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DeCODE Discovers A Gene Linked To Risk Of Kidney Stones And Osteoporosis
A discovery by scientists at deCODE genetics (Nasdaq: DCGN) and academic colleagues from Iceland, the Netherlands and Denmark has pointed to a common biological mechanism contributing to both kidney stones and decreased bone mineral density (BMD). About 60% of the population carry two copies of a single-letter variation in the human genome (SNP) on chromosome 21, putting them at roughly 65% greater likelihood of developing kidney stones than those who carry no copies. This single variant may thus account for more than a quarter of the incidence of kidney stones, and in women carriers it is also associated with decreased BMD at the hip and spine.

Most Complete Picture Of North American Industrial Pollution Presented In Latest Trinational Report
Ninety percent of the 5.5 billion kilograms of toxic pollutant releases and transfers reported in North America in 2005 can be traced to just 30 substances from 15 industrial sectors across the United States, Canada and Mexico, according to the latest tri-national pollution report from the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC).
News of the day
Tobramycin Inhalation Powder (TIP) Improved Lung Function In Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Patients With Respiratory Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (Pa) Infection
In a Phase III study, TIP, an inhaled investigational formulation of tobramycin, improved lung function (as measured by FEV1) in cystic fibrosis patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) infection, compared to placebo. The data, presented today at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2009 International Conference in San Diego, also demonstrated, with respect to secondary endpoints, that TIP decreased sputum Pa density, hospitalization and other antibiotic use in these patients versus placebo.
Diagnostics

Rush University Medical Center Performs First Colorectal Surgeries In The U.S. Using Prosurgics' FreeHand Laparoscopic Camera Controller

Rush University Medical Center and surgical robotics company Prosurgics announce the completion of the first colorectal surgeries in the U.S. using the FreeHand® laparoscopic camera controller. Surgeons Dr. Marc Brand and Dr. Theodore Saclarides of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago successfully completed three laparoscopic hemi-colectomies using the laparoscopic camera controller. Although FreeHand is used widely in Europe, and has application in a variety of surgical specialties, these were the first procedures of this type to be performed in the U.S. Dr. Brand operated the FreeHand system during the procedures, which took place on June 22. FreeHand is an affordable 15 lb. robotic device that gives surgeons direct control of the laparoscopic camera via a small, lightweight hands-free controller worn on the surgeon"s head. Gentle head movements permit precise scope positioning. It provides a rock-steady image and faster surgery after a very rapid learning curve. After using FreeHand, Dr. Brand said, "A laparoscopic colectomy is uniquely challenging in that a wide field of view is required, from the ribs to the pelvis. FreeHand provided visual coverage of the entire area. It also gave me control so that I did not have to interrupt dissection to reposition the camera, or tell a person holding the camera what to do; returning control of the camera view to the surgeon allows for the image to lead the procedure instead of follow it. It"s like having an extra pair of hands. The image was excellent and very steady and no one had to be in the O.R. just to hold the "scope." Bill Perry, President of Prosurgics Inc., said, "We are delighted to have done these advanced cases at this outstanding medical center and that FreeHand performed so well. FreeHand makes procedures quicker and less stressful, and is a great teaching tool as well. A growing number of leading centers across the U.S. are seeing the benefits of FreeHand in a variety of surgical specialties." About Prosurgics Prosurgics is dedicated to pioneering a new generation of innovative but affordable surgical robots. Its range of robotic solutions helps improve patient outcomes and healthcare economics in hospitals around the world. The company"s technology portfolio encompasses image guided and tele-manipulator systems, surgical planning and intra-operative navigation. With offices in the UK (Bracknell), USA (Cupertino, CA) and Germany and a global network of expert distributors, Prosurgics delivers innovative and effective solutions for today"s surgeons and hospitals around the world. Rush University Medical Center


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