Asbestosis Diagnosis Blog

Clinical Research Management Tools To Target Silver-level Compatibility

webmaster@asbestosis-diagnosis.com — Wed, 31 May 2006 13:56:59 +0000

OpenClinicaTM Targets National Cancer Institutes caBIG Silver-level Compatibility

Akaza Research announces that OpenClinica, will be one of the first clinical research management tools to target silver-level compatibility under the National Cancer Institutes Cancer Bioinformatics Grid (caBIG) initiative.

CAMBRIDGE, MA (PRWEB) May 31, 2006 -- Akaza Research is pleased to announce that its next release of OpenClinica, codenamed Sterling, will be one of the first clinical research management tools to target silver-level compatibility under the National Cancer Institutes Cancer Bioinformatics Grid (caBIG) initiative. caBIG is a major initiative of the National Cancer Institute to create a World Wide Web of cancer research with the stated goal to eliminate death and suffering due to cancer by the year 2015.

This is a fantastic opportunity for OpenClinica and for cancer research, said Cal Collins, Akaza Researchs President. The cancer research community is already starting to reap the benefits of the Cancer Bioinformatics Grid. Because caBIG has embraced principles of open source and open standards, we can deliver our open source clinical trials platform, OpenClinica, in a way that adds materially to this value.

OpenClinicas Senior Product Coordinator, Tom Hickerson, said, The National Cancer Institute is on the forefront of using technology to accelerate the progress of cancer research. With caBIG, the National Cancer Institute has recognized the need for systems to become more interoperable in order to deliver the productivity that modern science demands. OpenClinica Sterling will provide the adaptability that such a task requires. OpenClinica enables sponsors and investigators to manage clinical trials in multi-site studies. It is this inherent flexibility of the system that enables OpenClinica to evolve so rapidly and to be deployed effectively in an integrated research environment, Mr. Hickerson added.

The cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid, or caBIG, is a voluntary network or grid connecting individuals and institutions to enable the sharing of data and tools, creating a World Wide Web of cancer research. The goal is to speed the delivery of innovative approaches for the prevention and treatment of cancer. The infrastructure and tools created by caBIG also have broad utility outside the cancer community. caBIG is being developed under the leadership of the National Cancer Institute's Center for Bioinformatics. Additional information on caBIG compatibility may be found at https://cabig.nci.nih.gov/guidelines_documentation.

Akaza Research, a leading provider of open source clinical trial software, is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Akaza has developed and commercialized OpenClinica, the preeminent open source clinical trial data collection and management software platform. Akaza brings Open Source Software solutions into the mainstream of the clinical research enterprise by making high quality, standards-based systems accessible for private and public research. Akaza Research provides support, training, and consulting services to its customers worldwide. See www.akazaresearch.com.

OpenClinica is an open source web-based software platform that enables sponsors and investigators to manage clinical research data in multi-site studies. It facilitates protocol configuration, design of case report forms, electronic data capture, and study/data management. OpenClinica supports HIPAA and 21 CFR Part 11 guidelines and is designed as a strictly standards-based, extensible, and modular platform. OpenClinica v1.0 was released in October 2005 under the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL). See www.OpenClinica.org. OpenClinica 2.0 is scheduled to be released to beta testers this summer.

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Press Contact: Steve Glines
Company Name: Industrial Myth
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 978-952-6340
Website: www.akazaresearch.com

Cancer Survival Rates on the Rise

webmaster@asbestosis-diagnosis.com — Thu, 25 May 2006 03:37:40 +0000

Cancer Survival Rates on the Rise Due to Increased Awareness from Resources Such as eCancerAwareness.com

The current trends in Cancer awareness and prevention are encouraging, but more needs to be done to help spread the word about this destructive disease. eCancerAwareness.com provides free blogs to Cancer survivors and anybody affected by Cancer. Keeping a Cancer Blog is a great way to provide information, keep a journal of ones experience, or share the tale of a loved ones fight against Cancer.

Sacramento, CA (PRWEB) May 24, 2006 -- A progress report released by the National Cancer Institute shows that while certain forms of Cancer such as Female Breast Cancer and Melanoma are on the rise, the average survival rates for all forms of Cancer are increasing. Cancer awareness is an overwhelming factor in this trend.

Web sites such as eCancerAwareness.com are helping to spread the word about Cancer, Cancer prevention, and general awareness toward fighting Cancer. The public is becoming more educated about treatments and early detection and the report shows that the current mortality rates for Cancer victims are dropping. Unfortunately, the numbers of Breast Cancer diagnoses, for example, is still on the rise. Obviously, there is still a long way to go and the general public needs to become more aware.

There are several ways that people can do their part to help support the Cancer Awareness cause. eCancerAwareness.com provides free blogs, or web journals, to anyone affected by Cancer, so the public can learn more about Cancer from those who have fought and won the battle, or are currently combating the disease. Anybody affected by Cancer is encouraged to sign up for their own blog to provide information, keep a journal of their experience, or tell the story of a friend or family members fight with Cancer.

There is also a vast amount of information related to Cancer available on eCancerAwareness.com, and the site provides an easy way for visitors to share the resource with friends and family. Web site owners and bloggers can also support Cancer awareness by taking part in the Be Cancer Aware campaign started by eCancerAwareness.com.

Awareness plays a very large role in the fight against Cancer and Cancer prevention. The over-all trends are optimistic, but there is always more that can be done to try to beat this disease that has impacted countless peoples lives. To help in the fight, eCancerAwareness.com provides information, blogs and many more resources, which are all free to the public.

For additional information, visit eCancerAwareness.com

About eCancerAwareness.com:

At eCancerAwareness.com, visitors can learn more about Cancer, get the latest Cancer-related news, sign up for their own Cancer blog and much more.

Contact Information:
Eric Kloss
eCancerAwareness.com
916-313-0617
http://www.eCancerAwareness.com

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Press Contact: Eric Kloss
Company Name:
Phone: 916-313-0617
Website: http://www.eCancerAwareness.com

Halliburton Fears Lawyer

webmaster@asbestosis-diagnosis.com — Mon, 22 May 2006 21:58:21 +0000

Truth in Corporation Justice LLC Attorney Denied Access to Annual Halliburton Meeting

Meeting held in rural town, Duncan, Oklahoma under heavy security.

Oakland, CA (PRWEB) May 22, 2006 -- Special Counsel to the Lead Plaintiff in the Halliburton Company Securities Litigation, Neil Rothstein of Truth in Corporate Justice LLC (worldwidetree @ gmail.com), who attended the annual Halliburton shareholders meeting on May 17, 2006 in Oklahoma, was not permitted to enter the Simmons Center in Duncan where there were supposedly two hundred people gathered inside. The Lead Plaintiff, of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee Supporting Fund, Inc. (AMS Fund) is a current shareholder. The AMS Fund requested its attorney in writing to attend the meeting. The document, signed by an official at the AMS Fund, Vice President Paula N. John, authorized Mr. Rothstein to attend this meeting on its behalf and thereafter, to observe and report back to the AMS Fund, Inc. The Archdiocese of Milwaukee Supporting Fund, Inc. (AMS Fund) recently requested that Neil Rothstein be appointed Special Counsel to the Lead Plaintiff in the Halliburton Securities Fraud Class Action Litigation case (www.halliburtonsecuritieslitigation.com).

Mr. Rothstein is the Founder and Chief Managing Officer (CMO) of the Worldwide Tree Group. The group consists of Truth in Corporate Justice LLC (TCJ), and its subsidiaries, the Global Governance Center LLC, and Class in Action LLC. Additionally, the Group contains Worldwide Tree Multimedia LLC. Contact Truth in Corporate Justice LLC at 310/459-2560 or 800/610-4998 or Neil Rothstein directly at 619/251-0887. TCJ is a limited liability company that will scrutinize, support and endorse those law firms that adhere to TCJs ethical and competency standards in order to maintain the integrity of the legal system in the United States. TCJ seeks to empower anyone facing legal problems with education, access, guidance, networking and more. It avails its resources, access and knowledge to both plaintiffs and defendants and uses its power to empower those who have been injured by corporate greed or by corporations and their directors and officers who might be falsely accused of wrongdoing.

The following is an account of the events that occurred on May 17, according to attorney Neil Rothstein:

On Wednesday May 17, 2006 Halliburton held its annual meeting in Duncan Oklahoma, a rural town approximately two hours outside of Oklahoma City. The closest town that Rothstein could reserve a hotel room was in the town of Lawton, approximately thirty-five minutes from Duncan (which Rothstein was told had only about 90 motel rooms; Halliburton has well over 500,000 shareholders). Upon arriving at the Simmons Center, which according to its website can seat almost one thousand people, Rothstein presented the letter of representation that he had been given by his client. AMS had requested his attendance so as to uphold its fiduciary duty required by law in the ongoing securities litigation and because it was entitled to attend. He was permitted to park in the attendees parking lot after being stopped and having the document read by two law enforcement officers.

Approximately fifty feet from the entrance an officer dressed in plain clothes walked in front of him and asked him what he was doing there. Rothstein explained that he represented a shareholder and handed him the signed authorization letter. Without looking at the letter, or knowing who he was, he told Rothstein that he could not enter the building. Rothstein requested that the officer read the letter and the officer glanced quickly at the document, proceeded to fold it over and stated This aint Milwaukee. He then directed Rothstein to stand in the protestors area. Rothstein informed the officer that he was not a protestor and that he was there on behalf of his shareholder client. Before Rothstein could respond, the officer requested backup. Rothstein was never asked for identification, he was not able to speak to any Halliburton representative and the officer disallowed his entrance without consulting anyone from the Company.
Rothstein moved beyond the roped area as instructed.

Thereafter Rothstein heard helicopters flying overhead, looked up only to realize that S.W.A.T. forces were on the roof of the building. Rothstein then closely surveyed with detail: the countless number of armed law enforcement officials, a group of about sixty protestors and even a few masked demonstrators. Rothstein requested an Oklahoma City attorney to find a person who would get his authorization to David Lesar, the CEO of Halliburton. A little while later he was given back the document and was told that it was believed that three Halliburton representatives had reviewed the document and would not permit his entrance. (Rothstein cannot verify that any representative of Halliburton reviewed the document).

Rothstein took one more look around and decided to leave. Thereafter, he drove two hours from the remote location and left Oklahoma. Rothstein reported to his client that he was denied access to the meeting and that he later learned the meeting had less than two hundred attendees.

The Litigation: Recently, Halliburton and certain individual defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss in the securities litigation, a major part of which was denied by the Court. This is a noted case, as the AMS Fund objected and blocked a previously announced $6 million settlement and had the other lead attorneys and plaintiffs removed from their leadership positions (some withdrew voluntarily prior to their potential dismissal). Pursuant to the Court order, an updated complaint has been filed. Information regarding this litigation case can be found at the Halliburton litigation website indicated above as sponsored by Truth in Corporate Justice LLC. Click the tab of interest (Archdiocese of Milwaukee Supporting Fund Inc., et. al. v Halliburton Company, et. al., United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, C to maintain the integrity of the legal system in the United States. iv. Action No. 3:01-cv-1152-M)

This Halliburton Securities Class Action website is maintained solely by Truth In Corporate Justice LLC. It is not connected to the Court (Northern District of Texas), any law firm or any other party in this litigation. Truth in Corporate Justice LLC and its subsidiaries, Class in Action LLC, and The Global Governance Center LLC were formed to maintain the integrity of our nations legal system. Justice can only be served when learned judges are efficient, coupled with zealous and ethical attorneys advocating for all parties, allow their clients both plaintiffs and defendants -- to control and direct their litigation and show up in court for all proceedings. TCJ seeks to use its power to empower anyone to get the education and knowledge to obtain the very best legal representation and resources available, said Neil Rothstein. TCJ contributes not less than ten percent of any profits to the Worldwide Tree Group, which is dedicated to foundations, endowments and scholarships. TCJ believes that no voice should go unheard. No organization that advocates the use of violence or terrorism may receive the assistance of any company under the umbrella of the World Wide Tree Group.

Truth In Corporate Justice LLC attended this meeting at the written request of its client-- a shareholder who is lead plaintiff in the Halliburton case--so that it could be fully informed and therefore carry out its fiduciary duty as required by law to the absent class members in the purported class action. In light of ongoing news of impending indictments of certain class action attorneys and their law firms (the law firm of Milberg Weiss Bershad & Schulman--formerly Milberg, Weiss, Bershad, Hynes & Lerach--and two attorneys from that firm were indicted Friday), the foundation desired to continue to carry out its duties to its fullest extent. TCJ believes that Halliburton should reimburse any costs incurred to any person or entity that had a right to attend this meeting and was denied the ability to enter the building. Further, the proper federal agency should inquire as to why any shareholder or its representative was denied access to attend. TCJ is of the belief that the class action lawsuit is the optimal legal proceeding for cases where the number of people affected are too numerous. When a learned judge is appointed to the bench and selects attorneys on both sides who are zealous advocates with high ethical standards, then, coupled with lead plaintiffs and defendants who attend court hearings and direct and control their litigation by active participation, justice more often will be served, said Rothstein.

Contact:
Neil Rothstein
Truth in Corporate Justice LLC
800-610-4998
worldwidetree @ gmail.com
www.halliburtonsecuritieslitigation.com

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Press Contact: Neil Rothstein
Company Name: Truth in Corporate Justice LLC
Phone: 800-610-4998
Website: www.halliburtonsecuritieslitigation.com

Inoperable Mesothelioma Survival Improves With ONCONASE® (ranpirnase)

webmaster@asbestosis-diagnosis.com — Wed, 17 May 2006 23:00:08 +0000

ONCONASE® Improves Survival in Inoperable Mesothelioma

According to a press release from Alfacell Corporation, the addition of ONCONASE® (ranpirnase) to Adriamycin® (doxorubicin) improves survival over doxorubicin alone in patients with inoperable mesothelioma.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the tissue that covers the lungs and lines the interior of the chest. It is often caused by chronic exposure to asbestos. The majority of patients are not diagnosed until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage and treatment with surgery or radiation is not an option. Patients with this disease often have a decreased quality of life due to symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, pain, fatigue, and the inability to eat.

Mesothelioma is fairly resistant to most therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Therefore, finding a chemotherapy regimen or new therapeutic approaches that can improve quality of life or survival is essential for improving care in this population.

ONCONASE is an agent that is meant to target cancerous cells while sparing healthy cells from side effects. ONCONASE is taken into cancerous cells, where it kills the cell through various processes. ONCONASE is not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Researchers recently conducted a clinical trial to evaluate the addition of ONCONASE to doxorubicin compared with doxorubicin alone in the treatment of inoperable mesothelioma. This trial included 143 patients. Results are below:

Median survival was improved by two months with the addition of ONCONASE (12 months for patients treated with ONCONASE/doxorubicin compared with only 10 months for those treated with doxorubicin alone). At one year 47% of patients treated with ONCONASE/doxorubicin were alive compared with only 36% of patients treated with doxorubicin only.

The median duration of disease regression or disease stabilization was improved by seven months in the group of patients treated with ONCONASE/doxorubicin (17 months) compared to those treated with doxorubicin alone (10 months).

The researchers concluded that the addition of ONCONASE to doxorubicin improves outcomes compared to doxorubicin alone in the treatment of inoperable malignant mesothelioma. Future trials evaluating the addition of ONCONASE to more effective chemotherapy agents in the treatment of mesothelioma are warranted to determine its true clinical effectiveness.

Reference: Alfacell Corporation. Alfacell Provides Update on ONCONASE Phase IIIb Confirmatory Registration Trial; Releases First Interim Analysis Data. Available at: http://www.snl.com/irweblinkx/file.aspx?IID=4104784&FID=2237286. Accessed May 2006

Ranpirnase Effective in Malignant Mesothelioma

According to a recent article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, ranpirnase (Onconase) appears to be an effective novel treatment option for malignant mesothelioma.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the tissues that comprise the lining of a lung (pleura). The majority of individuals who develop malignant pleural mesothelioma have experienced chronic exposure to asbestos during the course of their lives. This type of cancer is considered to be resistant to standard therapies, which consist of surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. The majority of available chemotherapeutic regimens produce an anti-cancer response rate of approximately 20% or less, with a minority of patients surviving one year following diagnosis. Due to these poor survival statistics, researchers are continually evaluating new treatment approaches in an ongoing attempt to improve upon present treatment outcomes.

Ranpirnase, a ribonuclease, is a novel therapeutic agent that is entering the final phases of clinical trials prior to FDA approval for evaluation of the treatment of malignant mesothelioma. Ranpirnase is a small protein that is isolated from the eggs of Rana pipiens - a leopard frog. Ranpirnase initially binds to the surface of cells in the body and becomes internalized into the cells. It works by degrading a protein (tRNA) that is produced more readily when cells are growing and replicating. The irreparable degradation of tRNA can directly kill a cell or can signal a cell to stop replicating. Since cancer cells replicate more frequently and tend to have higher levels of tRNA than normal cells in the body, they are more susceptible to the effects of ranpirnase.

A multi-institutional clinical trial was recently conducted to evaluate ranpirnase in 81 patients with malignant mesothelioma. All patients had cancer that was considered inoperable and was progressing at the time of initiation of the trial. Thirty-five patients experienced a stabilization of their cancer and six patients had a regression of their cancer. Survival rates for all patients at one and two years following therapy were 42% and 26.8%, respectively. Importantly, the 41 patients who responded to therapy had one and two year survival rates of 61% and 40.8%, respectively. Ranpirnase was given once a week on an outpatient basis. Treatment was generally well tolerated, with the most common side effects being weakness, swelling of the hands and feet and joint pain.

These results indicate that ranpirnase appears to be an effective and safe treatment option for patients with malignant mesothelioma. This is an important finding as patients with progressive and/or inoperable malignant mesothelioma have limited treatment options and dismal long-term outcomes following standard therapies. A clinical trial is currently ongoing to directly compare doxorubicin, a commonly used chemotherapy agent, to ranpirnase plus doxorubicin in patients with inoperable or progressing malignant mesothelioma. Patient with malignant mesothelioma may wish to speak with their physician about the risks and benefits of participation in a clinical trial further evaluating ranpirnase. Two sources of information regarding ongoing clinical trials include the National Cancer Institute ( cancer.gov) and www.eCancerTrials.com. eCancerTrials.com also provides personalized clinical trial searches on behalf of patients. (Mikulski S, Costanzi J, Vogelzang N, et al. Phase II trial of single weekly intravenous dose of ranpirnase in patients with unresectable malignant mesothelioma. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2002;20:274-281.)

First Human Cord Blood Stem Cells to Turn into Lung Cells

webmaster@asbestosis-diagnosis.com — Tue, 09 May 2006 03:21:07 +0000

BioE Stem Cell First Human Cord Blood Stem Cell to Turn into Lung Cell; University of Minnesota Researchers Differentiate MLPC into Type II Alveolar Cells

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 8, 2006-- Studies Continue to Evaluate Clinical and Therapeutic Potential of Rare Cord Blood Stem Cell to Treat Respiratory Conditions

BioE(R), Inc., a biomedical company providing human cord blood stem cells as enabling, high-quality cellular tools for drug discovery and therapeutic research, announced today researchers at the University of Minnesota, using BioE's proprietary stem cell isolation technology, derived the company's Multi-Lineage Progenitor Cell(TM) (MLPC(TM)) from cord blood and differentiated it into lung cells responsible for making surfactant, a substance enabling respiration.

To the researchers' and BioE's best knowledge, this is the first time human stem cells -- from any source -- have differentiated into type II alveolar cells, the type of epithelial cells that help stabilize the lung's air sacs during breathing. Type II alveolar cells also can turn into type I alveolar cells, which form the thin, blood-gas barrier through which gas exchange occurs during respiration. Results of the University of Minnesota's MLPC study were presented this past weekend at the International Society for Cellular Therapy's (ISCT's) 12th annual meeting in Berlin.

"Turning a cord blood stem cell into an alveolar cell represents a significant milestone in stem cell research," said David McKenna, M.D., assistant professor of Lab Medicine and Pathology and assistant medical director of the Clinical Cell Therapy Lab at the University of Minnesota, and BioE research collaborator. "Though further research is needed, it's plausible the MLPC could be used to help develop a human lung model for research purposes and/or eventual therapeutic application to treat a number of respiratory conditions -- such as emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis, as well as pulmonary injury due to therapy-related causes."

The results of the University of Minnesota study also further demonstrate the MLPC's unique ability as a cord blood stem cell to expand and differentiate -- in a controllable fashion -- into tissues representative of the three germinal layers (e.g., ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm), which give rise to the body's more complex tissues, organs and organ systems. Typically, researchers confirm endodermal potential by differentiating a stem cell into hepatic (liver) cells. In the case of the MLPC, researchers have demonstrated its endodermal potential by turning it not only into liver and pancreas precursors, but now, alveolar cells.

"The latest University of Minnesota research on the MLPC confirms our belief that it has vast potential as a robust research tool," said Michael Haider, president and chief executive officer for BioE. "The availability of a highly functional human lung model in vitro is something that has eluded researchers for some time and will prove to be very valuable for studying respiratory conditions. We look forward to working with Dr. McKenna and his team to translate this early MLPC discovery into a human model for lung disease research in the near future and potentially therapeutic applications thereafter."

About BioE

Headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., BioE is a biomedical company providing human cord blood stem cells as enabling, high-quality cellular tools for drug discovery and therapeutic research. The company's novel Multi-Lineage Progenitor Cell(TM) (MLPC(TM)) -- derived from human umbilical cord blood and obtained using PrepaCyte(R), the company's proprietary cell isolation platform -- provides clinicians and researchers a flexible, long-term and non-controversial tool for therapeutic research and drug discovery and screening. BioE is privately owned and was founded in 1993. For more information about the company, please visit www.bioe.com or call (800) 350-6466.

Contacts
Haberman & Associates
Jon Zurbey, 612-372-6446
jon@habermaninc.com
or
Amanda Kohls, 612-372-6453
amanda@habermaninc.com

Asbestos Cancer Concerns Continue for Mechanics

webmaster@asbestosis-diagnosis.com — Fri, 05 May 2006 06:05:09 +0000

New Reports Show a Return of Asbestos Concerns for Mechanics

More than a decade after most U.S. automakers stopped installing brakes containing asbestos, rising concerns have resurfaced in regards to brakes that are imported to the U.S. from countries where using asbestos in auto parts is still the norm.

(PRWEB) May 4, 2006 -- According to recent reports and a Baltimore Sun Newspaper Article, during the last 10 years, theres been an 83% increase in the use of imported brakes in car repairs throughout the country, yet OSHA and other safety organizations have not seen fit to issue precautions throughout the industry, a fact that has angered many mechanics and auto shop workers who were unaware of the hazards they were facing on an almost daily basis.

Problems, say health officials, are compounded by the fact that many mechanics believe asbestos was banned in the United States more than 3 decades ago. Thats simply not the case. While warnings were issued in the 1970s and automakers stopped using the material about a dozen years ago, asbestos is still a legal product. As a matter of fact, the U.S. is one of the few industrialized countries that hasnt banned the importation or use of asbestos which, when inhaled, can cause mesothelioma or other asbestos-related lung diseases.

A pamphlet touting the concerns of asbestos exposure in the auto industry was issued by the Environmental Protection Agency more than 20 years ago, but no warnings have been published in written form since that time. New mechanics, of course, are among those that are the least aware of the dangers of inhaling the material, which was used in brakes and other mechanical parts for several decades prior to their employment.

Occupational health specialists note that older mechanics were exposed to huge amounts of the material as brakes were once made of 50% asbestos. Thousands of workers in the industry are diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-caused diseases annually.

Even more aggravating to advocates in the auto repair field is the fact that OSHA completed a pamphlet about the hazards of asbestos in their field nearly two years ago but chose not to publish or distribute it.

Most critics believe that the government's refusal to publish the literature was due to pressure from the auto repair industry, which is already facing thousands of lawsuits over health-related claims resulting from the use of asbestos in brakes.

More information on these reports and the diseases associated with asbestos can be found at http://www.mesothelioma.com and the article that broke this report can be found on the Baltimore Sun web site.

Press Contact: Steve Rinaldi
Company Name: IIMSNET.COM
Phone: 203-777-7799
Website: http://www.mesothelioma.com

Mifeprex Abortion Pill Safety Controversy Continues

webmaster@asbestosis-diagnosis.com — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 02:32:39 +0000

Controversy Contines Over Safety of Mifeprex, Abortion Pill

After several deaths allegedly linked to Mifeprex, federal regulators are still investigating the safety of the RU-486 abortion pill

New York, NY (PRWEB) April 26, 2006 -- Since Mifeprexs approval in 2000, the drug has been linked to several deaths of women who died of Sepsis or severe bacterial infection. Despite these risks, the drug continues to be offered nationwide by doctors as an alternative to surgical abortions.

Mifeprex (mifepristone), the abortion pill, with a 92% success rate, can induce abortions up to seven weeks after fertilization. To date, there have been 637 reported cases of adverse side effects associated with Mifeprex. Many of these cases involved side effects such as hemorrhage, infection, and deadly sepsis or septic shock. There have been five reported deaths from septic shock after taking Mifeprex. All the deaths have been associated with a rare bacterial infection called Clostridium sordellii.

Federal regulators are currently investigating these deaths and the risks of Mifeprex, but the abortion drug is not the only related controversy in the news. The Pro-Life and Pro-Choice debate continues as South Dakota recently banned all forms of abortion while Massachusetts and Illinois ruled to make Plan-B emergency contraceptives available at all pharmacies.

To learn more about Mifeprex Abortion Pill side effects visit LawyersandSettlements.com: http://www,lawyersandsettlements.com/case/abortion_pill?ref=pr

About Online Legal Marketing:
LawyersandSettlements.com offers a comprehensive website with up-to-date legal news, class action lawsuits, personal injury cases, settlement details, product recalls, and more. Consumers can receive free case evaluations.

Visit us at:
www,lawyersandsettlements.com/

Contact us at:
604-608-3435

Press Contact: Scott Wurtele
Company Name: ONLINE LEGAL MARKETING LTD.
Phone: 604-608-3435
Website: http:/www.lawyersandsettlements.com/case/abortion_pill

Pharmaceutical Companies Trying To Hook THe Nation?

webmaster@asbestosis-diagnosis.com — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 14:14:58 +0000

'The N.H.S. Wastes Money on Medication which the Pharmaceutical Companies Know Does Not Cure'

Drugs watchdog accuses big pharmaceutical companies of trying to hook the nation onto medical drugs - for life.

[ClickPress, Wed Apr 26 2006] At a Sussex drugs conference today, C.E.P.T.A. Founder Kenneth Eckersley said that whilst waste occurs in many forms, probably the greatest waste is when we buy something, or pay someone, to do a job and we dont get the promised result.

This, he said is the underlying problem in the NHS, which is comprised of premises, equipment, staff, advisors, treatment, medication and patients, and the number of patients and the frequency of their treatments control premises and equipment, the size of staff, the millions spent on advisors, and the quantities of medication taxpayers pay for.

However, the numbers of patients and treatments increase each year. Not because of immigration or increasing life expectancy which are blamed, but mainly because prescription cures have been replaced by treatment programmes offering support based on treatment for life.

Eckersley pointed out that a century ago; treatment was nearly synonymous with cure. Then the pharmaceuticals realised that curing patients was losing them customers, whilst shareholders were demanding that, like other businesses, they should seek to increasingly sell more at greater profit.

Medication industry strategies have, over the last half century, moved away from cure and concentrated upon continuous support programmes based on frequent prescribing of pharmaceutical drugs to more and more population. As a result, a majority of patients are not getting cured. Treatments they receive keep them stable, give them support and make them feel cared for. But without a cure, the numbers of patients and drug doses rise every week.

Consequently, stressed Eckersley, billions of pounds spent to keep our nation healthy are not buying the real health expected. Instead we are buying a feel good factor in the form of a pair of psycho-pharmaceutical crutches for which we will go on paying, and hobble along on - for the rest of our lives.

If we had cures claimed Eckersley, we would need fewer hospitals, equipment and staff. We dont get cures because the psycho-pharms have chosen to avoid cure medication which shortens their consumer list, and instead deliver maintenance, which escalates the number of patients and treatment doses.

It is that industrys avoidance of cure medication delivery which is the under-lying waste factor in the NHS today, because it creates waste in all sectors.

Dont blame government, buildings or equipment, and dont blame the over-worked staff said Eckersley. Instead, ban prescription of all habit-forming pharmaceutical drugs, authorise medicines which cure, and tackle real health problems like allergies, bad diet, low exercise and drug and alcohol usage.

Concluding, Ken advised: Apply these simple tests to all medication Does it cure? Does it give genuine relief? Or is it just an excuse for selling more drugs?

For more information contact:
Ken Eckersley
Campaign for the Effective Prevention & Treatment of Addiction
Arts House,
Plaw Hatch Lane,
SHARPTHORNE,
West Sussex,
RH19 4JL.

Tel: 01342 810151
E: mail: keneck@btopenworld.com
Web: http://www.solutionstodrugs.com

Company: Campaign for the Effective Prevention & Treatment of Addiction
Contact Name: Ken Eckersley
Contact Email: keneck@btopenworld.com
Contact Phone: 01342 810151

Oncologists Profit On Chemotherapy Drugs They Prescribe To Cancer Patients

webmaster@asbestosis-diagnosis.com — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 15:05:42 +0000

Cancer Chemotherapy Concession

The April edition of CancerWire focuses on the Chemotherapy Concession which allows oncologists to make a profit on the chemotherapy drugs that they prescribe to cancer patients.

(PRWEB) April 19, 2006 -- A recent study published in the journal Health Affairs Does Reimbursement Influence Chemotherapy Treatment for Cancer Patients revealed that the so-called Chemotherapy Concession is still in effect and that financial reimbursement has a direct effect on which chemotherapy drugs are prescribed to patients.

This study by researchers from the University of Michigan and Harvard University found that oncologists who were more generously reimbursed prescribed more costly chemotherapy regimens to metastatic breast, colorectal, and lung cancer patients. The study demonstrated that the chemotherapy concession (doctors making profits from prescribing chemotherapy) that brought Congressional attention several years ago is still with us and is still controlling prescribing patterns.

The Chemotherapy Concession
Unlike other doctors, medical oncologists (doctors who prescribe chemotherapy) can profit directly from prescribing certain drugs. Oncologists can purchase chemotherapy at lower prices than the amounts that the insurance company pays them and then pocket the difference. This mark-up, which can be as high as 86%, is called the chemotherapy concession. The Health Affairs study revealed that this type of reimbursement prompts some oncologists to use more expensive drugs with better mark-ups for the doctor. For example, the study found that for breast cancer patients, a one-dollar increase in a physicians reimbursement resulted in the use of chemo drugs that cost $23 more. The authors said, "Although reimbursement seems to have little effect on the primary decision to administer palliative chemotherapy to patients with advanced solid tumors, it appears to affect the choice of drugs used."

Why This Hurts Patients
The Chemotherapy Concession can harm patients in at least three different ways: 1) it creates a potential conflict of interest; 2) it may expose patients to more experimental drugs; 3) it may deplete a patients insurance benefits (i.e. drug coverage).

Potential Conflict of Interest - The Chemotherapy Concession gives oncologist other reasons to prescribe chemotherapy and select specific drugs. Patients must now ask why their doctor is prescribing more and different chemo. What is behind the decision? Oncologists insist that money has nothing to do with it. But, a New York Times article about the University of Michigan/Harvard Study (Study links cancer doctors pay and their treatment) cites Dr. Craig Earle, one of the study's authors and an associate professor of medicine at Harvard and an oncologist at the Dana- Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. According to the Times, Dr. Earle stated that despite their insistence that oncologists treatment decisions are based solely on what is best for the patient, these decisions are affected by payment policies and other financial influences, including gifts from drug companies.

Newer Experimental Therapies - Typically more costly chemotherapy drugs with higher reimbursement are those that are newer. Because the newer drugs have less of a track record in terms of safety and efficacy (i.e. less post approval marketing surveillance), there may be less known about their safety and efficacy. Therefore, it is possible that a patient may get a drug that is more dangerous to them or less efficacious because of a monetary incentive.

Patients Insurance - Someone is paying to put that extra money in the oncologists pockets. Because the costs of premiums are directly related to expenditures, the chemotherapy concession hurts all of us by siphoning money away from patients, employers and payers and into the hands of one class of provider.

What You Can Do
Obviously, a patient wants a clinical decision to be based only on clinical information, not on how much money the doctor gets to keep. If you are a patient, you should know if there are any financial incentives at work in determining what cancer drugs you are being prescribed. Ask your oncologist: Why are you prescribing these drugs? What is their published efficacy and toxicity in other patients with the same cancer? Do you have any research or financial interests in prescribing these drugs? Are these drugs a profit center for you in respect to reimbursement?

Obviously you do not want a confrontational relationship with your doctor. And just because a doctor makes a profit from the drugs they prescribe does not mean that the drugs are inappropriate for you. A trusting partnership between doctor and patient that facilitates informed consent is the goal for many proactive patients. Such a partnership, however, may require an understanding of all the factors that lead to a treatment recommendation.

MORE INFORMATION:

    To read CancerWire: http://www.cancermonthly.com/cancerwire.asp
    To subscribe to CancerWire: http://www.cancermonthly.com/newsletter.asp
    For more information about tests that can help a patient determine which chemotherapy can actually work: http://www.cancermonthly.com/chemotherapy.asp
    For more information about immune boosting products in cancer: http://www.cancermonthly.com/immune.asp
    For more information about clinics that treat cancer: http://www.cancermonthly.com/clinics.asp
    For more information about financial support for cancer patients: http://www.cancermonthly.com/financial.asp
    For more information about legal options for mesothelioma patients: http://www.cancermonthly.com/legal_services.asp

Of course, none of this information in CancerWire is a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment and you should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to an existing treatment. No information contained in Cancer Monthly or CancerWire including the information above, should be used to diagnose, treat cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor.

Press Contact: Michael Horwin
Company Name: CANCER MONTHLY
Phone: 919-570-8595
Website: http://www.cancermonthly.com

_______________________________________________________
Free trade and professional industry magazines are available at
http://www.consultant-directory.tradepub.com
_______________________________________________________
Lung Cancer caused by asbestos exposure is known as
Mesothelioma. Learn more about this killer cancer.
Visit http://www.Mesothelioma-Search-Engine.com
_______________________________________________________
JR Roberts, a Security Expert Witness can help you prosecute
or defend your criminal or negligent liability case in court.
http://www.jrrobertssecurity.com/
__________________________________________________
http://www.legal-search-engine.com
http://www.vioxx-search-engine.com
http://www.drug-store-directory.com
__________________________________________________

New Magazine On Consumer-Focused Healthcare

webmaster@asbestosis-diagnosis.com — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 17:11:59 +0000

ONE Magazine Launched New Quarterly: Smart Step in Consumer-Focused Healthcare

A new consumer publication ONE has launched this month, instantly becoming one of metro Denvers largest circulation magazines. The 300,000-circulation quarterly magazine focuses on health and well being and establishes HCA-HealthONE LLC as the leading source of healthcare information for area consumers.

DENVER (PRWEB) April 15, 2006 -- A new consumer publication ONE has launched this month, instantly becoming one of metro Denvers largest circulation magazines. The 300,000-circulation quarterly magazine focuses on health and well being and establishes HCA-HealthONE LLC as the leading source of healthcare information for area consumers.

ONE is the insiders guide to current health and wellness trends. The first issue contains articles of interest to all ages and genders: from knifeless brain surgery to preventing sports injuries and much more. The next issue, due out in January, will continue to serve as a road map for asking the right questions and finding the right answers about healthcare today.

Until ONE, people in metro Denver havent had a reliable, single source devoted solely to medical information and healthcare news, says Linda Kanamine, HealthONE Vice President of Public Affairs. I think theyll be surprised to read about the amazing array of research, treatments and medical technologies that exist right here in their own backyards.

HealthONE partnered with Wiesner Publishing LLC to publish the glossy, four-color magazine. As the first publication of its kind in Denver, Publisher Maureen Regan says, It is so encouraging to be a partner with a company that is breaking ground in their efforts to connect with people in their communities and provide information that will ultimately make us all smarter healthcare consumers.

The medical industry is constantly changing with new technologies, new treatments and new preventions developing every day. The need to stay informed and to become better educated has never been greater, Kanamine adds. ONE was created to be a support system for Coloradans to navigate the complicated world of staying healthy.

In addition to copies mailed to homes, the magazine can be obtained at Cherry Creek Shopping Center, the Denver Chamber of Commerce or any HealthONE hospital.

HealthONE is the largest healthcare system in the metro Denver area with 8,700 employees and 3,000 affiliated physicians. Recently named Colorado's "Best Company for Working Families -- large business category," the health system was created in 1995 as a 50/50 joint venture between various affiliates of HCA and HealthONE Alliance, a Colorado nonprofit organization.

HealthONE includes: The Medical Center of Aurora and Centennial Medical Plaza; North Suburban Medical Center; Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center; Rose Medical Center; Sky Ridge Medical Center; Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital; Swedish Medical Center; seven surgical centers; more than 35 occupational medicine/rehabilitation, Broncos Sports Medicine, specialty, and outpatient diagnostic imaging clinics; as well as AIRLIFE, which provides critical care air and ground transportation for the HealthONE system.

# # #

Press Contact: Amy Santisi
Company Name: HealthONE
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 303-584-6038
Website: http://www.onemagazineonline.net

Shirt Contaminated With Asbestos Worn By WTC Volunteer

webmaster@asbestosis-diagnosis.com — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 15:27:09 +0000

WTC Volunteer Saves Asbestos-Laden Shirt

A plain white dress shirt, worn by a volunteer who spent about 48 hours at Ground Zero immediately after the attacks, is laden with extremely high levels of asbestos.

(PRWEB) April 13, 2006 -- The New York Post recently reported that a plain white dress shirt, worn by a volunteer who spent about 48 hours at Ground Zero immediately after the attacks, is laden with extremely high levels of asbestos.

The shirt, belonging to community liaison Yehuda Kaploun, was stowed away by the volunteer in a plastic bag just a few days after the attack. Kaploun originally saved the shirt to honor those who had perished in the attacks on the World Trade Center, including his friend Father Mychal Judge. Today, he hopes the findings as to the levels of contamination on the shirt will help 9/11 volunteers get help for the diseases they are likely to develop in the future, such as asbestos-related mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs.

Kaploun, at the time a 35-year-old liaison between the Police and Fire departments and the Orthodox Jewish community, as well as a part-time Hatzolah Ambulance volunteer, was told that the analyzed portions of his shirt collar revealed an extremely toxic concentration of chrysotile asbestos - 93,000 times higher than the average typically found in the environment in U.S. cities. That appears to be even higher than what the EPA said was found in the most contaminated building after 9/11, reports the Post.

The shirt was also found to be contaminated with zinc, mercury, antimony, barium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead and molybdenum, which are just some of the heavy metals that burned in the fires that lasted for nearly four months after the attacks.

In early April, the Centers for Disease Control reported that 62% of the individuals caught in the dust cloud of the fallen towers were suffering respiratory problems. In addition, 46% of those who lived or worked in the area (but avoided the dust cloud) also reported consistent respiratory illnesses.

Though these numbers are staggering, they are sure to worsen as many asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, take 10-40 years to surface. That means, in the next 5 to 10 years, New York City could be facing a serious health crisis.

Visit http://www.asbestos-post.com for current asbestos and mesothelioma news as well as a dedicated asbestos RSS feed.

Press Contact: Steve Rinaldi
Company Name: IIMSNET.COM
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 5857039808
Website: http://www.asbestos-post.com

_______________________________________________________
Free trade and professional industry magazines are available at
http://www.consultant-directory.tradepub.com
_______________________________________________________
Lung Cancer caused by asbestos exposure is known as
Mesothelioma. Learn more about this killer cancer.
Visit http://www.Mesothelioma-Search-Engine.com
_______________________________________________________
JR Roberts, a Security Expert Witness can help you prosecute
or defend your criminal or negligent liability case in court.
http://www.jrrobertssecurity.com/
__________________________________________________
http://www.legal-search-engine.com
http://www.vioxx-search-engine.com
http://www.drug-store-directory.com
__________________________________________________

$10 Million Discount Drug Card Donation

webmaster@asbestosis-diagnosis.com — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 12:45:23 +0000

Vertrue Announces $10 Million Discount Drug Card Donation

to be administered by local United Way agencies

Norwalk, Conn. (PRWEB) April 12, 2006 -- Vertrue Incorporated (NSDQ: VTRU) today announced the donation of $10 million worth of pharmacy savings cards to uninsured and underinsured families throughout the United States. The Familywize discount prescription drug cards, issued by Vertrues Coverdell & Company subsidiary, are valued at $29.99 each and provide point-of-sale discounts on prescription drug purchases at major pharmacies and drugstores nationwide.

Through this partnership with Membership Services Corporation, needy families will receive the Familywize cards through participating United Way agencies. The first $5 million in cards were shipped to United Way agencies this month and the remainder will be distributed throughout 2006.

Too many American families have insufficient or no prescription drug coverage at all, said Debbie Flinn, Community Investment Director of the United Way agency of Danville-Pittsylvania County, Virginia. The Familywize discount prescription drug cards will help families who otherwise could not afford much needed prescription drugs.

Vertrue is very excited to partner with United Way agencies and Membership Services Corporation to get the Familywize card into the hands of families who most need the help, said Gary Johnson, President and Chief Executive Office of Vertrue. These cards can reduce prescription drug costs by an average of 20 percent.

Working with reputable and established charities like local United Way agencies is the best way to reach the people who really need to save money on prescription drugs said Dan Barnes, President of Membership Services Corporation.

About Vertrue
Headquartered in Norwalk, Conn., Vertrue Incorporated is a leading Internet marketing services company. Vertrue gives consumers access to services that offer substantial discounts and convenience for important decisions in their everyday lives. Vertrue's valued services span healthcare, personal property, security/insurance, discounts and personals and are all offered online through an array of marketing channels. Vertrue is a premier marketing partner to corporate clients, and its services enable partners to enhance market presence, strengthen customer affinity and generate additional value.

About Membership Services Corporation
Membership Services Corporation of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania has specialized for more than 15 years in affinity marketing and strategic sourcing to deliver quality benefits, reliable services and measurable savings.

###

Press Contact: Sandy
Company Name: Vertrue
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 202-486-7575
Website: www.familywize.com

Multiple Myeloma Cancer Of The Blood Could Be Several Different Diseases

webmaster@asbestosis-diagnosis.com — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 00:07:34 +0000

UAMS Myeloma Researchers on Team Analyzing Disease's Genetic Fingerprints -- Cancer Cell Publishes Work That Could Lead to New Treatments

Researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) are part of a team that has identified that multiple myeloma, a cancer of the blood, could actually be several different diseases at the cellular level with a potential for genetically targeted treatments that could extend to other forms of cancer. The research is published in the April 2006 issue of journal Cancer Cell.

Little Rock, AR (PRWEB) April 11, 2006 -- Researchers at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS -- http://www.uams.edu) are part of a team that has identified that multiple myeloma (http://myeloma.uams.edu), a cancer of the blood, could actually be several different diseases at the cellular level with a potential for genetically targeted treatments that could extend to other forms of cancer.

The research is published in the April 2006 issue of journal Cancer Cell. The article, "Tracking genome changes during cancer initiation, progression and treatment sheds light on multiple myeloma," is now available online at http://www.cancercell.org/.

UAMS myeloma researcher John D. Shaughnessy Jr., Ph.D., was one of three lead authors of the study, along with Ron A. DePinho, M.D., of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Harvard Medical School, and Cameron Brennan, M.D., of Memorial Sloane-Kettering Cancer Center. Shaughnessy is director of the Lambert Laboratory of Myeloma Genetics in the Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy (http://myeloma.uams.edu), which is part of the Arkansas Cancer Research Center at UAMS (http://www.acrc.uams.edu), and an associate professor in the UAMS College of Medicine (http://www.uams.edu/com).

"The new research, based on analysis of myeloma cells, is a significant step in understanding the genetic basis of myeloma development and progression," Shaughnessy said. "The study suggests that myeloma consists of at least seven different genetic subtypes of disease," he said.

"This represents a watershed in myeloma research since multiple myeloma's genetic complexity had previously kept us from determining if it was actually more than one disease," Shaughnessy said. "Now we can begin to better separate patients by the effect myeloma is having on them at the genetic level and develop targeted treatments based on that knowledge.

"Development of so-called targeted therapies, aimed at specific genetic mutations and biochemical pathways affected within cancer cells is being utilized now in some cancers like chronic myelogenous leukemia and is a hope for all cancers."

Several of the genes identified in the study also are associated with unrelated cancers, including pancreatic, lung, breast and ovarian cancer.

About the Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy:

The MIRT (http://myeloma.uams.edu) continues to be at the forefront of myeloma research with this latest publication. Studies of myeloma treatment methods, led by Bart Barlogie, M.D., Ph.D., director of the MIRT, were published in the April issue of Blood, the journal of the American Society of Hematology as well as the March 9 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Barlogie's work was recognized in March when the organization responsible for publishing the annual America's Top Doctors named him a national physician of the year. The selection was based on nominations submitted by physicians profiled in America's Top Doctors.

Multiple myeloma (http://myeloma.uams.edu) is a type of cancer that involves plasma cells -- white blood cells that produce antibodies. It is the second most common cancer of the blood.

When plasma cells become cancerous, they reproduce uncontrollably and crowd out healthy red and white blood cells, preventing them from fighting infection and carrying oxygen throughout the body. Bone destruction is a common manifestation of myeloma. The malignant cells also produce a type of protein that can cause kidney failure.

Research at the MIRT has more than doubled the annual survival rate of a myeloma patient upon diagnosis from three years to seven years and beyond.

About the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS):

UAMS is the state's only comprehensive academic health center, with five colleges, a graduate school, a medical center, five centers of excellence and a statewide network of regional centers. UAMS has about 2,320 students and 690 medical residents. It is one of the state's largest public employers with almost 9,000 employees, including nearly 1,000 physicians who provide medical care to patients at UAMS, Arkansas Children's Hospital and the VA Medical Center. UAMS and its affiliates have an economic impact in Arkansas of $4.3 billion a year.

Contact:
Andrea Peel, 501-686-8996
Wireless Phone, 501-351-7903
http://www.uams.edu | http://myeloma.uams.edu

###

Press Contact: Shane Tripcony
Company Name: UAMS
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 501-686-8996
Website: http://myeloma.uams.edu

GANYMED lead antibodies show excellent efficacy and safety in mouse tumor models

webmaster@asbestosis-diagnosis.com — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 01:41:58 +0000

direct/ GANYMED Pharmaceuticals AG (DE) - GANYMED lead antibodies show excellent efficacy and safety in mouse tumor models

Press Release by: GANYMED Pharmaceuticals AG (DE)

(openPR) - Mainz, Germany - April 5, 2006 - GANYMED Pharmaceuticals AG announced today that several monoclonal lead antibodies directed against the company´s GC182 cancer target have shown excellent efficacy against solid human tumors in mouse Xenograft models. No toxicity was observed. The results fully confirm earlier experiments, where antibodies directed against GC182 proved to be very effective against cancer cells that expressed the target.

The GC182 target is a cell surface protein that is involved in cell-cell interactions. It was shown to be expressed with high prevalence and unique specificity in several solid cancers with high medical need (approx. 80% stomach cancers, 30% esophagus cancers, 25% lung and pancreatic cancers). The GC182 cell surface epitope that is targeted by GANYMED´s antibodies is identical in mouse and man, and highly similar in other mammalian species. Thus, mouse Xenograft models with GANYMED´s GC182 antibodies can be considered as highly predictive pre-clinical models.

"This excellent animal data fully confirms our earlier analysis based on human immunohistochemistry and cell culture data." said Dr. Özlem Türeci, CSO and co-founder of GANYMED. "The experiments clearly demonstrate that our antibodies are highly effective against tumors that express GC182, without any apparent toxicity."

Dr. Rainer Wessel, President and CEO of GANYMED emphasized: "This proof of concept in animals clearly represents a significant value step for the company. We will now move swiftly towards the next step: Clinical Development."

GANYMED Pharmaceuticals AG is building a sustainable pipeline of monoclonal antibody therapeutics against solid tumors, where current therapies are poor and where there is an overriding medical need. The therapeutic efficacy of current solid cancer therapeutics is severely limited, because their molecular targets are elevated in a subset of a particular cancer but they are also found widely in normal tissues. In contrast, GANYMED´s validated proprietary pan cancer surface antigens are uniquely specific for cancer tissues and can be expected to show greater therapeutic efficacy and better safety allowing significant reduction in time to market. The Company will market its cancer therapeutics after clinical or animal proof of concept has been demonstrated to large pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

Contact for further information:

GANYMED Pharmaceuticals AG
Dirk L. Sebastian, CFO / COO
Freiligrathstrasse 12
D-55131 Mainz/Germany
T: +49 (0) 6131 1440 100
F: +49 (0) 6131 1440 111
E: info@ganymed-pharmaceuticals.com
W: www.ganymed-pharmaceuticals.com

The announcement distributed by directnews.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

New Database Identifies Medical Opinion Leaders Worldwide

webmaster@asbestosis-diagnosis.com — Wed, 05 Apr 2006 14:56:11 +0000

MedMeme, LLC Announces Launch of ProfileMeme(tm) - A New Database that Identifies Medical Opinion Leaders Worldwide

MedMeme, LLC announces the launch of ProfileMemeTM, a new comprehensive database of the top physicians and scientists working in health care worldwide. MedMeme, with its unique process to identify, profile, and rank established and emerging medical opinion leaders, promises to save clients time and money in their global opinion leader identification efforts.

New York, NY (PRWEB) April 5, 2006 -- MedMeme, LLC announces the launch of ProfileMemeTM, a new comprehensive database of the top physicians and scientists working in health care worldwide. MedMeme, with its unique process to identify, profile, and rank established and emerging medical opinion leaders, promises to save clients time and money in their global opinion leader identification efforts.

Company CEO, Mahesh Naithani, says using MedMemes collective resources and scientific methodology gives ProfileMeme an objective and comprehensive advantage that pharmaceutical manufacturers, and others, can depend on as an innovative alternative to the costly, time-consuming and subjective methods currently used to identify Medical Opinion Leaders (MOLs). It is the best, quantifiable, objective method to identify and select the right MOL.

ProfileMemes database instantly identifies MOLs using selection criteria such as: disease, indication, treatment interest, and geography, for example. ProfileMeme includes more than 200,000 physicians and scientists worldwide, ensuring clients can select exactly the thought leaders most relevant to their needs.

A recent study revealed that in the last seven years, the pharmaceutical industry has seen a 300% increase in physician-led promotional events versus sales rep-led events. As pharmaceutical marketers begin to move away from a strategy of escalating volumes of reps and promotion, companies are exceedingly interested in MedMemes more efficient and less subjective methods to identify these all-important physicians.

About MedMeme, LLC

Using independent, authoritative, forward-looking insights into the competitive marketplace, MedMeme, LLC specializes in collection and analysis of clinical and medical marketing intelligence, an invaluable service for pharmaceutical and medical products companies, physicians, and medical societies. While it uses a broad base of data resources, it focuses on medical conferences because they have rapidly become the important place where professionals and the healthcare industry effectively meet to interact and exchange information, a trend driven by increasing cost and decreasing effectiveness in traditional forms of communication with physicians.

For further information about the Profilememe MOL database, please contact Ron Nick at (312) 972-0611 or e-mail at ronaldmnick -at- medmeme.com.

Media contact:
Yan Barshay
Phone: (212) 725-5992
email: yan -at- medmeme.com

# # #

Press Contact: Yan Barshay
Company Name: MEDMEME, LLC
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 212-725-5992
Website: www.medmeme.com

Avian Flu Treatments and Antiviral Drugs

webmaster@asbestosis-diagnosis.com — Wed, 05 Apr 2006 03:33:05 +0000

Global Demand Supports Development of Avian Flu Treatments and Antiviral Drugs

Biotech and Healthcare Companies Present Potential Solutions to the Bird Flu

[ClickPress, Mon Apr 03 2006] www.China-AsiaStocks.com (CAS) and www.BiotechIndustryStocks.com (BIS) , investor and industry news portals for the China-Asia and biotechnology sectors, feature Global Demand Boosts Avian Flu Vaccine Market", for investors and industry following developments in the vaccine market. Biotech and Healthcare companies: Bridgetech Holdings International Inc., Generex Biotech, AVI Biopharma Inc., Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc, Carrington Laboratories and Aethlon Medical, discuss unique approaches to this potential global dilemma and offer insight to possible solutions.

Dr. Carlton Turner, President and CEO of Carrington Laboratories gave an overview on the market, commenting that, Policymakers from around the world are responding as best they can to the threat of an H5 Avian Flu pandemic. The challenge lies in trying to find the right antigen, producing enough of it to protect the worlds population and then finding a way to deliver it to large populations efficiently.

Michael Chermak, CEO for Bridgetech Holdings International Inc (OTC.PK: BGTH), has provided insights with respect to the effect the Avian Flu has had on Chinas healthcare market, The impact of the Avian Flu outbreak on the Chinese healthcare system has been profound. The resulting self examination has created a sense of urgency, regarding the modernization and improvement of the entire system.

Vice President of Generex (NASDAQ: GNBT) and President of Antigen Express, Dr. Eric Vonhofe, expressed great confidence in their product, explaining that, Last fall, the government paid about $100 million for an egg based vaccine, but that will probably be enough for only about 3 million people. In contrast, our vaccine which is synthetic can be made on a 100 kg scale quickly, efficiently and at a relatively inexpensive rate.

AVI Biopharma Inc., a producer of antiviral drugs, has established avian influenza H5N1 as a priority within the company. Michael Hubbard, Director of Investor Relations for the company said that, We are moving as quickly as we can on Avian Flu, given the urgency. As soon as we have the safety data, we can apply for a new drug application with the FDA, which we hope to do before years end. Dr. David Strayer, Medical Director at Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc. (AMEX: HEB) also pointed out that, This area could move very rapidly because there is an urgent need for a better way to treat and prevent Avian influenza. I think there is great potential here for our company.

However, antiviral drugs currently being stockpiled as part of a global strategy to treat Avian Flu may have little therapeutic value once the deadly cytokine store has been triggered. As explained by James A. Joyce, Chairman and CEO at Aethlon Medican Inc. (OTCBB: AEMD), Once a cytokine storm has been triggered, the Hemopurifier could serve as the first, and perhaps only option for treating H5N1 infected patients.

To Read Global Demand Boosts Avian Flu Vaccine Market In Full Click Here: http://www.China-AsiaStocks.com/Articles/Avian_Flu.asp

About our CAS and BIS Portals:
www.China-AsiaStocks.com and www.BiotechIndustryStocks.com portals within the InvestorIdeas.com content umbrella, offer investors research, news and links to public companies within the China-Asia and Biotechnology sectors. CAS and BIS do not make recommendations, but offer unique free information portals to research news, articles, interviews and a growing list of participating public companies in the China-Asia and biotech industry.

China-AsiaStocks.com includes a comprehensive and growing list of China Asia Stocks: http://www.China-AsiaStocks.com/Companies/China-AsiaStocks/Stocks_List.asp

To visit our China-Asia portal in Chinese click here: http://www.china-asiastocks.com/CAS/

Featured Sponsor Participating in the China Asia Market: (CAS is compensated by Bridgetech Holding International as disclosed in disclaimer.)

Bridgetech Holdings International Inc (OTC.PK: BGTH) a leading distributor of western based healthcare products and medical technology in China. For more info: http://www.china-asiastocks.com/CO/BGTH/Default.asp or visit the company's website at www.bthi.com.

Investorideas.com Disclaimer: www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Our sites do not make recommendations, but offer information portals to research news, articles, stock lists and recent research. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. We attempt to research thoroughly, but we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of information presented. All Information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of our web sites. This site is currently compensated by its "featured companies." Bridgetech Holdings International, Inc five thousand dollars per month and ten thousand shares of 144 stock as a one time fee .Additionally , Aethlon Medical was a former featured company on Investorideas.com, please review previous clients disclaimer.

For More Information Contact:

Dawn Van Zant 800-665-0411
Fei Wang 866-948-0848
Email: dvanzant@investorideas.com or fwang@investorideas.com

Web Site: www.InvestorIdeas.com

Source: China-AsiaStocks.com, Bridgetech Holdings International, Generex Biotech, AVI Biopharma Inc., Hemispherx, Carrington Laboratories and Aethlon Medical

Prescription Drugs Available Free

webmaster@asbestosis-diagnosis.com — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 13:16:02 +0000

Free Prescription Drugs Available to Households with Incomes as High as $80,000

Drug companies routinely give away free prescription drugs. Free or reduced outpatient prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries who have not yet enrolled in Part D. But trying to access the programs can be complicated and time consuming. The Free Medicine Foundation shows consumers how to cut through the drug companies' red tape.

Doniphan, MO (PRWEB) April 4, 2006 -- For individuals needing assistance in affording prescription medication, help may only be a few minutes away.

The Johnsons have no insurance, and cant afford the 5 prescriptions they must take daily. However, they get all of them free-of-charge, thanks to the efforts of Free Medicine Foundation and drug-makers.

Three of the Nations largest drug makers send the Johnsons their cholesterol, thyroid, heart, pain and blood pressure medication FREE because they participate in these little-known patient assistance programs that are offered by pharmaceutical companies.

The Johnsons who found a Free Medicine Foundation brochure application in their doctors office said, Its the best-kept secret in town, we couldnt take our medications without themwe wouldnt be able to afford it. they said.

Although free medicine assistance has been around for over 50 years, most people have never heard about and do not know how to apply for free medicine. The "Free Medicine Foundation" mission is to inform the media and the public of assistance that may be available to thousands of Americans who don't even realize they qualify for such help. Free Medicine Foundation works tirelessly to match patients with hundreds of free or low-cost available programs by scouring available medicine plans to find plans that match applicant needs.

Cindy Randolph, spokesman for the Free Medicine Foundation organization, said that our efforts have proven successful and have helped hundreds of thousands of Americans. Free prescription drugs are available to individuals who are uninsured or underinsured with no outpatient prescription coverage for some or all prescription drugs you need, (have maxed their insurance out and/or reached the gap or donut hole), and who meet certain established income criteria for each medication.

"This is an effort to help people who qualify and don't even know it," said Randolph. This includes Medicare beneficiaries who elect not to enroll in a Medicare drug plan. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) notes that manufacturer-sponsored Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) need not remove all Medicare beneficiaries from their existing programs to be compliant with federal fraud and abuse laws. Because enrollment in Part D is voluntary, existing PAPs may continue to provide free or reduced outpatient prescription drugs to Medicare beneficiaries who have NOT yet enrolled in Part D. In addition, individuals who do not meet criteria for income for prescription drug coverage including Medicare beneficiaries who enroll in the Medicare drug plan May still qualify for free or low-cost prescription drugs.

Drug sponsors recognize that sometimes exceptions need to be made based on a patients individual circumstances. Individuals who do not meet these criteria may still qualify if both they and their physician attest that the patient has special circumstances of financial and medical hardship, and their income is below an established limit. Its not just poor people who qualify. With each medication the income criteria varies from below the poverty level up to $39,200 for individuals, $52,800 for couples, and as high as $80,000 for a family of four.

Since 1993, Free Medicine Foundation, which is a national program to help patients across the country, access prescription medicines by helping to enroll them in patient assistance programs. The Free Medicine Foundation enrollment center is helping people in need across the united States of America.

According to Randolph, there are hundreds of programs that offer free or nearly-free prescription drugs to those who qualify. Most all prescription drugs are on a free or low-cost assistance program. The biggest issue is letting people know that such programs actually exist and that the process of enrolling is not that difficult.

People interested in attempting to enroll in one of the many programs can simply call 1-573-996-3333 or log on to www.FreeMedicine.com.

The online enrollment is also easy, but will require the individual to have a list of drugs they are taking handy. Applicants can apply for as many drugs as needed, there is no limit. Include a $5 per prescription application processing fee (refundable if no assistance is received) indicating which drugs you need. And once enrolled, patients can continue to receive medication indefinitely as long as programs exist and patient continues to qualify.

For people facing tough prescription drug costs, the Free Medicine Foundation assistance program is a much needed effort. For more information and to access an application, visit www.FreeMedicine.com.

# # #

Press Contact: Cindy Randolph
Company Name: Free Medicine Foundation
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 573-996-3333
Website: http://www.FreeMedicine.com

System Verifies Compounded Medications and Doses,Validates Narcotic Returns

webmaster@asbestosis-diagnosis.com — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 18:07:00 +0000

Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota Selects CDEX ValiMed(TM) to Implement Medication Validation Solution; ValiMed System Verifies Compounded Medications and Doses, and Validates Narcotic Returns

ROCKVILLE, Md. & MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 3, 2006--CDEX, Inc. (OTCBB:CEXI), announced today that Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota has selected the ValiMed(TM) system to perform end-product testing of compounded intravenous medications in its pharmacy departments, and validation of returned narcotics in its operating room suites and nursing units. The ValiMed medication verification system, which was developed by CDEX (www.cdex-inc.com) and is exclusively distributed by Baxa (www.baxa.com), gives clinicians a quick, cost effective, and simple tool to further ensure medication safety by verifying medications are correctly compounded.

Children's of Minnesota is the eighth-largest children's health care organization in the U.S., with 319 staffed beds at its two hospital campuses in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. An independent, not-for-profit health care system, Children's of Minnesota provides care through over 13,000 inpatient visits and more than 200,000 emergency room and other outpatient visits each year.

In a process that takes only seconds, ValiMed uses patent pending technology to validate compounded doses of high-risk medications prior to dispensing. The solution creates an added level of safety in the medication dispensing process, and is also used to validate narcotic returns as well as identify counterfeit medications.

"At Children's, our top priority is the safety of our patients. With the ValiMed product we will enhance our patient and medication safety by verifying compounded medication and narcotic returns right in the pharmacy," said Christine Koentopp, Director of Pharmacy at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota.

"We are pleased that Children's of Minnesota has joined a list of nationally recognized healthcare organizations that have adopted this new health safety measure, and is the first healthcare system in Minnesota to use ValiMed," said Jim Griffin, CEO for CDEX. "It is gratifying to see ValiMed being accepted as a life safety and quality control product by healthcare professionals across the nation. The number of prestigious healthcare organizations that are adopting ValiMed to verify compounded medications and doses, and validate narcotic returns continues to grow."

The ValiMed solution uses light energy and a library of unique spectral fingerprints to validate drugs in solution. The device validates that the correct drugs in the correct amounts have been added to the dose during the compounding process. The ValiMed Medication Validation System is distributed under an exclusive agreement with Baxa Corporation (www.baxa.com) of Englewood, Colorado.

About Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota

Children's of Minnesota has received national recognition for its work in patient safety, including a recent ranking as one of only eight pediatric hospitals among the "50 Exceptional U.S. Hospitals" by the Leapfrog Group, a consortium of 165 national employers that provide health coverage to 36 million employees. For more information about Children's of Minnesota, visit www.childrensmn.org.

About CDEX, Inc.

CDEX Inc. is a technology development company with a current focus on developing and marketing products using chemical detection and validation technologies. At present, CDEX is devoting its resources to two distinct areas: (i) identification of substances of concern (e.g., explosives and illegal drugs for homeland security); and (ii) validation of substances for anti-counterfeiting, brand protection and quality assurance (e.g., validation of prescription medication and detection of counterfeit or sub-par products for brand protection). ValiMed is one line of CDEX products for the healthcare market. CDEX is headquartered in Rockville, Maryland with its research and development laboratory in Tucson, Arizona. For more information, visit www.cdex-inc.com and www.valimed.com.

Any statements made in this press release which contain information that is not historical are essentially forward-looking. Many forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "expects," "plans," "may," "anticipates," "believes," "should," "intends," "estimates," and other words of similar meaning. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that cannot be predicted or quantified and, consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks are detailed from time-to-time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. There is no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements.

Contacts

For CDEX, Inc.
Wills & Associates
Brad Wills, 301-767-1919
bwills@wills-pr.com

Malignant Mesothelioma ONCONASE (ranpirnase) Trial Goal Reached

webmaster@asbestosis-diagnosis.com — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 05:20:54 +0000

Alfacell Achieves Full Patient Enrollment Milestone for the ONCONASE Phase IIIb Registration Study in Unresectable Malignant Mesothelioma

BLOOMFIELD, N.J., Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alfacell Corporation (Nasdaq: ACEL - News) today announced that the full enrollment target of 316 patients has been reached for the international, confirmatory Phase IIIb registration trial evaluating ONCONASE® (ranpirnase), the Company's lead investigational drug candidate, as a treatment for unresectable malignant mesothelioma (UMM).

The Company has developed and managed one of the largest UMM clinical programs ever undertaken. Over 600 UMM patients have been enrolled in the ONCONASE UMM study, including newly-diagnosed and refractory patients treated with ONCONASE as a single agent and in combination with doxorubicin.

"We are pleased to have achieved this important milestone ahead of schedule, and look forward to completion of all other regulatory requirements for the marketing approval of ONCONASE in the U.S., E.U. and other markets," stated Kuslima Shogen, Chief Executive Officer of Alfacell.

About the ONCONASE Phase IIIb Registration Study

ONCONASE is being evaluated at over 40 investigator sites across 10 countries in a centrally-randomized, open-label Phase IIIb trial as a treatment for UMM, an asbestos-related cancer that afflicts approximately 10,000 people worldwide -- including 4,000 in the U.S. -- each year. The study is being conducted to determine whether survival is prolonged in UMM patients treated with ONCONASE in combination with doxorubicin compared to doxorubicin alone. The estimated global UMM market is $300 million.

About ONCONASE

ONCONASE is a first-in-class therapeutic from Alfacell's proprietary ribonuclease (RNase) technology platform. ONCONASE has been shown to target tumor cells while sparing normal cells. ONCONASE is internalized by endocytosis and released into the cytosol of the cancerous cell, where it selectively degrades tRNA beyond repair. In doing so, ONCONASE inhibits protein synthesis, stops cell cycle proliferation, and induces apoptosis (programmed cell death).

ONCONASE has previously been granted Orphan Drug designation from EMEA and TGA (Australia), as well as Fast Track status by the FDA. The latter has enabled the Company to complete and submit sections of the New Drug Application (NDA) on an accelerated, rolling basis.

In addition to the Phase IIIb UMM registration trial, the Company is conducting an ONCONASE Phase I / II trial in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). The NSCLC market is expected to exceed $4 billion by 2012.

Also, pre-clinical studies examining ONCONASE conjugates as potential treatments for gliomas and Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL) are being conducted at Johns Hopkins University and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), respectively.

Who's Stealing Your Health Records?

webmaster@asbestosis-diagnosis.com — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 00:59:04 +0000

Get the Scoop on the 7 Hottest Topics in Healthcare

Augusta, MI - 49012 - March 29 2006

Get The Scoop On The 7 Hottest Topics In Healthcare!

1. Who's Stealing Your Health Records?
Healthcare Privacy/HIPAA - Hundreds of medical records are lost everyday due to neglect and theft. Are your healthcare records safe? What will happen to you if they fall into the hands of a rogue medical worker or identity thief? How can healthcare organizations and patients protect themselves?

2. Bracing for Disaster
The State of Emergency Care Systems in the US - How well can the current healthcare system deal with another hurricane or terrorist attack? How would the displacement of millions of Americans affect your ability to get the health services you need? How can hospitals, medical offi ces, and patients prevent the loss of medical records?

3. Risky Records
The Truth About EHRs - Following Hurricane Katrina, many healthcare providers have made the switch to Electronic Health Records. What they don't know is that many Electronic Health Record systems may be producing incomplete records that won't stand up to scrutiny in a legal or administrative proceeding. How can you tell if your records are complete and accurate? How can you fix the problem without buying a new system?

4. Price Gouging Patients
Healthcare Insurance - 60 Minutes broke the story first: Uninsured patients are being charged up to 4 times that of insured patients due to a misunderstanding in the regulations. Why? And what can we do about it?

5. Dirty Doctors
Sexual Harassment in the Medical Environment - Hospitals and doctor's offices have some of the highest incidents of harassment among any work environment. Why is this and what can we do as patients and workers to protect ourselves?

6. Is Your Doctor Following the Rules?
Healthcare Compliance - Doctors and hospitals must follow strict government regulations. Find out what they are and what to do if your healthcare provider is not following the rules.

7. Medicare/Medicaid
What Do The Changes Mean for You? - How do changes in Medicare/Medicaid laws affect patients and healthcare providers? Are the changes good or bad? What changes still need to be made?

Nation's #1 healthcare compliance expert comments on breaking health news.

Patricia Trites, CHCC, CPC, CHP is one of the nation's leading experts on Medicare, Medicaid, disaster recovery, and the healthcare compliance laws protecting your health, your privacy, and your money. She is CEO of Healthcare Compliance Resources, LLC (www.ComplianceResources.com), a company that provides compliance certification, training, and resources for healthcare organizations and professionals. She sits on the editorial advisory boards of the industry's top publications, and is the author of the Healthcare Organization and Medical Office Compliance Program Guide, Compliance Guide for the Medical Practice, and Due Diligence evaluating EHR Systems: A Hands on Manual for the Compliant EMR Before and After Purchase.

Patricia Trites (pati@complianceresources.com)
CEO
Healthcare Compliance Resources
507 W. Jefferson
Augusta, MI 49012
Phone : 269-731-2561
Fax : 269-731-4346

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Free trade and professional industry magazines are available at
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Lung Cancer caused by asbestos exposure is known as
Mesothelioma. Learn more about this killer cancer.
Visit http://www.Mesothelioma-Search-Engine.com
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Safety Expert Warns About Chocolate Bunnies

webmaster@asbestosis-diagnosis.com — Tue, 28 Mar 2006 23:14:05 +0000

Can Easter Holiday Traditions Harm or Kill Children and Pets???

Hollywood, FL 33021 - March 28 2006

Debra Holtzman, J.D., M.A.

Easter Celebrations are supposed to be enjoyable. We prepare delicious food, arrange fun activities and gather together with our family and friends.

"But with all the joys of the Easter Holiday comes potential safety hazards which can result in injury and even death," warns Debra Holtzman, J.D, M.A, an internationally recognized safety and health expert and author of the new book, The Safe Baby: A Do-it-yourself Guide to Home Safety (Sentient Publications, 2005.)
Debra Holtzman suggests following these simple tips to keep your family and pets safe this Easter.

1. Easter Lily: All parts of the lily plant are considered toxic to cats and consuming even small amounts can cause severe poisoning. Cat owners should be aware of the dangers of lily ingestion and remove them from their cat's access.

2. Chocolate Bunnies: Pet owners beware! Chocolate is toxic, and sometimes even fatal, for animals! Watch out for Eggs hidden around the house, or chocolate kept in a child's room

3. Hard candy: A child under age six should never be served hard, round candy. Popcorn and nuts are also a choking hazard.
Holtzman also recommends that you ask guests beforehand if they or their children are allergic to any food.

4. Baby Chicks: If you are thinking of adding an adorable Easter chick or duckling to go along with your child's Easter basket, think again! Federal health officials warn that baby chicks sold to children during the Easter season may harbor Salmonella bacteria. In fact, the CDC has reported that the risk posed by chicks and ducklings may be the highest for children, since Salmonella infections in children may be more severe.

5. EGGS. Hard-cooked eggs should be cooked thoroughly. Make sure to refrigerate eggs within 2 hours of cooking and use them within a week. To dye hard-cooked eggs, use a food-safe coloring and place them in the refrigerator within 2 hours. Hard-cooked eggs for an egg hunt must be prepared with care to prevent cracking the shells. If the shells crack, bacteria could contaminate the inside. Eggs should be hidden in places that are protected from dirt, pets, and other sources of bacteria. The total time for hiding and hunting eggs should not be longer than 2 hours. The "found" eggs must be re-refrigerated until eaten. If the Easter egg hunt will take longer than 2 hours, hide plastic eggs.

6. Cookie dough: If you have raw eggs in the cookie dough batter, eat your homemade cookies cooked! Raw eggs can be contaminated with salmonella, a food-borne illness that can prove fatal if untreated.

7. Pies: all custard-type pies need to be refrigerated. Pies at room temperature can grow dangerous bacteria.

8. Perishable foods: Never leave perishable food at room temperature over two hours. Perishable foods include raw and cooked meat, poultry and seafood products. Once fruits and vegetables are cut, it is safest to also limit their time at room temperature. If perishable food is left at room temperature for over two hours, bacteria can grow to harmful levels.

9. Alcohol: Alcohol affects children more drastically than adults, so even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous to children. It causes a quick drop in blood sugar, drowsiness, seizures and even death. Spiked punch should be kept out of the reach of children. Remove all empty and partially empty cups as soon as possible. Store alcohol in a locked cabinet out of reach and sight of children. Don't store it in your refrigerator where a child could have easy access. Remember that children imitate adults, and may drink the beverages they see adults drinking.

10. Cribs: Children might be using an outdated or recalled crib, particularly when visiting someone who must borrow one or has picked up a crib at a yard sale. Call the CPSC at (800) 638-2772 or visit their website www.cpsc.gov to check if products have been recalled.
A quick note on crib slats: the slat space should be no more than 2 and three-eighths inches apart. A good rule of thumb: if you can pass a soda can between the slats, they're too far apart.

Debra Holtzman is an internationally recognized safety and health expert and award winning author. She has nearly two decades of experience in the safety and health fields. Debra is the safety expert on the Discovery Health Channel. The Safe Baby: A Do-it-yourself Guide to Home Safety (Sentient Publications, 2005) is in bookstores everywhere.

Interviews may be arranged via: E-mail: safebook@aol.com
Telephone: 954-963-7702
http://thesafetyexpert.com

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Waiting Room Patients Targeted In Sick Scheme

webmaster@asbestosis-diagnosis.com — Tue, 28 Mar 2006 16:35:56 +0000

VISI Networks Teams with LabCorp(R) to Launch LabCorp Health Network; A Direct-to-Patient Digital Signage Network for LabCorp's Patient Service Centers Nationwide

LabCorp Health Network (LHN) - a direct-to-patient digital signage network for LabCorp's Patient Service Centers - is a customized channel of healthcare information specifically designed to provide patients using LabCorp's patient service centers a comfortable waiting environment through the delivery of quality commercial, educational, informational and entertainment segments via an internet driven, nationally networked narrowcast system. (Photo: Business Wire)

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 28, 2006--VISI Networks and Laboratory Corporation of America(R) Holdings (LabCorp(R)) (NYSE:LH), a leading, national provider of diagnostic services and a pioneer in new diagnostic technologies, have teamed to create the LabCorp Health Network - a direct-to-patient digital signage network for LabCorp's Patient Service Centers.

The LabCorp Health Network (LHN) is a customized channel of healthcare information specifically designed to provide patients using LabCorp's patient service centers a comfortable waiting environment through the delivery of quality commercial, educational, informational and entertainment segments via an internet driven, nationally networked narrowcast system. Presented on large, flat-panel screens installed in LabCorp's Patient Service Centers, LHN provides an opportunity for advertisers and content partners to reach a health conscious audience with known demographic and statistical data.

"Through the LabCorp Health Network, we are providing a dynamic channel to educate patients and visitors as to the latest testing procedures and preventive measures they can take to lead happier and healthier lives," said Joseph Erhart, CEO of VISI Networks.

"We are extremely excited about this network. This private channel represents an opportunity for LabCorp and their content partners to reach a sizeable health conscious audience with relevant messaging that connects directly with their customer base in a way that was previously impossible," said Michael Erhart, VP of Business Development for VISI Networks. "By being able to deliver messages directly to real patients - ensuring they receive the most up-to-date information in a timely manner - this narrowcast network establishes itself as a superior alternative to traditional media."

Currently, the LabCorp Health Network can be found in over 300 of LabCorp's more than 1,300 Patient Service Centers in the U.S.

About VISI Networks

Founded by nationally recognized wayfinding and signage information display system expert Joseph Erhart, VISI Networks develops proprietary network information display systems capable of delivering high-impact digital multimedia messages to targeted consumers. VISI Networks has tested their infrastructure with networks in Florida Hospital Critical Care Centers, SunTrust Bank and Orlando-Sanford International Airport. To learn more about VISI Networks, visit www.VISInetworks.com.

About LabCorp(R)

Laboratory Corporation of America(R) Holdings, a S&P 500 company with an investment-grade credit rating, is a pioneer in commercializing new diagnostic technologies and the first in its industry to embrace genomic testing. With annual revenues of $3.3 billion in 2005, approximately 24,000 employees nationwide, and more than 220,000 clients, LabCorp offers clinical assays ranging from routine blood analyses to HIV and genomic testing. LabCorp combines its expertise in innovative clinical testing technology with its Centers of Excellence: The Center for Molecular Biology and Pathology, in Research Triangle Park, NC; National Genetics Institute, Inc. in Los Angeles, CA; ViroMed Laboratories, Inc. based in Minneapolis, MN; The Center for Esoteric Testing in Burlington, NC; DIANON Systems, Inc. based in Stratford, CT, US LABS based in Irvine, CA, and Esoterix and its Colorado Coagulation, Endocrine Sciences, and Cytometry Associates laboratories. LabCorp clients include physicians, government agencies, managed care organizations, hospitals, clinical labs, and pharmaceutical companies. To learn more about LabCorp, visit www.LabCorp.com.

Contacts
Media Contacts
Tier 1 Public Relations
Dan Dyer, 513-478-7818
ddyer@tier1pr.com
or
LabCorp
Pam Sherry, 336-436-4855
sherryp@labcorp.com
OR
Advertising Contact
VISI Networks Inc.
Jenny Sue Rhoades, 407-566-1437
jennysue@visinetworks.comAt A Glance
VISI Networks
Source: via Business Wire
Updated 03/24/2006 by company

[Editor's comments: Great. Now when I have to see a doctor I can look forward to having my desperate-for-a-distraction mind feed commercial messages not unlike waiting for a plane at the airport. I predict the day is near when you use a public restroom and close the door you will sit (or stand) to have a yammering screen that wants to take your moment of privacy and join you for a little marketing one-on-one.

It's information. It's advertising. It's intrusive. And It's obnoxious.

(hris ]

Early Detection Tests For Conditions Leading to Mesothelioma Sought

webmaster@asbestosis-diagnosis.com — Sun, 26 Mar 2006 06:25:07 +0000

New Tests in Development For Early Detection of Conditions Leading to Mesothelioma

High blood levels of a protein called osteopontin are linked to the development of pleural mesothelioma

The key to curing any disease is early detection and progress has been made for an early-detection test that could improve survival for people with a deadly cancer linked to asbestos exposure.

High blood levels of a protein called osteopontin are linked to the development of pleural mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer that invades the chest cavity and the lining of the lungs.

In a recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. Harvey Pass, professor of surgery at New York University School of Medicine said, "The earlier you detect it, the better the chance that you can do therapy that impacts survival,"

Mesothelioma Screening Still Eludes
There is currently no way to screen for mesothelioma, a potential hazard for the 7.5 million American workers with a history of workplace exposure to asbestos. Those people include foundry workers, miners, shipbuilders and an estimated 1.5 million maintenance and construction workers. The challenge is to single out those who will develop the cancer from those with other asbestos-related lung conditions.
Although the work is preliminary, osteopontin levels may point to heightened mesothelioma risk, Pass said. The findings are based on a study of 190 people -- 69 with noncancerous asbestos-related disease, 76 with mesothelioma and 45 smokers with no exposure to asbestos.

Blood tests showed that the levels of osteopontin rose along with years of asbestos exposure -- the lowest levels were in people exposed to asbestos for less than 10 years, while levels doubled for people with more than 10 years of exposure and increased steadily with asbestos-caused damage to the lungs.

Blood concentrations of osteopontin were six times normal levels in people with mesothelioma, even during the early stages of the disease, the researchers found.

A blood marker that helped doctors catch the disease early could offer patients real hope, Pass said. "If you find that this marker of risk is high, you can take action, starting with CT scanning to detect the disease early," he noted.

Osteopontin Test May be Flawed
But that optimism was not echoed by Dr. Mark R. Cullen, a professor of medicine and public health at Yale University, who wrote an accompanying editorial. Longer survival through early detection has been shown in breast cancer, colon cancer and some other malignancies, Cullen said, but the evidence for it in mesothelioma is weak. It is possible that detecting an inevitably fatal cancer early gives the illusion of longer survival, since the time after diagnosis is longer than if the tumor is detected closer to death, he noted.

And the osteopontin test has a major weakness, Cullen said. It lacks specificity, which means it also detects other, less fatal conditions, putting those patients through testing that might be unnecessary.

Nevertheless, he said, "I strongly encourage this kind of research in the hope that many good things might come of it -- an early blood test, a very good diagnostic test, and hopefully over the next few years a breakthrough in treatment."

Pass is continuing his work, which is funded by a grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). In fact, his NYU facility has been designated a "biomarker laboratory" by the NCI, he said.

Pass and his colleagues will soon start screening banked blood samples from mesothelioma patients. That and future studies will aim at determining the exact levels of osteopontin that could be used in a screening test.

"If we find the same relationship with banked serum [blood] -- something that should take two years -- and if the marker holds up, then we can proceed to a prospective trial to see if it finds mesothelioma early," he said.

About 2,500 cases of mesothelioma are reported in the United States each year, Pass said, although he believes the cancer might be underdiagnosed because there is no official registry for it. Only 5 percent of cases are detected early, Pass said. The life expectancy for those diagnosed late is just nine to 12 months.

However, detected early, mesothelioma "does respond to therapy," he said. Treatments include radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery.

source: Ed Edelson, HealthDay

Smiths Medical Launches GRIPPER PLUS(R) Safety Ne...

webmaster@asbestosis-diagnosis.com — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 02:22:06 +0000

Smiths Medical Launches GRIPPER PLUS(R) Safety Needles with Enhanced Needlestick Safety

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 23, 2006--Smiths Medical MD, Inc. has added a new version of their popular GRIPPER PLUS(R) Safety Huber Needles to the existing product line. The new GRIPPER PLUS(R) Safety Huber Needles with a luer-activated needleless access connector will allow direct connection of a syringe or tubing with standard luer accommodating additional patient therapies. With this addition to the GRIPPER PLUS(R) needle product line, Smiths Medical now offers three configurations of the extension set that connect to the needle, including a non-auxiliary site, a split septum needleless access auxiliary site, and the new luer-activated needleless access auxiliary site.

GRIPPER PLUS(R) Safety Huber Needles are used to deliver medications intravenously through a patient's implanted port. Their unique feature is a safety arm that is lifted to lock the needle into a protected position when de-accessing it from an implanted port. An audible click provides clinicians with confirmation that the de-accessed needle is in its locked safety position. With the addition of a needleless access site, GRIPPER PLUS(R) Safety Huber Needles continue to be an important part of an organization's needlestick safety program.

Smiths Medical has sold millions of GRIPPER PLUS(R) Safety Huber Needles since their launch in 2002.

Smiths Medical is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of medical devices used in infusion therapy, including CADD(R) ambulatory infusion pumps, PORT-A-CATH(R) implantable access systems, GRIPPER PLUS(R) safety huber needles, CliniCath(R) PICC infusion catheters, and the CozMore(R) insulin technology system. Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, Smiths Medical MD (Medication Delivery) is part of Smiths Group, London, and is committed to developing the highest quality, most reliable products to provide innovative, convenient and cost-effective drug delivery worldwide. For more information, visit www.smiths-medical.com or call 1-800-426-2448.

Contacts

Smiths Medical MD, Inc., St. Paul
Marketing Communications:
Terri Servais, 651-628-7248
E-mail: terri.servais@smiths-medical.com

Caring Today Magazine: Worthwhile, But Somewhat Superficial

webmaster@asbestosis-diagnosis.com — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 22:29:49 +0000

Caring Today

by Phyllis Fine, Wednesday, March 22, 2006
WHEN DANA REEVE, ARGUABLY America's most famous caregiver, died recently, the obits mentioned she'd given up an acting and singing career to devote herself to her husband, paralyzed movie star Christopher Reeve (now deceased too, of course).

Dana, described as a model of graceful serenity in her caregiving role, often noted that she had no bitterness about her sacrifice.

As profiled in the magazine Caring Today, then-19-year-old Bridget Bennett also gave up her acting dreams to become a caregiver for her mother, Helene, a breast cancer victim. And as far as I'm concerned, Bridget made an even bigger sacrifice. Helene told Bridget it was time for her to quit college, where she was a theater and journalism major, and go into the family business--home and car insurance. "It's not something I had dreamed of doing," Bridget is quoted as saying, "but I enjoy working with the people." As with all accounts of Dana Reeve, Bridget's story focuses on the positive: "My mother's illness has made me more spiritual" and inspired her to lose 80 pounds, Bridget says.

I'm sure if I were a caregiver, I'd be heartened by this story, but also a little pissed off at getting only the superficial side. Where is the anger and ambivalence that Bridget must have felt, having to stop the fun of acting classes to attend "the Professional Insurance Agent school"?

While Caring Today does a competent job of fulfilling the mission in its tagline--providing "practical advice for the family caregiver"--digging a little deeper would serve its readers well and spice up a sometimes-bland mix of articles, like a boring food column and the front-of-the-book medical items, which are way too long and read like press releases.

The longer medical features are better. A three-part diabetes section targets readers smartly, focusing on the subtle surface symptoms of the disease in teeth, skin and feet that caregivers need to watch for. "Understanding Arthritis" puts the condition in context as the nation's leading cause of disability, discussing its various permutations and treatments simply enough so that even a medical idiot (me, for instance) could understand.

"Gentle Travel Adventures" helpfully discusses the accessibility of three U.S. cities, but is marred by its generic travel brochure style, complete with the worst fault of the genre, the baffling mention of a supposedly world-famous sight: Chattanooga's Ross's Landing, "where the infamous Trail of Tears began"--what trail? What tears? The blurb with the story asks a good question that never gets answered: "If your traveling companion has a physical disability, you face a unique challenge. So, how do you get the real break you need?" A first-person approach here, maybe describing how a caregiver went on a trip and balanced her needs with those of her charge, would have livened things up considerably.

A story about a New Hampshire-based breast cancer support group--"Oh, Those Breast Friends!"--thankfully livens its inspirational tone with humor, like the mention of The Young and The Breastless, a rock band one of the support group's members wanted to form.

Though I'm not usually big on reader-written stories, the best piece in this issue is one penned by a reader, Ami S., about the dog that takes care of Ami's Alzheimer's-stricken mother. Any tendency toward the maudlin is counterbalanced by Ami's clear-eyed voice and detailed focus on a dog who does everything short of putting on a nurse's uniform and asking, "How are we feeling today?" Madison, the dog, "wears a backpack containing a change of clothes, medicine, money, ID and other things my mother needs but no longer can keep track of, recognize or carry." Ami even claims that Madison "can hand a clerk a credit card (but won't sign for the purchase)."

Since it's the real-life stories that shine, it's particularly disturbing that Caring Today's cover photos are actually posed model shots. In place of the March/April phony cover, I wish the mag's editors had chosen a great inside photo of Bridget, the young caregiver, with her mother, Helene: Helen is wearing that chemo-bald look, which makes the photo more genuine still.

If Caring Today's editors want to be heartwarming, they should focus more on the real heart of the mag's topic, and forget the generic photos and text.

Phyllis Fine is columns editor for MediaPost.

Magazine Rack for Wednesday, March 22, 2006:
http://publications.mediapost.com/

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Lung Cancer caused by asbestos exposure is known as
Mesothelioma. Learn more about this killer cancer.
Visit http://www.Mesothelioma-Search-Engine.com
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http://www.legal-search-engine.com
http://www.vioxx-search-engine.com
http://www.drug-store-directory.com
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