Medicine | Page 268 of 378 | SpiritIndia.com

Lack of understanding about common, life-threatening lung disease that affects millions

Results of a new survey conducted among more than 1,000 Americans age 45 and older reveal that most adults are not concerned about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a lung disease that is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. According to the survey, only 1 in 10 adults could correctly identify what COPD is, and only 4 percent consider COPD to be a health condition they worry ?the most? about getting, compared against other common chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer?s disease, heart disease, diabetes, or lung cancer. However, more people die from COPD than breast cancer or prostate cancer each year.

Macular Degeneration :: Novartis’ Lucentis, ranibizumab approved in Europe for severe vision loss

Novartis has received a positive opinion supporting European Union regulatory approval for Lucentis? (ranibizumab) as a new treatment option for patients with the “wet” form of age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over age 50 in the western world.

Hypertension :: Novartis’ Exforge, valsartan approved in Europe for patients with high blood pressure

Novartis announced today a positive opinion supporting European Union approval of Exforge? (valsartan/ amlodipine besylate) as a new treatment option for patients with high blood pressure.

Breast Implants :: FDA Approves Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants

After rigorous scientific review, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today approved the marketing of silicone gel-filled breast implants made by two companies for breast reconstruction in women of all ages and breast augmentation in women ages 22 and older. The products are manufactured by Allergan Corp. (formerly Inamed Corp.), Irvine, Calif., and Mentor Corp., Santa Barbara, Calif.

Fosrenol data show evidence of trends towards improved bone formation in CKD stage 5 patients

Treatment with the phosphate binder FOSRENOL(R) (lanthanum carbonate) was associated with slight improvements in bone formation in chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stage 5 patients with hyperphosphatemia (high phosphorus levels in the blood), according to long-term (two-year) data presented at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) meeting. Additional studies presented at ASN document the efficacy and safety of the reformulated and higher-dose FOSRENOL tablets.

Heart Disease :: Tβ4 is essential for coronary vessel development report

REGENERX BIOPHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (AMEX: RGN) reported today that a study published in the advanced online edition of the journal Nature supported and elaborated TB4’s significant effects in the damaged hearts of mice and highlighted its therapeutic potential for the treatment of heart attacks and heart failure in humans.

Exercise helps elderly regain physical function and avoid major disability

Regular structured exercise may allow previously sedentary elderly people to attain significant improvements in their physical functioning and reduce the likelihood they will become disabled in the future, according to findings from a multicenter pilot study being presented today at the Gerontological Society of America’s annual meeting in Dallas.

Lung Cancer :: Lung Cancer Registry May Reveal Secrets of Deadly Disease

Despite the many advances that have been made over the past 30 years in the prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer, one grim fact remains: the overall five-year lung cancer survival rate is only 15%. The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania has joined an international effort launched by Roswell Park Cancer Institute to potentially revolutionize the prevention and management of this disease.

Glaucoma :: University of Maryland Project Targets Population at Increased Risk for Glaucoma

Dilated eye exams, in which special eye drops are used to widen the pupils, allow eye care professionals to see into the back of the eye to check for early signs of eye disease such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, two of the leading causes of blindness in this country. But many people, particularly seniors who are at increased risk for these diseases, do not get this important test.

Heart :: Study helps explain heart benefits from daily – but small – dose of chocolate

Some chocoholics who just couldn?t give up their favorite treat to comply with a study to test blood stickiness have inadvertently done their fellow chocolate lovers – and science – a big favor.