New compounds combat bacterial defenses
Using microwave-assisted chemistry, researchers at the University of Wisconsin/Madison have learned how to design compounds that prevent bacteria from forming protective “biofilm” layers that help make them resistant to many current therapies. The technique creates what researchers call “conversation stoppers” between individual bacterium which help thwart their collective defensive efforts. The researchers, who presented their work at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society, say the approach could offer an entirely new way to stop potentially lethal infections in the ongoing war against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In particular, researchers hope the approach can be used to combat a particularly lethal strain of tuberculosis that is now spreading around the globe. The Guardian
Health information exchanges eyed for radiology management
With radiology spending expected to grow at a rate of 20 percent annually, radiology benefits management firms are springing up to provide services intended to help control radiology costs. But the firms can be problematic due to their role in the provider-patient relationship, and health information exchanges are being eyed as a possible alternative. Managed Healthcare Executive
Exercise in year before cancer diagnosis benefits outcome
According to a new study, women who exercise in the year prior to being diagnosed with breast cancer appear to have an improved prognosis if they are overweight at the time of being diagnosed. The study found that those with the lowest levels of activity consistently had lower survival rates, and higher activity levels were associated with a 30-percent reduction in the risk of death among women who were overweight when diagnosed. Reuters
Co-payments don’t strongly impact use of specialty drugs
Co-payments do not appear to impact the use of expensive new “specialty pharmacy” drugs that target a gene or protein according to a new study. The study found that the higher co-payments do cut patients’ use of traditional medications by about 30 to 50 percent compared to only about 1 to 21 percent for specialty drugs, which often are used to treat complex conditions. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Editors Note: I would like to know your thoughts on the following format of sharing the news. These webcasts are brought to you by National Public Radio and are news stories from this past week. Let me know what you think!
Two new therapies set to revolutionize treatment for over 16 million diabetics.
Case managers, take a few minutes to listen to a broadcast from National Public Radio this week that explains how two newly approved drugs are set to change the lives of thousands of diabetics. NPR (Click the “Listen” icon to hear the full report.)
Runners and soft landings
If you’re a runner, you’ll want to listen to this story that explains how one doctor has developed a new technique that has helped him to continue to run despite arthritis in his toes. NPR (Click the “Listen” icon to hear the full report.)
Medicare increases payments for Medicare Part B
Case managers who work with the Medicare population may want to listen to this audio story that explains changes from CMS regarding Medicare Part B premium increases. NPR (Click the “Listen” icon to hear the full report.)
