ATLANTA, May 15, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Foundation for Mitochondrial Medicine, a US-based non-profit dedicated to funding research for the treatment of mitochondrial disease, has awarded a $10,000 grant to Dr. Robin Morris and his team of researchers at the Department of Psychology at Georgia State University for a joint research study at the Georgia State/Georgia Tech Joint Center for Advanced Brain Imaging. The research project will study brain function in 30 children with mitochondrial disease and in a control group of 30 children without mitochondrial disease using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and other technology.

The aim of the study is to determine if children with oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) defects in mitochondrial disease/dysfunction show indices of brain “fatigue” through testing by functional MRI (fMRI), diffusion tensor imagine (DTI) and neuropsychological testing. OXPHOS is a cellular metabolic process the body uses to turn oxidation of nutrients into energy.

The OXPHOS process uses approximately 95 percent of the oxygen delivered to tissues, and defects in this process can impact cellular energy functions throughout the body. While less than 2 percent of the adult human’s body weight, at rest the brain consumes about 20 percent of the oxygen, making the study of active brain function using techniques such as fMRI a useful approach for understanding the impact of OXPHOS defects.

The study is evaluating the concept of cognitive fatigue in these children, many of whom have difficulty maintaining the necessary mental focus and sustained attention over typical periods of activities and learning, which impacts their performance in school and other activities. The study is an essential step in being able to perform large-scale epidemiological studies of mitochondrial disease using more widely available measures, and ultimately being able to implement clinical trials for new pharmaceutical agents emerging for treatment of such defects.

There is already evidence that OXPHOS defects are associated with changes in the brain’s structure and function, and this study will integrate many types of information, including laboratory measures of OXPHOS defects, tests of neuropsychological functioning, measures of brain structure and function calibrated blood flow.

During the study, Dr. Morris and his team will conduct high-resolution anatomic brain scans to identify regions of interest for analyses of fMRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data to identify possible differences in white matter connectivity between the two groups of children (with and without OXPHOS). They will assess each child using thinking tasks that vary in degree of verbal working memory and sustained attention while undergoing functional MRI scans to evaluate changes in brain function over time.

The ultimate objective is to establish whether, and how, OXPHOS defects relate to the neurologic features of some children, causing rapid “cognitive fatigue.” Currently, such studies are difficult because definitive diagnosis of OXPHOS defects requires muscle biopsy and complex, unique genetic analyses.

The funding by the Foundation for Mitochondrial Medicine will enable Dr. Morris and his fellow researchers to study at least 10 participants in depth. Dr. Morris is a developmental neuropsychologist on the faculty in the Department of Psychology at Georgia State University and a licensed psychologist in the state of Georgia. He has an extensive history of studying children with both developmental and acquired neurological disorders, including studies of children with mitochondrial disease and autism. His fellow researcher Dr. Diana Robins has an extensive history of studying autism spectrum disorders and conducting fMRI studies, and Dr. Tricia King has been conducting fMRI and DTI studies with children and adults with a variety of acquired neurological disorders for many years as well.

The Foundation for Mitochondrial Medicine’s mission is to support the development of the most promising research and treatments of the many forms of mitochondrial disease. In addition to the current grant, the Foundation is currently funding drug compound research by Dr. Jan Smeitink of Khondrion in the Netherlands, and has funded an FDA-approved drug trial in 2010. Mitochondrial disease is an energy production problem that occurs when the cell’s mitochondria, or “power plants,” don’t function properly and create an energy crisis. The disease primarily affects brain, heart and muscle cells in varying degrees. More than 1 in 2,500 are affected by mitochondrial disease, and the treatments and cures for mitochondrial disease can impact cures for related diseases like Autism, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and muscular dystrophy among others. For more information on the Foundation and information about funding of specific research projects, please visit www.mitochondrialdiseases.org.

Media contacts: Foundation for Mitochondrial Medicine — Jennifer Grizzle, 770-409-1152, jennifer@theprstudio.com Georgia State University — Jeremy Craig, 404-413-1357, jcraig@gsu.edu Georgia Institute of Technology — Jason Maderer, 404.385.2966, maderer@gatech.edu

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Foundation for Mitochondrial Medicine Awards Grant to Functional MRI Study of Children With Mitochondrial Disease

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

Foundation Medicine, Inc., a molecular information company that brings comprehensive cancer genomic analysis to routine clinical care, today announced that new clinical data highlighting the companys comprehensive cancer genomic profile and next-generation sequencing approach in clinical oncology will be presented at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) being held June 1-5, 2012 in Chicago.

The data to be presented at ASCO support Foundation Medicines deep sequencing approach to simultaneously detect all classes of genomic alterations across hundreds of genes known to be related to cancer, said Michael J. Pellini, M.D., president and chief executive officer, Foundation Medicine. In our clinical experience abstract, this approach detected actionable alterations those associated with available targeted treatments or ongoing clinical trials for 74% of tumor samples in the study. Foundation Medicines test has also been shown to identify novel genomic alterations in multiple tumor types, including potentially druggable gene fusions. The combined evidence presented in these studies suggests that fully informative genomic profiling can now become a routine component of cancer patient care.

The schedule for Foundation Medicines oral presentation is as follows:

Date & Time:

Session:

Abstract Number:

Title:

Discovery of recurrent KIF5B-RET fusions and other targetable alterations from clinical NSCLC specimens.

Location:

Link:

New Clinical Data Highlighting Foundation Medicine’s Comprehensive Cancer Genomic Profile to be Presented at 2012 ASCO …

Public release date: 15-May-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Zina Poletz zpoletz@webershandwick.com 612-719-2024 Weber Shandwick Worldwide

FORT KNOX, Ky., May 15, 2012 The U.S. Army Medical Department announced today the election of two of its own to Mastership in the American College of Physicians (MACP). Only 43 medical leaders from around the world who have achieved eminence through their contributions to the field of internal medicine in at least one area, such as practice, teaching, research or volunteerism, were awarded a Mastership in 2012. One of the Masters, Col. Gregory J. Argyros, M.D., MACP, who is board-certified in critical care medicine, pulmonology and internal medicine, is director of education, training and research for the Joint Task Force National Capital Region Medical, and professor of medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. He previously served as chief of medicine and director of the internal medicine residency program at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and as the ACP Army Chapter Governor from 2005-2009. In addition, Dr. Argyros has received numerous teaching awards over the years.

Recently retired as an Army colonel after a 27-year career, Alan J. Magill, M.D., MACP, was also honored as a Master by the College. Dr. Magill is currently a program manager at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, where he develops effective interventions in the event of an influenza epidemic. He previously served as director of the Division of Experimental Therapeutics at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, and is an attending physician with the Infectious Disease Service at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He also teaches at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Dr. Magill has held leadership positions in infectious disease at the National Institute of Health, International Society of Travel Medicine, American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, and other organizations.

“That two Army physicians were inducted as Masters by the American College of Physicians speaks to the high quality of physicians who choose to make the Army their career and the extraordinary opportunities Army medicine offers them,” said Col. Jeanne Tofferi, M.D., MPH, FACP, internal medicine consultant to the Army Surgeon General. “Both of them have made tremendous contributions to our nation through teaching, medical practice and research.”

On April 19, during the ACP annual meeting in New Orleans, six Army internal medicine physicians and subspecialists joined their Army ACP Chapter Governor, Col. Lisa Zacher, M.D., FACP, for a convocation ceremony during which they were inducted as Fellows of the American College of Physicians (FACP). These physicians included: Lt. Col. Michael G. Rossman, M.D. (Rheumatology), Daniel W. Franks, D.O. (Internal Medicine), Maj. Kimberly C. Salazar (Allergy/Immunology), Maj. Paige E. Waterman, M.D. (Infectious Disease), Anne B. Rossignol, M.D. (Hospice Care & Palliative Medicine) and Mark Garfinkle, M.D. (Internal Medicine).

Criteria for Fellowship include board certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine, recognition by other internists for excellence and skill in medical practice, teaching or research, and commitment to continued education and advanced training. Fellows of ACP are recommended by their peers based on character, ethics and excellence in medical practice, and undergo the review by ACP’s Credentials Subcommittee.

“The Army makes board certification and continuing medical education a top priority,” said Col. Zacher, who is also the pulmonary consultant to the Army surgeon general and chief, Department of Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center. “The fact that so many Army physicians have become Fellows of the ACP speaks to their professional excellence in internal medicine and dedication to the highest quality of patient care.”

The following Army internists and subspecialists were elected as Fellows in 2012 (listed by Army medical center or affiliation):

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (Washington, D.C.) Col. Ronald D. DeGuzman, M.D. (Allergy/Immunology); Maj. Fouad J. Moawad, M.D. (Gastroenterology); Maj. James E. Moon, M.D. (Internal Medicine); Maj. Kristopher M. Paolino, M.D. (Infectious Disease); Maj. Sheri K. Dennison, M.D. (Hematology/Oncology); Maj. Aaron B. Holley, M.D. (Pulmonology/Critical Care Medicine); Maj. Jeffrey S. Kunz, M.D. (Cardiology); Maj. Kevin M. Woods, M.D. (Cardiology); Maj. Ganesh Veerappan, M.D. (Gastroenterology); Lt. Col. Paige E. Waterman, M.D. (Infectious Disease ); Maj. Jason A. Regules, M.D. (Infectious Disease)

The rest is here:

US Army internal medicine Masters, Fellows honored by American College of Physicians

WALTHAM, Mass., May 14, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BG Medicine, Inc. (Nasdaq:BGMD – News), a company focused on the development and commercialization of novel cardiovascular diagnostics, announced today that Mayo Medical Laboratory (Mayo) now offers galectin-3 testing services to its laboratory customers and physicians. Mayo will offer the BGM Galectin-3TM test, which was cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in November 2010, as an aid in assessing the prognosis of patients diagnosed with chronic heart failure. Galectin-3 testing provides physicians with clinical information on fibrosis formation and cardiac remodeling, which are important biological processes in the development and progression of heart failure. BG Medicine plans to continue to expand commercial availability of its BGM Galectin-3 test through major U.S. laboratories.

About BG Medicine, Inc.

BG Medicine, Inc. (Nasdaq:BGMD – News) is a life sciences company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel cardiovascular diagnostics to address significant unmet medical needs, improve patient outcomes and contain healthcare costs. The Company’s first commercialized product, the BGM Galectin-3TM test for use in patients with heart failure, is available in the United States and Europe. BG Medicine has also developed CardioSCORE, a blood test designed to identify individuals at high risk for near-term major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke. For additional information about BG Medicine, heart failure and galectin-3 testing, please visit www.bg-medicine.com and www.galectin-3.com.

The BG Medicine Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=10352

Special Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements made in this news release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or other comparable terms. Forward-looking statements in this news release address our beliefs regarding the clinical utility of galectin-3 testing and our plans to expand commercial availability of galectin-3 testing services. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and involve inherent risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, as a result of various factors including those risks and uncertainties described in the Risk Factors and in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations sections of our recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. We urge you to consider those risks and uncertainties in evaluating our forward-looking statements. We caution readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as otherwise required by the federal securities laws, we disclaim any obligation or undertaking to publicly release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein (or elsewhere) to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Read more:

BG Medicine, Inc. Announces Availability of Galectin-3 Diagnostic Testing Through Mayo Medical Laboratories

Most medicine cabinets contain a jumble of over-the-counter health products, but knowing what to use, when, can be confusing. Just because a medication is sold without a prescription doesn’t mean it is harmless, and some old standbys can do more harm than good. Based on consultations with experts and reference materials, here is a deceptively easy quiz from The Wall Street Journal to test your home-remedy literacy.

1. You have a headache. Should you take: A) Advil (ibuprofen) B) Tylenol (acetaminophen) C) Aspirin

Answer: A, B or C

All of them will relieve a simple headache, but through different means and with different side effects.

Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen sodium) and aspirin all reduce pain by fighting inflammation, which also makes them particularly useful for combating arthritis, tooth pain, menstrual cramps and muscle sprains. But they can cause stomach bleeding, so people with peptic ulcers, liver, kidney or heart disease should talk to their doctors before taking them.

Aspirin has the added benefit of preventing blood clots, which is why taking one daily can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. But aspirin shouldn’t be used by people who have low blood pressure or open wounds, or by children who have the flu or chickenpox due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare neurological disorder.

Tylenol (acetaminophen) works by calming pain signals in the brain. But it can cause liver damage if you regularly have three or more alcoholic drinks a day or take a higher dosage than recommended.

All in all, ibuprofen is arguably the strongest, but aspirin works faster, naproxen lasts longer and acetaminophen is safer if you have stomach problems (and aren’t a heavy drinker). A few brands contain both acetaminophen and aspirin, but don’t mix them on your own and don’t take any of them for more than five days straight, since they can cause “rebound” headaches, in which the body feels withdrawal when they wear off.

2. To clean a cut or scrape, it is best to use: A) Hydrogen peroxide B) Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol C) Neither D) Both

Answer: C

Excerpt from:

The medicine cabinet quiz

I am very excited to announce the latest addition to the #SciAmBlogs network Molecules to Medicine, by Dr. Judy Stone.

Judy Stone, MD is an infectious disease specialist, experienced in conducting clinical research. She is the author of Conducting Clinical Research, the essential guide to the topic. As she says, she survived 25 years in solo practice in rural Cumberland, Maryland, and is now broadening her horizons. She particularly loves writing about ethical issues, and tilting at windmills in her advocacy for social justice. As part of her overall desire to save the world when she grows up, she has become especially interested in neglected tropical diseases. When not slaving over hot patients, she can be found playing with photography, friends dogs, or in her garden.

You can check out many years worth of archives on her old blog Politics, Science, and Other Assorted Musings, or follow her on Twitter @drjudystone.

If you are a regular reader of the Scientific American Guest Blog, you have probably read several of Dr.Stones previous posts:

Molecules to Medicine: Clinical Trials for Beginners Molecules to Medicine: From Test-Tube to Medicine Chest Lillys Shocker, or the Post-Marketing Blues Molecules to Medicine: Pharma Trumps HIPAA? Molecules to Medicine: Should pepper spray be put on (clinical) trial? Molecules to Medicine: FDA at a Crossroadsa Tough Place to Be Molecules to Medicine: Plan B: The Tradition of Politics at the FDA Molecules to Medicine: Conscience Clauses versus Refusal: An Historical Perspective Molecules to Medicine: When Religion Collides with Medical Care: Who Decides What Is Right for You? A Taste of #TEDMED 2012: Appetizers A Taste of #TEDMED 2012: Main Course Molecules to Medicine: Have You Thanked a Clinical Researcher Today? Molecules to Medicine: Public Health or Impaired Penises?

Now go and say Hi to Judy in the comments on her first post, then subscribe to or bookmark her blog so you dont miss the future posts.

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Welcome Molecules to Medicine the newest blog at #SciAmBlogs

WALTHAM, Mass., May 14, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BG Medicine, Inc. (Nasdaq:BGMD – News), a company focused on the development and commercialization of novel cardiovascular diagnostics, announced today that results from a sub-study of the Controlled Rosuvastatin Multinational Trial in Heart Failure (CORONA) trial were published online in the current issue of the European Heart Journal.1 Study results demonstrated that patients with blood levels of galectin-3 below 19.0 ng/mL at the start of the trial derived significant clinical benefit from rosuvastatin (statin) treatment. By contrast, no clinical benefit from rosuvastatin treatment was observed among participants with higher levels of galectin-3.

The galectin-3 CORONA study was designed to assess whether baseline galectin-3 levels could distinguish a group of patients with heart failure who would derive a clinical benefit from rosuvastatin treatment. Rosuvastatin, known under the brand name CRESTOR(R), is a statin medication indicated for the treatment of high cholesterol and related lipid disorders to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. The sub-study involved 1,462 trial participants (approximately one-third of all CORONA trial subjects). Results demonstrated that patients with plasma levels of galectin-3 less than 19.0 ng/mL derived a 35% reduction in primary adverse cardiovascular events while on rosuvastatin treatment compared to placebo, while no comparable benefit was observed in subjects with plasma levels of galectin-3 above 19.0 ng/mL (p=0.036). The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular mortality, non fatal myocardial infarction and non fatal stroke, which were analyzed as time to first event.

“Heart failure is a leading cause of death, and galectin-3 is increasingly recognized as a factor in promoting cardiac fibrosis and poor clinical outcomes in many heart failure patients,” said Dr. Lars Gullestad, MD, PhD, Professor of Cardiology in the Department of Cardiology at Rikshospitalet University Hospital, Oslo, Norway, who led the study.

“This important study reaffirms a key premise of our galectin-3 research, namely that galectin-3 identifies heart failure patients with a distinct form of the disease,” said Pieter Muntendam, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of BG Medicine. “We expected that the benefit of certain drugs may be limited to patient groups defined by their level of galectin-3 and this is an excellent example of such differential benefit.”

The original CORONA study was designed to evaluate the utility of rosuvastatin treatment for patients with advanced heart failure. Results from that trial, reported in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2007, demonstrated no rosuvastatin benefit on the primary coronary endpoint or on cardiovascular death.2

About BG Medicine, Inc.

BG Medicine, Inc. (Nasdaq:BGMD – News) is a life sciences company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel cardiovascular diagnostics to address significant unmet medical needs, improve patient outcomes and contain healthcare costs. The Company’s first commercialized product, the BGM Galectin-3TM test for use in patients with heart failure, is available in the United States and Europe. BG Medicine has also developed CardioSCORE, a blood test designed to identify individuals at high risk for near-term major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke. For additional information about BG Medicine, heart failure and galectin-3 testing, please visit www.bg-medicine.com and www.galectin-3.com.

The BG Medicine Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=10352

Special Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements made in this news release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or other comparable terms. Forward-looking statements in this news release address our expectations concerning the role that galectin-3 plays in heart failure and how therapeutic treatment decisions will be influenced by classification of heart failure patients according to galectin-3 levels, our expectations regarding the importance of the galectin-3 data published in the European Heart Journal, and the impact of the galectin-3 data on the sales and marketing of our galectin-3 diagnostic tests. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and involve inherent risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, as a result of various factors including those risks and uncertainties described in the Risk Factors and in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations sections of our recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. We urge you to consider those risks and uncertainties in evaluating our forward-looking statements. We caution readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as otherwise required by the federal securities laws, we disclaim any obligation or undertaking to publicly release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein (or elsewhere) to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Original post:

BG Medicine Announces Publication of First Study on Use of Galectin-3 in Selection of Drug Therapy in Heart Failure

PASADENA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

Just as athletes are training for the upcoming May 20, 2012 Kaiser Permanente Pasadena Marathon so, too, are the physicians and health professionals who are responsible for providing medical care for the events walkers, runners and cyclists.

Kaiser Permanente takes these events very seriously, says Thad Woodward, MD, a Family Practice and Sports Medicine physician at the Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills Medical Center, who has supervised medical response for the Pasadena Marathon for the past four years. We try to bring the same level of care for our athletes in the field as we do for our patients in the emergency room.

About 40 to 60 Kaiser Permanente physicians, health professionals and other community volunteers are expected onsite to meet the basic medical needs of participants for the entire course. Leading their efforts will be James Hwang, MD, and Joel Ramirez, MD, sports medicine fellows at the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center.

To ensure their health care team is ready for nearly anything, the pair will bring Kaiser Permanente Southern Californias 25-bed disaster medical tent. Equipped with solid floors and air conditioning, the tent can double as a command post. Future plans call for installing wireless Internet and satellite phones.

Its like a MASH tent with cots, IVs, and medical supplies, says Dr. Hwang. Its very well stocked. You can do basic triage and stabilize patients before transferring them to the nearest hospital.

Use of the tent, which can expand to 1,700 square feet, ranges from medical center emergencies to area sporting events. Once the tent is fully equipped and operational, it can potentially be used for regional and out-of-state emergencies. During the Kaiser Permanente Pasadena Marathon, the disaster medical tent will be set up near the finish line while smaller tents will be erected along the event route.

Sports medicine physicians say they are especially well-suited to responding to medical emergencies at sporting events such as the Kaiser Permanente Pasadena Marathon. We cover the whole gamut of health issues, from primary care to musculature skeletal issues, says Dr. Hwang. Its nice that the Pasadena Marathon showcases our skills set; it lets the community know what sports medicine is really about.

Dr. Ramirez, who routinely gives community talks on the importance of education, says the Pasadena Marathon is an excellent opportunity for high school and college students who are considering medicine as a career.

They can see injuries and they can help us with cleaning abrasions or lacerations, says Dr. Ramirez. Its a great opportunity to learn whether medicine is the right career for you.

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Sports Medicine Skills Come Into Play at Pasadena Marathon

WALTHAM, Mass., May 15, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BG Medicine, Inc. (Nasdaq:BGMD – News), a company focused on the development and commercialization of novel cardiovascular diagnostics, announced today that it has filed a 510(k) Premarket Notification with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for regulatory clearance of an expanded indication for its BGM Galectin-3 test. The blood test was cleared by the FDA in November 2010 and is currently indicated for use in patients with chronic heart failure who are at increased risk for hospitalizations or death based on elevated levels of galectin-3. Subject to FDA clearance, the new application would expand the indicated use to the general adult population to identify those with an elevated level of galectin-3, which is associated with an increased risk for new-onset heart failure.

The Company also announced that it has obtained CE Mark in the European Union (EU) for the expanded indication for the BGM Galectin-3 test, and is working with its partners to begin commercialization for the expanded indication in the EU.

The validation study that supports the expanded indication was conducted by the Framingham Heart Study. Led by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) is a leading, prospective, observational, family multi-generational study designed to track the development of cardiovascular disease and elucidate its common contributing factors. The study was initiated in 1948 and is a widely-used, generally-accepted, authoritative source that addresses risk factors associated with cardiovascular risks and disease. The study reported that approximately 15% of the general adult population was found to have elevated levels of galectin-3. Individuals with elevated levels of galectin-3 had a clinically important and statistically significant 47% increase in risk for the development of new-onset heart failure.

“Our initial indication pertains to progression in established heart failure,” said Pieter Muntendam, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at BG Medicine. “This new indication addresses the importance of galectin-3 in heart failure development. The two indications combined span the galectin-3 mediated disease process from subclinical disease in those who seem otherwise healthy to those who suffer from advanced heart failure disease with high mortality.”

“Heart failure today affects approximately 20 million people in the United States and Europe,” said Eric Bouvier, President and Chief Executive Officer of BG Medicine. “Subject to clearance by the FDA, the expanded indication would address a potential market of approximately 200 million people in the United States and Europe. We believe that identifying at-risk individuals before the development of heart failure would allow physicians to offer enhanced risk reduction strategies to their patients, potentially resulting in improved patient outcomes.”

About Galectin-3 and Heart Failure

Galectin-3 is a unique carbohydrate-binding lectin, or protein, that binds to carbohydrates called beta-galactosides. It has been implicated in a variety of biological processes important in heart failure, and is believed to be a primary mediator of progressive cardiac fibrosis (abnormal thickening and stiffening of the heart muscle) and adverse remodeling (changes in the structure of the heart). Higher levels of galectin-3 are associated with a more aggressive form of heart failure and 30% or more of mild to moderate heart failure patients have elevated levels of galectin-3. Heart failure affects an estimated 5.8 million Americans, with approximately 670,000 new cases occurring each year. The direct and indirect cost of heart failure in the United States for 2010 is estimated to be $39.2 billion.

About BG Medicine, Inc.

BG Medicine, Inc. (Nasdaq:BGMD – News) is a life sciences company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel cardiovascular diagnostics to address significant unmet medical needs, improve patient outcomes and contain healthcare costs. The Company’s first commercialized product, the BGM Galectin-3TM test for use in patients with heart failure, is available in the United States and Europe. BG Medicine has also developed CardioSCORE, a blood test designed to identify individuals at high risk for near-term major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke. For additional information about BG Medicine, heart failure and galectin-3 testing, please visit www.bg-medicine.com and www.galectin-3.com.

The BG Medicine Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=10352

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BG Medicine, Inc. Obtains CE Mark and Files 510(k) for Expanded BGM Galectin-3(TM) Indication

BADEN-BADEN, Germany–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

The European Society for Integrative Medicine (ESIM), with support from Heel, announces a new international research prize in integrative medicine: the Excellence in Integrative Medicine Research Award. Applicants are asked to submit papers by May 30, 2012.

This international research prize recognizes innovative and outstanding scientific papers in the field of integrative medicine, thus fostering collaboration between conventional and complementary medicine, emphasizes Dr. Ghassan Andraos, Head of Global Medicine at Biologische Heilmittel Heel GmbH.

The ESIM research prize is awarded in two categories: one for clinical investigations, the other for basic research. Each of the two winners will be awarded the sum of 10, 000 euros. Submissions must be based on a scientific manuscript that has either already been published in a peer-reviewed journal in 2011 or 2012 or has been accepted for publication. The jury, which is made up of a selection of international experts in integrative medicine, will rate the papers according to three criteria: innovation, level of relevance and scientific excellence.

The winners of the Excellence in Integrative Medicine Research Awards will be announced at the 5th annual European Conference on Integrative Medicine (ECIM) to be held in Florence, Italy from September 21 to 22. For more information, visit: www.ecim-congress.org.

The mission of the European Society for Integrative Medicine is to promote science, research, education and further training, support for medical care and providing advice on policy in the realm of integrative medicine. For these purposes, the Society organizes scientific events and encourages dialog with health-care authorities and institutions.

Heel is a pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and distributes medicines based on natural substances. As the global leader in homeopathic combination preparations, the company is also a pioneer in the field of scientific research in natural healthcare. In cooperation with academic institutions, Heel actively fosters the concept of integrative medicine and is building the bridge between homeopathy and conventional medicine to improve patient care and health.

Biologische Heilmittel Heel GmbH, with corporate headquarters located in Baden-Baden/Germany and a staff of 1,300, achieved an annual turnover of 196 million euros in 2011 70 percent of it outside of Germany. Heel medicinesare available through subsidiaries and distribution partners in over 50 countries around the world. www.heel.com

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Heel Supports New International Research Prize in Integrative Medicine

WALTHAM, Mass., May 15, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BG Medicine, Inc. (Nasdaq:BGMD – News) today announced its consolidated results of operations for the first quarter of fiscal year 2012 and provided a business update. The Company will host a conference call and webcast today, May 15, 2012, beginning at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time (details follow below).

At March 31, 2012, the Company had consolidated cash and cash equivalents totaling approximately $28.5 million.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2012, the Company reported a consolidated net loss of $7.7 million compared to a consolidated net loss of $3.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2011.

Business Update

“Our accomplishments over the past several months have created strong momentum toward achieving our goals for the BGM Galectin-3 TM test, CardioSCORE, and the Company as a whole,” said Eric Bouvier, president and CEO of BG Medicine. “First, in May 2012, we filed a 510(k) to extend the approved labeling indication for the BGM Galectin-3 test to include individuals in the general adult population who are at risk for developing heart failure based on elevated levels of galectin-3. Second, we obtained CE Mark in the European Union for the expanded indication for the BGM Galectin-3 test and we are working with our partners to begin commercialization. Third, results from a sub-study of the CORONA trial, demonstrating the ability to use galectin-3 levels to identify heart failure patients who might benefit from therapy with a common statin drug, Crestor(R) (rosuvastatin), were recently published online in the European Heart Journal. Finally, we recently announced that Mayo Medical Laboratories is now making galectin-3 testing available to their networks, further demonstration of the increasing interest and demand for the BGM Galectin-3 test.

“In February, we entered into a $15.0 million secured loan facility with General Electric and Comerica and drew down $10.0 million,” continued Mr. Bouvier. “This financing provides us with additional capital to fund our commercialization activities for both Galectin-3 and CardioSCORE.

“In addition to these recent accomplishments, several upcoming milestones will impact the success of BG Medicine in 2012 and beyond,” concluded Mr. Bouvier. “We are focused on the achievement of these milestones and on making both Galectin-3 and CardioSCORE medical and commercial successes.”

Upcoming milestones include:

Financial Results

Product revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 increased to $416,000 from $12,000 in the quarter ended March 31, 2011, reflecting increasing demand for the BGM Galectin-3 test. On a sequential quarterly basis, product revenue increased 36% to $416,000 from $307,000 in the quarter ended December 31, 2011. Service revenue decreased to $64,000 in the quarter ended March 31, 2012 from $843,000 in the corresponding period in 2011. In the quarter ended March 31, 2011, service revenue consisted primarily of $700,000 related to an agreement under the HRP initiative. On a sequential quarterly basis, service revenue decreased to $64,000 from $72,000 in the quarter ended December 31, 2011.

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BG Medicine Announces Fiscal 2012 First Quarter Results

NEW YORK, May 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

Global Alternative Medicine Industryhttp://www.reportlinker.com/p0151179/Global-Alternative-Medicine-Industry.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=Alternati

The global outlook series on the Alternative Medicine Industry provides a collection of statistical anecdotes, market briefs, and concise summaries of research findings. Illustrated with 31 fact-rich market data tables, the report offers a rudimentary overview of the industry, and highlights latest trends and demand drivers. Regional markets briefly abstracted and covered include United States, Canada, Japan, Europe, UK, Denmark, India, Australia, and Taiwan among others. The report offers a compilation of recent mergers, acquisitions, and strategic corporate developments. Also included is an indexed, easy-to-refer, fact-finder directory listing the addresses, and contact details of 433 companies worldwide.

1. INDUSTRY OVERVIEW 1Outlook 1Current Scenario 1Key Global Statistics 3Table 1: World Recent Past, Current & Future Analysis forTraditional Medicine by Geographic Region – North America,Europe, Asia-Pacific (including Japan), and Rest of WorldMarkets Independently Analyzed with Annual Sales Figures inUS$ Million for Years 2010 through 2015 3

Table 2: World 5-Year Perspective for Traditional Medicine

Market by Geographic Region: Percentage Breakdown of Value

Sales for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (including

Japan) and Latin American Markets for Years 2011 & 2015 4

Table 3: Percentage of Population in the Developed CountriesUsing Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) (2011) 4Factors Driving the Market Growth 4Market Challenges 5Alternative Medicine – Down the Time Lane 5Table 4: World Alternative Medicine Market (2011): PercentageShare Breakdown by Type of Modality – Herbal Medicine,Traditional Chinese Medicine, Homeopathic Medicine, andAyurvedic Medicine 6Market Dynamics 6Rising Health Care Costs Drive Market Growth 6Table 5: Global Healthcare Market (2010): Breakdown of PerCapita (US$) Health Expenditure by Select Countries 7

Table 6: Global Healthcare Market (2010): Breakdown of

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Global Alternative Medicine Industry

Arthur L. Caplan, PhD, Bioethicist to be Keynote Speaker

Newswise New York, NY (May 10, 2012) New York University School of Medicine will hold its 170th annual graduation at 10am, Thursday, May 17, 2012, at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in Manhattan. Arthur L. Caplan, PhD, Sidney D. Caplan Professor of Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine in Pennsylvania will deliver the keynote address entitled Physician Advocacy in a Changing Health Care Environment.

About Arthur L. Caplan, PhD Dr. Arthur L. Caplan is the incoming director of the new Division of Medical Ethics in the Department of Population Health at NYU Langone Medical Center, effective July 1, 2012. He is the Sidney D. Caplan Professor of Bioethics at the Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, and also professor of medicine, philosophy, and psychiatry and a senior fellow at its Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics. Dr. Caplan completed his undergraduate work at Brandeis University, and received his PhD in the history and philosophy of science from Columbia University. He is the author or editor of thirty books and over 550 papers in peer reviewed journals. He holds seven honorary degrees and is a fellow of the Hastings Center, the NY Academy of Medicine, the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, the American College of Legal Medicine and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Dr. Caplan is the recipient of numerous awards and honors including the McGovern Medal of the American Medical Writers Association; the Franklin Award from the City of Philadelphia and the Patricia Price Browne Prize in Biomedical Ethics for 2011. He was a Person of the Year-2001 from USA Today and has been described as one of the ten most influential people in science by Discover magazine in 2008. He was honored as one of the fifty most influential people in American health care by Modern Health Care magazine, one of the ten most influential people in America in biotechnology by the National Journal, and one of the ten most influential people in the ethics of biotechnology by the editors of Nature Biotechnology.

The Ceremony Following the procession, class president Feres Samra, MD, will deliver the Valediction. Robert I. Grossman, MD, Saul J. Farber Dean and Chief Executive Officer of NYU Langone Medical Center will then address the men and women of the class of 2012 as they embark on what Dr. Grossman has referred to as an ancient and eternally noble calling.

The conferring of diplomas will take place directly after Dr. Caplans talk and Dr. Grossman will administer the Hippocratic Oath. A champagne brunch reception for the graduates, their families and faculty follows.

Anthony J. Grieco, MD, associate dean for Alumni Relations and Academic Events, Martin Lipton, Esq., NYU Board of Trustees, Kenneth G. Langone, chair, NYU Langone Medical Center Board of Trustees and Robert Berne, PhD, executive vice president for health, New York University will also offer greetings to the graduates.

About the Class of 2012 The Class of 2012 is comprised of 173 students, 89 men and 84 women all receiving Doctor of Medicine Degrees. In addition, 6 students will receive a dual Doctor of Medicine/Master of Science Degree, 8 students will awarded the Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy Degrees through the Medical Scientist Training Program and 8 degrees will be conferred with honors. The class includes 29 members of Alpha Omega Alpha, the national honor medical society, established in 1902.

About NYU School of Medicine NYU School of Medicine is one of the nations preeminent academic institutions dedicated to achieving world class medical educational excellence. For 170 years, NYU School of Medicine has trained thousands of physicians and scientists who have helped to shape the course of medical history and enrich the lives of countless people. An integral part of NYU Langone Medical Center, the School of Medicine at its core is committed to improving the human condition through medical education, scientific research and direct patient care. The School also maintains academic affiliations with area hospitals, including Bellevue Hospital Center, one of the nations finest municipal hospitals where its students, residents and faculty provide the clinical and emergency care to New York Citys diverse population, which enhances the scope and quality of their medical education and training. Additional information about the NYU School of Medicine is available at http://school.med.nyu.edu/.

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Nyu School of Medicine 170th Graduation Ceremony May 17th

PHILADELPHIA One hundred and thirty-nine Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania students will take the Hippocratic Oath for the first time as new doctors this Sunday, May 13, 2012. Among the graduating seniors, several mothers will we also be celebrating Mother’s Day, and the amazing amount of commitment they have put into obtaining their medical degrees while raising a family. In addition to these multitasking medical student moms, 14 students have earned duel MD/PhD degrees, with 23 students completing additional masters’ degrees.

9:00 AM Processional

9:05 AM Opening remarks given by J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD

9:15 AM Commencement address given by Nobel Laureate Peter Agre, MD

9:45 AM Presentation of diplomas and hoods

10:45 AM Recitation of the Hippocratic Oath

11:00 AM Recessional

Nobel Laureate Peter Agre, MD, Professor and Director of the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Bloomberg School of Public Health

NOTE: Reporters and photographers must sign in with Jessica Mikulski and pick up a ticket to gain admittance in the lobby of the Kimmel Center.

###

Link:

Graduation and Mother's Day Combined: Perelman School of Medicine Students and Mothers Celebrate Major Milestones …

by Jenne Lajiun. Posted on May 12, 2012, Saturday

KOTA KINABALU: Forensic pathology or forensic medicine is becoming a popular career option for many doctors.

There is a good number of doctors interested to take up the field of forensic pathology or forensic medicine as their future career, said Hospital Kuala Lumpur forensic pathologist, Dr Siew Sheue Feng when sharing his experiences in managing of sexual assault cases in One Stop Crisis Centre (OSCC) during the State-level Violence Prevention Awareness Seminar here yesterday.

To gain entry into forensic pathology or forensic medicine, a doctor must have the basic Bachelor in Medicine (MBBS), have completed his or her housemanship training and undergone the compulsory medical officer service before he or she is entitled to apply to undergo the four-year Masters Degree in Pathology programme, locally, he explained.

He added that there are overseas programmes available. These include the Member/Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists (MRCPath (Forensic)) and the Diploma in Medical Jurisprudence (Pathology), both of which are recognised.

The length of training duration for the two overseas programmes is between two years and seven years. The average years spent by one intending to become a specialist is between 121/2 years and 13 years from the day of entering medical school, he said.

And after that, there are sub-specialty courses that one could take to improve on ones knowledge on the newest technologies and so on, he said.

During his talk, he mentioned the importance of properly managing forensic specimens as these will be used to convict person(s) of their crime(s) while in court.

The evidence is, of course, very important in any medical legal case, as you all know, he said.

He urged those in the field of collecting forensic specimens to practise care when handling them, as these aspects will be scrutinized when the case is brought to court.

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Forensic medicine increasingly popular career option

Several business owners in Westlake and East Hollywood have been charged with practicing medicine without a license after two victims became sick and had to be hospitalized.

The Los Angeles city attorneys office began an undercover investigation of Excellent Nutrition, J&R Beauty Supply earlier this year soon after a woman and her son visited the business complaining of flu-like symptoms.

The woman was prescribed an injection made up of a mix of penicillin and eucalyptus extract by a man identified as Miguel Juarez. The mother immediately suffered an allergic reaction; she was trembling and had trouble breathing.

Rather than call an ambulance, a woman at the business identified as Rosaura Juarez rushed her to the hospital. A week later, the son was admitted after vomiting and suffering chronic stomach pain.

Nine people have been charged with illegally selling dangerous drugs and praticing medicine without a license. Each violation carries a maxium sentence of one year in jail and a fine of $5,000 to $10,000.

“The unlicensed practice of medicine and dispensing of medicines and illicit drugs poses a serious threat to our most vulnerable residents, City Attorney Carmen Trutanich said in a statement. Especially the elderly and young children.

ALSO:

Kendrec McDades full autopsy report due next week

Disappearance of Fox executive not a homicide case, sheriff says

Gay-marriage stand wins Obama cheers inside, outside Clooney event

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L.A. businesses accused of practicing medicine without a license

Can integrative medicine add value to standard western practices? Some would say absolutely not; others point to new scientific evidence that demonstrates the value of specific modalities in specific situations.

Health care is complex, expensive and often depersonalizing. It shouldnt be. At the University of Maryland Center for Integrative Medicine, the staff focuses on evaluating and involving complementary medicine into traditional western or scientific medicine. Founded in 1991 by Brian Berman, M.D., a family medicine trained physician, he had learned the certain alternative approaches could complement the usual diagnostic and therapeutic methods that he had been taught in his medical school education and training. He found that his patients experiences were enriched by treating the whole person rather than depending on a technology-focused practice. A grateful and forward looking patient offered him a grant to begin the Center with the proviso that it embrace and study evidence-based science along with education and collaborative patient care to create a comprehensive humanistic approach to patient care.

Since its founding 20 years ago the Center has been awarded over $30 million in NIH grants and has been named as a center of excellence for research. From this work have come over 340 high quality peer-reviewed scientific articles published in the best medical journals. These have been in areas such as acupuncture, herbal remedies and mind-body therapies focusing on arthritis, pain depression, cancer, trauma and inflammation. The center employs a staff for clinical care that includes family medicine and other physician specialists along with licensed acupuncturists, massage therapists, nutritionists and many other disciplines.

As just one research example, acupuncture was studied in a double blind fashion to determine if the addition of acupuncture to best standard treatment improved the lot of those with knee osteoarthritis. Those who got acupuncture, when compared to those that got sham acupuncture, has less pain, used fewer pain medications and had greater range of motion.

At the Health and Wellness Conference a few weeks ago to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the founding of Center, Delia Chiaramonte, MD described what an integrative approach to a medical dilemma might look like. She described a medical student who had suffered from severe headaches for many years that were limiting his quality of life and his effectiveness as a student. His physician had identified them as cluster headaches and had tried various standard medications without success. A frustrating situation.

He was then evaluated differently using an integrative approach. It involved a lot of probing about his headaches, his lifestyle including diet and activity, his stresses and his school work. Like almost all medical students, he studied hard. He said he stayed up until about 3:00am, but in part this was because he couldnt fall asleep any earlier. His diet included a lot of doughnuts and a lot of other high carbohydrate items plus about 12 cups of caffeinated coffee each day. He had no time for exercise. He sat hunched over in front of his computer for many hours each day, and his posture showed it.

His headaches fit the description of cluster headaches, often with a sense of an ice pick sticking into his right eye near unbearable pain. The standard medical texts suggest use of ergotamine tartrate for cluster headaches and also note its potential side effects. There is no mention of other modalities or adjustments to lifestyle issues. But cluster headaches can be amplified by stress, worsened by sleep deprivation and the stabbing could well have been posture related.

So instead of recommending medications, his integrative medicine prescription included the following: he was to see a nutritionist to devise a more healthy diet. He was to work with a personal trainer to establish an exercise program one that could be done anywhere without impacting on his studies. He was to visit a chiropractor to release his sternocleidomastoid muscles and other neck muscles back to their normal length. In addition he was to have no caffeine after noon and he was to get to bed by 11:00pm each night.

Given the pain and debility of his headaches, he was more than willing to give this prescription a try. It worked. The headaches disappeared, he felt generally better, he was no longer drowsy in class and he began to truly enjoy medical school. And he was off all medications.

This is the power of integrative medicine. It used a holistic approach and brought to bear many different disciplines including nutritional medicine, exercise physiology, stress management, chiropractic and family medicine. I wrote about this extensively in The Future of Medicine Megatrends in Healthcare .

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Integrative Medicine – Part I

NEW YORK, May 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

European Markets for Orthopedic Soft Tissue & Sports Medicine 2012

http://www.reportlinker.com/p0256022/European-Markets-for-Orthopedic-Soft-Tissue–Sports-Medicine-2012.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=Orthopedic

The European market for orthopedic soft tissue repair exceeded euro900 million in 2011.

The orthopedic soft tissue repair market consists of:

shoulder repair (rotator cuff and shoulder labrum repair),

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European Markets for Orthopedic Soft Tissue & Sports Medicine 2012

9 May 2012 Last updated at 11:14 ET By Shane Harrison BBC News

Do we need to laugh more during a recession?

It seems the people in the Republic do, with reports claiming satire there is making a comeback both in comedy clubs and on radio.

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It’s fairly common now for people in the Republic meeting on a Saturday afternoon to ask each other whether they had heard the latest episode of Green Tea or its replacement on RTE Radio One, The Second Republic.

Jokes are remembered and sketches laughed at; nothing is sacred.

Green Tea in recent times has parodied the Ulster rugby fans’ recent visit to the city with both a reporter and the fans – Billy, Ivan and Jeffrey – embarrassed that there was a Padraig in their midst.

Times are changing and not just in Ulster rugby; humour and satire have returned to the Irish air waves.

In the pilot show for The Second Republic the host, Neil Delamere, jokes about reporters annoying Martin McGuinness during his visit to the ploughing championships saying: “Personally, I wouldn’t have annoyed any Sinn Feiner when he had that much access to fertiliser.”

While comedy and satire are thriving now many have wondered why there was so little of either during the Celtic Tiger bubble years.

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Laughter best medicine for recession

By Chelsea Conaboy, Globe Staff

Dr. Scott Schissel/Courtesy photo

Dr. Scott Schissel, chief of pulmonary medicine at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, has been named chief of medicine at Faulkner Hospital. Schissel starts in the new role June 15, replacing longtime chief Dr. Stephen Wright, who retired last year. Schissel will oversee the department of medicine and the educational mission there, advising residents and other trainees.

Schissel, also an instructor at Harvard Medical School, studied medicine at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University and trained at Brigham and Womens Hospital. He will continue to see pulmonary patients there and at Faulkner Hospital.

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Dr. Scott Schissel named chief of medicine at Faulkner Hospital