Optical Fluorescent Molecular Real-Time Imaging During Surgery May Be Used To Differentiate Lung Adenocarcinomas From Normal Lung Parenchyma

By Dr Deepu

MedPage Today (8/4, Jackson) reports that research indicates that “optical fluorescent molecular real-time imaging during surgery can be used to differentiate lung adenocarcinomas from surrounding normal lung parenchyma.” The findings were published in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery.

Thoroughness, Accuracy Of Pre-Op Lung Cancer Evaluation Could Be Improved, Study Suggests

By Dr Deepu

Cancer Therapy Advisor (8/4) reports that research suggests “for suspected lung cancer patients, the thoroughness, accuracy, and timeliness of preoperative evaluation could be improved.” The findings were published in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery.

Companies Work To Help Employees With Insomnia

By Dr Deepu

The Washington Post (7/31, McGregor) reports research from Harvard is showing that “insomnia results in the loss of 11.3 days of productivity each year” for the average worker and represents a total national loss of $63.2 billion. As a result of the “impact on insurance costs and worker productivity,” some companies have implemented means to help their employees get better sleep.

Abatacept May Benefit Children With Common Variable Immune Deficiency

By Dr Deepu

Medscape (7/31, Kelly) reports that “enhanced understanding of immune system protein regulation led to the discovery of what might be the first effective treatment for a devastating genetic autoimmune disorder in children, and it involves a drug already approved for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA).” The study’s “senior author Michael B. Jordan, MD...told Medscape Medical News that the researchers were both surprised and gratified to find that abatacept had ‘major positive impact’ on three patients with common variable immune deficiency (CVID) who were treated for 5 or more years.” The “treatment appeared particularly effective at reversing the devastating lymphocytic interstitial lung disease caused by CVID.” The findings were published in Science. Bernice Lo, PhD, from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases was one of the researchers.

Opposition To Larger Health Warnings Grows In India

By Dr Deepu

The Deccan (IND) Herald (7/30) reports that opposition to health warnings covering 85% of tobacco packages in India has expanded from the tobacco industry to include 13 petitions from groups such as the CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) and ASSOCHAM (Associated Chambers of Commerce Of India) while no major hospitals have supported the measure. The piece notes that 26 petitions support larger warnings, however, as the Lok Sabha Committee on Subordinate Legislation prepares to issue a report on the matter to the House.