Health care in the last six months of life has become progressively more expensive for patients with heart failure both among Medicare beneficiaries in the United States and older adults in Canada, with a high rate of hospitalizations in the final six months of life in both countries, according to two reports posted online today that will be published in the February 14 print issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. A third report finds that more men dying of prostate cancer are receiving hospice care, but that the timing of hospice referral ...

Use of estrogen therapy is associated with an increased risk of developing kidney stones in postmenopausal women, according to a report in the October 11 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. "Nephrolithiasis [kidney stones] is a common condition that affects 5 percent to 7 percent of postmenopausal women in the United States," according to background information in the article. "Because the process of kidney stone formation is influenced by a variety of lifestyle and other health-related factors, the true impact of estrogen therapy ...

Patients with cancer who experience pain or depression also have a high rate of physical symptoms, such as fatigue, dry mouth and nausea, according to a report in the October 11 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. Having many physical, or somatic, symptoms is known to adversely affect patients in primary care settings and those with chronic medical conditions other than cancer, according to background information in the article. "Somatic symptoms account for more than half of all general medical visits, lack a definitive medical ...

Use of folic acid supplements appears to lower blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine—theorized to be a risk factor for heart and blood vessel disease—but does not appear to be associated with reduced rates of cardiovascular events, cancer or death over a five-year period, according to a meta-analysis of previously published studies in the October 11 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. "Elevated plasma total homocysteine [an amino acid created by the body, usually as a byproduct of eating meat] has been suggested as a potentially ...

For patients with blockages in the carotid artery that supplies blood to the brain, carotid artery stenting (a non-surgical treatment) appears to be associated with an increased risk of both short- and long-term adverse outcomes when compared with surgical treatment (carotid endarterectomy), according to a meta-analysis of previously published studies that was posted online today and will appear in the February 2011 print issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. "Carotid artery stenting has emerged as an alternative to carotid endarterectomy ...

Insulin resistance, a condition in which insulin produced by the body becomes less effective in reducing blood glucose levels, appears to be associated with an increased risk of stroke in individuals without diabetes, according to a report in the October issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. Insulin resistance originates from several factors, including genetics, a sedentary lifestyle and obesity, according to background information in the article. The condition contributes significantly to the risk of cardiovascular disease, but whether it ...

The number of Medicare recipients undergoing treatment for retinal conditions nearly doubled between 1997 and 2007, with significant shifts in the types of procedures most commonly performed, according to a report in the October issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. "Retinal disease is highly prevalent among older individuals, and both age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy account for more than half the irreversible blindness in older Americans. The prevalence of both macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy ...

Newer treatments for age-related macular degeneration (AMD)—including an intravitreous (into the eye) injection of a chemotherapy drug and use of a related compound approved for use against the eye disease—do not appear to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications or death when compared with existing therapies, according to a report in the October issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. "More than 1.5 million older Americans have age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of irreversible vision loss ...

The Financial Markets Group at the London School of Economics carried out the research. It developed a life-cycle model to investigate how prices of housing (purchasing and renting), the overall economy and wealth distribution react to changes in technology and financial conditions. There were a number of conclusions from the investigation, including: stricter limitations on land development result in less residential building, which tends to push up rental and purchase prices; availability of land for residential development is more important than availability of capital ...

Adding topotecan to carboplatin plus paclitaxel, the standard treatment for ovarian cancer, does not improve progression-free survival in patients and leads to greater toxicity, according to a study published online October 11 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Cisplatin plus paclitaxel, and carboplatin plus paclitaxel, are the most widely accepted first-line regimens for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. Still, most women relapse and die from their disease. One possible solution is to add a third agent, such as topotecan, which has activity in the treatment ...

INDIANAPOLIS – Twenty-two physical symptoms associated with cancer – symptoms often unrecognized and undertreated – are prevalent in all types of cancers regardless of whether the patient is newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment or is a cancer survivor, according to researchers from the Regenstrief Institute and the Indiana University schools of medicine and nursing. Common symptoms include fatigue, pain, weakness, appetite loss, dry mouth, constipation, insomnia and nausea. These physical symptoms are associated with substantial functional impairment, disability and ...

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Much as an anthropologist can study populations of people to learn about their physical attributes, their environs and social structures, some marine microbiologists read the genome of microbes to glean information about the microbes themselves, their environments and lifestyles. Using a relatively new methodology called comparative population genomics, these scientists compare the entire genomes of different populations of the same microbe to see which genes are "housekeeping" or core genes essential to all populations and which are population-specific. ...

Comprehensive new guidelines from the Osteoporosis Canada aimed at preventing fragility fractures in women and men over the age of 50 are published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) (pre-embargo link only) http://www.cmaj.ca/embargo/cmaj100771.pdf. "Fragility fractures, the consequence of osteoporosis, are responsible for excess mortality, morbidity, chronic pain, institutionalization and economic costs," writes Dr. Alexandra Papaioannou, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences with coauthors. "They represent 80% of all fractures in menopausal women ...

Hospital patients admitted with malnutrition or who don't eat for several days are at greater risk of a prolonged hospital stay, according to a study published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) (pre-embargo link only) http://www.cmaj.ca/embargo/cmaj091977.pdf. The study, by Italian researchers, involved 1274 adults admitted to hospital for medical or surgical treatment. Patients who were bedridden, admitted for same-day surgery or procedure, or admitted for palliative care were excluded. Fifty-two patients died in hospital and 149 patients stayed less than ...

Having a family history of breast cancer can lead some people to wonder if their risk is out of their control. However, a study of more than 85,000 postmenopausal women observed that regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and drinking less alcohol lowers breast cancer risk for women with, and without a family history of the disease. The University of Rochester Medical Center study, published online Oct. 12, 2010, by the journal Breast Cancer Research, is good news for women who have a close relative with breast cancer and thus fear that no matter what ...

Many countries now acknowledge the need to obtain their energy supply from renewable sources such as biomass. Prof. Verstraete will explain how his team have developed a new anaerobic digestion reactor which can generate as much electricity as 25 wind turbines. These reactors use a consortium of methanogenic (methane-producing) bacteria to degrade waste and energy crops to produce biogas (a mixture of methane and carbon) which is then converted to electricity using a turbine. We were reminded of the threat of pandemic infectious disease with the swine flu (Influenza ...

AUDIO: Katherine A. Beals, Ph.D., R.D., F.A.C.S.M., C.S.S.D., explains the results of a research released by the University of California, Davis, and the National Center for Food Safety and Technology, Illinois... Click here for more information. Denver, CO., October 12, 2010 – Research just released by the University of California, Davis and the National Center for Food Safety and Technology, Illinois Institute of Technology demonstrates that people can include potatoes in ...

New laws and regulations within various countries in Europe and across the EU as a whole are preparing the ground for the advance of fee-only financial advice in Europe. The most prominent example is probably the UK where independent advisers will have to charge their clients directly by 2012. However, according to a recent report of MyPrivateBanking Research fee-only advice is also gaining ground in Germany. The independent research company surveyed 300 wealthy individuals in Germany on their needs and preferences with regard to fee-only financial advice. The results show ...

Initial feedback from both long term and new clients has been extremely favourable, with the majority of the positive input focusing on the new colours and clear branding on the site. The expanded video and audio library on the site has also been a hit with visitors, with the number of individual visitors quadrupling since the new site was unveiled. The Almora Unlimited organisation first opened its doors as "The Rainbow Bridge" in New Zealand in 1996, and has grown over the past few years once their potential was realised. More recently, Dellaina has been focusing their ...

Kids with big dreams, here's your chance to shine. VoiceAmerica Network is searching for young talented kids ages 10 through 17 aspiring to be radio and television broadcasters. Several hosting opportunities will be filled for the new VoiceAmerica Kids Network slated to launch January 1, 2011. Auditions will be held in Tempe, Arizona at the VoiceAmerica studios on Saturday, October 16, 2010 from 9:00am to 3:00pm PST at: Regents Centre, 1900 W. University, Suite 231, Tempe, AZ 85281. VoiceAmerica.com has partnered with KidStar Radio Network to launch the VoiceAmerica ...

October is Women's Small Business Month. To celebrate, PostcardMania, ShoeDazzle.com, Rebecca Minkoff and Women Power Up — all women-owned businesses — have joined forces to sponsor a contest for women business owners. The contest, aimed at "women who strike the balance between work and life," centers on contestants answering one simple question: "How do you make owning a business fabulous?" Scores are compiled with 25% coming from the contestant's answer and 75% from how many votes she receives. Founder and CEO of PostcardMania, Joy Gendusa, says the contest is "a ...

Dr. Edward Bednar, a board certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience, has just opened a practice in Charlotte at 439 North Wendover Road. Skilled in cosmetic surgical techniques, Bednar is also an acclaimed artist in painting, woodcarving and sculpting. His new website - http://www.drbednar.com - will highlight his Charlotte plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments practice, in addition to some of his art. In conjunction with Dr. Bednar's grand opening, he is offering the following specials through November 30, 2010: • Buy one syringe of JUVÉDERM (an ...

Every Tuesday evening at 7:03 PM eastern time, you can listen to Wellness, Wholeness & Wisdom radio with host Psychologist Parthenia Izzard, CNHP. The program is archived within minutes of the live broadcast on the internet and rebroadcast Saturday mornings at 9:03 AM eastern time. On your computer go to http://www.amtherapies.com and click on the Radio link to listen to the show live online or on your phone! Program topics range from authors like Bishop Jordan, James Redfield, Immaculee Ilibagiza, and William Tiller to owners of products like Rishi Teas, and Dr. Kracker. ...

While their previous website allowed members to shop from home, the Merrillville, IN-based buying club felt there was room for improvement and partnered with several companies to create an e-commerce site that would meet and exceed members' expectations. And after months of design, development, and testing, the new members.directbuy.com has been released. Aside from a new look and feel, one of the biggest improvements to the site is a brand new search engine that enables users to search by brand, keyword, model number, department, product category, and more, or by price ...

Offering new options for the millions of Americans fighting the depleted job market or the personal challenge of obesity is a winning combination behind the rapid growth of a Texas entrepreneur's innovative business model. "To be able to help individuals on a daily basis re-create their careers working a program to help defeat obesity is the combination that will redefine standards in the home based employment industry," said John Montgomery. Montgomery is originally from the state of Kansas with a business background mixing corporation employment with long time entrepreneurship. ...