Popular Articles

American Diabetes Association Related To Studies Published In Diabetelogia Suggesting Possible Link Between Insulin Glargine And Cancer
Diabetelogia, the journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), published a series of research papers today examining a possible link between insulin glargine (brand name, Lantus) and cancer. Findings from these research papers are conflicting and inconclusive, and the American Diabetes Association cautions against over-reaction until more information is available.

NYT Editorial Urges Gov. Paterson To Sign Bill Prohibiting Shackling Of Female Prisoners During Labor
New York Gov. David Paterson (D) should sign a bill prohibiting the "barbaric and medically hazardous practice of shackling female prisoners during labor," a New York Times editorial states. Along with "further frightening these vulnerable women, the practice of chaining their legs, wrists and even their abdomens" during labor "makes treatment and delivery more difficult and places mother and child at greater risk of harm," according to the Times. It adds that five states have similar policies in place. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists several years ago called for an end to shackling during labor, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons last fall "ended the routine use of restraints for women in labor and limited shackling to cases in which a woman presents a danger to herself, the baby or the staff," the editorial states.The New York measure, which is "[m]odeled on federal prison policy and laws in other states, … would prohibit women from being shackled while being taken to the hospital for a delivery," although an inmate "could be cuffed by one wrist in cases in which she presented a danger to herself, hospital staff or corrections workers," the editorial states. However, "it seems highly unlikely that a woman doubled over in labor pains would be able to attempt an escape or overcome corrections officers," it notes.The bill "has caused a debate about how many pregnant women are actually shackled in New York," but "recent interviews of female inmates by the Correctional Association of New York … sugges[t] that the practice may be more common than corrections officials know," the editorial continues. "In any case, the bill would put an end to it, by establishing clear guidelines that carry the authority of law," according to the editorial. It adds that Paterson "should make it clear whether he thinks the measure needs minor changes or clarifications." The editorial concludes, "Otherwise, he should sign the bill into law" and "bring New York into line" with the federal government and other states "that have wisely acted to protect pregnant inmates and their children during labor" (New York Times, 7/21).
News of the day
MiR-196a Promotes The Metastases Of Tumors
MicroRNAs are small RNA molecules of 20-25 nucleotides length, regulating gene expression by inhibition of transcription or translation of proteins. High levels of miR-196a, a microRNA suppressing the expression of specific homebox genes that are of high relevance for the development of the human embryo, activated oncogenic pathways inside human tumor cells and induced tumor cell dissemination. miR-196a increased the chemosensitivity towards platin derivatives such as cisplatin and oxaliplatin and might be a useful biomarker.
Health Insurance

Minister For Health & Children Publishes Report On Certain Accounting Issues Related To The Health Service Executive, Ireland

The Minister for Health & Children published the Report of the Working Group on certain accounting issues related to the Health Service Executive. The Working Group was chaired by Mr Tom Considine, former Secretary General of the Department of Finance, and included representatives from the Department of Health & Children, the Department of Finance and the HSE. The primary focus of the report is the interaction between Vote Accounting and Income & Expenditure (accrual) Accounting. It concludes, among other things, that: - the enactment of the Health Act 2004 does not change the roles of the Minister for Health & Children, the Government and the Oireachtas in relation to the public health service and public funds; - it is important to be able relate information from one set of accounts to another, particularly because the Public Accounts Committee and the Dç¡il operate primarily within a Vote Accounting structure; and - an Accounting Officer remains responsible to his/her Minister (in the case of a Secretary General) or board in the case of a CEO) for policy matters and does not have the power to apply res voted by the Dç¡il in a manner other than in accordance with the basis approved by his/her Minister. The Minister said "Over €15bn in tax-payers" money is made available annually to the HSE and financial management and control systems are, clearly, hugely important. There is regular reporting on financial issues by the HSE to my Department and through me to Government. Implementation of the recommendations in Mr Considine"s Report will enhance the HSE"s internal controls and improve the accuracy and timeliness of reporting to Government. I have asked the Board of the HSE to give priority to the Report"s recommendations. My Department will continue to assist in that regard." Department of Health & Children, Ireland


Add your comment:
Name:
Site address: http://
Your message:
Enter today\\\\'s date, 2 digits
(spam protection):