HEALTH News, Jul 13, 2011 (2)

Analysis: New rules won't put home healthcare on life support Tue,12 Jul 2011 06:23 PM PDT Reuters - BANGALORE (Reuters) - U.S. home health service providers will remain under pressure in the near term as newly introduced rules and reimbursement rate cuts squeeze margins, but the tide should turn in 2012 as the regulatory uncertainty clears up. Full Story

Mississippi sues Feinberg, BP fund Tue,12 Jul 2011 06:20 PM PDT Reuters - NEW YORK (Reuters) - Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood filed a lawsuit on Tuesday to force Kenneth Feinberg, administrator of BP's $20 billion fund for Gulf Coast oil spill compensation, to release documents it says it needs to ensure claimants are adequately compensated. Full Story

Trial size may limit use of Seattle Genetics drug Tue,12 Jul 2011 01:55 PM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. drug reviewers might limit the use of a SeattleGenetics Inc experimental blood cancer drug due to the narrow scope of its clinical trials, sending the company's shares down 3.6 percent. Full Story

FDA proposes targeted drug testing guidelines Tue,12 Jul 2011 01:30 PM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Targeted drugs or therapies up for regulatory approval would have to be reviewed simultaneously with the diagnostic devices they rely on, according to a proposed policy issued on Tuesday. Full Story

More kids see dentists when Medicaid rates rise Tue,12 Jul 2011 01:28 PM PDT Reuters - NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Higher payments to dentists who treat kids on Medicaid translate into more of those kids getting regular teeth cleaning, according to a new study. Full Story

Blacks in nursing homes have higher risk of sores Tue,12 Jul 2011 01:27 PM PDT Reuters - NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Black nursing home residents are more likely than white residents to develop blisters and sores that can eventually lead to muscle and bone damage, according to a new study. Full Story

Kids respond better to early "lazy eye" treatment Tue,12 Jul 2011 01:25 PM PDT Reuters - NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Treating "lazy eye" is more likely to be successful the younger the child, but even older kids can benefit more than was previously believed, according to a large new study. Full Story

FDA proposes targeted drug testing guidelines Tue,12 Jul 2011 12:09 PM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Targeted drugs or therapies up for U.S. regulatory approval would have to be reviewed simultaneously with the diagnostic devices they rely on, according to a proposed policy issued on Tuesday. Full Story

Analysis: New rules won't put home healthcare on life support Tue,12 Jul 2011 11:02 AM PDT Reuters - BANGALORE (Reuters) - Home health service providers will remain under pressure in the near term as newly introduced rules and reimbursement rate cuts squeeze margins, but the tide should turn in 2012 as the regulatory uncertainty clears up. Full Story

American men with cancer more likely to die than women Tue,12 Jul 2011 10:17 AM PDT Reuters - LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Men who are diagnosed with cancer are more likely to die from the disease than women, due to a higher initial risk and later detection, U.S. government research showed. Full Story

U.N. says struggling with growing Somali exodus Tue,12 Jul 2011 09:31 AM PDT Reuters - GENEVA (Reuters) - The United Nations said on Tuesday it was struggling to keep up with an exodus of hungry Somali refugees and many emaciated children were dying of malnutrition along the way or after arriving in neighboring countries. Full Story

Placebo effect seen in treating colds Tue,12 Jul 2011 09:30 AM PDT Reuters - NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - People who believe a cold remedy will work may indeed feel better sooner -- even if they don't get the real treatment, a new study suggests.Full Story

Experts grow whole tooth units using mouse stem cells Tue,12 Jul 2011 09:15 AM PDT Reuters - HONG KONG (Reuters) - Scientists in Japan said on Wednesdaythey have created teeth -- complete with connective fibers and bones -- by using mouse stem cells and successfully transplanted them into mice, a step they hope will lead to progress in stem cell research. Full Story

FDA eyes trial size for Seattle Genetics cancer drug Tue,12 Jul 2011 08:25 AM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Seattle Genetics' experimental cancer drug showed promise in treating two rare types of blood cancer, but the design and size of clinical trials limited conclusions, U.S. drug reviewers said. Full Story

Groups convince FDA to ease Alzheimer's trial rules Tue,12 Jul 2011 03:08 AM PDT Reuters - CHICAGO (Reuters) - Academic and industry experts said on Tuesday they have convinced U.S. regulators to ease safety restrictions imposed on clinical trials of Alzheimer's drugs, a move that could improve the chances that a drug being developed jointly by Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson might succeed. Full Story

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BLOOMBERG News, Jul 13, 2011

Timeline: The debt debate Tue,12 Jul 2011 10:17 PM PDT Reuters - (Reuters) - President Barack Obama and top lawmakers will meet again on Monday in search of a deal on slashing the budget deficit and raising the $14.3 trillion debt ceiling before the United States defaults. Full Story Democrats win early victory in Wisconsin recall primary Tue,12 Jul 2011 09:54 PM PDT Reuters - MILWAUKEE (Reuters) - Wisconsin Democrats won a preliminary victory on Tuesday in a bid to unseat Republican lawmakers who voted for a controversial anti-union law in the first of a series of special recall elections. Full Story Senator calls for investigation of News Corp Tue,12 Jul 2011 05:56 PM PDT Reuters - NEW YORK (Reuters) - A senator called for an investigation of News Corp following the telephone hacking scandal at one of its British newspapers, signaling the crisis could spread to the United States. Full Story Texas Governor Perry meets with former Pakistan leader Tue,12 Jul 2011 02:18 PM PDT Reuters - AUSTIN (Reuters) - Texas Governor Rick Perry told former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday that he wants to see the "historic" friendship between Pakistan and the United States continue in the face of recent conflicts over aid to that country's military, a spokesman said. Full Story McConnell offers "backup" debt limit plan Tue,12 Jul 2011 12:11 PM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell proposed a "backup plan" on Tuesday that would allow a divided Congress to raise the debt ceiling with just the votes of Democrats. Full Story Bill to reform Fannie, Freddie unlikely soon Tue,12 Jul 2011 12:02 PM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. housing finance system badly needs an overhaul, but chances for winding down ailing mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the near term are remote, the top Republican on the U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Committee said on Tuesday. Full Story McConnell wants to force Obama's hand on debt Tue,12 Jul 2011 11:50 AM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Senate Republican Mitch McConnell plans to offer legislation to force President Barack Obama to formally request an increase in the fast-approaching $14.3 trillion U.S. debt limit, congressional aides said on Tuesday. Full Story Republican Paul not seeking House re-election Tue,12 Jul 2011 11:37 AM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican Ron Paul said on Tuesday he will not seek re-election to the House of Representatives in order to focus on his uphill presidential bid. Full Story Analysis: Panetta unafraid of candor in new Pentagon role Tue,12 Jul 2011 11:25 AM PDT Reuters - (Note language in paragraph 7) Full Story Business leaders urge action on debt ceiling Tue,12 Jul 2011 08:18 AM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. business leaders on Tuesday urged Congress and the White House to reach a deal to raise the federal debt ceiling and reduce the deficit in order to avoid dire economic consequences and set the stage for a stronger recovery. Full Story McConnell: Democrats not offering serious cuts Tue,12 Jul 2011 07:29 AM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The top Republican in the Senate said on Tuesday that a "real solution" to the country's mounting debt is probably not possible as long as President Barack Obama remains in office. Full Story Geithner wants debt limit deal by next week Tue,12 Jul 2011 06:45 AM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on Tuesday said that time is running out for a deal to raise the debt limit, and wants a broad agreement with Congress in place by the end of next week at the latest. Full Story Debt deal: How to kill three birds with one stone Mon,11 Jul 2011 10:08 PM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama and Republican leaders have been mired in a dispute over taxes as they try to avert a looming debt default, but a deal is possible that would allow both sides to declare victory. Full Story Boeing tanker strategy shifts $600 million to taxpayer Mon,11 Jul 2011 08:31 PM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Boeing Co's winning bid for the U.S. Air Force's fiercely contested tanker development deal means it likely will show no profit in the program's first phase and shift $600 million in development costs to taxpayers, new government figures showed. Full Story U.S. aid cut to Pakistan could hurt economy Mon,11 Jul 2011 02:51 PM PDT Reuters - ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - A U.S. decision to suspend $800 million in military aid will not affect Pakistani army operations, a Pakistani military spokesman said on Monday. But analysts say the move is likely to fray ties and could harm the country's economy. Full Story New Jersey Democrats fail to override Christie budget cuts Mon,11 Jul 2011 02:50 PM PDT Reuters - NEW YORK (Reuters) - New Jersey's Democrat-controlled state legislature on Monday tried and failed to reverse 15 vetoes that were part of Republican Governor Chris Christie's enacted 2012 budget. Full Story Business leader sees Obama submitting trade pacts soon Mon,11 Jul 2011 02:46 PM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A top U.S. business leader said on Monday he expected President Barack Obama to formally submit free trade pacts with South Korea, Colombia and Panama to Congress in coming days and urged their quick approval. Full Story Boehner pushes for immediate spending cuts: aide Mon,11 Jul 2011 02:26 PM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner pushed for immediate spending cuts at Monday's debt-reduction meeting with President Barack Obama and fellow congressional leaders, a Republican aide said. Full Story U.S. may act unilaterally vs Iran-armed Iraq militias Mon,11 Jul 2011 12:10 PM PDT Reuters - BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The United States will take unilateral action when needed to deal with the threat to American troops in Iraq from Shi'ite militias armed by Iran, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said Monday. Full Story U.S. aid cut to Pakistan could hurt economy Mon,11 Jul 2011 11:21 AM PDT Reuters - ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - A U.S. decision to suspend $800 million in military aid will not affect Pakistani army operations, a Pakistani military spokesman said on Monday. But analysts say the move is likely to fray ties and could harm the country's economy. Full Story Rep. Frank backs higher Fannie, Freddie loan limits Mon,11 Jul 2011 10:15 AM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Congress should permanently extend increased loan limits on mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that are set to expire, the top Democrat of the House Financial Services Committee said on Monday. Full Story Cantor hopeful of deal, opposed to tax hike in 2013 Mon,11 Jul 2011 10:04 AM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - House of Representatives Republican leader Eric Cantor said on Monday he was hopeful that both sides could come together on a bipartisan deal to reduce the U.S. debt but said he still opposed any increase in taxes in 2013. Full Story Obama expects debt ceiling deal by August 2 deadline Mon,11 Jul 2011 08:59 AM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama on Monday said he expects to have a deal to raise the debt ceiling by an August 2 deadline but noted that there is "a lot of work" to get Democrats on board as well as Republicans. Full Story Obama rejects any short-term deal on debt ceiling Mon,11 Jul 2011 08:26 AM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama said on Monday that he would refuse to consider a short-term stop gap measure to raise the debt ceiling. Full Story Factbox: What's on the table in debt talks Mon,11 Jul 2011 08:23 AM PDT Reuters - (Reuters) - President Barack Obama and congressional leaders resume their White House talks on Monday to see if they have the makings of a deal to trim budget deficits and avert a looming default. Full Story Boehner: spending curbs, no tax hikes for debt deal Mon,11 Jul 2011 08:23 AM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - John Boehner, the top Republican in Congress, told White House talks on Sunday that budget cuts must exceed the amount by which the debt ceiling is raised and said any deal must exclude tax hikes. Full Story U.S. sticks to guns on ousting Libya's Gaddafi Sun,10 Jul 2011 02:17 PM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States remains firm that Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi must give up his 41-year rule, the State Department said on Sunday, after France's defense minister advocated a compromise with Libyan rebels. Full Story Showdown looming on Korea trade without deal soon Sun,10 Jul 2011 12:18 PM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama appears headed toward a fight with Republicans over a long-delayed trade deal with U.S. ally South Korea, even though both sides say they want it to pass Congress. Full Story U.S. accuses Syria of stirring protest outside embassy Sun,10 Jul 2011 12:09 PM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States accused Syria of having organized an angry 31-hour protest outside the U.S. Embassy in Damascus over the weekend while the U.S. ambassador told the foreign minister that such anti-American "incitement" must stop. Full Story U.S. official meets Yemen president Saleh in Riyadh Sun,10 Jul 2011 10:19 AM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama's top counter-terrorism official, John Brennan, urged Yemen President Ali Abdullah Saleh on Sunday to sign a transition plan that will lead to Saleh's departure. Full Story Geithner: failure not option on debt deal Sun,10 Jul 2011 08:37 AM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner warned on Sunday that failure to raise the debt ceiling by August 2 could mean "catastrophic damage" to the economy, and an agreement must be reached. Full Story Big debt deal off table: Mitch McConnell Sun,10 Jul 2011 06:42 AM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said on Sunday he believed a broad $4 trillion deficit-reduction plan was off the table as part of a deal to raise the debt ceiling. Full Story Tea Partiers show mixed views on foreign policy Sun,10 Jul 2011 06:01 AM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Tea Party movement-backed lawmakers have marched in lockstep toward the goal of shrinking the government but that unity dissolves when it comes to America's role in the world. Full Story Military chief visits China, says to maintain Asia presence Sun,10 Jul 2011 03:02 AM PDT Reuters - BEIJING (Reuters) - The United States is committed to maintaining its military presence in Asia, its top military official said in China Sunday, adding that Washington was worried disputes in the resource-rich South China Sea could lead to serious conflict. Full Story Obama grants U.S. recognition of South Sudan Sat,9 Jul 2011 06:35 AM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama granted U.S. recognition of South Sudan as an independent state after it formally seceded from the north on Saturday. Full Story Freshman senator gives Obama debt-limit fits Sat,9 Jul 2011 06:05 AM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - As a freshman senator, Republican Pat Toomey punches above his weight in the high-stakes fight over increasing the U.S. debt limit. Full Story Obama taps insider as fossil energy chief Fri,8 Jul 2011 08:13 PM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama has tapped the current chief operating officer at the Energy Department's office of fossil energy to lead the unit as assistant secretary. Full Story NY and Connecticut governors push unions on layoffs Fri,8 Jul 2011 04:33 PM PDT Reuters - NEW YORK (Reuters) - Though the governors of New York and Connecticut parted company on some of their budget-fixing strategies, both Democrats are still struggling to persuade their unionized workers to accept cuts. Full Story Exclusive: Healthcare tax break on debt talks table Fri,8 Jul 2011 11:52 AM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Limiting the tax break for employer-provided health insurance became a bargaining chip on Friday in congressional negotiations to beat an August 2 deadline for averting a U.S. default. Full Story U.S. considers removing all tariffs for poor nations Fri,8 Jul 2011 11:45 AM PDT Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. government said on Friday it is investigating the probable economic effects of eliminating all tariffs and quotas on goods from the world's least-developed countries (LDCs). Full Story

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ENTERTAINMENT News, Jul 13, 2011

Halle Berry wins stay away order against intruder Tue,12 Jul 2011 06:59 PM PDT Reuters - LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A judge on Tuesday granted Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry on a stay away order against a man who she said intruded on her Los Angeles property three times in recent days, before police arrested him. Full Story