Palo Alto, CA-Urologists have heard more than once from detractors who have said that measuring PSA is not useful as a predictor for prostate cancer. You may now add Thomas A. Stamey, MD-the first investigator to show that the level of serum PSA was proportional to the volume of prostate cancer-to the list of naysayers.
Research and understanding of lower urinary tract symptoms and associated clinical BPH have evolved tremendously over the past years. Detailed analyses of data from the Olmsted County Study of Urinary Symptoms in Men has taught us that it is not symptom severity and frequency alone that prompt men to consult a physician. Rather, issues such as bother, interference with daily activities, embarrassment about urinary conditions, and worry about the possibility of malignancy all very significantly contribute to the decision to see a physician.
Carle Place, NY-Nuclear Associates offers an extensive line of books and videos, featuring subjects on management for radiographic imaging, the basics of film processing, hospital radiation protection, radiation safety and risks, and radiation protection standards.
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.
Providing employees with rewards for achieving goals boosts morale andthe bottom line
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.
The use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection has increased dramatically in the United States since 1995, while the proportion of patients receiving treatment for male-factor infertility has remained stable, according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine (2007; 357:251-7).
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.