in Pediatrics.
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High Tea Consumption Linked to Lower CHD Mortality Risk
FRIDAY, June 18 (HealthDay News) -- Moderate coffee drinkers and moderate to heavy tea drinkers appear to experience less risk of heart disease and, in the case of tea drinkers, lower heart disease-related mortality, according to research published online June 18 in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.
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Hepatic Encephalopathy Linked to Chronic Cognitive Effects
FRIDAY, June 18 (HealthDay News) -- Among patients with cirrhosis, episodes of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) may be associated with lingering and cumulative problems with learning, working memory, and response inhibition, according to research published in the June issue of Gastroenterology.
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Interest by Physicians Can Play Role in Medication Adherence
FRIDAY, June 18 (HealthDay News) -- Patients whose doctors actively review their medication use and prescribing information are more likely to use inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for asthma control as prescribed, according to research published online May 31 in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
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Low Proportion of Cirrhosis Patients Screened for HCC
FRIDAY, June 18 (HealthDay News) -- Fewer than 20 percent of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have previously had cirrhosis receive regular screening in the three years before being diagnosed with HCC, and those seeing only primary care doctors are least likely to be screened, according to research published in the July issue of Hepatology.
ER Visits for Prescription Drug Misuse Climbing
FRIDAY, June 18 (HealthDay News) -- From 2004 to 2008, emergency department visits involving the non-medical use of prescription drugs increased substantially in the United States, according to research published in the June 18 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
10 Risk Factors Associated With Most of Stroke Risk
FRIDAY, June 18 (HealthDay News) -- Worldwide, 10 risk factors are associated with 90 percent of the risk for stroke, suggesting that interventions targeting these particular factors could greatly reduce the stroke burden, according to a study published online June 18 in The Lancet.
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Gene Mutation Increases Clot Risk in Women on Tamoxifen
FRIDAY, June 18 (HealthDay News) -- Women taking adjuvant tamoxifen for early-stage breast cancer who develop a thromboembolism (TE) are nearly five times more likely to carry the factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation than women on the medication who don't have a TE, according to a study published online June 16 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
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Questionnaire Poorly Predicts Sleep Apnea in Pregnancy
FRIDAY, June 18 (HealthDay News) -- The Berlin questionnaire performs poorly in predicting obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in pregnant women compared to polysomnography, according to research published in the June issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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Sites Contain Graphic Material to Promote Eating Disorders
FRIDAY, June 18 (HealthDay News) -- Pro-eating disorder Web sites are easy to access and contain content that encourages and motivates users to continue their efforts with anorexia and bulimia, though many include recovery-oriented messages as well, according to research published online June 17 in the American Journal of Public Health.
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Receipt of Kidney Care Less Likely in Black Communities
FRIDAY, June 18 (HealthDay News) -- Even when their kidney function is clearly declining, people living in communities with a high percentage of black residents are less likely to receive kidney care before they start dialysis than those living elsewhere, regardless of race, according to research published online June 17 in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
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Bone Health Supplements Don't Increase Coronary Calcium
FRIDAY, June 18 (HealthDay News) -- Postmenopausal women who take calcium plus vitamin D supplements for bone health do not increase their levels of coronary artery calcium (CAC) and increase their cardiovascular disease risk as a result, according to a study published online June 14 in Menopause.
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Lack of Fitness, Inactivity Linked to Walking Falls
FRIDAY, June 18 (HealthDay News) -- Poor physical fitness and physical inactivity may increase the risk of falls while walking, particularly in men, according to research published in the July issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
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EMR Program Benefits More Modest Than Expected
THURSDAY, June 17 (HealthDay News) -- The limited introduction of a central repository for electronic summary care records (SCRs) in England has had a subtle but positive effect on health care delivery, but national implementation will be a complicated process, according to research published June 16 in BMJ.
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Colonoscopies Every 1-2 Years Urged for Those at Genetic Risk
THURSDAY, June 17 (HealthDay News) -- Getting surveillance colonoscopies every one to two years instead of every two to three years is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) for members of families with Lynch syndrome, according to a study in the June issue of Gastroenterology.
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Celecoxib Linked to Lower Rate of Gastrointestinal Events
THURSDAY, June 17 (HealthDay News) -- The cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) celecoxib is associated with a lower risk of gastrointestinal adverse events than the NSAID diclofenac plus the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) omeprazole in patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, according to a study published online June 17 in The Lancet.
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Duloxetine Beneficial in Treating Chronic Low Back Pain
THURSDAY, June 17 (HealthDay News) -- Duloxetine appears to significantly reduce pain and improve functioning in nondepressed individuals with non-neuropathic chronic low back pain (CLBP), according to a study published in the June 1 issue of Spine, though during the study, more subjects on duloxetine discontinued treatment because of adverse events than those on placebo.
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Improved Liability Protection Could Up Use of School Grounds
THURSDAY, June 17 (HealthDay News) -- The improvement of liability protection could open public school facilities for recreational activity to the benefit of the larger community, according to a review published in the July issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
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New Method Gives Better Local Start Date for RSV Prophylaxis
THURSDAY, June 17 (HealthDay News) -- Using five years of local laboratory surveillance data to predict likely respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) outbreak timing is a viable method for recommending optimal immunoprophylaxis dates, according to research published online June 14 in Pediatrics.
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Prenatal Smoking Linked to Pregnancy, Infant Risks
THURSDAY, June 17 (HealthDay News) -- Prenatal smoking continues to be a substantial contributor to infant death in the United States, according to research published in the July issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Psychological Variables Predict Disability From Back Pain
THURSDAY, June 17 (HealthDay News) -- Long-term disability from low back pain (LBP) may be prevented by targeting interventions to several psychological variables, according to research published in the June 1 issue of Spine.
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Later Age at Menarche Tied to Lower Odds of Endometriosis
THURSDAY, June 17 (HealthDay News) -- The risk of endometriosis is lower in women who experience their first period at an older age and higher in women who report an early dysmenorrhea history, according to research published in the June issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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Functional Dyspepsia Tied to Higher Costs for Employees
THURSDAY, June 17 (HealthDay News) -- Individuals with functional dyspepsia are absent from work more often and incur higher direct and indirect medical costs than employees without the condition, according to research published in the June issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
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Alzheimer's Risk May Be Decreased by Protective Diet
THURSDAY, June 17 (HealthDay News) -- A dietary pattern (DP) with higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, salad dressing, nuts, fish, and poultry, and lower intakes of items including red meat and high-fat dairy products may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by almost 40 percent, according to research published in the June issue of the Archives of Neurology.
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Strict Diagnostic Criteria Define Late-Onset Hypogonadism
WEDNESDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- Using a concise definition of late-onset hypogonadism which includes the presence of specific sexual symptoms as well as a strict laboratory testosterone level cut-point in older men can identify those men who truly need testosterone replacement therapy, according to research published online June 16 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Antiretroviral Regimens Reduce Mom-Baby HIV Transmission
WEDNESDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- Various antiretroviral treatment options for lactating mothers and breast-feeding infants appear to reduce mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1), according to two studies in the June 17 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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CDC: 15.4 Percent of Americans Uninsured in 2009
WEDNESDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- In 2009, 15.4 percent of Americans did not have health insurance, according to a report released June 16 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics.
More Older Adults Being Treated for Substance Abuse
WEDNESDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- The proportion of Americans 50 years of age or older being treated for abuse of illicit substances substantially increased from 1992 to 2008, according to a study sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Mediterranean Diet Linked to Better Cardiac Function
WEDNESDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- The closer a person conforms to a Mediterranean diet, the greater the likelihood of higher heart rate variability (HRV), indicating better cardiac autonomic function and lower risk for coronary artery disease, according to a study published online June 15 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
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Obesity Has Negative Impacts on Sexual Health, Behavior
WEDNESDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- Obesity has negative impacts on sexual health in both men and women, and young obese women are less likely to use contraceptive health care services and more likely to have unplanned pregnancies, according to a study published June 15 in BMJ.
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Free Clinics Hold Meaningful Role in Nation's Safety Net
WEDNESDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- Free clinics appear to be an important component of America's health care safety net, and primary care practices that serve sociodemographically vulnerable neighborhoods may be more likely than other practices to offer capabilities often associated with the medical home concept, according to research published in the June 14 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.
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Pyloric Stenosis Has Strong Familial Aggregation
TUESDAY, June 15 (HealthDay News) -- Pyloric stenosis, which is the most common condition requiring surgery in an infant's first months of life, has strong familial aggregation and high heritability, according to a study in the June 16 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Vitamin B6, Methionine Linked to Lower Lung Cancer Risk
TUESDAY, June 15 (HealthDay News) -- Vitamin B6 and methionine levels are associated with lower risk of lung cancer, and factors associated with the decision to not undergo surgery for newly diagnosed lung cancer include black race and negative perceptions of doctor-patient communication and prognosis, according to two studies published in the June 16 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Many Doctors May Overscreen With Annual Pap and HPV Tests
TUESDAY, June 15 (HealthDay News) -- Despite cervical cancer screening recommendations that low-risk women be screened every three years after age 30, most primary care providers report that they would advise more frequent testing, and primary care providers are less likely to recommend extending screening intervals to three years with a human papillomavirus (HPV) test used with a Pap test than with the Pap test alone, according to research published in the June 14 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.
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Healthy Diet Linked to Lower Risk of Nuclear Cataract
TUESDAY, June 15 (HealthDay News) -- The development of cataracts can be influenced by factors other than age, including diet and the use of sun-sensitizing medications combined with sun exposure, according to one study published in the June issue and another published online June 14 in the Archives of Ophthalmology.
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Substituting Brown for White Rice Reduces Diabetes Risk
TUESDAY, June 15 (HealthDay News) -- Substituting brown rice, or other whole grains, for white rice in a person's diet can lower their risk for type 2 diabetes, according to research published in the June 14 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.
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Scant Evidence Links Any Factor to Alzheimer's Prevention
TUESDAY, June 15 (HealthDay News) -- There is scant evidence that any one factor -- such as exercising or following a Mediterranean diet -- is protective of cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), in older adults, according to a review presented at a National Institutes of Health State-of-the-Science Conference and a subsequent conference statement, both published online June 14 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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HIV Nucleic Acid Testing With Automated Reporting Beneficial
TUESDAY, June 15 (HealthDay News) -- Adding nucleic acid testing (NAT) that includes automated result reporting systems to routine HIV testing programs can increase the early detection of infected individuals, particularly in settings that serve men who have sex with men (MSM), according to a study in the June 15 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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HDL Cholesterol Inversely Associated With Cancer Risk
TUESDAY, June 15 (HealthDay News) -- Levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and incident cancer risk are significantly inversely associated, and this relationship is independent of factors such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), age, and smoking, according to research published in the June 22 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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HbA1c Levels Found Higher in Blacks Than Whites
TUESDAY, June 15 (HealthDay News) -- Black individuals have higher hemoglobin A1c levels than whites across the spectrum from normal glucose tolerance to diabetes, and as glucose intolerance worsens, the differences become greater, according to research published in the June 15 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Treatments Found Effective for Chronic Hepatitis E Infection
TUESDAY, June 15 (HealthDay News) -- Ribavirin and pegylated interferon-α may be effective in treating chronic hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection, according to two reports published online June 14 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Mental Activity May Protect Brain in Multiple Sclerosis
MONDAY, June 14 (HealthDay News) -- Higher levels of intellectual enrichment may negate the negative impact of brain atrophy in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to research published in the June 15 issue of Neurology.
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Adolescent BP Predicts Hypertension in Young Adulthood
MONDAY, June 14 (HealthDay News) -- Blood pressure (BP) at age 17 rises over time in a linear fashion, and both male and female adolescents with BPs in the upper range of normal face more than double the risk of hypertension in young adulthood, according to research published online June 14 in Hypertension.
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Incidental Findings Frequently Seen in Pediatric Brain Imaging
MONDAY, June 14 (HealthDay News) -- Nearly 7 percent of children involved in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study had incidental intracranial findings, calling attention to issues related to counseling families when such findings arise in clinical situations, according to research published online June 14 in Pediatrics.
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Prognosis Favorable for Most Children With Epilepsy
MONDAY, June 14 (HealthDay News) -- About seven in 10 children who develop epilepsy experience terminal remission, while the condition becomes intractable in only about one in 10, according to a study published online June 14 in Epilepsia.
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Costs Thwart Continued Care for Many Cancer Patients
MONDAY, June 14 (HealthDay News) -- Many cancer survivors delay or forgo medical care due to cost, and cancer survivors under 65 are more likely to put off or forgo care than those without a history of cancer, according to research published online June 14 in Cancer.
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After Vasectomy, One Sample May Be Enough for Clearance
MONDAY, June 14 (HealthDay News) -- Providing clearance to vasectomy patients who have provided just one semen sample containing less than 100,000 immotile sperm/mL at least three months after the procedure is safe and greatly reduces the number of men who cannot be cleared, according to a study in the June issue of BJU International, the journal of the British Association of Urological Surgeons.
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Clear Rules, Physical Activity Cut Children's Screen Time
MONDAY, June 14 (HealthDay News) -- In households where parents set clear and consistent limits on screen time and where children have plenty of physical activity, children have lower odds of exceeding the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommended two-hour daily screen-time limit, according to research published online June 14 in Pediatrics.
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Modifiable Factors Tied to Mortality Hike in Rectal Cancer
MONDAY, June 14 (HealthDay News) -- Disparities in cancer stage and treatment account for most of the excess mortality in rectal cancer patients who are uninsured or on Medicaid, compared with privately insured patients, according to research published online June 14 in Cancer.
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ARBs Linked to Modestly Higher Risk of Cancer Diagnosis
MONDAY, June 14 (HealthDay News) -- Angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) appear to be associated with a modest increase in risk of a new cancer diagnosis, according to research published online June 14 in The Lancet Oncology.
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Vaccination Ends Disparities in Pneumococcal Disease
MONDAY, June 14 (HealthDay News) -- The vaccination of young children with seven-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) in recent years has eliminated disparities in risk for vaccine-type invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) associated with race and group child care attendance, according to a case-control study published online June 14 in Pediatrics.
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Less Education Linked to Higher Mortality in Diabetes
MONDAY, June 14 (HealthDay News) -- The mortality risk among adults with diabetes differs greatly by educational level, and although the relative disparities in this population are not as strong as those in adults without diabetes, their absolute impact is greater, according to a study in the June issue of Diabetes Care.
Preventive Intervention for Premature Infants Effective
MONDAY, June 14 (HealthDay News) -- A home preventive care program for very premature infants and their caregivers results in improved behavioral and emotional regulation at age 2, as well as less depression and anxiety among caregivers, according to research published online June 14 in Pediatrics.
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Young Adults Focus on Health Behaviors Over Genetics
FRIDAY, June 11 (HealthDay News) -- Overall, young adults tend to favor health behaviors over genetics as the cause of common preventable diseases, but those with more behavioral risk factors were more likely to lean toward genetic explanations, according to research published online June 8 in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine.
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Metformin in Diabetes Linked to Lower Breast Cancer Risk
FRIDAY, June 11 (HealthDay News) -- In women with type 2 diabetes, long-term metformin use is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer, according to research published in the June issue of Diabetes Care.
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Rotavirus Prescribing Information, Labeling Changed
FRIDAY, June 11 (HealthDay News) -- New prescribing information and patient labeling for rotavirus vaccines has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in response to reports of vaccine-acquired rotavirus infection in infants with severe combined immunodeficiency disorder (SCID), according to a report published in the June 11 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Aspirin Found Cost-Effective in Newly Diagnosed Diabetes
FRIDAY, June 11 (HealthDay News) -- In individuals age 40 and older who have been newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, regular aspirin use is a cost-effective strategy, according to a study in the June issue of Diabetes Care.
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Suppressed Anger in CAD Linked to Adverse Cardiac Events
THURSDAY, June 10 (HealthDay News) -- In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), suppressing anger is associated with a higher risk of adverse cardiac events, according to research published in the June 1 issue of the American Journal of Cardiology.
Insulin Resistance With Normal BMI Linked to Mortality Risk
THURSDAY, June 10 (HealthDay News) -- In adults of normal weight without diabetes, insulin resistance -- as measured with the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) -- is associated with all-cause mortality, according to research published in the June issue of Diabetes Care.
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FDA: Defibtech's DBP-2800 Battery Packs Recalled
THURSDAY, June 10 (HealthDay News) -- Defibtech has alerted customers of a voluntary recall of 5,418 DBP-2800 Battery Packs used in the Lifeline Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) and ReviveR AED, as these AEDs may incorrectly recognize an error condition during charging for a shock and discontinue the charge, not providing therapy when the defected battery packs are used.
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H1N1, Seasonal Flu Have Similar Attack Rates
THURSDAY, June 10 (HealthDay News) -- The pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza virus had transmissibility and clinical features similar to those of seasonal influenza A viruses, and the use of oseltamivir ring chemoprophylaxis -- along with quick identification and isolation of affected individuals -- effectively reduced the impact of 2009 H1N1 outbreaks in semiclosed settings, according to two studies published in the June 10 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Valproic Acid Use in Pregnancy Tied to Malformation Risk
THURSDAY, June 10 (HealthDay News) -- In pregnant women, first-trimester use of valproic acid is associated with significantly increased risks of five congenital malformations in addition to spina bifida, according to research published in the June 10 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Lifestyle, Behaviors Affect Headache Risk in Adolescents
WEDNESDAY, June 9 (HealthDay News) -- High consumption of alcoholic drinks, coffee drinking, smoking, and lack of physical activity are all associated with headaches in adolescents, according to a study published online June 7 in Headache.
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Maternal Hardships Impact Newborns' and Children's Health
WEDNESDAY, June 9 (HealthDay News) -- Intimate partner violence suffered by mothers is linked to an increased obesity risk in young children, and childhood hardship is associated with women's future pregnancy outcomes, according to two studies in the June issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.
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Short Stature Associated With Higher Heart Disease Risk
WEDNESDAY, June 9 (HealthDay News) -- Being short is associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease morbidity and mortality than being tall, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis published online June 8 in the European Heart Journal.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Not Uncommon in CABG Patients
WEDNESDAY, June 9 (HealthDay News) -- Among patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are particularly common in men with a history of smoking and other vascular problems, including peripheral arterial disease (PAD), according to research published in the June 1 issue of the American Journal of Cardiology.
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B Vitamins Show No Benefit in Slowing CAD Progression
WEDNESDAY, June 9 (HealthDay News) -- In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), subsequent therapy with folic acid/vitamin B12 lowers levels of total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) but does not have a beneficial effect on disease progression, according to a study in the June 1 issue of the American Journal of Cardiology.
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Fitness Trends Predictive of Diabetes Development
WEDNESDAY, June 9 (HealthDay News) -- People who increase their cardiorespiratory fitness level over time are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who lose fitness, according to research published in the June issue of Diabetes Care.
NSAID Cardio Risk for Healthy People Varies by Drug
WEDNESDAY, June 9 (HealthDay News) -- Use of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) diclofenac and rofecoxib by healthy people is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death, but naproxen appears to have a safer cardiovascular risk profile, according to a study published online June 8 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
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Alcohol Dependence Treatment Tied to Social Cost Savings
WEDNESDAY, June 9 (HealthDay News) -- Treatment for alcohol dependence may result in reduced median social costs associated with arrests, vehicle accidents and health care, according to a study in the May issue of Medical Care.
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Pediatric Migraine Treatment Practices Vary Widely in ER
WEDNESDAY, June 9 (HealthDay News) -- In a sample of Canadian emergency departments, children seen for migraine headaches reported frequent occurrence of attacks, and were subject to significant treatment variations by emergency department physicians, according to research published online June 7 in Pediatrics.
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Stress Reduction Aids Survival in Recurrent Breast Cancer
TUESDAY, June 8 (HealthDay News) -- Patients with recurrent breast cancer who had psychological intervention for stress reduction during their initial disease deal better with the stress of disease recurrence and even improve their odds for survival over the long term, according to a study published online June 8 in Clinical Cancer Research.
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New Primary Care Model Tested in Demonstration Project
TUESDAY, June 8 (HealthDay News) -- The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) concept, a team-based, integrated approach to patient care, can be implemented currently by motivated primary care practices, but health system and payment reforms are needed to implement it more smoothly, according to a series of reports in a supplement to the May/June issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
One-Third of Veterans May Experience PTSD, Depression
TUESDAY, June 8 (HealthDay News) -- Up to a third of veterans returning from combat may experience depression or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), often along with alcohol misuse or aggressive behavior comorbidity, and the risk of developing dementia is nearly twice as high in veterans with PTSD as in those without, according to the results of two studies published in the June issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.
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Fatal Medication Errors Rise in July at Teaching Hospitals
TUESDAY, June 8 (HealthDay News) -- In July there is a significant increase in fatal medication errors at medical institutions, and this spike is at least partly due to the arrival of new medical residents, according to a study published online May 29 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
Effect of UV Exposure on Vitamin D Levels Quantified
TUESDAY, June 8 (HealthDay News) -- Although it may be possible to achieve equivalent doses of vitamin D supplementation with natural sun exposure and oral supplementation, intentional sun exposure may result in serious adverse effects, and oral supplementation is the safest method for increasing vitamin D status, according to a study published in the June issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
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Children of Single Deployed Parents See Doctor Less Often
TUESDAY, June 8 (HealthDay News) -- Children of single military parents are seen less frequently for both acute-care and well-child visits while their parent is deployed, while children of a married deployed parent are seen more frequently, according to research published online June 7 in Pediatrics.
Non-Emergency ER Admissions Have Different Needs
TUESDAY, June 8 (HealthDay News) -- Non-emergency patients admitted to hospitals through the emergency department (EDNEs) need specific health care services, including improved access, fast tracking, and continuity of care, according to research published in the May issue of the Journal of Emergency Nursing.
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Several Factors Tied to Higher Depression Risk in Internship
TUESDAY, June 8 (HealthDay News) -- Several individual, internship and genetic factors are associated with the marked increase in depressive symptoms experienced by medical interns, according to research published in the June issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.
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Risk Factors Up Odds of Plaque Progression Despite Low LDL
TUESDAY, June 8 (HealthDay News) -- Several independent risk factors, including baseline percent atheroma volume (PAV) and the presence of diabetes, are associated with the likelihood of continued progression of disease in individuals who have achieved very low levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), according to research published in the June 15 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Gout Drug Effective and Safe in Chronic Stable Angina
TUESDAY, June 8 (HealthDay News) -- Allopurinol, a standard treatment for gout, appears to be effective and safe in prolonging exercise capacity in patients with chronic stable angina, according to a study published online June 8 in The Lancet.
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Many Adults With Pediatric Disorders Use Pediatric ERs
TUESDAY, June 8 (HealthDay News) -- Many adult patients with chronic pediatric disorders, known as transition patients, use pediatric emergency departments -- often for complaints unrelated to their pediatric disorders -- and these patients have high rates of intensive care unit and hospital admissions, according to a study in the June issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.
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Triple Combination Cream Reduces Melasma Severity
TUESDAY, June 8 (HealthDay News) -- Although using daily triple combination (TC) cream for 12 weeks is safe and effective in reducing melasma severity enough for patients to reduce administration to twice per week, most patients relapse, requiring resumption of daily therapy, according to a study in the June issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
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Racial Differences Exist in Asthma Prevalence and Care
MONDAY, June 7 (HealthDay News) -- Racial and ethnic differences exist in the prevalence, treatment and outcomes of asthma among children with equal access to medical care, according to a study published online June 7 in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.
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Genetics Implicated in Disordered Gambling in Women
MONDAY, June 7 (HealthDay News) -- Genetic factors contribute to the etiology of disordered gambling (DG) among women, as they do among men, and susceptibility genes that contribute to variation in liability for DG probably greatly overlap between the two sexes, according to a study in the June issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.
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Constipation in Children Often Continues in Adulthood
MONDAY, June 7 (HealthDay News) -- Many children with functional constipation continue to experience symptoms into adulthood; those who don't respond to first-line treatment should be considered for referral to a specialized clinic, according to research published online June 7 in Pediatrics.
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Smoke-Free Air Laws Reduce Cotinine Levels in Children
MONDAY, June 7 (HealthDay News) -- Smoke-free air laws appear effective in reducing cotinine levels in youths, though these effects may be negated by exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) inside the home, according to research published online June 7 in Pediatrics.
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Many Hospital Patients Readmitted Within Two Years
MONDAY, June 7 (HealthDay News) -- Approximately 25 percent of hospital patients were readmitted to the hospital within a two-year period for the same conditions that prompted their initial admission, according to a recent report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
Negative Effects of Having Premature Baby Seldom Last
MONDAY, June 7 (HealthDay News) -- The negative impacts on mothers and families of having an extremely low birth weight (ELBW) child appear to be minimal by the time the child reaches young adulthood, except for an ongoing negative effect on parents' jobs, according to research published online June 7 in Pediatrics.
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Overlap Exists in TBI, Fractures Attributable to Abuse
MONDAY, June 7 (HealthDay News) -- In children younger than 3, considerable overlap exists in the occurrence of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and fractures attributable to abuse, though accidental falls occur more commonly than abuse, even among very young children, according to a study published online June 7 in Pediatrics.
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Smoking Cessation Approach Reduces Surgery Complications
MONDAY, June 7 (HealthDay News) -- Initiating a smoking cessation intervention program after acute fracture surgery and carrying it out for six weeks may reduce the risk of post-surgical complications, according to a study in the June 1 issue of the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery.
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Antibiotic Not Found to Reduce Breakthrough Bleeding
FRIDAY, June 4 (HealthDay News) -- Treatment with doxycycline does not appear to decrease unscheduled bleeding associated with the initiation of continuous oral contraceptive pills, according to research published in the June issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
GBS Screening Guidelines Widely Followed in Tennessee
FRIDAY, June 4 (HealthDay News) -- The state of Tennessee has mostly succeeded in implementing and adhering to universal screening guidelines for perinatal group B streptococci (GBS), but the timing of screening and administration of chemoprophylaxis when indicated could be improved upon, according to research published in the June issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
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Young Men With the Lowest IQs at Higher Risk of Suicide
FRIDAY, June 4 (HealthDay News) -- Lower intelligence quotient (IQ) scores in young men are associated with a higher risk of future suicide, but the relationship does not hold true for men who are identified as having psychosis, according to research published June 3 in BMJ.
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Specific Care Plan Does Not Slow Decline in Alzheimer's
FRIDAY, June 4 (HealthDay News) -- A comprehensive specific care plan carried out with biannual clinic consultations and management of problems with standardized guidelines does not decrease the rate of functional decline in individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, according to research published June 3 in BMJ.
Low-Dose Estrogen Patch Linked to Lower Risk of Stroke
FRIDAY, June 4 (HealthDay News) -- Postmenopausal women who use low-dose estrogen transdermal patches have a lower risk of stroke compared to users of either high-dose estrogen patches or oral hormone replacement therapy (HRT), according to research published June 3 in BMJ.
Non-Married at Greater Risk of Hospitalization for Sepsis
FRIDAY, June 4 (HealthDay News) -- Single, separated, and widowed adults have a higher risk of hospitalization for sepsis than do their married peers, and some face higher mortality rates as well, according to research published in the June issue of Chest.
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WHO Maintains Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Alert
FRIDAY, June 4 (HealthDay News) -- The World Health Organization has decided to maintain an H1N1 flu pandemic alert based on the recommendation of 15 international influenza experts, as new cases of H1N1 are expected in the short-term during the flu season in the southern hemisphere.
Many on Bisphosphonates Lack Information About the Drugs
FRIDAY, June 4 (HealthDay News) -- Many individuals taking bisphosphonates are unfamiliar with potential adverse events associated with treatment and with the duration of treatment, according to a study in the May 1 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association.
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Maternal Death Greatly Reduces Child's Survival Odds
FRIDAY, June 4 (HealthDay News) -- In rural Bangladesh, the chance of survival to 10 years of age among children whose mothers die is greatly reduced, but the death of a father has a negligible effect on a child's survival, according to a study in the June 5 issue of The Lancet.
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Mediterranean Diet May Lower Childhood Asthma Risk
FRIDAY, June 4 (HealthDay News) -- Diet appears to be associated with asthma and wheeze in children, and eating a "Mediterranean diet" rich in fruit, vegetables and fish seems to reduce a child's risk of developing asthma and wheeze, according to an international study published in the June issue of Thorax.
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Low HDL Predicts Development of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
FRIDAY, June 4 (HealthDay News) -- There appears to be a consistent association between low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and the presence of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in men aged 65 years or older, according to research published in the May 15 issue of the American Journal of Cardiology.
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LDL Increase on Omega-3 Plus Simvastatin Only in Subgroup
FRIDAY, June 4 (HealthDay News) -- The increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol that occurs with the addition of omega-3 treatment to simvastatin appears to happen mainly in those with low baseline LDL while on simvastatin alone, according to research published in the May 15 issue of the American Journal of Cardiology.
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CDC: Many U.S. Teens Have Abused Prescription Drugs
THURSDAY, June 3 (HealthDay News) -- One in five students high school students in the United States has abused prescription drugs at some point, according to the 2009 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey, released June 3 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Caregiving Stress May Impair Endothelial Function
THURSDAY, June 3 (HealthDay News) -- The stress of caring for a spouse with Alzheimer's disease may increase the risk of cardiovascular events due to impaired endothelial functioning, according to research published in the June 8 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Asthma May Be More Severe in Obese Individuals
THURSDAY, June 3 (HealthDay News) -- Obese individuals with asthma are more likely to experience decreased lung function and additional comorbidities compared to their normal-weight counterparts, and they are also more likely to be misdiagnosed with asthma when making urgent visits for respiratory symptoms, according to a study in the June issue of Chest.
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Electronic Patient Records Reduce Time to Treatment
THURSDAY, June 3 (HealthDay News) -- Switching from paper notes to electronic patient records (EPR) may help clinics dramatically reduce the time between a positive test result and treatment for a sexually transmitted infection, according to research published online May 21 in Sexually Transmitted Infections.
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Early Heparin Beneficial in Pulmonary Embolism
THURSDAY, June 3 (HealthDay News) -- For patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE), starting heparin early, while the patient is still in the emergency department, is associated with decreased mortality, according to research published in the June issue of Chest.
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Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping Advocated
THURSDAY, June 3 (HealthDay News) -- Umbilical cord clamping at birth should be delayed for a few minutes, or until the cord stops pulsing, to permit transfer of important stem cells from the placenta to the newborn, according to a review published in the Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine.
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Combination Therapy Cuts Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Onset
THURSDAY, June 3 (HealthDay News) -- Low doses of rosiglitazone and metformin given in combination can substantially reduce the risk of progression to type 2 diabetes in people with impaired glucose tolerance who are at risk for the disease, according to a study published online June 3 in The Lancet.
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Many Men Disagree With No-PSA-at-75 Recommendation
THURSDAY, June 3 (HealthDay News) -- A U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation to discontinue prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening at age 75 is not supported by many men, and men ages 75 and older show higher-risk disease and poorer survival, according to research published in the May issue of Urology.
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Rural Residents Less Likely to Use Sunscreen
THURSDAY, June 3 (HealthDay News) -- Rural residents are less likely than urban residents to use sunscreen, but this may be explained by confounding factors such as differences in age and income, according to a study in the June issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
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Stroke Patients Benefit From Early Lipid-Lowering Therapy
THURSDAY, June 3 (HealthDay News) -- Early initiation of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) during hospitalization for ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack correlates with improved clinical outcomes, according to research published in the May 15 issue of the American Journal of Cardiology.
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Vastus Lateralis May Be Better Than Deltoid for Infant Shots
WEDNESDAY, June 2 (HealthDay News) -- In infants, intramuscular vaccination in the vastus lateralis is associated with a shorter duration of crying than intramuscular vaccination in the deltoid, though the pain responses appear to be similar, according to a study in the May issue of Applied Nursing Research.
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Moms' Weight Before, During Pregnancy Tied to Kids' Issues
WEDNESDAY, June 2 (HealthDay News) -- Higher pre-pregnancy weight and gestational weight gain (GWG) up to 36 weeks are linked to adverse cardiovascular risk factors and adiposity in offspring, according to research published online June 1 in Circulation.
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U.S. Cigarette Brands May Contain Higher Carcinogen Levels
WEDNESDAY, June 2 (HealthDay News) -- Smokers of certain U.S. cigarette brands take in higher levels of cancer-causing tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) than smokers of some foreign cigarette brands tested in a study published online May 25 in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention.
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Prolia Approved for Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis
WEDNESDAY, June 2 (HealthDay News) -- The injected drug Prolia (denosumab) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat postmenopausal women at high risk of bone fracture due to osteoporosis.
Antidepressants May Increase Cataract Risk in Elderly
WEDNESDAY, June 2 (HealthDay News) -- Older people who take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be at increased risk for developing cataracts, according to research published in Ophthalmology.
Physical Activity in Young Tied to Incident Hypertension
WEDNESDAY, June 2 (HealthDay News) -- Maintaining physical fitness and being physically active at a young age are each independently associated with a reduced risk of eventually developing hypertension, according to research published online June 1 in Hypertension.
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Non-Dairy Calcium May Up Risk of Prostate Cancer
TUESDAY, June 1 (HealthDay News) -- Calcium intake, even from non-dairy sources and at relatively low levels, may put Chinese men, particularly those with a low body mass index, at increased risk of prostate cancer, according to research published online June 1 in Cancer Research.
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Cardiac Arrest, CPR Attempts Vary by Neighborhood
TUESDAY, June 1 (HealthDay News) -- Some neighborhoods consistently have more cardiac arrests than others and fewer bystanders who attempt to perform emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), according to research published online June 1 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Antidepressants Associated With Miscarriage
TUESDAY, June 1 (HealthDay News) -- Use of antidepressants during pregnancy, particularly paroxetine, venlafaxine, or a combination of different antidepressant classes, may increase the risk of miscarriage by 68 percent, according to research published online May 31 in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
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Heart Fatty Acid-Binding Protein Levels May Indicate ACS Risk
TUESDAY, June 1 (HealthDay News) -- Obtaining the concentration of heart fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) in patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) may help physicians identify high-risk patients who are troponin-negative, according to research published in the June 8 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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