Schistosomiasis, one of the most important of the neglected tropical diseases, is caused by infection with parasitic helminths of the genus Schistosoma. These parasites are long lived (>10 years) and dwell within blood vessels, where they produce eggs that become the focus of intense, chronic inflammatory responses. In severe cases, this inflammation is associated with life-threatening liver disease. No vaccine is currently available to prevent schistosomiasis.
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Bacterial infection is a major health threat to patients with severe burns and other kinds of serious wounds such as traumatic bone fractures. Recent studies have identified an important new weapon for fighting infection and healing wounds: insulin. Now, using tiny nanodiamonds, researchers at Northwestern University have demonstrated an innovative method for delivering and releasing the curative hormone at a specific location over a period of time.
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It is known that Retroviruses, such as HIV, that are already within cells are much more easily transmitted when they spread through direct contact between cells than if they are floating free in the blood stream. However, how this contact stimulates virus- spreading has up until now been poorly understood. In this week’s edition of the online open-access journal PLoS Biology, researchers at Yale University, led by Dr.
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Current ads sponsored by the Republican National Committee prod Democrats, while a very large planned campaign by drug makers could take flight soon. The Republican National Committee has radio ads in 33 states to pressure 60 moderate House Democrats to oppose the reform proposals drafted by their party’s leadership, CQ Politics reports.
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Obama’s Plan Isn’t The Answer The Washington Post For the 85 percent of Americans who already have health insurance, the Obama health plan is bad news. It means higher taxes, less health care and no protection if they lose their current insurance because of unemployment or early retirement (Feldstein, 7/28).
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RadMD LLC has become the first company to offer a broad range of accredited CME courses in the area of medical imaging for pharmaceutical, medical device and biotech clinical trials. The comprehensive education and training is offered through the company’s Blinded Reader and Investigator Training Institute (BRITI)(TM). RadMD is partnering with International Center for Postgraduate Medical Education (ICPME) to obtain the CME certification.
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Shire plc (LSE: SHP, NASDAQ: SHPGY), the global specialty biopharmaceutical company, announces that it has received a Complete Response letter for INTUNIV(TM) (guanfacine) Extended Release from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This decision comes following labeling discussions with the FDA that did not result in agreement in time to meet the PDUFA date.
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Covance Inc. said it plans to acquire Merck’s Gene Expression Laboratory in Seattle, a move that Covance CEO Joe Herring said “brings world-class talent and technologies to Covance and further expands our capabilities in genomics testing and personalized medicine.” (CVD)

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PacificSource Health Plans on Wednesday announced that it has completed the acquisition of Advantage Dental Plans’ commercial business.

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Federal agencies have added still more funds to the mix to back local developments of a new malaria vaccine. (GNVC)

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