Rx benefits manager plans to hire 205 by 2015

A pharmacy benefits manager plans to hire 205 people within two years at a hub it's building in Jeffersonville, state economic development officials said Tuesday.

Lisle, Ill.-based Catamaran Corp. has committed to hiring 104 full-time, permanent employees next year and a total of 205 by 2015. The jobs paying an average of nearly $24 per hour will include pharmacists, technicians, call-center employees and others.

Wendy Dant Chesser, president and chief executive of One Southern Indiana, the chamber of commerce for Clark and Floyd counties, told The Courier-Journal that the state has approved the company for up to $2.5 million in performance-based tax incentives over the next 10 years and $100,000 for job training.

Catamaran plans to have its new building in the River Ridge Commerce Center open in November.

___

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Investing in cardiovascular research benefits economy

Main Category: Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 30 Jul 2013 - 2:00 PDT Current ratings for:
Investing in cardiovascular research benefits economy

Investing in cardiovascular disease research in Canada provides economic and societal benefits to Canadians, according to new research published in CMAJ Open.

"Our main goal was to understand how much "bang" we were getting from our research "buck" and whether investing in cardiovascular disease research is worthwhile from a population health perspective," writes Dr. Claire de Oliveira, scientist and health economist with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, with coauthors.

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of hospitalization and death in Canada. For every $69 spent on cardiovascular health care in the country, $1 was spent on research through public and charitable sector funding.

"We found an internal rate of return of 20.6% for investment in cardiovascular disease research by the public and charitable sectors," the authors write. "Thus, for every $1 spent on public or charitable sources, Canadians receive an income stream of about $0.21 per year in perpetuity. Considering a minimum acceptable rate of return of 12%, this investment is quite attractive."

The internal rate of return is "the annual monetary benefit to the economy for each dollar invested in cardiovascular disease research."

Spending on cardiovascular disease research in Canada has increased from roughly $13 million in 1975 to $41 million in 1990 and $96 million in 2005.

The authors hope this study will help funders determine the return on investment and whether they are spending appropriately.

"Our estimates provide evidence that investing in cardiovascular disease research is valuable and that investments in medical research are returned many times over in societal benefits," conclude the authors.

Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release. Click 'references' tab above for source.
Visit our cardiovascular / cardiology section for the latest news on this subject.

Estimating the payoffs from cardiovascular disease research in Canada: an economic analysis

CMAJ Open - doi: 10.9778/cmajo.20130003

Authors: Claire de Oliveira, MA, PhD, Hai V. Nguyen, PhD, Harindra C. Wijeysundera, MD, PhD, William W.L. Wong, PhD, Gloria Woo, PhD, Paul Grootendorst, PhD, Peter P. Liu, MD, MSc, Murray D. Krahn, MD, MSc

CMAJ Open

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Physician bonuses help drive increases in laparoscopic colon cancer surgery with minimal benefits for patients, says McMaster study

Main Category: Colorectal Cancer
Article Date: 24 Jul 2013 - 2:00 PDT Current ratings for:
Physician bonuses help drive increases in laparoscopic colon cancer surgery with minimal benefits for patients, says McMaster study

Financial incentives for Ontario surgeons are likely a key factor driving greater use of laparoscopic colon cancer surgery, says a study led by a McMaster University surgeon.

The research, published online by the Annals of Surgical Oncology, found that between 2002 and 2009 there was an increase in laparoscopic versus traditional open techniques for colon and rectal cancer surgery. These increases were associated with only minimal decreases in how long patients stayed in hospital after surgery and no changes in the survival of patients.

The authors point out that in October 2005, the Ontario physician billing schedule was altered, providing surgeons with a 25% premium if laparoscopic rather than open techniques were used for colon cancer. Most of the incentives went to surgeons already enthusiastic about laparoscopic approaches.

"Our paper highlights two important issues," said principal investigator Dr. Marko Simunovic, an associate professor of surgery of McMaster's Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine.

"First, in our publicly funded health care system we need to critically review the advantages and disadvantages of new expensive technologies or treatments before they're widely introduced into the province. Second, Ontario physicians provide high quality care to the best of their abilities - one should question the logic of financial incentives."

Simunovic added: "A 25% bonus for laparoscopic surgery sends a strong signal to surgeons that they should provide this service, even though the available evidence to date does not demonstrate superiority for laparoscopic versus open techniques."

The more expensive laparoscopic surgery usually results in a smaller visible scar and a slightly shorter hospital length of stay.

Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release. Click 'references' tab above for source.
Visit our colorectal cancer section for the latest news on this subject.

The research was funded by Canadian Institutes for Health Research.

Annals of Surgical Oncology

DOI: 10.1245/s10434-013-3123-2

McMaster University

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The many benefits of human-animal interaction

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Visit our psychology / psychiatry section for the latest news on this subject.

The involvement of Mars Petcare and WALTHAM® in IAHAIO is part of a broader commitment to human-animal interaction research, which also includes major sponsorship of the annual conference hosted by the International Society for Anthrozoology (ISAZ) that took place earlier this week on July 18-19 in Chicago and also featured research by WALTHAM®, their collaborators and grantees.

For additional information about the research results, go to http://www.iahaio.org.

Associations Between Momentary Emotion, Basal Cortisol Production and Reactivity, and Observed Behavior in a Sample of Normal and At-Risk 5th Through 8th Grade Children During Their First Mounted Equine Facilitated Learning Activity. Patricia Pendry, Alexa Carr, Annelise Smith, Stephanie Roeter, (All: Washington State University, US)

[Presented at the triennial conference of the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations - "IAHAIO 2013: Humans and animals: The inevitable bond"]

Experimental Trial Demonstrates Positive Effects of Equine Facilitated Learning on Child Social Competence. Pendry. P & Roeter.S, Human-Animal Interaction Bulletin 2013, Vol 1, No 1, 1-19.

The Pet Assisted Living intervention for functional status in assisted living residents. Erika Friedmann (University of Maryland, US), Elizabeth Galik (University of Maryland, US), Sue A. Thomas (University of Maryland, US), P. Sue Hall (University of Maryland, US), Sandra McCune (WALTHAM® Centre for Pet Nutrition, UK)

[Presented at the triennial conference of the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations - "IAHAIO 2013: Humans and animals: The inevitable bond"]

Pounding the pavement: Does dog walking influence perceptions of safety? Hayley Christian (The University of Western Australia, Aus), Lisa Wood (The University of Western Australia, Aus), Andrea Nathan (The University of Western Australia, Aus), Karen Martin (The University of Western Australia, Aus), Stephen Houghton (The University of Western Australia, Aus), Ichiro Kawachi (Harvard University, US), Sandra McCune (WALTHAM® Centre for Pet Nutrition, UK)

[Presented at the triennial conference of the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations - "IAHAIO 2013: Humans and animals: The inevitable bond"]

Companion animals as a conduit for fostering social networks and social support. Lisa Wood (The University of Western Australia, Aus), Hayley Christian (The University of Western Australia, Aus), Andrea Nathan (The University of Western Australia, Aus), Claire Lauritsen (The University of Western Australia, Aus), Karen Martin (The University of Western Australia, Aus), Stephen Houghton (The University of Western Australia, Aus), Ichiro Kawachi (Harvard University, US), Sandra McCune (WALTHAM® Centre for Pet Nutrition, UK)

[Presented at the triennial conference of the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations - "IAHAIO 2013: Humans and animals: The inevitable bond"]

APCO Worldwide

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New studies highlight benefits of EOS 3D imaging in assessing corrective bracing for scoliosis

Main Category: Bones / Orthopedics
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 27 Jul 2013 - 0:00 PDT Current ratings for:
New studies highlight benefits of EOS 3D imaging in assessing corrective bracing for scoliosis

EOS imaging (NYSE Euronext, FR0011191766-EOSI), the pioneer in orthopaedic 2D/3D imaging, have announced that two new studies supporting the use of its 3D imaging technology in assessing the impact of bracing for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) have been published online in the European Spine Journal. Bracing is the preferred therapy for progressive scoliosis with a Cobb angle (curve) in the range of 20° to 45°, though current data on its efficacy in correcting spinal curvatures are inconclusive.

The first study, conducted by the Laboratoire de Biomécanique in Paris, France and published in June, used the EOS® System to obtain 3D images of the spines of 30 patients with AIS. It showed that there is high variability among individual patients in terms of the effectiveness of bracing on 3D Cobb angle and other key spinal parameters.[1] The second study, by clinicians at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario and published in July, used 3D imaging provided by the EOS System to evaluate the immediate effects of two common braces on the spine, concluding that braces do differ in their treatment impact.[2]

Researchers in both studies noted that the low dose 3D imaging enabled by the EOS System allows for immediate control of the bracing as well as for the assessment of the disease progression and corrective impact of bracing treatment.

Marie Meynadier, CEO of EOS imaging, said, "Wearing a corrective brace can be quite challenging for young scoliotic patients, most of them teenage girls. We are pleased that the low dose and 3D capacity of the EOS System may offer a new tool for post-bracing control, as well as for the assessment of the efficacy of this treatment for a condition that affects millions of children and adults worldwide. The research demonstrates yet another clinical application in which the EOS System offers a new and superior method to evaluate a patient's specific orthopaedic condition and guide the treatment plan. Studies such as these continue to build awareness of the role our technology can play in advancing the understanding of spinal pathology."

Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release. Click 'references' tab above for source.
Visit our bones / orthopedics section for the latest news on this subject.

1 Courvoisier A et al. 3D analysis of brace treatment in idiopathic scoliosis. Eur Spine J. 2013 Jun 29 [Epub ahead of print], via http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00586-013-2881-7

2 Lebel DE. Three dimensional analysis of brace biomechanical efficacy for patients with AIS. Eur Spine J. 2013 July 20 [Epub ahead of print] via http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00586-013-2921-3

The European Spine Journal is the official publication of EuroSpine, the Spine Society of Europe, and is the second highest rated spine scientific journal worldwide. For more information on the EOS System, the first and only full body, low dose 3D imaging technology available for orthopaedic care, please visit EOS imaging.

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One Third Of World's Population Benefits From An Effective Tobacco Control Measure

Main Category: Smoking / Quit Smoking
Article Date: 12 Jul 2013 - 2:00 PDT Current ratings for:
One Third Of World's Population Benefits From An Effective Tobacco Control Measure

At 2.3 billion, the number of people worldwide covered by at least one life-saving measure to limit tobacco use has more than doubled in the last five years, according to the WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic 2013. The number of people covered by bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, the focus of this year's report, increased by almost 400 million people residing mainly in low- and middle-income countries.

Furthermore, the Report shows that 3 billion people are now covered by national anti-tobacco campaigns. As a result, hundreds of millions of nonsmokers are less likely to start.

However, the Report notes, to achieve the globally agreed target of a 30% reduction of tobacco use by 2025, more countries have to implement comprehensive tobacco control programmes.

Bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship are one of the most powerful measures to control tobacco use. As of today, 24 countries with 694 million people have introduced complete bans and 100 more countries are close to a complete ban. However, 67 countries currently do not ban any tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship activities or have a ban that excludes advertising in national broadcast and print media.

"If we do not close ranks and ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, adolescents and young adults will continue to be lured into tobacco consumption by an ever-more aggressive tobacco industry," says WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan. "Every country has the responsibility to protect its population from tobacco-related illness, disability and death."

Tobacco is the leading global cause of preventable death and kills 6 million people every year. It can cause cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases. If current trends continue, the number of deaths attributed to tobacco smoking is projected to rise to 8 million a year by 2030. In defiance of the deleterious effects of smoking, tobacco companies are spending tens of billions of dollars each year on advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

"We know that only complete bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship are effective," stresses Dr Douglas Bettcher, the Director of WHO's Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases department. "Countries that introduced complete bans together with other tobacco control measures have been able to cut tobacco use significantly within only a few years."

Other key findings of the report include:

Effective health warning labels on tobacco packaging continue to be established by more countries. In the past five years, a total of 20 countries with 657 million people put strong warning label requirements in place, with 11 countries (with 265 million people) doing so since 2010.More than half a billion people in nine countries have gained access to appropriate cessation services in the past five years. However, there has been little progress since 2010, as only four additional countries with a combined population of 85 million were newly provided access to cost-covered servicesincluding a toll-free national quit line.Creation of smoke-free public places and workplaces continues to be the most commonly established measure at the highest level of achievement. There are 32 countries that passed complete smoking bans covering all work places, public places and public transportation means between 2007 and 2012, protecting nearly 900 million additional people. Since 2010, 12 countries and one territory, with 350 million people, passed strong smoke-free laws at a national level.

In 2008, WHO identified six evidence-based tobacco control measures that are the most effective in reducing tobacco use. Known as "MPOWER", these measures correspond to one or more of the demand reduction provisions included in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC): Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies, Protect people from tobacco smoke, Offer help to quit tobacco use, Warn people about the dangers of tobacco, Enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, and Raise taxes on tobacco.

This year's report is the fourth in the series of WHO reports on the status of the MPOWER measures. These measures provide countries with practical assistance to reduce demand for tobacco in line with the WHO FCTC, thereby reducing related illness, disability and death.

The WHO FCTC entered into force in 2005 and, with 177 Parties today, is a powerful tool to combat the deadly tobacco epidemic.

Panama was chosen for the launch of the report because of its leadership in implementing tobacco control measures. It is one of five countries in the Americas that have completely banned tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship and was the first to do so in the Region (in 2008).

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What Is Creatine? What Are The Benefits Of Creatine?

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Main Category: Sports Medicine / Fitness
Also Included In: Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine
Article Date: 12 Jul 2013 - 11:00 PDT Current ratings for:
What Is Creatine? What Are The Benefits Of Creatine?

Creatine is a nitrogenous organic acid produced in the liver that helps supply energy to cells all over the body - particularly muscle cells. It is made out of three amino acids: L-arginine, glycine, and L-methionine.

Creatine is transported through the blood by an active transport system, it is then used by muscles that have high energy demands, such as the brain and skeletal muscle. In fact, around 95 percent of creatine in the human body is stored in skeletal muscle.

Creatine was first identified by the French chemist, Michel Eugène Chevreul, in 1832. The chemical is not only naturally made by the body, it can also be obtained from some foods and supplements.

Because of Creatine's ability to supply energy where it is demanded, the chemical is mainly used by athletes to increase their ability to produce energy rapidly, improving athletic performance and allowing them to train harder.

The International Olympic Committee and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) allow the usage of creatine, and it is widely used among professional athletes (such as John Elway and Sammy Sosa).

Over 4 million kilograms of creatine are used by Americans every year.

Creatine is not only used by athletes to improve their overall performance, it may also help treat a range of neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disorders, such as arthritis, Parkinson's disease, congestive heart failure, and depression, in addition to improving cognitive ability.

Athletes take creatine supplements to improve their
performance.

Creatine supplements are commonly used by athletes because of its effectiveness in high-intensity training.

People take creatine because it allows the body to produce more energy, and with more energy " you can lift one or two more reps or 5 more pounds" and "your muscles will get bigger and stronger," said Chad Kerksick, Ph.D., assistant professor of exercise physiology at the University of Oklahoma.

Researchers published findings in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine suggesting that creatine use can increase maximum power and performance in high-intensity anaerobic repetitive work by up to 15 percent.

Increased muscle creatine content is associated with greater body mass and total body water volume.

A study published in the Journal of Athletic Training reported that creatine supplementation does result in water retention but fluid distribution does not change.

Creatine could help slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. In mice models of Parkinson's disease, creatine was able to prevent the loss of the cells that are typically affected by the condition.

Research, published in the Journal of Neurochemistry, concluded that "combination therapy using Coenzyme Q(10) and creatine may be useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and HD."

Creatine could also help improve the strength of people suffering from muscular dystrophy.

One German study found that patients who took creatine experienced an increase in muscle strength of 8.5 percent compared to those who did not take the supplement.

Dr. Rudolf Kley, of Ruhr University Bochum , Germany, lead reviewer of the study, said that the finding "shows that short- and medium-term creatine treatment improves muscle strength in people with muscular dystrophies and is well-tolerated."

It may come as a surprise that this popular supplement for athletes has properties that can help alleviate the symptoms of depression, but evidence shows that it really can.

Researchers at three different South Korean universities found that women with depression who augmented their daily antidepressant with 5 grams of creatine responded twice as fast and experienced remission of the illness at twice the rate, compared to women who took the antidepressant alone.

Researchers from the University of Sydney and Macquarie University, both in Australia, found evidence that creatine can boost memory and intelligence.

Dr Caroline Rae, who led the study said that "the results were clear with both our experimental groups and in both test scenarios. Creatine supplementation gave a significant measurable boost to brain power."

People are advised to talk to their doctor before taking creatine supplements.

At recommended doses creatine is considered safe to consume and may only cause mild side effects, including: stomach painnauseamuscle crampingdiarrhea

Patients with kidney disease should completely avoid using creatine, and caution is advised for diabetics and people taking blood sugar supplements.

Written by Joseph Nordqvist

Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today Visit our sports medicine / fitness section for the latest news on this subject. Sources: University of Sydney, Macquarie University, Ruhr University Bochum, Journal of Neurochemistry, Journal of Athletic Training, Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, University of Oklahoma, Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

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What Is Grape Seed Extract? What Are The Benefits Of Grape Seed Extract?

Editor's Choice
Main Category: Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine
Also Included In: Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 13 Jul 2013 - 12:00 PDT Current ratings for:
What Is Grape Seed Extract? What Are The Benefits Of Grape Seed Extract?

Grape seed extract is an industrial derivative of grape seeds, extremely rich in antioxidants and oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs).

The extract has a wide range of therapeutic properties in healing wounds and treating conditions such as high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, macular degeneration, poor circulation, nerve damage, as well as preventing cancer.

Although many of these health claims are still not completely backed up by "high quality" studies, strong evidence is beginning to emerge on grape seed extract's extensive health benefits.

Grape seed extract is available as a dietary supplement in either a liquid form, tablets or capsules.

Supplements generally contain between 50 to 100 mg of the extract.

Grape seeds are linked to a number of
health benefits

Studies on animal models have revealed that the extract can be effective in treating heart diseases. Some experts think that grape seed extract could even have anticancer and cancer chemopreventive potential. Over recent years there has been a great deal of research pointing to key therapeutic properties of the grape seed extract. Listed below are some of the key findings.

Health benefits associated with Grape Seed Extract:

Healing wounds - Grape seed extract can heal dermal wounds.

A study, published in the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine, "provided firm evidence to support that topical application of GSPE represents a feasible and productive approach to support dermal wound healing."

Improving bone strength - Including grape seed extract in your diet with calcium has a "beneficial effect on bone formation and bone strength for the treatment of bone debility caused by a low level of calcium," according to research published in the Journal of Musculoskeletal & Neuronal Interactions.
Preventing skin cancer - Grape seeds contain proanthocyanidins which can prevent the development of cancer.

A study, published in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, found that grape seeds have properties that can reduce the severity of skin cancer. The researchers concluded that grape seed extracts "could be useful in the attenuation of the adverse UV-induced health effects in human skin."

Cardiovascular benefits - The antioxidants in grape seed extract protect the blood vessels from becoming damaged, preventing high blood pressure.

According to one study, published in the journal Mutation Research/Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis, "grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) provides superior antioxidant efficacy as compared to Vitamins C, E and ß-carotene."

Reducing edema (swelling) - Taking grape seed extract can help reduce the swelling that occurs after an injury or surgery.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that breast cancer patients who took 600 mg of grape seed extract every day for 6 months had less edema compared to those on placebo.

Preventing cognitive decline - Grape seed extract is very high in proanthocyanidins (oligomers of monomeric polyphenols) which may prevent cognitive decline.

One study identified "a critical role for grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) as a neuroprotectant in the hippocampus and in preventing cognitive loss with aging."

Dr. John Gray talks about the possibility of using grape seed
extract to reduce symptoms of ADHD.

Other potential benefits associated with grape seed extract:

Protecting the teethProtecting against pathogensTreating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Improving visionAlzheimer's diseaseTreating diabetic retinopathyRelieving symptoms of chronic venous insufficiencyAnti-aging properties

Common side effects include:

It is important to talk to your doctor before taking grape seed extract as it can affect the way that certain medications are broken down in the liver.

It is possible that grape seed extract can act as a blood-thinner, which increases the risk of bleeding if taken along with anticoagulants such as warfarin or aspirin.

In addition, pregnant women should completely avoid taking grape seed extract supplements.

Written by Joseph Nordqvist

Copyright: Medical News Today
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