Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by editors of HealthDay (Much more available at http://www.MJLMegaMeds.com):
Clinical Trial Ended for Prostate Cancer Vaccine
Biotech startup Cell Genesys has ended a clinical study of its prostate cancer vaccine GVAX due to a rise in deaths among users of the vaccine compared with those taking another drug, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
"What we do not know is the reason for the imbalance in deaths," Cell Genesys CEO Stephen Sherwin was quoted as saying. He labeled the interim trial results "very disappointing and surprising news."
The Phase III trial of the vaccine had begun in 2005. Of 408 people with spreading (metastatic) prostate cancer who participated in the trial, 114 had died. Sixty-seven of those deaths involved people using GVAX and the chemotherapy drug Taxotere, while the other 47 deaths involved people taking Taxotere and the corticosteroid prednisone, the newspaper said.
Another trial, which will continue, uses GVAX by itself. Participants in that trial are said to be generally healthier than those in the discontinued study, the Chronicle reported.
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Disappointing Results Noted in Anti-Clotting Drug Trials
Results from late-stage trials of the anti-clotting drug apixaban have been disappointing, said makers Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Early data from the Phase III testing of apixaban showed the drug wasn't better than a current drug, Lovenox, in preventing clotting complications in people who had knee replacement, the companies said.
The drug makers also announced they would postpone plans to ask the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to approve apixaban for venous thromboembolism, a condition that includes deep vein thrombosis. The filing had been slated for the second half of next year, the Journal said.
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Canadian Food Poisoning Death Toll Jumps
The Canadian government has revised upward the death toll associated with tainted meat products to 12 from four, The New York Times reported.
Earlier this week, it had been reported that in addition to the deaths, there were 26 confirmed cases of people sickened by the recalled cold cuts, which may be tainted with listeria bacteria. Another 29 suspected cases are awaiting analysis, a number that is expected to rise, the Times reported.
Some 220 products have been recalled by Maple Leaf, one of Canada's largest food makers. It has closed the Toronto plant where the recalled products were produced for sanitizing, the newspaper said.
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Gleevec Given Priority FDA Review for Intestinal Cancer
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given priority review to the Novartis drug Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) as a treatment for gastrointestinal cancer after surgery, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.
Priority review means the agency is likely to decide whether to approve Gleevec for gastrointestinal stromal tumors within six months, instead of the typical 10 months. The drug is already approved to treat other types of cancer.
Novartis said in clinical testing, people with kit-positive gastrointestinal cancer who got Gleevec lived longer and were 89 percent less likely to have the cancer return than those who didn't take the drug, the wire service reported.
A protein mutation that characterizes kit-positive forms of this cancer is present in more than 90 percent of cases in the United States, the AP said.
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TV Ad Condemns the Hot Dog
A television ad that links eating hot dogs with colon cancer doesn't exactly cut the mustard, critics charge.
"I was dumbfounded when the doctor told me I have late-stage colon cancer," mourns a little boy in the 33-second ad, according to the Associated Press. But in truth, the boy and two hot-dog-eating co-stars don't have the disease, the AP added.
The ad is sponsored by a group with vegetarian ties called The Cancer Project. Its president, Dr. Neal Barnard, defends the video as "a way to raise appropriate concern about a deadly concern."
The ad is premised on a November 2007 study that found eating 50 grams per day of processed meats over several years increases the eater's risk of colon cancer by 21 percent. That works out to about one hot dog per day, or two slices of bologna, or five slices of bacon each day, the AP said.
The ad's sponsor wants processed meats banished from school lunch menus nationwide. But critics say the video goes too far.
"My concern about the campaign is it's giving the indication that the occasional hot dog in the school lunch is going to increase cancer risk," the wire service quotes the American Cancer Society's nutrition director, Colleen Doyle, as saying. "An occasional hot dog isn't going to increase that risk."
Copyright © 2008 ScoutNews LLC. All rights reserved.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Health Highlights: Aug. 16, 2008
Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by editors of HealthDay:
Toxins Found in Frozen Shellfish Imported from Ireland
Frozen mussels imported to the United States from Ireland may contain a toxin that can cause stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Two cases of azaspiracid toxin poisoning occurred in July in the state of Washington, according to an FDA news release, and further examination of other containers of "Mussels in a Garlic Butter Sauce" from the same production lot imported by Bantry Bay Seafoods also contained the azaspiracid toxins.
The FDA recommends that consumers discard Bantry Bay Seafood frozen cooked products with "best before end" dates on the side of the box ranging from January 23, 2009, to November 15, 2009: Mussels in a Garlic Butter Sauce; Mussels in White Wine Sauce; and Mussels in Tomato and Garlic Sauce.
The Bantry Bay Seafood products are sold frozen in 1 pound cardboard packages in stores throughout the United States, the FDA says, and store operators have been asked to remove them.
Azaspiracid toxins have never been found in U.S. shellfish beds, the FDA says. They are odorless, tasteless, and can't be destroyed by freezing, cooking, or boiling. Symptoms occur within two hours after the seafood has been eaten and can last up to three days.
-----
Drinking Red Bull May Cause Heart Damage:
Study:
Drinking too much of the popular Red Bull energy drink may lead to heart damage, says an Australian study that included 30 university students, ages 20 to 24.
The researchers found that drinking just one 250ml sugar-free can of the caffeinated drink boosted the "stickiness" of the blood and increased the risk of blood clots. After drinking Red Bull, the students had a cardiovascular profile similar to that of someone with heart disease, the Times (U.K.) reported.
The results were alarming and suggest that older adults with symptoms of heart disease shouldn't drink too much Red Bull, said study author Scott Willoughby, of the Cardiovascular Research Center at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and Adelaide University.
In a statement, Red Bull officials said the drink had been proved safe by numerous scientific studies, and that it had never been banned from anywhere it had been introduced, the Times reported.
Red Bull is sold in 143 countries but is banned in Norway, Denmark and some other countries due to health concerns.
-----
Teens Having Easier Time Getting Prescription Drugs:
It's easier to illegally obtain prescription drugs such as OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin or Ritalin than it is to get beer, say a growing number of American teens.
Researchers at the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University surveyed 1,002 12- to-17-year-olds and found that 19 percent said it was easier for them to obtain prescription drugs than to get their hands on beer, cigarettes or marijuana, compared with 13 percent a year ago, The Washington Post reported.
The study also found that 34 percent of teens who abuse prescription drugs get them at home or from their parents.
About 25 percent of the teen respondents said marijuana is the easiest substance to buy, and 43 percent of 17-year-olds said they could purchase marijuana in less than an hour, The Post reported.
-----
Gene Mutation Linked to Colorectal Cancer:
A gene mutation strongly linked to colorectal cancer has been identified by Northwestern University researchers. People with the TGFBR1 ASE gene mutation have a 50 percent higher risk of colorectal cancer than the general population.
"This probably accounts for more colorectal cancers than all other gene mutations discovered thus far," said study lead author Boris Pasche, Agence France Presse reported.
The TGFBR1 ASE mutation results in decreased production of an important receptor for TGF-beta, the most potent inhibitor of cell growth. A reduced ability to inhibit cell growth means it's easier for colon cancer to develop. The study was published in the journal Science.
"The reasonable expectation is this finding will save some lives," said Pasche, AFP reported. "We will be able to identify a larger number of individuals that are at risk of colorectal cancer and, in the long term, maybe decrease the cases of colorectal cancer and of people dying from it by being able to screen them more frequently."
-----
Lack of Judgment Endangers Teen Drivers:
A lack of judgment about the risks of driving may explain why teens have the highest crash and fatality rates of any age group, according to Canadian researchers.
The team at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto evaluated 262 high school students and found they consistently underestimated the risks of driving due to a number of mistaken beliefs, CBC News reported.
For example, the teens assumed that:
Their age and agility would enable them to overcome the effects of poor driving conditions or intoxication better than more experienced drivers.
Vehicle and highway design were more likely than human error to cause crashes.
In the event of a crash, doctors would be able to save their lives and leave them unscathed.
"Students need to comprehend that it is a lack of judgment, not only lack of skill, that increases the risk of injury to oneself and others," said Dr. Najma Ahmed, assistant trauma director at St. Michael's, CBC News reported.
The study was published in the August issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
-----
Bush Signs Bill Banning Lead in Children's Products:
Legislation that bans lead from children's products was signed Thursday by President George W. Bush, giving the United States the toughest standard in the world. The bill was passed by both houses of Congress two weeks ago.
Under the new law, lead beyond minute levels is prohibited in products for children under 12 years old, the Associated Press reported. Last year, lead paint was a major factor in U.S. recalls of 45 million toys and other children's products, mainly from China.
The new legislation also bans the use of phthalates, chemicals used to make plastic products softer and more flexible. It also gives the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission more money and power to oversee testing of products and to penalize violators.
Each year in the United States, unsafe products cause about 28,000 deaths, according to the CPSC. Last year, faulty consumer products injured more than 33 million people, the AP reported.
All of this information and much much more is available FREE at http://MJLMegaMeds.com
Copyright © 2008 Scoutnews. All rights reserved.
-----
Toxins Found in Frozen Shellfish Imported from Ireland
Frozen mussels imported to the United States from Ireland may contain a toxin that can cause stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Two cases of azaspiracid toxin poisoning occurred in July in the state of Washington, according to an FDA news release, and further examination of other containers of "Mussels in a Garlic Butter Sauce" from the same production lot imported by Bantry Bay Seafoods also contained the azaspiracid toxins.
The FDA recommends that consumers discard Bantry Bay Seafood frozen cooked products with "best before end" dates on the side of the box ranging from January 23, 2009, to November 15, 2009: Mussels in a Garlic Butter Sauce; Mussels in White Wine Sauce; and Mussels in Tomato and Garlic Sauce.
The Bantry Bay Seafood products are sold frozen in 1 pound cardboard packages in stores throughout the United States, the FDA says, and store operators have been asked to remove them.
Azaspiracid toxins have never been found in U.S. shellfish beds, the FDA says. They are odorless, tasteless, and can't be destroyed by freezing, cooking, or boiling. Symptoms occur within two hours after the seafood has been eaten and can last up to three days.
-----
Drinking Red Bull May Cause Heart Damage:
Study:
Drinking too much of the popular Red Bull energy drink may lead to heart damage, says an Australian study that included 30 university students, ages 20 to 24.
The researchers found that drinking just one 250ml sugar-free can of the caffeinated drink boosted the "stickiness" of the blood and increased the risk of blood clots. After drinking Red Bull, the students had a cardiovascular profile similar to that of someone with heart disease, the Times (U.K.) reported.
The results were alarming and suggest that older adults with symptoms of heart disease shouldn't drink too much Red Bull, said study author Scott Willoughby, of the Cardiovascular Research Center at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and Adelaide University.
In a statement, Red Bull officials said the drink had been proved safe by numerous scientific studies, and that it had never been banned from anywhere it had been introduced, the Times reported.
Red Bull is sold in 143 countries but is banned in Norway, Denmark and some other countries due to health concerns.
-----
Teens Having Easier Time Getting Prescription Drugs:
It's easier to illegally obtain prescription drugs such as OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin or Ritalin than it is to get beer, say a growing number of American teens.
Researchers at the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University surveyed 1,002 12- to-17-year-olds and found that 19 percent said it was easier for them to obtain prescription drugs than to get their hands on beer, cigarettes or marijuana, compared with 13 percent a year ago, The Washington Post reported.
The study also found that 34 percent of teens who abuse prescription drugs get them at home or from their parents.
About 25 percent of the teen respondents said marijuana is the easiest substance to buy, and 43 percent of 17-year-olds said they could purchase marijuana in less than an hour, The Post reported.
-----
Gene Mutation Linked to Colorectal Cancer:
A gene mutation strongly linked to colorectal cancer has been identified by Northwestern University researchers. People with the TGFBR1 ASE gene mutation have a 50 percent higher risk of colorectal cancer than the general population.
"This probably accounts for more colorectal cancers than all other gene mutations discovered thus far," said study lead author Boris Pasche, Agence France Presse reported.
The TGFBR1 ASE mutation results in decreased production of an important receptor for TGF-beta, the most potent inhibitor of cell growth. A reduced ability to inhibit cell growth means it's easier for colon cancer to develop. The study was published in the journal Science.
"The reasonable expectation is this finding will save some lives," said Pasche, AFP reported. "We will be able to identify a larger number of individuals that are at risk of colorectal cancer and, in the long term, maybe decrease the cases of colorectal cancer and of people dying from it by being able to screen them more frequently."
-----
Lack of Judgment Endangers Teen Drivers:
A lack of judgment about the risks of driving may explain why teens have the highest crash and fatality rates of any age group, according to Canadian researchers.
The team at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto evaluated 262 high school students and found they consistently underestimated the risks of driving due to a number of mistaken beliefs, CBC News reported.
For example, the teens assumed that:
Their age and agility would enable them to overcome the effects of poor driving conditions or intoxication better than more experienced drivers.
Vehicle and highway design were more likely than human error to cause crashes.
In the event of a crash, doctors would be able to save their lives and leave them unscathed.
"Students need to comprehend that it is a lack of judgment, not only lack of skill, that increases the risk of injury to oneself and others," said Dr. Najma Ahmed, assistant trauma director at St. Michael's, CBC News reported.
The study was published in the August issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
-----
Bush Signs Bill Banning Lead in Children's Products:
Legislation that bans lead from children's products was signed Thursday by President George W. Bush, giving the United States the toughest standard in the world. The bill was passed by both houses of Congress two weeks ago.
Under the new law, lead beyond minute levels is prohibited in products for children under 12 years old, the Associated Press reported. Last year, lead paint was a major factor in U.S. recalls of 45 million toys and other children's products, mainly from China.
The new legislation also bans the use of phthalates, chemicals used to make plastic products softer and more flexible. It also gives the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission more money and power to oversee testing of products and to penalize violators.
Each year in the United States, unsafe products cause about 28,000 deaths, according to the CPSC. Last year, faulty consumer products injured more than 33 million people, the AP reported.
All of this information and much much more is available FREE at http://MJLMegaMeds.com
Copyright © 2008 Scoutnews. All rights reserved.
-----
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Travel Health
Whether you are traveling by air, car or sea, you are likely to encounter disturbances that can bring about discomfort and upset—interfering with your leisure travel or business plans. To help balance systemic health and promote wellness during your travels, Native Remedies offers solutions to suit all your needs.
We are the market-leading brand of specially formulated, natural remedies produced in therapeutic dosage. In addition, Native Remedies provides an unconditional One Year money back guarantee on all products! All of our remedies are available without a prescription for your convenience.
Learn more about a natural travel remedy for your pet at PetAlive.com.
Mental & Physical Support for Travel
Nerve Tonic™
Promotes nervous system health, maintains balanced mood and worry free mind. Learn More
Traveling, whether for business or vacation, can attribute to feelings of stress... which can affect your mood and the disposition. Flight delays, lost luggage, traffic, language barriers, and other common causes of stress can become physically and mentally overwhelming. To help cope with the emotions related to these frustrations, natural remedies work to support brain and nervous system health to maintain balanced moods and feelings of well-being… so you can enjoy your travels!
Calming Common Travel Complaints
Often, travel away from home alters one’s daily routine from every imaginable aspect of life-- including sleep, diet, stress, exercise, and environment. These changes can lead to many undesirable side effects, from insomnia, obesity, digestive upsets, increased allergies—and much more.
Immunity & General Support for Travel
Detox Drops™
Promotes natural cleansing function and ability to eliminate toxins. Learn More »
Environmental and situational stressors experienced by those who travel can wreak havoc on a normally healthily functioning immune system. In addition, increased exposure to airborne illnesses and other diseases are common with activities associated with travel, such as in airports, communal areas of public transportation, restaurants, amusement parks, etc. To maintain wellness during travel, it is important to support immunity, which affects systemic health. Natural remedies can support balance in many bodily systems, keeping you feeling full of vitality!
Natural remedies can provide relief from many of the common ailments experienced by travelers of all ages:
Digestive Support for Travel
Digestion Tonic™
Promotes healthy and trouble-free digestion and digestive balance. Learn More »
Just as with other bodily systems, digestion can be greatly affected by changes brought about by travel. Local cuisines, overindulgence, or a nervous stomach can lead to digestive discomfort and disturbances—which could greatly impair your ability to perform business or enjoy the scenery of a new city. Natural remedies can support healthy, trouble-free digestion and maintain healthy bowel movements to keep you feeling well and on-the-go!
We are the market-leading brand of specially formulated, natural remedies produced in therapeutic dosage. In addition, Native Remedies provides an unconditional One Year money back guarantee on all products! All of our remedies are available without a prescription for your convenience.
Learn more about a natural travel remedy for your pet at PetAlive.com.
Mental & Physical Support for Travel
Nerve Tonic™
Promotes nervous system health, maintains balanced mood and worry free mind. Learn More
Traveling, whether for business or vacation, can attribute to feelings of stress... which can affect your mood and the disposition. Flight delays, lost luggage, traffic, language barriers, and other common causes of stress can become physically and mentally overwhelming. To help cope with the emotions related to these frustrations, natural remedies work to support brain and nervous system health to maintain balanced moods and feelings of well-being… so you can enjoy your travels!
Calming Common Travel Complaints
Often, travel away from home alters one’s daily routine from every imaginable aspect of life-- including sleep, diet, stress, exercise, and environment. These changes can lead to many undesirable side effects, from insomnia, obesity, digestive upsets, increased allergies—and much more.
Immunity & General Support for Travel
Detox Drops™
Promotes natural cleansing function and ability to eliminate toxins. Learn More »
Environmental and situational stressors experienced by those who travel can wreak havoc on a normally healthily functioning immune system. In addition, increased exposure to airborne illnesses and other diseases are common with activities associated with travel, such as in airports, communal areas of public transportation, restaurants, amusement parks, etc. To maintain wellness during travel, it is important to support immunity, which affects systemic health. Natural remedies can support balance in many bodily systems, keeping you feeling full of vitality!
Natural remedies can provide relief from many of the common ailments experienced by travelers of all ages:
Digestive Support for Travel
Digestion Tonic™
Promotes healthy and trouble-free digestion and digestive balance. Learn More »
Just as with other bodily systems, digestion can be greatly affected by changes brought about by travel. Local cuisines, overindulgence, or a nervous stomach can lead to digestive discomfort and disturbances—which could greatly impair your ability to perform business or enjoy the scenery of a new city. Natural remedies can support healthy, trouble-free digestion and maintain healthy bowel movements to keep you feeling well and on-the-go!
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