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Dartmouth researchers question effectiveness of current movie-rating system

In a paper published in the August issue of the journal Pediatrics, Dartmouth researchers document the alarming numbers of young adolescents age 10-14 who are exposed to graphic violence in movies rated R for violence.

4 Aug 2008

British parents will informed if their children are overweight

From September this year, parents of children who have been weighed and measured at school could automatically receive their child's results in a bid to get parents to be more aware about healthy lifestyles, and help their children achieve a healthy weight, Health Minister Ivan Lewis announced today.

4 Aug 2008

Mexico lifts regulation requiring AIDS drug companies to have manufacturing plants in Mexico in order to sell generics

On the day of the opening ceremonies of the XVII International AIDS Conference in Mexico City, President Felipe Calderon announced his plans to lift a Mexican Ministry of Economy requirement that pharmaceutical companies operating in Mexico must have a manufacturing plant in that country in order to use or sell generic versions of their lifesaving AIDS and other drugs in Mexico.

4 Aug 2008

Exercise enhancing pill in the pipeline

A pill which could help people exercise for longer is in the pipeline but is sure to cause controversy as it can apparently deliver some of the benefits of exercise, even for those who do not move a muscle.

4 Aug 2008

Potato chip companies forced to reduce levels of cancer causing chemical in their products

Four American food manufacturers, who were taken to court because their products contained high levels of a cancer causing chemical, have reached a settlement with the state of California.

4 Aug 2008

Garlic supplements may help control high blood pressure

According to a new review of relevant research, garlic supplements may be as effective at lowering blood pressure as some hypertension drugs.

4 Aug 2008

Concerns about possible cancer cluster prompts investigation of Gold Coast private hospital

A possible cancer cluster at a private hospital at Benowa on the Gold Coast is causing some concern.

4 Aug 2008

Many cancer patients found to be using complementary and alternative methods

A new study from researchers at the American Cancer Society finds many cancer patients use complementary and alternative methods, most often prayer, relaxation, supplements, meditation, and massage. Meanwhile, the use of other methods, such as biofeedback, homeopathy, and acupressure, are relatively uncommon.

4 Aug 2008

Learning disability sex campaign launched in Britain

A campaign has been launched in Britain to highlight the rights of people with learning disabilities to have sex and relationships.

4 Aug 2008

Epilepsy drug gabapentin may reduce insomnia in recovering alcoholics

It's a Catch-22 of the highest order. People with alcohol problems often use alcohol to get to sleep -- but it actually keeps them from getting good-quality sleep all night long.

4 Aug 2008

Immune system protein accurate predictor of survival in pediatric septic shock

About 4,000 children in the United States die every year from uncontrolled infections of the body known as septic shock, and researchers are pushing the boundaries of molecular science to find new therapies that can stem the condition. But a simple measure of an immune system protein within 24 hours of being admitted to the hospital for septic shock can predict survival in children, yielding a powerful tool for diagnostics and clinical trials of new septic shock therapies, according to a research team led by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in the Aug. 1 American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

4 Aug 2008

Sleep apnea is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality

Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality, according to a study in the August 1 issue of the journal Sleep.

4 Aug 2008

Adverse reactions to iodinated contrast media treated safely with commonly used medications

Patients who have had acute allergic-like reactions to nonionic iodinated contrast material rarely develop any serious long-term problems and can be treated safely with commonly used medications according to a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan Hospitals in Ann Arbor.

4 Aug 2008

ShangRing - innovative circumcision device

With the recent endorsement by the World Health Organization (WHO) and scientists worldwide of adult male circumcision as an important strategy for HIV prevention, there is increased urgency to develop safe and cost-effective circumcision services. This is especially the case in Africa where HIV/AIDS continues to spread at an epidemic rate.

4 Aug 2008

Current tuberculosis treatment regimens need to updated

The standard regimens to treat tuberculosis (TB) are inadequate in countries with high rates of multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB. In countries with high rates of MDR-TB, patients are nearly twice as likely to fail their initial treatment than those in countries with low rates, according to a new analysis of World Health Organization (WHO) data. This finding suggests strongly that current TB treatment regimens need to updated and revised to address the shifting landscape of public health in the face of MDR-TB.

3 Aug 2008

Cannabinoid cell surface receptor plays a tumor-suppressing role in human colorectal cancer

CB1 is well-established for relieving pain and nausea, elevating mood and stimulating appetite by serving as a docking station for the cannabinoid group of signaling molecules. It now may serve as a new path for cancer prevention or treatment.

3 Aug 2008

Suspect in U.S. anthrax case commits suicide

Authorities in the United States say a suspect in the 2001 anthrax mailings case has committed suicide.

3 Aug 2008

Hospital error resulted in 17 cancer patients wrongly told they were clear

A National Health Service (NHS) hospital in Britain has admitted that due to an administrative error, 17 cancer patients were given the all-clear only to be later told that they still had cancer.

3 Aug 2008

House votes to extend medical leave coverage for college students

The House on Wednesday by voice vote approved a bill (HR 2851) that would allow college students who take medical leave to continue to receive health insurance under the policies of their parents, the AP/Boston Globe reports (AP/Boston Globe, 7/30).

3 Aug 2008

Court refuses to halt 10% cut to Medi-Cal payments for physicians, dentists

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge on Tuesday ruled that the court does not have the authority to block a 10% cut to Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal payments that went into effect on July 1 and that the issue must be handled by the state Legislature or federal government, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program.

3 Aug 2008