Gastroenterology :: Gastroenterology sets standards for CT colonography

Recognizing that CT colonography will play a role in screening for colorectal cancer (CRC), and the critical need to increase overall CRC screening rates, the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute issued minimum standards for gastroenterologist performance of the test. To ensure competence, a minimum of 75 endoscopically confirmed cases should be interpreted by the physician.

Imaging :: Mayo Clinic to dedicate Opus Building, Imaging Research Center

Mayo Clinic has been a national leader in medical imaging research for decades. Now its expert research team has a new state-of-the-art home. On Sept. 10, 2007, leaders from Mayo Clinic, the Opus Group and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will join in the dedication of the Opus Building, which houses the Mayo Clinic Imaging Research Center.

Ear :: Scripps Research scientists reveal pivotal hearing structure

In a study published in the September 6, 2007, issue of the journal Nature, researchers showed that two key proteins join together at the precise location where energy of motion is turned into electrical impulses. These proteins, cadherin 23 and protocadherin 15, are part of a complex of proteins called ?tip links? that are on hair cells in the inner ear. The tip link is believed to have a central function in the conversion of physical cues into electrochemical signals.

Cancer :: Novel method enables genomic screening of blood vessels from patient tissue

Scientists have developed a new method of capturing a complete genome-wide screening of blood vessel cells in their actual disease state, advancing the potential for genetic research on the tissue responsible for delivering nourishment that can accelerate the growth of both a cancer tumor or wound healing.

Sinusitis :: Accentia issues update on blinded results in phase 3 of SinuNase for chronic sinusitis

Based on an interim blinded analysis of the first group of the more than 80 patients who have now completed the trial at 16 weeks, the study has shown improvement in polyposis by endoscopy in about 50 percent of patients (N=43) and improvement in sinus inflammation by CT scan in approximately 50 percent of patients (N=23). Moreover, 50 percent of patients with objective evidence of improvement have achieved the primary endpoint of complete resolution of cardinal symptoms.

MRI :: Sports concussion research using fMRI provides insight for safe return-to-play decisions

Concussions are common in young athletes but the underlying changes in brain function that occur have been poorly understood. Now, a University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine study is the first to link changes in brain function directly to the recovery of the athlete. Results of the five-year study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, are published in the August issue of the scientific peer-reviewed journal, Neurosurgery, the official journal of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.