Survey reveals health insurance and access to care not so closely linked

  • Author: Health Informer
  • Filed under: Health News
  • Date: Mar 8,2010

Center for Healthcare Research & Transformation survey reveals changing landscape of coverage in Michigan

A survey released today by the Center for Healthcare Research & Transformation challenges the long-held assumption that having health insurance is synonymous with having access to health care.

The survey of 1,022 Michigan adults showed that while 40 percent of those who lacked insurance delayed seeking needed care, so did 17 percent of those with health insurance – mostly due to cost concerns.

The survey also revealed that many low income urban dwellers had fewer problems accessing care than all but high income suburban dwellers – potentially reflecting the greater availability of health care “safety net” providers in urban areas. Residents in rural communities and small towns reported more problems with access to care.

“Rather than a simple count of who has health insurance and who doesn’t, we wanted to get a clearer picture of the people behind the statistics,” says Marianne Udow-Philips, director of the Center for Healthcare Transformation and Research. “And we wanted to test the connection between health insurance and access to health care.”

The survey also found that many Medicaid/Healthy Kids recipients had difficulty finding providers of care. There was a significant difference between those with Medicaid/HealthyKids coverage and those with MiChild coverage on this measure. While 35 percent of those with Medicaid/HealthyKids coverage reported difficulties finding providers who accepted their coverage, only 12 percent of those with MiChild coverage reported the same problem.

The survey also tested self perceptions of health. “We wanted to see if people’s health insurance status affected their perceptions of their own health,” says Udow-Philips.

Surprisingly, there was no significant connection between having health insurance and self perceptions of health. Forty-nine percent of those with health insurance reported themselves to be in excellent or very good health, while 47 percent of those with no health insurance reported themselves to be in excellent or very good health.

The survey reveals increasing anxiety about loss of insurance coverage. Those in the manufacturing sector – traditionally a secure sector for health insurance – are now as worried about losing coverage as those in the arts, services, hospitality, and retail occupations – traditionally not secure sectors for health insurance. Worry level in these sectors ranges between 40 percent and 52 percent.

In contrast, those in high-tech knowledge industries, government, and construction/natural resources/mining sectors were not as worried about losing coverage, with worry levels of 21 percent or below.

“These findings point to the changing economic landscape in Michigan,” says Udow-Philips. “Worries about the potential loss of health insurance coverage have now extended to those in manufacturing.”

This is the first health coverage survey commissioned by the Center for Healthcare Research & Transformation. The survey was conducted in August 2009 by Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research. The survey is part of CHRT’s “Cover Michigan” report, a detailed picture of the health coverage landscape in Michigan, to be published in April 2010.

Visit CHRT on the Web at: www.chrt.org for a copy of the survey findings.


Global AIDS Alliance: U.S. must meet its obligations to family planning

  • Author: Health Informer
  • Filed under: Health News
  • Date: Mar 6,2010

Increase in Budget Not Enough for Global Need

Today, final details of the White House budget proposal for family planning and reproductive health were made public. The Obama administration is proposing $715.7 million for bilateral and multilateral international family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH) assistance — a $67 million or a 10 percent increase above FY 2010.

The Global AIDS Alliance is encouraged by the Obama administration’s announcement of the highest funding levels ever requested for international family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH) programs. This commitment demonstrates a shift toward a women-centered approach to health, which is essential for the fight against global HIV/AIDS and a gap that must be filled if we are to improve our efficiency and efficacy in responding to global health needs.

While the funding level announced is higher than previous commitments, evidence-based needs indicate that in order to meet global need the U.S. must meet its obligations by providing at least $1 billion in FY 2011. We look forward to working with the Congress and the administration to meet this important funding benchmark.

The UN estimates that $30.7 billion in 2011 will be needed to provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and family planning services as agreed upon in the ICPD (International Conference on Population and Development).

For far too long, women and girls around the world have lacked access to these critical health services. The President’s reinvigorated commitment shows great potential if it is funded at a level commensurate with the global need.

Source: Global AIDS Alliance


Prostate cancer

  • Author: Health Informer
  • Filed under: Health News
  • Date: Mar 5,2010

Prostate is a glandular organ present only in males.  It surrounds the neck of bladder & the first part of urethra and condributes a secretion to the semen. The gland is conical in shape and measures 3 cm in vertical diameter and 4 cm in transverse diameter.It has got five lobes anterior,posterior,two lateral and a median lobe.Since  the first part of the urethra pass through it any lesion in the prostate will produce difficulty in passing urine.

Diseases of the prostate gland:

1) Prostatitis:
This is the inflamation of the prostate gland due to bacterial infection.

2) Benign enlargement of the prostate:
This is a non cancerous tumour of  the prostate seen after the age of 50.

3,Cancer of the prostate:
This is the 4th most common cause of death from malignant diseases in males.

Cancer of the prostate.
Cancer of the prostate is directly linked with the male sex hormones(androgens).If the levels of sex hormone increases the growth rate of cancer also increases.It is found that after the removel of testes there is marked reduction in the size of tumour.

Site of tumour:
Prostate cancer is seen mainly in the posterior lobe.Non cancerous enlargement is seen in other lobes.

Changes in the gland in cancer:
The gland becomes hard with irregular surface with loss of normal lobulation .Histologically prostate cancer is an adeno carcinoma(cancer of the epithelial cells in the gland)

Growth:
Growth rate is very fast in prostate cancer .The tumour compresses the urethra and produce difficulty in urination.

Spread of tumour:
Metastasis in cancer of prostate is very early.

1) Local spread:
From the posterior lobe the cancer cells go to the lateral lobes and seminal vesicles.Tumour cells also move to the neck and base of the urinary bladder.

2) Lymphatic spread:
Through the lymph vessels cancer cells reach the internal and external illiac group of lymph nodes.From there cells move to retroperitonial(Behind the peritonium) and mediastinal lymph nodes(in the chest)

3) Spread through the blood:
Spread of cancer cells takeplace through the periprostatic venous plexus and reaches the vertebral veins while coughing and sneezing and finally enders the vertebral bodies of the lumbar vertebrae.

Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer:
Signs and symptoms depend upon the stage of the cancer. The following symptoms may be seen.

1) No symptoms:
Tumour is small and only in the posterior lobe.  This is diagnosed accidentely.

2) Slight difficulty in urination:
Here the tumour is enlarged and urethra is slightly compressed.Shortly there will be frequent urge for urination with difficult urination.

3) When the tumour spread to all nearby areas including neck of bladder and urethra there will be painful urination with bleeding.Urine comes drop by drop.

4) Retention of urine:
When the urethra is completely compressed there will be retention of urine.This can lead to hydronephrosis, renal failure ect.In this condition patient may get convulsions due to renal failure and finally coma.

5) Signs of metastasis:
Some patients come with the signs and symptoms of metastasis.
a) Lumbo sacral pain due to spread of cancer cells to lumbar and sacral vertebrae.
b) Fracture of spine due to cancerous growth in the spine.
c) Swelling, pain and fluid collection in the abdomen due to lesion in the abdomen.
d) Respiratory complaints due to cancer of mediastinal lymphnodes and lungs.
e) General weakness due to spread of cancer to different parts of the body.
f) Anaemia due to involment of bone marrow and increased destruction of RBCs.

Clinical examination :
Includes per rectal examination to feel the prostate gland,palpation of abdomen to feel the swelling in kidneys and any tumours.Patient is examined from head to foot to find out any lesions.

Investigations:
1) Complete blood investigations;
RBC,WBC,Platlets,ESR,bleeding time ,clotting time ect.

2) Urine analysis:
Microscopic examination to detect pus cells,occult blood,casts,Crystals ect.

3) Renal function tests:
Blood urea level,serum creatinine level,electrolyte level ect.

4) Serum acid phosphatase:
Increased in cancer of prostate.

5) x-ray of the spine:
To detect any tumour or fracture.

6) Ultra sonography;
Gives idea about prostate,bladder,kidney ect.

7) C T scan:
More detailed information about organs and tumour.

8) MRI of the spine:
Gives detailed information about spine ,disc and nearby soft tissues.
9) Lymphangiography:
Gives idea about lymphatic spread of cancer.

10) Biopsy to confirm cancer:
Biopsy is taken from the tumour and is send for histopathological examination under the microscope.This will detect the presence of cancer cells.

Treatment:
1) If there is retention of urine catheterisation is needed.
2) Dialysis if kidney failure.
3) If there is coma monitoring of all vital functions along with parentral nutrition and electolyte supply.
4) Specific treatment is prostatectomy(removal of prostate)

Partial prostatectomy :
Here only the affected lobe is removed.

Radical prostatectomy :
Total removal of prostate along with nearby lymphnodes.

5, Hormone therapy :
Stilbestrol is given to reduce tumour growth.Since this treatement increases the chance for cardiovascular disease phosphorylated diethyle stilbesterol is used nowadays.

6) Chemotherapy:

Drugs like cyclophosphamide, cisoplatim ect are given.

7) Radiotherapy is also done for some cases.

8) Homoeopathy:
Homoeopathic drugs like carcinocin, conium, sabal, crotalus, thuja, iodum, selinium, staphysagria, sulphur ect can be given according to symptoms.Constitutional homoeopathic medicine will give great relief and can increase the life span.

9) Yoga and meditation is also healpful.


Women who take some types of bone-building drugs used to prevent and treat osteoporosis may be at lower risk of breast cancer, according to a study by U.S. researchers published today in the British Journal of Cancer.

The study found that women who used bisphosphonate drugs, such as Fosamax, Boniva and Zomita, for more than two years had a nearly 40 percent reduction in risk as compared to those who did not, according to lead author Polly Newcomb, Ph.D., M.P.H., head of the Cancer Prevention Program at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

“This large study provides new evidence that the use of bisphosphonates is associated with a potentially important reduction in breast cancer risk,” Newcomb said.

The protective effect was observed only among women who were not obese. “Obese women may have elevated estrogen levels, so underlying hormones may influence the ability of bisphosphonates to reduce breast cancer risk,” Newcomb said.

The way in which these drugs may prevent breast cancer is not known, but several research observations may be relevant. “These drugs may affect cell function and be important in cell growth and death – specifically the death of tumors or even premalignant disease,” Newcomb said. Researchers have found that some kinds of bisphosphonates directly cause tumor apoptosis (cellular suicide), inhibit angiogenesis (prevent tumors from establishing a blood supply) and prevent tumor-cell adhesion (the ability of cancer cells to bind to one another).

The study involved nearly 6,000 Wisconsin women, aged 20 to 69. Half had been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and, for comparison purposes, half had not. The women were interviewed about their bone health – their history of fractures, whether they’d been diagnosed with osteoporosis and their history of bisphosphonate use.

Breast cancer risk factors such as first-degree family history of the disease, age at first birth, postmenopausal hormone use and body mass index were accounted for in the analysis. “Because we were able to account for important cofounders, these findings may reflect real benefits due to the anti-tumor mechanisms of these medications,” the authors wrote.

The National Cancer Institute funded the study, which was conducted in collaboration with researchers at the University of Wisconsin Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Source: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center


Consumer Alert: Denture cream maker warns doctors of product dangers

  • Author: Health Informer
  • Filed under: Health News
  • Date: Mar 4,2010

GlaxoSmithKline Continues to Blame Patients Crippled by Poligrip

Pharmaceutical giant, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), has taken the extraordinary step of warning doctors about the dangers posed by its denture cream, while continuing to blame and mislead patients crippled by its products. On February 18, the company announced that it would remove zinc from all of its denture adhesive products, citing concerns about the “safety and health” of its consumers. GSK has added the potentially hazardous mineral to its adhesives for decades, despite overwhelming evidence that consuming large quantities of zinc over an extended period of time can cause serious neurological damage.

On the same day it announced that it would discontinue using zinc, the pharmaceutical giant sent a letter to doctors across the country warning them of the “potential health risk” posed by “long-term excessive use of GSK’s zinc-containing denture adhesives Super Poligrip ‘Original’, Super Poligrip ‘Ultra Fresh’, and Super Poligrip ‘Extra Care.’” The letter stated that in 2009, the company had “received an increased number of adverse event reports” that together with recent medical literature suggest that there were serious dangers associated with denture adhesives spiked with zinc.

Even as Glaxo warned doctors of the dangers posed by its denture cream, the company continued to blame users of its products, writing, “some patients apply more adhesive than directed and use it more than once per day.”

Leading pharmaceutical attorney, Ed Blizzard of Blizzard, McCarthy & Nabers, noted that Super Poligrip lacked any labeling warning of these risks until recently. “It is more than a little unfair to blame denture wearers for using the product as needed. These victims weren’t eating their adhesives like frosting. They were merely trying to keep their dentures in their mouth.”

Currently, about 70 lawsuits have been consolidated into multi-district litigation in Miami against both GlaxoSmithKline and Proctor & Gamble, makers of denture adhesive containing zinc. And at least 20 other mass tort claims have been filed in Philadelphia, where GlaxoSmithKline’s headquarters are located. Recently, Blizzard was named to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee for the Miami MDL.

While GSK’s decision to remove zinc from its adhesives bodes well for future consumers of its products, Fixodent, made by Proctor & Gamble, still contains the mineral. It’s crucial that anyone currently using either Poligrip or Fixodent and experiencing weakness or numbness seek medical attention immediately. For more information about the dangers of zinc and denture adhesives, please visit www.denturecreamjustice.com.

Source: Blizzard, McCarthy & Nabers, LLC


Members of America’s Prostate Cancer Organizations are concerned that the issuance this morning of yet another set of new guidelines on screening for prostate cancer is only adding to the confusion most men already feel about whether they should or shouldn’t be tested for the most common form of cancer in American men.

“It is time for us all to come together and make one, straightforward recommendation about screening and early detection of prostate cancer that is easily understood by men and their doctors,” said Thomas Kirk, President/CEO of Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network.

“In the past 12 months we have seen new guidance on prostate cancer screening from the American Urological Association (a professional society), the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (a network of cancer centers), and now the American Cancer Society (a cancer nonprofit),” stated Skip Lockwood, President of ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer. “Each set of guidelines is complex, and the details in each set of guidance are all slightly different.”

America’s Prostate Cancer Organizations, which seek to act in the best interests of men at risk for prostate cancer and those already diagnosed with this disease, believe that it is high time that the various groups work together to issue one, simple guidance document for men and their families and another for the primary care community. Such guidance should represent a consensus position of the U.S. professional societies and other stakeholders on the risks and benefits of screening for prostate cancer, as opposed to the viewpoints of selected groups of specialists.

“These guideline discrepancies only add to the confusion around two key issues – when to be screened and what to do with the screening results,” said Wendy Poage, President of the Prostate Conditions Education Council. “By collectively issuing clear guidelines, we can finally address these questions and encourage men to take appropriate steps to safe guard their health.”

“There appears to be significant overlap between the recommendations of the various groups issuing these differing guidelines,” noted Scott T. Williams, Vice President of Men’s Health Network. “The members of America’s Prostate Cancer Organizations are more than willing to work closely with the interested sectors to help to develop standard and simple guidelines that can be universally promoted to men and their families and to the provider community.”

About America’s Prostate Cancer Organizations: Prostate cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer among American males. Nearly 200,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2010, and about 28,000 will die from this disease. This group of independent, not-for-profit organizations cooperates to foster the development of policies that support the early detection of clinically significant prostate cancer, the effective treatment of men with this disease, and the appropriate education of all men at risk for this disease.

The above statement has been issued on behalf of and endorsed by:
Malecare Prostate Cancer Support
Men’s Health Network
National Alliance of State Prostate Cancer Coalitions
Prostate Cancer Foundation
Prostate Cancer International
Prostate Conditions Education Council
The Prostate Net
Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network
Women Against Prostate Cancer
ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer


Research reveals Pycnogenol(R) lowers elevated urinary protein levels and improves blood flow to the kidneys

An estimated one in ten adults suffers from kidney disease, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. A leading cause of kidney disease is hypertension, which effects one out of every four U.S. adults. Chronically high blood pressure damages capillaries of the kidneys which in turn affects the organ’s ability to filter waste and remove excess fluids from the body. A study published in the March 2010 issue of the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics reveals Pycnogenol® (pic-noj-en-all), an antioxidant plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, counteracts kidney damage caused by hypertension, lowering urinary proteins and improving blood flow to the kidneys.

“Kidney disease is a common problem for people with hypertension and is an equally ’silent’ threat to the body. There are no warning signals and inefficient fluid removal may further increase the blood pressure, causing a vicious circle to set in,” said Dr. Gianni Belcaro, a lead researcher of the study. “The results of this study demonstrated Pycnogenol®’s ability not only to reduce blood pressure, but also to relieve the kidney damage caused by chronic hypertension.”

The randomized, controlled study conducted by the G D’Annunzio University in Italy investigated 55 hypertensive patients who showed early signs of impaired kidney function, as judged by elevated amounts of proteins found in their urine. The patients were divided into two groups. Both groups were treated with anti-hypertensive medication Ramipril and one group of 29 patients took Pycnogenol in addition to the Ramipril. Urine was collected during a 24 hour period for quantification of protein (albumin) at baseline and again after six months of treatment.

All patients included in the study had an average urinary protein level of 89 mg per 24-hour period, significantly exceeding the 30 mg measure, up to which kidney function is considered sufficient. After six months of treatment with Ramipril, average protein levels decreased to 64 mg per 24-hour period, remaining well above an acceptable level. Conversely, the group taking Pycnogenol® as an adjunct to Ramipril had an average of only 39 mg per 24-hour period, a decrease of nearly double compared with anti-hypertensive medication taken alone.

The study also found a statistically significant decrease in patients’ blood pressure when taking Pycnogenol® in conjunction with Ramipril. When treated exclusively with Ramipril, systolic blood pressure values dropped by more than 30 percent and diastolic blood pressure values dropped approximately eight percent. The addition of Pycnogenol® decreased both systolic and diastolic pressures by an additional three to six percent. Pycnogenol® was also found to lower the patients’ elevated levels of inflammatory marker CRP, a blood protein associated with the risk for acute cardiovascular events such as heart attack, reducing values to a healthy level.

“While Ramipril represents an effective treatment for hypertension and its interrelated effects on kidney function, Pycnogenol® as an adjunct to the medication produced significantly greater results, particularly for kidney function restoration,” said Dr. Belcaro. “Pycnogenol® continues to demonstrate its abilities as a natural solution for the complete cardiovascular system.”

Previous studies have revealed Pycnogenol® to favorably affect the normalization of blood pressure by releasing arterial constriction.

Pycnogenol® is a natural plant extract originating from the bark of the maritime pine that grows along the coast of southwest France and is found to contain a unique combination of procyanidins, bioflavonoids and organic acids, which offer extensive natural health benefits. The extract has been widely studied for the past 40 years and has more than 220 published studies and review articles ensuring safety and efficacy as an ingredient. Today, Pycnogenol® is available in more than 700 dietary supplements, multi-vitamins and health products worldwide. For more information, visit www.pycnogenol.com.

Source: Natural Health Science Inc.


A recently published study in the American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy demonstrates Balloon Sinuplasty(TM) technology to be safe when used by physicians in pediatric patients. Known as the INTACT study, this is a prospective, non-randomized, multicenter study and was sponsored by Acclarent, Inc.

Thirty-two pediatric patients, between the ages of 2 and 11, underwent minimally invasive sinus surgery with the Balloon Sinuplasty(TM) technology after previously failing medical management for 3-6 months and showing CT evidence of chronic sinusitis. These patients were followed for one year and effectiveness was assessed using the validated SN-5 quality of life questionnaire.

At one year follow up, 87% of patients reported improvement in their sinus symptoms. Statistically significant improvements in patient quality of life were maintained through one year. No adverse events were observed at any time point throughout the study. The authors concluded that when patients are appropriately selected, preliminary results indicate that sinus ostial dilation using balloon catheters in children has an excellent safety profile and may be an effective minimally invasive treatment option to relieve sinus ostial obstruction.

Balloon Sinuplasty(TM) technology is used to restore normal sinus drainage by widening constricted sinus passages with specially designed catheters and balloons. The technology has been used to treat over 100,000 patients since receiving FDA clearance in 2005 and can be used alone or with standard surgical instrumentation. Since 2005, more than 5,600 sinus surgeons have been trained on the use of Balloon Sinuplasty(TM) technology.

The Center for Disease Control data reports sinusitis is among the most common illnesses in the U.S., affecting an estimated 37 million Americans and leading to 500,000 surgeries a year. Pediatric patients make up 22% of all office visits for chronic sinusitis(1). Symptoms include repeated infections, headaches, facial pain, persistent congestion, cough and fatigue.

“The INTACT study affirms the safety of minimally invasive sinus surgery with Balloon Sinuplasty(TM) technology in children. The use of Balloon Sinuplasty(TM) technology at the time of adenoidectomy or after failed adenoidectomy is an option that should be considered prior to traditional sinus surgery,” said Hassan Ramadan, M.D., MSc, FACS of West Virginia University, and lead author of the INTACT study.

All medical procedures contain risks. Although rare, the risks associated with Balloon Sinuplasty(TM) technology include tissue and mucosal trauma, infection, or possible optic injury. Consult your physician for a full discussion of risks and benefits to determine whether this procedure is right for you or your child.

(1) Benninger, M., Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2003; 129S: S1-S32

Source: Acclarent, Inc.


Brains on Bikes Raises Funds to Improve Mortality Rate that Hasn’t Changed in a Decade

Anne Feeley, a 55-year-old mother and brain cancer survivor, will cycle across the country this spring to raise awareness and money for brain cancer research and support.

The effort, called Brains on Bikes, will kick off April 9 as Feeley, joined by her friend and trainer Gundula Hennig and dog Walter, will kick off in San Francisco and ride into Washington, D.C. three months later. She aims to raise urgently needed funds on behalf of leading research institutions and support organizations such as Stand Up 2 Cancer; the American Brain Tumor Association; the Brain Tumor Center at the University of California, San Francisco; Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure; and cancer organizations in Europe.

After being diagnosed in 2006 with a glioblastoma multiforme tumor – the same disease Senator Ted Kennedy was diagnosed with – Feeley was told by doctors she would be lucky to see another year. The median survival rate of people with this type of cancer is 15 months. Today, after surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, Anne is healthy, but her doctors say it’s a question of when, not if, the cancer will return. So she’s maximizing the time she never thought she’d have.

“The odds were terrible,” said Feeley. “It was overwhelming, but I felt a need to keep moving, doing whatever exercise possible to get through the debilitating effects of chemotherapy. Exercise is my way of fighting – a way to focus on positive feelings and get strong. I was very lucky to be able to do these things, as many brain tumor patients become paralyzed or blind.”

After working with a trainer for months doing gentle walking, lifting and eventually jogging, Feeley ran a half marathon and started doing yoga. During the course of radiation treatments, she started riding a bike back and forth to the hospital. Eventually cycling became a major part of her exercise program.

Together with Gundula Hennig, Feeley – who is American but lives in London – has now climbed the three highest mountains in the UK in 24 hours, competed in the International Indoor Rowing Championship, and rode 135 miles across Britain. These challenges, in addition to running a business and raising a family, have prepared her for the cross-country feat of Brains on Bikes – a 4,171 mile journey.

With the costs of the campaign already covered, every dollar raised will directly fund badly needed research and patient support. Brains on Bikes is a charitable services Fund of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit organization which serves as its charitable fiduciary.

All donations to Brains on Bikes are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law and will be disbursed to four leading charities:

Stand Up to Cancer (SU2C) - to support research projects conducted by interdisciplinary, multi-institutional translational and clinical research “Dream Teams,” as well as by young individual investigators conducting innovative, “high risk/high reward” research.

American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) – to continue ABTA’s mission of providing critical funding for brain tumor research and comprehensive information and compassionate support for brain tumor patients, families, and caregivers.

Brain Tumor Center at the University of California, San Francisco – to continue the outstanding work, begun in 1920, of improving treatment for patients, and funding innovative and game-changing research in their efforts to eradicate brain tumors.

Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure (ABC2) – to fund entrepreneurial research among medical centers, biotechnology companies, and pharmaceutical companies.

“We’re looking for supporters, survivors, and partners along the route to meet, ride and have fun,” said Feeley. “Together we can muster the will and funds needed to outsmart brain cancer.”

Interested supporters, collaborators and donors are encouraged to visit brainsonbikes.org for more details, including Anne’s story, her planned route and timetable, and information on how to make a contribution.

Source: Brains on Bikes / Entertainment Industry Foundation


American Stroke Association Late-Breaking Science News Report

  • High-intensity, repetitive rehabilitation exercises, whether assisted by a robot or human, can improve movement in a stroke patient’s paralyzed arm, even years after the disabling event.
  • The finding challenges the notion that little rehabilitation can occur a year after stroke.
  • Intense training could potentially improve leg paralysis or cognitive problems long after a stroke, researchers said.

High-intensity, repetitive rehabilitation exercises can help stroke survivors significantly improve functioning in their paralyzed arm and in their quality of life — even years after their disabling event, according to late-breaking science results presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2010.

Survivors who had 12 weeks of either robot- or human-assisted therapy showed clinically significant improved arm function (3-point improvement on the Fugl-Meyer Scale compared to usual care) and better quality of life (6-point improvement on the Stroke Impact Scale) six months later compared to survivors who had no additional therapy.

“Even very chronic stroke patients can achieve meaningful recovery,” said Albert C. Lo, M.D., Ph.D., the study’s lead author and a neurologist at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center and Assistant Professor of Neurology at Brown University in Providence, R.I. “These findings offer a potential new therapy for stroke survivors, suggesting that high-intensity therapy can result in modest but significant improvement in motor functioning, performance and quality of life.”

The findings are particularly important because “there is still a widely held belief among physicians that very little recovery can occur beyond the first six or 12 months after a stroke,” Lo said.

In the study, researchers examined whether robot-assisted therapy, compared to a group receiving therapy based on conventional techniques and another receiving usual care, could reduce arm paralysis years after stroke.

Researchers recruited 127 VA patients (96 percent males; average age 65) whose paralyzing stroke had occurred an average of 56 months before enrollment.

“They had severe paralysis, and 33 percent had suffered multiple strokes,” Lo said.

Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: robot-assisted therapy (49), human-assisted intensive-comparative therapy (50) and usual care (28). Both the robot and intensive-comparative groups were asked to attend one-hour therapy sessions three times a week for 12 weeks. They did the same number of similar arm exercises, and for the same lengths of time. One group worked with a human therapist and one worked with a robot along with a therapist. The usual care group received no extra therapy.

Of the 127 patients, 111 (87 percent) completed the study. They were tested at the beginning of the trial and at six, 12, 24 and 36 weeks, using three scales for arm function. One measured the disabled arm’s basic motor function. Another tested a patient’s ability to do simple tasks, such as fold a towel. The third used the patients’ own views on how paralyzed arm function affected their daily activities and quality of life.

The study showed:
– At 12 weeks — the end of therapy — none of the groups showed significant improvement in motor function.
– At 36 weeks, robot-assisted therapy proved significantly superior to usual care in improving arm function (3 point improvement on the Fugl-Meyer scale). Intensive-comparative therapy showed similar improvements, without statistical differences compared to robot-assisted therapy.
– The patients receiving robot-assisted therapy also reported significant improvements in quality of life compared to usual care (6 points on the Stroke Impact Scale).

“These findings offer hope for all with chronic stroke impairment,” Lo said. “Intensive, repetitive therapy could potentially benefit legs and cognitive function as well as arms.”

Each year, about 795,000 Americans suffer a stroke, according to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Of the 6.4 million U.S. stroke survivors alive today, as many as 15 percent to 30 percent are considered “permanently disabled.”

Co-authors are Peter Guarino, Ph.D.; Hermano I. Krebs, Ph.D.; Bruce T. Volpe, M.D.; Christopher T. Bever, Jr., M.D.; Pamela W. Duncan, Ph.D.; Robert J. Ringer, PharmD.; Todd H. Wagner, Ph.D.; Lorie G. Richards, Ph.D.; Dawn M. Bravata, M.D.; Jodie K. Haselkorn, M.D.; George F. Wittenberg, M.D., Ph.D.; Daniel G. Federman, M.D.; Barbara H. Corn, Ph.D.; Alysia D. Maffucci, J.D. ; Stephen E. Nadeau, M.D.; Susan S. Conroy, D.Sci.; Janet W. Powell, Ph.D.; Grant D. Huang, Ph.D.; and Peter Peduzzi, Ph.D.

Author disclosures are on the abstract.

Funding was provided by VA Cooperative Studies Program and VA Rehabilitation and Research Development Service.

Source: American Heart Association


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