Imaging
Diagnostic Systems, Inc., (OTC Bulletin Board: IMDS) a pioneer in laser
optical breast imaging systems, announced that Professor Eric Milne, M.D.,
IDSI Director of Clinical Research, has contributed to a comprehensive new
book, "Cancer Imaging: Lung and Breast Carcinomas," edited by Professor
M.A. Hayat.
Professor Milne's chapter, "Breast Dose in Thoracic Computed
Tomography," examines the risks of inducing breast cancer as a result of
the ionizing radiation received during CT exams of the thorax and upper
abdomen. Citing results stemming from his original 1992 study, which
demonstrated that large doses of ionizing radiation, equivalent to the dose
from 15 to 60 mammograms, are absorbed by the female breast as a result of
each chest CT exam, Milne suggests that referring physicians should
carefully weigh the clinical necessity for thoracic scans in female and
pediatric patients and cautions against the use of CT scans as a screening
procedure for lung cancer, coronary artery calcification, or pediatric lung
disease.
"The number of CT scans performed per year, for every 1,000 persons,
has increased enormously in the USA over the last five years," Milne
explains. "We now hold the world record at 172.5 scans for every group of
1,000 people. A conservative estimate of the carcinogenic effects of this
massive irradiation would indicate an increase of 16,000 breast cancers."
Commented Tim Hansen, IDSI President and CEO: "We believe that imaging
the angiogenesis process using lasers not only presents new information to
the diagnostician, but also avoids adding to the patient's cumulative
carcinogenic radiation dose. As Dr. Milne notes, physicians should be aware
of the dose consequences and examine alternatives that are available."
The book, which will be published by Elsevier, is currently in press.
About Imaging Diagnostic Systems, Inc.
Imaging Diagnostic Systems, Inc. has developed a revolutionary new
imaging device to aid in the detection and management of breast cancer. The
CTLM(R) system is a breast imaging system that utilizes patented continuous
wave laser technology and computer algorithms to create 3-D images of the
breast. The procedure is non-invasive, painless, and does not expose the
patient to ionizing radiation or painful breast compression. CT Laser
Mammography (CTLM(R)) is designed to be used in conjunction with
mammography. It reveals information about blood distribution in the breast
and may visualize the process of angiogenesis, which usually accompanies
tumor growth.
Imaging Diagnostic Systems is currently collecting data from clinical
sites for the future filing of an FDA Premarket Approval (PMA) for the
Computed Tomography Laser Mammography (CTLM(R)) system to be used as an
adjunct to mammography. The FDA has determined that the Company's clinical
study is a non-significant risk (NSR) investigational device study under
812.3(m) of the investigational device exemptions (IDE) regulation (21 CFR
812). The CTLM system is limited by United States Federal Law to
investigational use only in the United States. The CTLM system has received
other registrations including CE, CMDCAS Canadian License, China SFDA, UL,
ISO 9001:2000, ISO 13485:2003 and FDA export certification.
As contemplated by the provisions of the Safe Harbor section of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, this news release may
contain forward-looking statements pertaining to future, anticipated, or
projected plans, performances and developments, as well as other statements
relating to future operations. All such forward-looking statements are
necessarily only estimates or predictions of future results or events and
there can be no assurance that actual results or events will not materially
differ from expectations. Further information on potential factors that
could affect Imaging Diagnostic Systems, Inc., is included in the Company's
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We expressly disclaim
any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
www.imds
вторник, 3 января 2012 г.
вторник, 27 декабря 2011 г.
Ovarian And Endometrial Cancer Patients Experience Improved Outcomes When Treated First By A Gynecologic Oncologist
For the first time, accumulated data
demonstrates that women diagnosed with a reproductive cancer, especially
ovarian and uterine (endometrial) cancers, experience improved outcomes
when treated first by a gynecologic oncologist. The 2008 State of the State
of Gynecologic Cancers: Sixth Annual Report to the Women of America,
published by the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF), details these
results.
Gynecologic oncologists are physicians committed to the comprehensive
treatment of women with cancer. After completing four years of medical
school and four years of residency in obstetrics and gynecology, these
physicians pursue an additional three to four years of training in
gynecologic oncology through a rigorous fellowship program overseen by the
American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Gynecologic oncologists are
not only trained to be skilled surgeons capable of performing wide-ranging
cancer operations, but also are trained in prescribing the appropriate
chemotherapy for those conditions and/or radiation therapy when indicated.
Frequently, gynecologic oncologists are involved in research studies and
clinical trials that are aimed at finding more effective and less toxic
treatments to further advance the field and improve cure rates.
"While only approximately 1/3 of women with ovarian cancer receive
their initial surgery for ovarian cancer from a gynecologic oncologist,
those who do are more likely to experience the appropriate and recommended
surgery," said Dr. Carol Brown, Medical Editor of the report and Associate
Attending Surgeon, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. "Moreover,
gynecologic oncologists are more likely to perform radical procedures
during surgery resulting in a lower volume of residual disease. Data shows
that patients operated on by surgeons more likely to use radical surgical
procedures doubled their median survival time," she continued.
Endometrial cancer patients also have better outcomes when their
initial surgery is performed by a gynecologic oncologist. This is true for
two primary reasons: First, gynecologic oncologists are more likely to
perform complete surgical staging that includes removal of lymph nodes from
the pelvis and aortic regions. Second, when treating women with Stage I
endometrial cancer, gynecologic oncologists are less likely to recommend
follow-up radiation therapy. This reduces the cost of care by 31 percent,
prevents complications from over-treatment and offers patients a better
quality of life.
Similar benefits are experienced by patients diagnosed with other
gynecologic cancers, primarily due to the extensive surgical skills of
gynecologic oncologists.
The membership of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologist (SGO) is
comprised primarily of gynecologic oncologists. "Our purpose as a
profession is to help women achieve the best possible outcome from their
gynecologic cancer diagnosis," stated Dr. Thomas Burke, SGO president. "It
is our hope that the data in this report will help women and their
healthcare providers make the appropriate decision regarding their care,"
he added.
"The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (ACOG)
recognizes that generalist obstetrician-gynecologists provide the majority
of cancer screening and long-term follow up care for their patients," said
Dr. Douglas Kirkpatrick, ACOG President. "This GCF/SGO report points out
how collaboration with a gynecologic oncologist, where available, for
cancer treatment and continuing care may provide additional benefit," Dr.
Kirkpatrick stated.
To obtain a copy of the report or to learn more about gynecologic
cancers, visit GCF's Women's Cancer Network(TM) at wcn.
The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF), founded by the Society of
Gynecologic Oncologists in 1991, is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization
whose mission is to ensure public awareness of gynecologic cancer
prevention, early diagnosis and proper treatment. In addition, the
Foundation supports research and training related to gynecologic cancers.
GCF advances this mission by increasing public and private funds that aid
in the development and implementation of programs to meet these goals.
Gynecologic Cancer Foundation
wcn
demonstrates that women diagnosed with a reproductive cancer, especially
ovarian and uterine (endometrial) cancers, experience improved outcomes
when treated first by a gynecologic oncologist. The 2008 State of the State
of Gynecologic Cancers: Sixth Annual Report to the Women of America,
published by the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF), details these
results.
Gynecologic oncologists are physicians committed to the comprehensive
treatment of women with cancer. After completing four years of medical
school and four years of residency in obstetrics and gynecology, these
physicians pursue an additional three to four years of training in
gynecologic oncology through a rigorous fellowship program overseen by the
American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Gynecologic oncologists are
not only trained to be skilled surgeons capable of performing wide-ranging
cancer operations, but also are trained in prescribing the appropriate
chemotherapy for those conditions and/or radiation therapy when indicated.
Frequently, gynecologic oncologists are involved in research studies and
clinical trials that are aimed at finding more effective and less toxic
treatments to further advance the field and improve cure rates.
"While only approximately 1/3 of women with ovarian cancer receive
their initial surgery for ovarian cancer from a gynecologic oncologist,
those who do are more likely to experience the appropriate and recommended
surgery," said Dr. Carol Brown, Medical Editor of the report and Associate
Attending Surgeon, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. "Moreover,
gynecologic oncologists are more likely to perform radical procedures
during surgery resulting in a lower volume of residual disease. Data shows
that patients operated on by surgeons more likely to use radical surgical
procedures doubled their median survival time," she continued.
Endometrial cancer patients also have better outcomes when their
initial surgery is performed by a gynecologic oncologist. This is true for
two primary reasons: First, gynecologic oncologists are more likely to
perform complete surgical staging that includes removal of lymph nodes from
the pelvis and aortic regions. Second, when treating women with Stage I
endometrial cancer, gynecologic oncologists are less likely to recommend
follow-up radiation therapy. This reduces the cost of care by 31 percent,
prevents complications from over-treatment and offers patients a better
quality of life.
Similar benefits are experienced by patients diagnosed with other
gynecologic cancers, primarily due to the extensive surgical skills of
gynecologic oncologists.
The membership of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologist (SGO) is
comprised primarily of gynecologic oncologists. "Our purpose as a
profession is to help women achieve the best possible outcome from their
gynecologic cancer diagnosis," stated Dr. Thomas Burke, SGO president. "It
is our hope that the data in this report will help women and their
healthcare providers make the appropriate decision regarding their care,"
he added.
"The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (ACOG)
recognizes that generalist obstetrician-gynecologists provide the majority
of cancer screening and long-term follow up care for their patients," said
Dr. Douglas Kirkpatrick, ACOG President. "This GCF/SGO report points out
how collaboration with a gynecologic oncologist, where available, for
cancer treatment and continuing care may provide additional benefit," Dr.
Kirkpatrick stated.
To obtain a copy of the report or to learn more about gynecologic
cancers, visit GCF's Women's Cancer Network(TM) at wcn.
The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF), founded by the Society of
Gynecologic Oncologists in 1991, is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization
whose mission is to ensure public awareness of gynecologic cancer
prevention, early diagnosis and proper treatment. In addition, the
Foundation supports research and training related to gynecologic cancers.
GCF advances this mission by increasing public and private funds that aid
in the development and implementation of programs to meet these goals.
Gynecologic Cancer Foundation
wcn
вторник, 20 декабря 2011 г.
Women Who Consume Olive Oil Preserve Their Bone Mass Better
A study from the Harokopio University of Athens (Greece) determines that adherence to a dietary pattern close to the Mediterranean diet, with high consumption of fish and olive oil and low red meat intake, has a significant impact in women skeletal health.
Results suggest that this eating pattern could have bone-preserving properties throughout adult life.
Diet is one of the modifiable factors for the development and maintenance of bone mass. The nutrients of most obvious relevance to bone health are calcium and phosphorus because they compose roughly 80% to 90% of the mineral content of bone; protein, other minerals and vitamins are also essential in bone preservation.
Traditional analysis has focused on the relation between a specific nutrient (e.g. calcium) and bone health. But, researchers of the Harokopio University of Athens, Greece, carried out a study in two hundred twenty adult Greek women, which is valuable for the understanding of the effect of meals, consisting of several food items, in skeletal mass.
Scientists examined whether adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, rich in plant foods and olive oil, low in meat and dairy products, and with moderate intake of alcohol, or other dietary patterns, have any significant impact on bone mass maintenance in adult Greek women. They determined that adherence to a dietary pattern with some of the features of the Mediterranean diet, i.e., rich in fish and olive oil and low in red meat and products, is positively associated with the indices of bone mass.
These results suggest Oleociencia News inform- that this eating pattern could have bone-preserving properties throughout adult life.
This paper has been published in 2009 in Nutrition magazine; and has been Meropi D. Kontogianni, Labros Melistas, Mary Yannakoulia, Ioannis Malagaris, Demosthenes B. Panagiotakos, and Nikos Yiannakouris of the Harokopio University of Athens, Greece.
Scientific Reference: Association between dietary patterns and indices of bone mass in a sample of Mediterranean women- Nutrition 25 (2009) 165??"171
GDESCO
oleociencia
Results suggest that this eating pattern could have bone-preserving properties throughout adult life.
Diet is one of the modifiable factors for the development and maintenance of bone mass. The nutrients of most obvious relevance to bone health are calcium and phosphorus because they compose roughly 80% to 90% of the mineral content of bone; protein, other minerals and vitamins are also essential in bone preservation.
Traditional analysis has focused on the relation between a specific nutrient (e.g. calcium) and bone health. But, researchers of the Harokopio University of Athens, Greece, carried out a study in two hundred twenty adult Greek women, which is valuable for the understanding of the effect of meals, consisting of several food items, in skeletal mass.
Scientists examined whether adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, rich in plant foods and olive oil, low in meat and dairy products, and with moderate intake of alcohol, or other dietary patterns, have any significant impact on bone mass maintenance in adult Greek women. They determined that adherence to a dietary pattern with some of the features of the Mediterranean diet, i.e., rich in fish and olive oil and low in red meat and products, is positively associated with the indices of bone mass.
These results suggest Oleociencia News inform- that this eating pattern could have bone-preserving properties throughout adult life.
This paper has been published in 2009 in Nutrition magazine; and has been Meropi D. Kontogianni, Labros Melistas, Mary Yannakoulia, Ioannis Malagaris, Demosthenes B. Panagiotakos, and Nikos Yiannakouris of the Harokopio University of Athens, Greece.
Scientific Reference: Association between dietary patterns and indices of bone mass in a sample of Mediterranean women- Nutrition 25 (2009) 165??"171
GDESCO
oleociencia
вторник, 13 декабря 2011 г.
Blogs Comment On Supreme Court Pregnancy Leave Ruling, Obama's Notre Dame Speech, Other Topics
The following summarizes selected women's health-related blog entries.
~ "Peaceful Revolution: Another Blow to Women," Debra Ness, Huffington Post blogs: The Supreme Court's ruling this week in AT&T Corp. v. Hulteen "dealt a serious and painful blow to working women and the families who rely on their retirement benefits," Ness, president of the National Partnership for Women and Families, writes. The ruling "affects a limited number of people," and it "would be easy to ignore them -- easy, but terribly wrong," Ness continues. "This ruling sends a terrible message about whether discrimination will bring penalties and costs, and whether the courts will address the ongoing effects of prior discrimination," she writes. Ness notes that the ruling "couldn't come at a worse time," adding, "In today's grim economic climate, women and their families cannot afford to see their retirement benefits kept lower by discriminatory workplace policies that should have been remedied decades ago." Ness writes that it is "sobering that, at a time when negative stereotypes about pregnant women clearly persist, we have a Supreme Court that doesn't stand firm for equal rights and equal opportunity." She concludes, "It's a good reminder of what's at stake with the Supreme Court nomination President Obama is about to make" (Ness, Huffington Post blogs, 5/21).
~ "This Week in Religion and Politics," Sarah Posner, American Prospect's "The FundamentaList": When "viewed in the context of Obama's entire faith-based outreach project, the events" surrounding the University of Notre Dame's commencement ceremony "highlighted how he has embraced traditionalist, conservative religion -- to the detriment of sexual and reproductive justice," Posner writes. President Obama has "focused his outreach efforts" to reduce the need for abortion "on more conservative religious groups" and "claims to honor their position on moral issues," Posner writes. However, "when the dust settles on the Notre Dame controversy, he'll have to figure out what to do with the policy advice he has sought" from the White House Office on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, she continues. Posner adds, "How Obama reacts to that advice will demonstrate whether the council is mere window dressing to shore up support from swing constituencies or whether Obama will yield to conservative religious dogma on reproductive-health issues." Meanwhile, Christian conservatives have been "making hay of the findings" of recent Pew and Gallup polls that found more U.S. residents identifying with "pro-life" positions and using the data to argue "that Obama's position is out of touch with the majority of Americans," Posner writes. However, as bloggers at The Monkey Cage and FiveThirtyEight have pointed out, the polls are not representative of most U.S. residents' views on abortion rights, she writes. "Because of that deception on reproductive rights, it's more important than ever for the president to lay the moral groundwork for his own position -- not just to recognize the moral qualms of abortion opponents," Posner says (Posner, "The FundamentaList," American Prospect, 5/20).
~ "Meghan McCain Preaches What She Practices," Willa Paskin, Slate's "XX Factor": Meghan McCain -- Sen. John McCain's (R-Ariz.) daughter -- "acquitted herself quite admirably" on Monday's episode of Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" by "defending her core position" that the Republican Party "needs to appeal to younger voters, and it can only do so by getting liberal on social issues," Paskin writes. On the show, McCain said, "I think it's not realistic for this generation to be just plain abstinent, I think we need to have sex education with condoms and birth control. ... I would never practice anything I didn't preach." Paskin also includes a video clip of McCain's appearance (Paskin, "XX Factor," Slate, 5/19).
~ "Skill the Messenger," Cristina Page, Birth Control Watch: Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's (R) 18-year-old daughter Bristol -- who was recently named a teen ambassador for the Candie's Foundation's teen pregnancy prevention campaign -- "has, yet again, harnessed the immense media interest in her to draw attention to the problem," Page writes. However, her "style as a spokesperson seems decidedly uninformed," and "someone needs to arm her with the tools to convey her message most powerfully," Page continues. Bristol Palin has "so much opportunity to make an important impact" on issues surrounding teen pregnancy in the U.S., and "with just a little guidance from the experts, she can," Page writes. She adds, "Hopefully, she'll seek out that help. It'll make her a much more interesting figure who, while keeping the fickle media engaged, can educate those at greatest risk" (Page, Birth Control Watch, 5/21).
Antiabortion-Rights Blog
~ "Reps. Sensenbrenner and Smith Call on Obama To Live Up to Notre Dame Speech Statement on Conscience Protection," National Right to Life Committee blog: Reps. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) and Chris Smith (R-N.J.) in their Tuesday letter to President Obama asked that he "live up to what he said by publicly forgoing his administration's move to rescind the Bush administration's conscience protection," according to NRLC's blog. It continues that Obama's pledge during his Notre Dame commencement address to "'honor the conscience of those who disagree with abortion and draft a sensible conscience clause, and make sure that all of our health care policies are grounded in clear ethics and sound science, as well as respect for the equality of women,'" is "a far cry from what happened in late February" when the administration took the "first step toward rescinding" the Bush administration's provider "conscience" rule. The blog post adds that NRLC has sent a letter to HHS stating that the "federal government should not rescind this carefully crafted regulation designed to safeguard against forced violations of conscience in federally funded programs" (National Right to Life Committee blog, 5/20)
Reprinted with kind permission from nationalpartnership. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.
© 2009 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.
~ "Peaceful Revolution: Another Blow to Women," Debra Ness, Huffington Post blogs: The Supreme Court's ruling this week in AT&T Corp. v. Hulteen "dealt a serious and painful blow to working women and the families who rely on their retirement benefits," Ness, president of the National Partnership for Women and Families, writes. The ruling "affects a limited number of people," and it "would be easy to ignore them -- easy, but terribly wrong," Ness continues. "This ruling sends a terrible message about whether discrimination will bring penalties and costs, and whether the courts will address the ongoing effects of prior discrimination," she writes. Ness notes that the ruling "couldn't come at a worse time," adding, "In today's grim economic climate, women and their families cannot afford to see their retirement benefits kept lower by discriminatory workplace policies that should have been remedied decades ago." Ness writes that it is "sobering that, at a time when negative stereotypes about pregnant women clearly persist, we have a Supreme Court that doesn't stand firm for equal rights and equal opportunity." She concludes, "It's a good reminder of what's at stake with the Supreme Court nomination President Obama is about to make" (Ness, Huffington Post blogs, 5/21).
~ "This Week in Religion and Politics," Sarah Posner, American Prospect's "The FundamentaList": When "viewed in the context of Obama's entire faith-based outreach project, the events" surrounding the University of Notre Dame's commencement ceremony "highlighted how he has embraced traditionalist, conservative religion -- to the detriment of sexual and reproductive justice," Posner writes. President Obama has "focused his outreach efforts" to reduce the need for abortion "on more conservative religious groups" and "claims to honor their position on moral issues," Posner writes. However, "when the dust settles on the Notre Dame controversy, he'll have to figure out what to do with the policy advice he has sought" from the White House Office on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, she continues. Posner adds, "How Obama reacts to that advice will demonstrate whether the council is mere window dressing to shore up support from swing constituencies or whether Obama will yield to conservative religious dogma on reproductive-health issues." Meanwhile, Christian conservatives have been "making hay of the findings" of recent Pew and Gallup polls that found more U.S. residents identifying with "pro-life" positions and using the data to argue "that Obama's position is out of touch with the majority of Americans," Posner writes. However, as bloggers at The Monkey Cage and FiveThirtyEight have pointed out, the polls are not representative of most U.S. residents' views on abortion rights, she writes. "Because of that deception on reproductive rights, it's more important than ever for the president to lay the moral groundwork for his own position -- not just to recognize the moral qualms of abortion opponents," Posner says (Posner, "The FundamentaList," American Prospect, 5/20).
~ "Meghan McCain Preaches What She Practices," Willa Paskin, Slate's "XX Factor": Meghan McCain -- Sen. John McCain's (R-Ariz.) daughter -- "acquitted herself quite admirably" on Monday's episode of Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" by "defending her core position" that the Republican Party "needs to appeal to younger voters, and it can only do so by getting liberal on social issues," Paskin writes. On the show, McCain said, "I think it's not realistic for this generation to be just plain abstinent, I think we need to have sex education with condoms and birth control. ... I would never practice anything I didn't preach." Paskin also includes a video clip of McCain's appearance (Paskin, "XX Factor," Slate, 5/19).
~ "Skill the Messenger," Cristina Page, Birth Control Watch: Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's (R) 18-year-old daughter Bristol -- who was recently named a teen ambassador for the Candie's Foundation's teen pregnancy prevention campaign -- "has, yet again, harnessed the immense media interest in her to draw attention to the problem," Page writes. However, her "style as a spokesperson seems decidedly uninformed," and "someone needs to arm her with the tools to convey her message most powerfully," Page continues. Bristol Palin has "so much opportunity to make an important impact" on issues surrounding teen pregnancy in the U.S., and "with just a little guidance from the experts, she can," Page writes. She adds, "Hopefully, she'll seek out that help. It'll make her a much more interesting figure who, while keeping the fickle media engaged, can educate those at greatest risk" (Page, Birth Control Watch, 5/21).
Antiabortion-Rights Blog
~ "Reps. Sensenbrenner and Smith Call on Obama To Live Up to Notre Dame Speech Statement on Conscience Protection," National Right to Life Committee blog: Reps. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) and Chris Smith (R-N.J.) in their Tuesday letter to President Obama asked that he "live up to what he said by publicly forgoing his administration's move to rescind the Bush administration's conscience protection," according to NRLC's blog. It continues that Obama's pledge during his Notre Dame commencement address to "'honor the conscience of those who disagree with abortion and draft a sensible conscience clause, and make sure that all of our health care policies are grounded in clear ethics and sound science, as well as respect for the equality of women,'" is "a far cry from what happened in late February" when the administration took the "first step toward rescinding" the Bush administration's provider "conscience" rule. The blog post adds that NRLC has sent a letter to HHS stating that the "federal government should not rescind this carefully crafted regulation designed to safeguard against forced violations of conscience in federally funded programs" (National Right to Life Committee blog, 5/20)
Reprinted with kind permission from nationalpartnership. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.
© 2009 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.
вторник, 6 декабря 2011 г.
Groups Concerned Utah 'Feticide' Law Could Target Women Who Miscarry
The American Civil Liberties Union, the American Medical Association and National Advocates for Pregnant Women remain concerned that women who miscarry could face criminal homicide charges under a new Utah law (HB 462), Women's eNews reports (Sclamberg, Women's eNews, 4/20). Under the law, which Gov. Gary Herbert (R) signed last month, prosecutors can file such charges against women who arrange illegal abortions (Women's Health Policy Report, 3/9). Convictions can result in sentences of up to life in prison.
Herbert refused to sign an earlier version (HB 12) that would have allowed criminal charges against women for any "reckless" act resulting in the death of the fetus. The governor and others were concerned that language could apply to women who miscarry after unintentional falls or car accidents.
The final measure omitted the term "reckless," but critics say the law still could have consequences for women who miscarry. Although several other states have so-called "feticide" laws, the Utah statute differs notably in that it allows charges against the woman. Lynn Paltrow, executive director of NAPW, said other states' laws "were passed in response to a pregnant woman who has been beaten up by a husband or boyfriend."
AMA is concerned that the law will make some women fearful of seeking prenatal care. According to an AMA statement, "Pregnant women will be likely to avoid seeking prenatal or open medical care for fear that their physician's knowledge of substance abuse or other potentially harmful behavior could result in a jail sentence."
In addition, the statute gives law enforcement officials discretion over arrests. State Rep. Carl Wimmer (R), the bill's sponsor, maintains that the law will be applied only "in the most glaring of cases."
However, Liza Fuentes and Sheila Reynoso, researchers at the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, argue in a jointly authored paper that the law could result in arrests of women who experience unintended miscarriages. For example, they ask, "What if a woman received treatment for cancer while pregnant?" Fuentes and Reynoso also write that the law "will be tested out on immigrants women and low-income women," as they are "less likely to have health insurance, a regular health care provider and more likely to work in dangerous conditions" compared with their white counterparts (Women's eNews, 4/20).
Reprinted with kind permission from nationalpartnership. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.
© 2010 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.
вторник, 29 ноября 2011 г.
New 'Golden Ratios' For Female Facial Beauty Discovered By Researchers
Beauty is not only in the eye of the beholder but also in the relationship of the eyes and mouth of the beholden. The distance between a woman's eyes and the distance between her eyes and her mouth are key factors in determining how attractive she is to others, according to new psychology research from the University of California, San Diego and the University of Toronto.
Pamela Pallett and Stephen Link of UC San Diego and Kang Lee of the University of Toronto tested the existence of an ideal facial feature arrangement. They successfully identified the optimal relation between the eyes, the mouth and the edge of the face for individual beauty.
In four separate experiments, the researchers asked university students to make paired comparisons of attractiveness between female faces with identical facial features but different eye-mouth distances and different distances between the eyes.
They discovered two "golden ratios," one for length and one for width. Female faces were judged more attractive when the vertical distance between their eyes and the mouth was approximately 36 percent of the face's length, and the horizontal distance between their eyes was approximately 46 percent of the face's width.
Interestingly, these proportions correspond with those of an average face.
"People have tried and failed to find these ratios since antiquity. The ancient Greeks found what they believed was a 'golden ratio' - also known as 'phi' or the 'divine proportion' - and used it in their architecture and art. Some even suggest that Leonardo Da Vinci used the golden ratio when painting his 'Mona Lisa.' But there was never any proof that the golden ratio was special. As it turns out, it isn't. Instead of phi, we showed that average distances between the eyes, mouth and face contour form the true golden ratios," said Pallett, a post-doctoral fellow in psychology at UC San Diego and also an alumna of the department.
"We already know that different facial features make a female face attractive -large eyes, for example, or full lips," said Lee, a professor at University of Toronto and the director of the Institute of Child Study at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. "Our study conclusively proves that the structure of faces - the relation between our face contour and the eyes, mouth and nose - also contributes to our perception of facial attractiveness. Our finding also explains why sometimes an attractive person looks unattractive or vice versa after a haircut, because hairdos change the ratios."
The researchers suggest that the perception of facial attractiveness is a result of a cognitive averaging process by which people take in all the faces they see and average them to get an ideal width ratio and an ideal length ratio. They also posit that "averageness" (like symmetry) is a proxy for health, and that we may be predisposed by biology and evolution to find average faces attractive.
The authors note that only Caucasian female faces were studied. Further studies are needed to know whether there is a different set of golden ratios for male faces and for faces from other races or for children's faces.
The research is published by the journal Vision Research and was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the American Psychological Association.
Source: Joyann Callender
University of Toronto
Pamela Pallett and Stephen Link of UC San Diego and Kang Lee of the University of Toronto tested the existence of an ideal facial feature arrangement. They successfully identified the optimal relation between the eyes, the mouth and the edge of the face for individual beauty.
In four separate experiments, the researchers asked university students to make paired comparisons of attractiveness between female faces with identical facial features but different eye-mouth distances and different distances between the eyes.
They discovered two "golden ratios," one for length and one for width. Female faces were judged more attractive when the vertical distance between their eyes and the mouth was approximately 36 percent of the face's length, and the horizontal distance between their eyes was approximately 46 percent of the face's width.
Interestingly, these proportions correspond with those of an average face.
"People have tried and failed to find these ratios since antiquity. The ancient Greeks found what they believed was a 'golden ratio' - also known as 'phi' or the 'divine proportion' - and used it in their architecture and art. Some even suggest that Leonardo Da Vinci used the golden ratio when painting his 'Mona Lisa.' But there was never any proof that the golden ratio was special. As it turns out, it isn't. Instead of phi, we showed that average distances between the eyes, mouth and face contour form the true golden ratios," said Pallett, a post-doctoral fellow in psychology at UC San Diego and also an alumna of the department.
"We already know that different facial features make a female face attractive -large eyes, for example, or full lips," said Lee, a professor at University of Toronto and the director of the Institute of Child Study at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. "Our study conclusively proves that the structure of faces - the relation between our face contour and the eyes, mouth and nose - also contributes to our perception of facial attractiveness. Our finding also explains why sometimes an attractive person looks unattractive or vice versa after a haircut, because hairdos change the ratios."
The researchers suggest that the perception of facial attractiveness is a result of a cognitive averaging process by which people take in all the faces they see and average them to get an ideal width ratio and an ideal length ratio. They also posit that "averageness" (like symmetry) is a proxy for health, and that we may be predisposed by biology and evolution to find average faces attractive.
The authors note that only Caucasian female faces were studied. Further studies are needed to know whether there is a different set of golden ratios for male faces and for faces from other races or for children's faces.
The research is published by the journal Vision Research and was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the American Psychological Association.
Source: Joyann Callender
University of Toronto
вторник, 22 ноября 2011 г.
Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report Highlights Issues In Various US States
The following highlights recent news of state actions on women's health issues.
Abortion Regulations
South Dakota: The state House Health and Human Services Committee on Wednesday voted 11-2 to approve a state Senate bill (SB 185) that would require abortion clinics to obtain specific licenses and undergo state inspections, the AP/Aberdeen American News reports (Michael, AP/Aberdeen American News, 2/8). The measure requires that the state Department of Health charge a fee before inspecting the facility for compliance with state requirements and issuing a license. The bill, which was approved by the state Senate on Tuesday, would cap the fee at $2,000. The state House earlier this month approved a similar bill (HB 1198) (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 2/3). The Senate bill now moves to the state House for consideration (AP/Aberdeen American News, 2/8).
Stem Cell Research
Maryland: The state House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday heard testimony concerning a proposal from Gov. Robert Ehrlich (R) that calls for $20 million for stem cell research to be put in next year's budget, the Baltimore Sun reports (Skalka, Baltimore Sun, 2/9). Ehrlich's proposal would provide $20 million in the 2007 budget for any type of stem cell research project -- which could include use of embryonic, adult or umbilical cord stem cells -- that is approved by the governor-appointed 15-member board of the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 1/30). During the committee hearing, the Department of Legislative Services said the state General Assembly should reduce Ehrlich's proposal to $10 million and distribute funds only after it has passed legislation on how the money should be used (Marimow/Wagner, Washington Post, 2/9).
Other Regulations
Missouri: The state House Children and Families Committee on Wednesday voted 10-0 to approve a bill (HB 974) that would allow midwives to deliver babies in private homes without risking legal sanctions, the AP/Kansas City Star reports. The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Cynthia Davis (R), would repeal a 47-year-old law that deems midwifery an illegal medical practice. Under current state law, only certified nurses trained in midwifery may deliver at home if they have approval from a doctor within 30 miles. The bill now moves to the state House for consideration. An identical measure (SB 637) is awaiting a hearing in the Senate (Zagier, AP/Kansas City Star, 2/8).
Utah: The state Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Wednesday voted 2-2 on whether to recommend a bill (SB 42) that would have required Utah insurance companies to cover birth control as part of their insurance plans, the Provo Daily Herald reports. The tie vote means that the committee will not send the bill to the state Senate (Choate, Provo Daily Herald, 2/9). State Rep. Scott McCoy (D) is the third -- and only male -- lawmaker to sponsor the bill for eight years in a row, according to the Associated Press (Dobner, Associated Press, 2/8). Sixty-eight percent of women in the state are covered by federally regulated insurance companies, which are not required to cover contraception, according to Utah Health Insurance Association Director Kelly Atkinson (Walsh, Salt Lake Tribune, 2/9).
"Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation . ?© 2005 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
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