FDA Extends Consumer Warning on Serrano Peppers from Mexico

Laboratory testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has confirmed that both a sample of serrano pepper and a sample of irrigation water collected by agency investigators on a farm in the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico (business address is in Nuevo Leon, Mexico) contain Salmonella Saintpaul with the same genetic fingerprint as the strain […]

Almost All Articles On Cancer Prognostic Markers Report Statistically Significant Results: Commentary from F1000

Kyzas PA, Denaxa-Kyza D, Ioannidis JP Eur J Cancer 2007 Nov 43(17):2559-79 Commentary from Faculty Member Willi SauerbreiThis is a landmark review illustrating the severity of reporting bias in prognostic marker research. The article impressively illustrates one of the most severe weaknesses of cancer prognostic marker research. Altogether more than 1900 articles were assessed, of […]

Eradicating H. pylori Reduces Risk for Gastric Cancer Recurrence

A Japanese study of patients with early gastric cancer shows that eradicating the bacteria Helicobacter pylori after surgery greatly reduces the risk of gastric cancer developing again. This adds to data from previous studies showing a causal relation between H. pylori infection and gastric cancer, and supports eradicating H. pylori to prevent gastric cancer, say […]

Gender Affects Recovery Course in Pediatric Burn Patients

Female pediatric burn patients exhibit a reduced inflammatory and hypermetabolic response compared to male patients, according to a study published in the July Annals of Surgery. “Gender differences in the outcome of critically ill patients have been discussed in many studies and are the center of many ongoing studies,” write Dr. Marc G. Jeschke and […]

Urologic Disease Burden Among Veterans Underestimated

In the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, estimates of urologic disease prevalence among males and females based only on primary diagnosis will significantly underestimate the true disease burden, say researchers in Los Angeles. Dr. Jennifer T. Anger of the University of California at Los Angeles and colleagues analyzed reasons for urology-related outpatient visits to VA healthcare […]

Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery May Allow Incisionless Operations

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) allows for appendectomy through the mouth as well as for other procedures through natural orifices without making abdominal incisions, although laparoscopic assistance is used as a precautionary measure. This advance in minimally invasive surgery was showcased last week at the Natural Orifice Surgery Consortium for Assessment and Research’s (NOSCAR) […]

Risk of Infection, Death From MRSA Persists in Long-Term Carriers

People who harbor methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) for more than 1 year remain at substantial risk of MRSA-related illness or death, according to a single-center retrospective cohort study published in the July 15 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases. Patients with newly acquired MRSA are at significant risk for short-term morbidity and mortality, note Dr. Susan […]

Targeted Exercise Improves Function, Lessens Pain in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors

Progressive resistance exercise training following surgery helps reduce upper extremity pain and dysfunction in certain head and neck cancer survivors, according to Canadian researchers. “The trial,” lead investigator Dr. Margaret L McNeely told Reuters Health, “demonstrates important improvements from progressive resistance exercise training on shoulder pain and disability, upper extremity strength and movement in post-neck-dissection […]