“In a study done by the author of this article, 31 percent of the LTC residents she followed over six months were dehydrated.

A different study found that 48 percent of older adults admitted from emergency departments had laboratory values indicative of dehydration.”

“As of today, medical students across the nation have just one week to lock in some of the of the lowest rates in the history of the student loan program. On July 1, 2006, there will be an estimated 40 percent increase in student loan interest rates.”

“Transplantation of embryonic pig pancreatic tissue as a source of insulin has been suggested for the cure of diabetes. However, previous limited clinical trials failed in their attempts to treat diabetic patients by transplantation of advanced gestational age porcine embryonic pancreas. In the present study, we examined growth potential, functionality, and immunogenicity of pig embryonic pancreatic tissue harvested at different gestational ages…. Overall, these results support the notion that pig embryonic pancreas tissue could potentially be a source of tissue for transplantation into human patients with diabetes.”

“The old model of physician as authority figure dispensing advice and recommendations in the expectation that these will be followed precisely by patients has, for the most part, fallen out of favor. Such an image of physician as benevolent (or beneficent) dictator has been challenged by concern for patient autonomy, and shared decision making (SDM) has largely been adopted as an ideal way for physicians and patients to join together whenever there are decisions that need to be made about management of health care issues. SDM, in its best form, requires an informed and skillful physician, who is aware of the best available scientific evidence from clinical research, and is expert at communicating with patients in a meaningful, comprehensive, and non-distorted manner.”

“Obesity is associated with low-grade chronic inflammation, and serum markers of inflammation are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms that link obesity to chronic inflammation and CVD are poorly understood.”

“According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer was diagnosed in approximately 32,100 Americans in 2005, killing about 31,800 of these people. Despite the dismal prognosis, new treatments are giving patients hope. “It’s actually an exciting time in the treatment of pancreatic cancer,” says Theodore S. Lawrence, MD, PhD. “There have been some significant advances made over the last five years that are helping patients survive longer when they were previously given little or no hope.”

“When doctors suspect a pulmonary embolism, they would do well to order more than just a standard chest CT angiography. Researchers found combining the standard chest scan with a similar CT of the legs or a clinical assessment is more effective in diagnosing the problem.”

“Trust between a patient and doctor is a key factor in promoting improved quality of life, compliance with treatment, and better health outcomes. Without trust, the patient-doctor relationship may not become firmly established, thus potentially hindering physicians' ability to help patients. This is of special concern in the setting of rheumatic diseases.”

“When callers reach the voice mail of Toronto dermatologist John Goldhar, they are politely informed that "the doctor no longer sees patients for ulcers, bleeding tissue diseases, connective tissue diseases or psoriasis." Goldhar, whose practice is 80 per cent devoted to cosmetic procedures, makes no apologies for banishing patients with the afflictions. "They're all very time consuming," he says. "It's a matter of compensation.”

“A new definition of obesity with co-morbid conditions — the first of its kind in the disease management community — provides the foundation for a developing Disease Management Association of America (DMAA) project that responds to the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in America.”