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Palm Harbor, FL-Sempermed offers the SemperCARE Nitrile Powder-Free Exam Glove to eliminate the potential for aerosolization of glove powder and associated transfer of chemical allergens. The non-latex glove is ergonomically designed and made from a low modulus synthetic polymer, which maximizes comfort, tactile sensitivity, and protection from blood-borne pathogens, according to the company. Its textured surface provides better gripping, while the light blue color optimizes visibility.

Fort Washington, PA-Hydak Coatings from Biocoat, Inc., for use on catheters and guidewires, are manufactured with hyaluronan, a biocompatible biopolymer found in human tissues and body fluids. The coatings provide a high degree of hydrophilicity, lubricity, flexibility, and abrasion resistance to assure trauma-free functioning, the company says.

New Orleans-Scientists from two Cleveland institutions have identifieda chromosomal region they believe contains a gene or genes associated withaggressive forms of prostate cancer. Tests for molecular markers of geneticabnormalities in this region could some day identify men with prostate cancerwho warrant aggressive therapies, as well as spare some men from treatment.

Geneva-A survey of nearly 3,500 couples conducted in four countries inEurope and Asia has uncovered a "huge burden" of benign urologicaldiseases, often silently endured. Calling for increased efforts for prevention,a group of international investigators said more than half of the couplesinterviewed had never consulted a physician about their problems, in spiteof the deleterious effect on the quality of their lives.

Washington-As negotiations intensify in Washington to developa patients' bill of rights that can be passed and signed into law, insuranceindustry and business opponents are attempting to convince physicians thatthey are in danger of being confronted with a new source of lawsuits themselvesif such legislation is enacted.

Testicular cancer patients who do not respond to traditional therapy can be cured with high-dose chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant using cells harvested from the patient before the initial chemotherapy infusion, suggests a retrospective review by researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis.

Las Vegas--Urologists are beginning to use a more extensive biopsyregimen when working up men with suspected prostate cancer. Although thisis paying off in increased disease detection, it also has raised questionsabout whether some men are being over-treated for clinically insignificantdisease.