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A genetic test that predicts early stages of lung cancer
Cancer treatment success depends on early diagnosis. Lung cancer, unfortunately for many, is discovered too late. Various imaging technologies have been used to try to detect early lung cancer with some success and new detection methods are under development. In a recent study, US scientists have developed a genetic test, the results of which are…
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Routine male circumcision could reduce a man's risk of HIV infection
HIV infection rates are a major public health problem especially in Africa. Treatment with retroviral medications is expensive and not available in many regions of the continent. Prevention is of great importance if the spread is to be curtailed. According to final data from two National Institute of Health-funded studies conducted in Uganda and Kenya…
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New surgical technique to replace defective heart valve in children
Is there another method to repair a child’s defective heart valve other than invasive surgery? Two Montreal cardiologists went to London, England to learn a new technique that accomplishes just that. The procedure, called percutaneous pulmonary valve implant, replaces open-heart surgery, and was performed in February this year by Montreal cardiologists Giuseppe Martucci and Adrian…
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Antipsychotic medication use in Ontario nursing home residences
If you are a resident in a nursing home, what is the likelihood you will be prescribed an antipsychotic medication based on a clear indication that it is a required therapy? This question was addressed in an ICES study that looked at the prescribing rates in different Ontario nursing residences. The results published this month…
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Possible link between a specific bacterial strain and depression
Depression will affect up to 25 per cent of Canadians during there lifetimes. There are different hypotheses that try to explain why depression rate seems to be increasing from sociological factors to improved detection and diagnoses and one’s environment. When we talk about the person’s environment, we tend to think of life stresses, traumatic life…
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Risk of recurrent head injuries in children
What is the risk of a child who suffers a head injury to suffer a subsequent head injury? A study, published in the April, 2007 issue of the journal Pediatrics, sought to answer this question? Dr. Bonnie Swaine, PhD., Associate Professor, Physiotherapy Program, School of Rehabilitation in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of…
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The Canadian contribution to the US physician workforce
A study, The Canadian contribution to the US physician workforce published in the April 10, 2007 edition of the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) shows that one in nine trained-in-Canada physicians practices in the United States and clearly illustrates the hurdles faced by governments trying to stem the shortage of physicians in their provinces. Dr.…
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Exceeding our recommended daily salt limits
How much table salt do you consume each day? What are the short and long term health consequences of excessive salt intake? A study by Statistics Canada published this week in Health Reports has determined the majority of Canadian men and women exceed the upper recommended limit. Most Canadians consume far more salt in their…
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