By Jeff Mosier and Holly Yan, The Dallas Morning News

Aug. 1–The Dallas County medical examiner’s office is investigating whether the death of a 6-year-old girl is related to the parasitic infection cryptosporidiosis.

Rosemary Stagaman of Richardson died Monday at Medical City Dallas Hospital.

The disease can be spread through contaminated water, including swimming pools. The girl’s father said that she did swim but that he did not know what led to her death.

Jacqueline M. Bell, a spokeswoman for Dallas County Health and Human Services, said she could not confirm whether the girl died from cryptosporidiosis.

But she said 41 cases of crypto-related illness have been reported in Dallas County since June.

“The normal rate is eight to 10 a month in the summer,” Ms. Bell said. “The summer is usually the peak time, with the increase in water activities.”

Meanwhile, the number of confirmed cases of cryptosporidiosis linked to Burger’s Lake in Fort Worth has grown to 67, Tarrant County Public Health officials said Thursday.

County officials said previously that they had received hundreds of calls from customers of the private swimming hole who had symptoms. Tarrant County had 14 reported cases of cryptosporidiosis before this outbreak started in June.

Countywide, there were six reported cases each in 2006 and 2007. Health officials said they couldn’t provide numbers from earlier years.

There have been no fatalities linked to this outbreak in Tarrant County.

University Park’s Curtis Park pool will close Monday as the city treats it to prevent cryptosporidiosis infections. City officials said there have been no cases of the disease in University Park.

Steve Mace, the city’s spokesman, said University Park already hyperchlorinates the pool weekly. But an even higher amount of chlorine will be used after the pool closes Sunday evening. Monday’s closure will allow the chlorine levels to return to normal

Two Dallas city spraygrounds were temporarily closed last week after at least one child tested positive for cryptosporidiosis and others became ill with similar symptoms, which include diarrhea, stomach aches, vomiting and dehydration.

Burger’s Lake reopened Sunday after the water was hyperchlorinated to kill the waterborne parasite.

Dallas officials said they would hyperchlorinate the water at all 28 of its swim and spray facilities weekly for the rest of the summer. Officials with the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, which hasn’t been linked to any of the infections, said they would hyperchlorinate their pools this week.

Also on Thursday, Hawaiian Falls Adventure Park in Garland was closed briefly after a reported case of cryptosporidiosis. All of the park’s pools and water features were treated with chlorine.

Frisco was scheduled to start super-chlorinating its municipal pools on Thursday evening. Pools will remain closed today.

The treatments are precautionary, city officials said, and Frisco has no confirmed cases of cryptosporidiosis. Frisco crews have been testing the pool water hourly and requiring babies to wear swim diapers.

Frisco’s Municipal Outdoor Pool and the indoor and outdoor pools at the Athletic Center will reopen Saturday when chemical levels return to safe ranges. The city’s two spray parks are not affected because they use noncirculating fresh water that drains directly off the spray pads. “The Zone” inside the city’s athletic center will close from 4 to 9 p.m. today to accommodate a birthday party originally planned for the center’s outdoor water park.

Cryptosporidium is resistant to chlorine at levels found in swimming pools. However the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that high levels of the chemical will kill the protozoa, which is one of the most common causes of waterborne disease.

Staff writers Ian McCann, Elizabeth Langton and Bruce Tomaso and WFAA-TV (Channel 8) contributed to this report.

AT A GLANCE: Cryptosporidiosis

This contagious diarrheal disease is caused by a microscopic parasite called Cryptosporidium that can live in the intestine of humans and animals and is passed in the stool of an infected person or animal.

— Cryptosporidium is chlorine-resistant and can live for days in chlorine-treated water.

— People generally get sick two to 10 days after becoming infected with the parasite.

— Symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps or pain, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, fever and weight loss.

— Illness usually lasts one to two weeks, but symptoms can come and go for as long as 30 days.

— People with cryptosporidiosis can contaminate recreational swimming areas for several weeks after symptoms have ended. Immersion in the water may be enough for contamination to occur.

— People with weakened immune systems may develop a serious, sometimes fatal illness and should seek medical care.

—–

To see more of The Dallas Morning News, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.dallasnews.com.

Copyright (c) 2008, The Dallas Morning News

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

By JENNIFER H. CUNNINGHAM, STAFF WRITER

CLIFTON Dr. Peter Castiglia, a general practitioner who cared for generations of North Jersey families, died last weekend.

The grandfather of 12 collapsed outside the bedroom of his Holster Avenue home Sunday morning, his son, V. James Castiglia, said. He was 87. The cause of death was unknown Wednesday, but his son said it may have been heart problems.

His children described him as a hard-working, family-oriented father who used to regale them with stories of his hardscrabble childhood during the Great Depression.

“He wasn’t just our dad,” said Dr. Castiglia’s daughter, Margaret Laurilliard, 53, of Randolph. “He belonged to a lot of people. We kind of shared him with the community.”

Sicilian heritage

The Passaic High School graduate was a throwback to a time when doctors made house calls, a consultation only cost $5 and a general practitioner was a jack of all trades. He never owned a cellphone and didn’t know how to use a computer.

“A general practitioner they kind of did everything,” Laurilliard said. “People didn’t go to specialists back then.”

Dr. Castiglia was born on December 18, 1920, to Sicilian immigrant parents. His mother, who spun cotton in Passaic’s mills, and his father, who owned a bakery, instilled in him the value of education.

They paid his way through Ohio University and through Case Western Reserve Medical School. Dr. Castiglia graduated from med school in 1945 and then served in the U.S. Army Air Forces, attaining the rank of captain.

Passaic General staff

After his military service, Dr. Castiglia returned to Clifton in 1949, and opened a private practice at 128 Valley Road.

There, he treated entire families, performed minor surgery, delivered babies and even counseled patients. His family lived just upstairs.

While working at his practice, Dr. Castiglia also was a staff physician for Passaic General Hospital, the predecessor of St. Mary’s Hospital.

He served as chief of the emergency room staff there and also was staff president in the 1980s.

Retired in 1990

Dr. Castiglia’s generosity was legendary. He sent medical supplies, equipment and medicine to his old med school buddy, Father Lou, a missionary in Pakistan.

He retired from medicine in 1990 at age 70, but not before he gave one last gift to a promising young doctor. Dr. Castiglia gave his Valley Road practice to Dr. M. Joseph Russo, who has operated it since 1991.

“He’s a generous, kind individual,” Russo said, “and honestly, I wouldn’t be where I am today if it hadn’t been for Dr. Castiglia. I owe him a great deal.”

Dr. Castiglia spent his retirement traveling the world until ill health forced him to stop about 10 years ago.

Looking back on his life, Dr. Castiglia’s children said he taught them responsibility, generosity, a strong work ethic and a love of education.

A last visit with son

Dr. Castiglia’s son Peter, 48, a banker from Needham, Mass., came to New Jersey to visit him the weekend he died, but had no idea that their time together would be their last.

They had dinner on Friday night, and he’d planned to get bagels for breakfast Sunday morning when he heard the news.

“I’m glad we came and saw him,” Peter said. “In a way, it was like fate.”

Dr. Castiglia’s funeral was Thursday. Memorial donations can be sent to Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44106.

(c) 2008 Record, The; Bergen County, N.J.. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.

LITTLE FALLS, N.J., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — CANTEL MEDICAL CORP. announced management changes at its Crosstex International, Inc. subsidiary, effective today. As planned, Richard Allen Orofino, President and a former owner of Crosstex, retired effective today after over 50 years with Crosstex, including 3 years following Cantel’s acquisition of the company. Gary Steinberg and Mitchell Steinberg, also former owners of Crosstex who have served as Executive Vice-Presidents of Crosstex, have been promoted and will now lead the company. Gary Steinberg has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Crosstex with full day-to-day responsibilities. Mitchell Steinberg has been appointed President and will focus primarily on the sales and marketing efforts. Mr. Orofino has agreed to serve in a consulting capacity following his retirement.

Andrew A. Krakauer, President of Cantel, said, “Richard has been a great leader for many years at Crosstex, and I would like to particularly thank him for his efforts over the last 3 years as Crosstex was integrated into the Cantel family of companies. His counsel and experience were key factors in the great success we have had with this acquisition. I have great confidence in Gary’s and Mitchell’s ability to continue to lead Crosstex. They have been partners with Richard for many years and greatly responsible for making Crosstex the leading healthcare disposables company that it is today.”

Cantel Medical Corp. is a leading provider of infection prevention and control products in the healthcare market. Our products include specialized medical device reprocessing systems for renal dialysis and endoscopy, dialysate concentrates and other dialysis supplies, disposable infection control products primarily for the dental industry, water purification equipment, sterilants, disinfectants and cleaners, hollow fiber membrane filtration and separation products for medical and non-medical applications, and specialty packaging for infectious and biological specimens. We also provide technical maintenance for our products and offer compliance training services for the transport of infectious and biological specimens.

   Contact:  Andrew A. Krakauer              Richard E. Moyer             President                       Cameron Associates, Inc.             Cantel Medical Corp.            [email protected]             Phone: (973) 890-7220           Phone: (212) 554-5466  

Cantel Medical Corp.

CONTACT: Andrew A. Krakauer, President, Cantel Medical Corp.,+1-973-890-7220, Richard E. Moyer, Cameron Associates, Inc.,[email protected], +1-212-554-5466

SANTA ANA, Calif., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Described by his mother Gina Reyes as an amazing, quiet kid, a homebody who spends his good days playing Nintendo Wii or watching DVDs, 17-year-old Isaiah Reyes never complains about his serious medical problems.

However, Gina does wonder how her then 16-year-old son, who was found perfectly healthy at his annual physical one week, could become severely ill and paralyzed the next. The Reyes received a devastating medical diagnosis for their only son who had complained of headache, fever and a nosebleed. After rushing him to a hospital emergency room, they learned Isaiah had a blood clot on his brain and leukemia. While in surgery for the clot, he suffered a stroke and, in an instant, lost his independence and mobility. He requires around-the-clock care.

As if that were not enough, Isaiah’s caretakers, an uncle and grandmother, were also diagnosed with cancer. Sadly, his uncle died in July. His grandmother continues to receive treatment. Cousins now provide Isaiah’s care while his parents work to keep the family afloat.

Despite months of intensive physical and occupational therapy, Isaiah’s muscles have atrophied. He is unable to use his left side. He has battled liver and kidney failure, and other complications resulting from the immune suppressing chemotherapy treatments. But he has rebounded since March, thanks to the caring doctors and other staff members at Children’s Hospital in Orange County, California.

Gina Reyes’ son has asked for a power wheelchair more than once, but with the family finances stretched, it was “something I wasn’t able to do on my own,” she said. To spare her son from disappointment and to encourage him to work harder, she told him he would not get one because she wanted him to walk instead. He didn’t complain.

Although Gina could not provide her son a power wheelchair, The SCOOTER Store in partnership with Angel Wings International was able to grant his request — ending Isaiah’s confinement to his room, boosting his spirits and increasing his mobility for the challenges ahead.

Angel Wings International helps families cover the daily basics for up to three months, allowing the family to regroup and refocus. Angels Wings cannot change the diagnosis, but can make it easier for the family to adjust to a new situation.

An excited Isaiah smiled broadly as he received the power wheelchair presented today by The SCOOTER Store as part of its Gift of Mobility program.

“It’s a sign of good things to come,” said Gina, whose son now awaits a match for a bone marrow transplant and is scheduled for more chemotherapy in the weeks ahead. Unfortunately, his marrow did not match anyone’s in his immediate family.

Doug Harrison, CEO and Founder of The SCOOTER Store, said, “Learning of Isaiah’s plight through Angels Wings International reaffirmed the reasons why my wife and I started the Gift of Mobility program six years ago. We are happy to provide Isaiah with a power wheelchair and hope it will enhance his outlook and be the lift his spirit needs.”

“Because Angels Wings International and The SCOOTER Store came together, Isaiah will be able to experience more freedom and independence,” said Colleen Hartsock, President and CEO of Angels Wings International. “This demonstrates that even in times of economic struggles, people can make a difference when they work together for others who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in need.”

Mr. Harrison and his wife, Susanna, started the Gift of Mobility program in December 2002 to help people such as Isaiah improve their quality of life by recovering their independence and mobility. Since then, the outreach program has worked with organizations around the world to donate power wheelchairs, scooters and manual wheelchairs valued at more than $200,000 a year to community service organizations, enabling them to provide freedom and independence to individuals with limited mobility.

About The SCOOTER Store

Since 1991, The SCOOTER Store (http://www.thescooterstore.com/) has helped provide freedom and independence to more than 350,000 people with limited mobility. The SCOOTER Store offers a full line of durable medical equipment, including power wheelchairs and scooters, lifts, ramps and accessories in 48 states, including 4 stores in California. The SCOOTER Store has worked with more than 100,000 physicians, providing expertise and quality service to their patients, and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care.

   For more information, contact:   Lynn Gonzales   Communications Manager   830-626-4064  

The SCOOTER Store

CONTACT: Lynn Gonzales, Communications Manager of The SCOOTER Store,+1-830-626-4064

Web Site: http://www.thescooterstore.com/

By Vindicator, Youngstown, Ohio

Aug. 1–HOSPITAL CEO TO RELOCATE: WARREN — Todd Hickey, interim chief executive officer of Forum Health Trumbull Memorial Hospital since March 8, will leave the job Aug. 15 to take on new responsibilities at a hospital in Greenville, S.C.

Hickey will be in a similar leadership role at Pitt Memorial Hospital, said Amber Wallace, vice president for marketing and physician relations at Trumbull Memorial.

Hickey notified the Forum Health leadership and board of directors of the move about a week ago, Wallace said.

Another interim CEO will be named at Trumbull Memorial as soon as today, she said.

FARMERS MARKET CONTINUES: HOWLAND — The Howland Township farmers market will continue from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Howland Township Gazebo on East Market Street near Howland High School. The market features vegetables, fruit, pies, bread and crafts.

MARIJUANA PLANTS SEIZED: YOUNGSTOWN — At least 10 suspected marijuana plants growing in the backyard of 2255 Kimmel St. on the East Side were seized by members of the Vice Squad, records show.

The resident’s 30-year-old boyfriend was taken to jail Wednesday night on a warrant issued in March 2006 for his failure to appear on a traffic charge in Mahoning County Area Court, Boardman.

YOUTH MARCH CANCELED: YOUNGSTOWN — Christian Revival and Discipleship Center, 3300 Hudson Ave., announced the cancellation of a youth march originally planned for Saturday along Fifth Avenue to a downtown site. No reason was given for the cancellation.

Kenneth W. Paramore, pastor, said questions about donations made for the march may be directed to the church office at (330) 788-7530 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. weekdays.

MAN SENTENCED FOR THEFT: MERCER, Pa. — A judge in Mercer County Common Pleas Court sentenced a Youngstown man to the State Correctional Facility here on theft charges.

Phillip Tunanidas, 57, of Republic Avenue, received a one- to three-year jail term earlier this week for stealing 10 DVDs worth $185 from Wal-Mart in Hermitage in October 2007. The offense is a felony because it is his third or subsequent crime, court officials said.

HUMANE SOCIETY GETS GIFT: CANFIELD — The Humane Society of Columbiana County has been notified that the Columbiana County Kennel Club will donate $1,000 to help defray costs of the Manchester terrier rescue conducted last week.

More than 120 terriers were taken in a comprehensive plan after authorities obtained a search warrant for a property near Lisbon.

The presentation will be made at 10 a.m. today at the Mahoning-Shenango Kennel Club Steel Valley Cluster Dog Show at the Canfield Fairgrounds that runs through Sunday.

HSCC President Jenny Pike and Columbiana County Humane Agent Brenda Austin will accept the donation.

—–

To see more of the Vindicator, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.vindy.com.

Copyright (c) 2008, Vindicator, Youngstown, Ohio

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

By Molly Miron, The Bemidji Pioneer, Minn.

Aug. 1–Richard Michael Green, 21, of Kelliher, pleaded guilty April 12 in Beltrami County District Court and received a 10-year stay of imposition of sentence Monday for serious felony fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct with a girl between the ages of 13 and 15 when he was 48 months or more older than the victim.

Judge John Melbye imposed a long list of conditions on Green’s stayed of imposition: Green must:

— Serve 90 days in jail, with credit for two days served and work release.

— Serve up to 10 years of supervised probation.

— Pay fines and costs of $408.

— Pay restitution of $3,401.92.

— Not consume illegal drugs.

— Undergo random testing.

— Undergo chemical dependency evaluation and follow recommendations.

— Submit a DNA sample.

— Maintain employment.

— Comply with polygraph testing.

— Register as a sex offender.

— Comply with rules of the Department of Corrections.

— Complete outpatient sex offender treatment.

— Have no contact with the victim or other minor girls.

— Not use or possess sexually explicit materials.

The judge granted a furlough for the sex offender treatment.

At 3:30 p.m. April 12, parents of a 14-year-old girl contacted the Beltrami County Sheriff”s Office with concerns that their daughter had been sexually active with Green. The parents provided law enforcement with information obtained from a cell phone, namely sexually explicit messages and images.

The girl confirmed that Green had been her boyfriend and he had had sexual contact with her.

—–

To see more of The Bemidji Pioneer, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.bemidjipioneer.com.

Copyright (c) 2008, The Bemidji Pioneer, Minn.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Longs Drug Stores Corporation announced today that it will open a new Longs Pharmacy in La Jolla, California.

At Noon on Saturday, August 2, Scott Peters, President of the City Council, will be on hand to welcome Longs Pharmacy at a ribbon cutting ceremony. Store Manager Kevin Kennedy, Pharmacy Manager Peter Wanningham and all of the associates at the new Longs Pharmacy at 5495 La Jolla Blvd invite the community to visit Longs’ second location in La Jolla in the community of Bird Rock. Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, there will be festivities including games, prizes, free samples and a special grand opening sale.

The store is approximately 8,000 square-feet and offers services in pharmacy, wellness, beauty and convenience. The Longs Pharmacy is designed to increase the interaction between pharmacists and customers and the wellness area includes broad assortments of vitamins, supplements, and health foods.

The beauty department is designed to encourage customers to spend time browsing, testing and touching the skin care and cosmetic product offering.

The convenience food area, which includes dry cereal, snacks, meal solutions, dairy and frozen foods, is designed for quick fill-in trips between grocery store visits. The new Longs Pharmacy also features digital photo processing capabilities and expert services.

An important feature of this location is 32 spaces of underground parking available to provide more convenience for Longs’ customers.

   The hours of operation for the new Longs Pharmacy in La Jolla are:      Store Hours:     7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Sunday      Pharmacy Hours:  9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday                      9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday                      10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday     About Longs Drug Stores Corporation  

Headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, Longs Drug Stores Corporation is one of the most recognized retail drug store chains on the West Coast and in Hawaii. The Company operates more than 500 retail pharmacies and offers a wide assortment of merchandise focusing on health, wellness, beauty and convenience. Longs also provides pharmacy benefit management services and Medicare beneficiary prescription drug plans through its wholly-owned subsidiary, RxAmerica, LLC. Additional information about Longs and its services is available at http://www.longs.com/ and more information about RxAmerica is available at http://www.rxamerica.com/.

Contact: Mark L. Holz

925-979-3979

Longs Drug Stores Corporation

CONTACT: Mark L. Holz of Longs Drug Stores Corporation, +1-925-979-3979

Web site: http://www.longs.com/

By Mary Jo Balasco

The descendants of James Gallant, an American Revolutionary War patriot, will have a DAR grave marking and dedication ceremony in his honor at 10 a.m. today at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 2123 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill.

Gallant provided meat for the troops. A reception will follow. The event is open to the public and sponsored by the Catawba chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Elizabeth Gordon Bradley Chapter NSDAR and Sarah Polk Chapter NSDAR.

For details, call Mrs. William A. Mannheim at 366-7041.

Community theater needs one more actor

The Rock Hill Community Theatre is seeking a male African- American or dark-complexioned actor, age 20 to 30, for its Down Home Play Festival. For details, call Russell Luke at 328-8773 or 323- 3840.

Scholarships offered by Rock Hill NAACP

The Rock Hill chapter of the NAACP is offering two Dr. James H. Goudlock scholarships for high school seniors who will be attending college in the fall. Applications are available at the NAACP office at the Freedom Center, 215 E. Main St., Rock Hill. Deadline is today. For details, call 366-2184.

Marriage seminar offered by York church

Filbert Presbyterian Church, 2066 Filbert Highway, York, will host the Paul Tripp seminar, Marriage: There Really Is A Better Way, from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Oct. 4.

Lunch and a nursery will be provided. Cost is $25 per person or $50 per couple if registered by today. Registration is $30 per person or $60 per couple from Aug. 1 through Sept. 4. Scholarships are available. To register, visit www.filbertmarriageconference.org or call Dave Hall at 684-6881.

National Night Out celebrated in Regent Park

Mulberry Village neighbors in Regent Park will celebrate America’s 25th National Night Out with a Neighborly Block Party at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 5. in the neighborhood. All Mulberry Village neighbors are invited. Chicken and hamburgers will be available for purchase. Proceeds will benefit the S.C. March of Dimes. Reservations are due by Friday by calling Donn or Kristin Sinclair at 547-0205 or e-mail them at [email protected]. Event activities will include a hopscotch jump-off, badminton challenge, beach ball toss-off and more.

National Night Out is a community building campaign celebrated across America with neighborhood festivals, parades, block parties, cookouts and other events.

Crochet guild meeting at Fort Mill library

The Carolinas Chain Gang, a Chapter of the Crochet Guild of America will meet from 10 a.m. until noon Saturday on the second floor of the Fort Mill Public Library, 1818 2nd Baxter Crossing, Fort Mill. Demonstrated will be Solomon’s Knot, also known as Lover’s Knot, an extremely versatile chochet stitch, with the finished effect belying the simplicity of the stitch. Prior crochet experience is helpful but not needed. For details, call Treva McCain at (704) 219-6322 or e-mail her at [email protected].

Reunion news

The Emmett Scott Class of 1958 will meet at 4 p.m. Saturday at Ryan’s Family Steakhouse, 2367 Dave Lyle Blvd., Rock Hill. All members are asked to attend to help plan for the 50th anniversary celebration. For details, call Rosetta Smith 329-1836 or Louise Robinson at 324-4933.

The Durham/Joseph family reunion committee will have a fish dinner and hot dog sale at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Veterans of Foreign Wars post on Crawford Road, Rock Hill. For details, call Brenda Durham at 328-1362 or Martha Douglas (803) 554-7208.

Clover preschool program accepting enrollment

First United Methodist Church preschool, 124 Bethel St., Clover, is now enrolling children who will be age 3 or 4 before Sept. 1 for the 2008-2009 school term.

A few four-day spots are available, which are from 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday. The preschool program focuses on kindergarten readiness skills for the Clover school district. Music, art and Spanish and the Christian curriculum Godly Play are included in classroom activities.

Enrollment is also being taken for the August summer camp program. For details, call director Kathy Hall at (803) 222-3496, Ext. 13, or e-mail her at [email protected].

Support group to meet

Mending the Broken Hearts, a support group for men and women, will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Eat Well, 1919 Cherry Road, Rock Hill.

Participants can learn to heal through establishing a relationship with God. For details, call Mary 327-5664. The group plans to meet in the same location every Saturday.

communitynews@

heraldonline.com

Deadline for Tuesday and Thursday columns is 5 p.m. two business days before publication. Deadline for Sunday is 5 p.m. Wednesday.

(c) 2008 Herald; Rock Hill, S.C.. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.

By Jim Patten, The Eagle-Tribune, North Andover, Mass.

Aug. 1–LAWRENCE — A woman went inside a Common Street bakery and left her purse in her sport utility vehicle. She returned to find it had been stolen.

The 38-year-old woman, a Lowell resident, told Officer Don Beveridge she went into the bakery about 8 a.m., after parking her Ford Explorer in front of the business.

She told Beveridge her brown purse contained her Massachusetts driver’s license, a Sovereign Bank card and checkbook, a Discover card, and credit cards from Macy’s, Sears and Best Buy.

The purse also contained a check for $900, police said.

The theft was reported at 8:16 a.m. yesterday.

Home electronics taken in break

LAWRENCE — Thieves broke into a Sargent Street apartment and carried off several home electronic items, perfume and sneakers, police said.

The tenant told Officer Jaime Adames she had left the apartment about 3 p.m. Wednesday and discovered the break when she returned at 5:50 p.m.

Taken were a flat-screen television, an iPod personal stereo, cell phone, laptop computer, assorted perfumes and a pair of sneakers.

The case was forwarded to the detective division for investigation.

The break was reported at 5:50 p.m. Wednesday, police said.

The following were taken from area police logs for Wednesday:

Methuen

Noise complaint: Annette Street, fireworks in the area, 2:29 a.m.

Theft: 5 Jefferson Road, property taken, 6:17 a.m.

Theft: 15 Howe Terrace, car taken, 8:59 a.m.

Break: 248A Hampstead St., shed broken into, 2:03 p.m.

Theft: 3 Blake St., bicycle taken, 3:58 p.m.

Theft: 983 Riverside Drive, car taken, 4:15 p.m.

North Andover

Noise complaint: 435 Andover St., loud music, 2:21 a.m.

Car crash: Turnpike and Willow streets, two cars, under investigation, 5:58 a.m.

Vandalism: 522 Pleasant St., property damaged, 9:30 a.m.

Andover

Theft: Windsor Street, car taken, 12:12 p.m.

Suspicious activity: Shawsheen Road, report of people looking at the girls soccer team, officer reports it is a father teaching his daughter how to drive, 1:34 p.m.

Car crash: Main Street, two cars, no injuries, 2:05 p.m.

Car crash: Argilla Road, two cars, no injuries, 3:34 p.m.

Arrest: A 15-year-old Andover boy, assault and battery on a household member, Memorial Circle, 4:30 p.m.

Lawrence

Break: 54 Newbury St., car broken into, 12:56 a.m.

Break: 135 Bowdoin St., car broken into, 2:55 a.m.

Theft: 138 Newton St., car stolen, 5:43 a.m.

Vandalism: 99 Myrtle St., property damaged, 9:15 a.m.

Vandalism: 34 Bromfield St., property damaged, 9:24 a.m.

Vandalism: 188 Water St., property damaged, 9:57 a.m.

Car crash: Embankment Road and Water Street, no injuries, 10:07 a.m.

Arrest: Stephen Estes, 36, 19 Winter St., trespassing, Lowell Street, 11:30 a.m.

Vandalism: 9 Custer St., property damaged, 12:33 p.m.

Theft: 40 Lawrence St., property taken, 12:46 p.m.

Arrest: Luis Dejesus, 28, 155 West St., driving after revocation of his license, noise disturbance from a motor vehicle, 75 Newbury St., 3:10 p.m.

Theft: 165 Crawford St., property taken, 4:12 p.m.

Arrest: Emely Morales, 23, 7 Monmouth St., larceny over $250, 97 Park St., 6:04 p.m.

Vandalism: 9 Woodland Court, property damaged, 9:01 p.m.

Break: 21 Coolidge St., building broken into, 10:23 p.m.

Car crash: Summer and Union streets, under investigation, 10:35 p.m.

Arrest: Eliezer Cruz, 19, 11 Summer St., assault and battery on a household member, assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, 11 Summer St., 10:10 p.m.

—–

To see more of The Eagle-Tribune or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.eagletribune.com/.

Copyright (c) 2008, The Eagle-Tribune, North Andover, Mass.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

NYSE:FD, NASDAQ-NMS:SHLD, NYSE:BBY,

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ — ARCA biopharma, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company developing genetically-targeted therapies for heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases, announced today that it has appointed James Carr, PharmD, as vice president of marketing. In this newly created position, Mr. Carr will define and execute marketing programs to support the company’s lead product candidate, Gencaro(TM) (bucindolol hydrochloride), a pharmacologically unique beta-blocker and mild vasodilator in late-stage development for heart failure.

“Jim brings senior pharmaceutical industry experience and a deep knowledge of the heart failure market, which will be of significant value to ARCA as the company prepares to commercialize the first personalized cardiovascular medicine,” said Richard B. Brewer, president and chief executive officer of ARCA. “We are pleased to be able to attract talented professionals to help us accelerate the company’s growth and success, and welcome Jim to the ARCA team.”

Mr. Carr joins ARCA from Anesiva, Inc., where he served as vice president of marketing for pain management products since 2004. In this role, he was responsible for leading the development and launch teams for Zingo(TM), a rapid acting topical anesthetic. Prior to Anesiva, Mr. Carr was with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for eight years, where he led the launch for the post-myocardial infarction indication for Coreg(R) (carvedilol), a leading treatment for heart failure. During his tenure at GSK, Carr held management positions in professional relations, managed care marketing, medical education, advisory boards, publications, and lifecycle management.

Prior to joining the pharmaceutical industry, Mr. Carr was a researcher at the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy. He earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Minnesota and conducted post-graduate work in the area of polymorphic drug metabolism of beta-blockers, also at the University of Minnesota.

About ARCA biopharma

ARCA biopharma, Inc. is a privately held company focused on developing and commercializing genetically targeted therapies for heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. The Company’s lead product, Gencaro(TM) (bucindolol hydrochloride), is a pharmacologically unique beta-blocker and mild vasodilator being developed for heart failure and other indications. ARCA has identified common genetic variations that predict individual patient response to Gencaro. The company plans to file a New Drug Application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during the summer of 2008 for approval of Gencaro for the treatment of heart failure. The companion genetic test for Gencaro is in development by ARCA’s partner, Laboratory Corporation of America. If approved, Gencaro could become the first genetically personalized cardiovascular therapy. For more information please visit http://www.arcabiopharma.com/.

ARCA biopharma, Inc.

CONTACT: Rebekah Brooks of Invigorate, +1-312-284-4707, cell,+1-312-286-7134, [email protected], for ARCA biopharma, Inc.

Web site: http://www.arcabiopharma.com/

Product: ALCiS pain relief cream, $20 for a two-ounce tube at drugstores.

Key ingredients: Ten percent trolamine salicylate, a topical analgesic.

The pitch: Soothes muscle and joint pain associated with overexertion, arthritis, backache, sprains, strains and bruises.

How it works: Claims tiny bubbles called liposomes encapsulate the active ingredient and deliver it directly below the skin.

Pros: Triathlete magazine reported testers experienced mild to moderate relief after using ALCiS daily.

Cons: A study in a 1982 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association found that topically applied 10 percent trolamine salicylate cream did not relieve the pain of osteoarthritis of the knee any more than did a placebo. People who have had an allergic reaction to aspirin, trolamine or salicylate, or who take a prescription blood thinner, should not use this.

Bottom Line: Less expensive alternatives, such as Aspercreme, have the same active ingredient.

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(c) 2008, The Miami Herald.

Visit The Miami Herald Web edition on the World Wide Web at http://www.herald.com/

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

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PHOTO (from MCT Photo Service, 202-383-6099): medwatch For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. 1061245

By Suzanne Moore, The Press-Republican, Plattsburgh, N.Y.

Aug. 1–PLATTSBURGH — The Rev. Timothy Canaan returns as pastor of St. John’s Catholic Church here later this month, serving Blessed John XXIII College Community Center as well.

He will fill the shoes of the Rev. Patrick Mundy, who requested permission from the Most Rev. Robert J. Cunningham, bishop of the Diocese of Ogdensburg, to join the contemplative community of the Monastery of Mount Saviour near Elmira.

There, monks live a simple, monastic life according to the Scriptures and the Rule of St. Benedict, according to the monastery’s Web site.

“We are committed to honor and glorify God through the harmonious balance of prayer, study work and hospitality,” it says.

Mundy left Plattsburgh Sunday following a heartfelt farewell reception by his parishioners, so he wasn’t able to comment for this story.

But monastic life, said Msgr. John Murphy, vicar for pastoral services for the Catholic diocese, “is a very ancient tradition of the Roman Catholic Church.”

TOO FEW PRIESTS

The bishop’s announcement of the changes did not include a replacement in Plattsburgh for the Rev. Kevin McEwan, who serves as parochial vicar at both St. John’s and John XXIII, commonly called by its former name, the Newman Center.

“Unfortunately, today there’s not another priest to send to that assignment,” Murphy said.

Until 2005, St. John’s and the Newman Center were each assigned a pastor; the parishes were eventually linked as part of a diocese-wide reconfiguration driven by a shortage of priests.

St. John’s serves 680 families, according to the diocesan Web site, while the Newman Center has a census of 150 families along with Plattsburgh State students, year to year.

While Murphy said the appointment of a pastoral vicar to assist Canaan with the two parishes might be a future possibility, he didn’t appear hopeful.

“The number of priests we have available makes it very challenging,” he said.

In 2003, there were 92 active priests in the diocese, along with nine associated with other institutions such as Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.

“The Sacred Heart priests in Watertown do cover parishes,” said the Rev. Jay Seymour, diocesan vicar for clergy. “They are very helpful to us.

Retired in 2003 were 40 priests, many of whom remained or continue to be active, saying Masses and filling in for pastors on vacation or ill, Seymour said.

“The retired priests have been a tremendous asset,” Seymour said.

Parishes totaled 119 in 2003, with 20 missions under the care of various parishes and 16 oratories, where Mass is said only on occasion.

Over five years, those numbers have shifted to 109 parishes, 13 missions and 24 oratories. The change came about according to a five-year plan created by the diocese to deal with the shortage of priests.

Some missions became oratories, said Seymour, “simply because they can’t be adequately covered. It’s just not practical now.”

The diocese now has 80 active priests, four from other institutions and 42 who are retired.

MASS TIMES TO CHANGE

Canaan, said Murphy, will serve St. John’s and Newman Center well.

“He’s energetic and enthusiastic,” he said. “The people will enjoy him.”

And the Rev. Normand Cote, priest in residence at St. John’s, who retired a few years ago from St. Joseph’s in Coopersville, will continue helping out with Masses at both churches.

Canaan comes Aug. 13, his arrival signaling another change for the two congregations.

No longer will 5 p.m. Mass be offered on Sunday at St. John’s. The Sunday morning service at 7:30 will remain the same, but the 10 a.m. Mass will change to 9:30.

Newman Center’s Sunday Mass will go from 10 to 11 a.m., and the 5 p.m. service offered when college is in session will no longer take place.

Sunday there will be a farewell reception at the Newman Center for McEwan immediately after the 10:30 a.m. Mass.

E-mail Suzanne Moore at:

[email protected]

SOME NEW MASS TIMES

St. John’s: 12:05 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. 4:30 p.m. Saturday. 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

Newman Center: 4:30 p.m. Monday and Friday. No Saturday Mass. 11 a.m. Sunday. 5 p.m. Mass during college sessions will not be reinstated.

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To see more of The Press-Republican or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.pressrepublican.com/.

Copyright (c) 2008, The Press-Republican, Plattsburgh, N.Y.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

By JOYCE BERTSCHY

ORO VALLEY CLUB LIKE ‘PERSONAL ASSISTANCE WITHOUT PAYING FOR A PERSONAL TRAINER’

Keri Ruffell wants to help Oro Valley residents exercise the right to a healthier life.

With this in mind, Ruffell and her husband, Geoff, opened a fitness club on July 11. 1-2-3 Fit is in a strip mall on North La Canada Drive near West Lambert Lane on the southeast corner.

Ruffell left her job of five years as director of business development for Strategic Health Care Programs. The long hours and frequent business trips were stressful.

“I wanted to be home and serve the community I live in,” said Keri, 35. Geoff, 36, works full-time for Marcon Excavating and Construction.

Keri Ruffell was inspired to move in a different direction after her experience as a technology consultant with hospice patients. She discovered a passion to help people before chronic disease took their lives.

“I wanted to be on the front end of the aging cycle. If I can help people postpone the onset of symptoms from chronic diseases or improve their health if they start to decline, then I know I’m fulfilling a purpose,” Ruffell said.

Armed with dual master’s degrees, in business administration with an emphasis in business marketing and health-care management, and a mixed bag of financing, Ruffell looked into several exercise franchises.

“I wanted a franchise that was young enough that I would have a voice, but established enough so that all the kinks were worked out,” she said.

Nancy May, 65, had a triple bypass in 1997 and has been exercising for the past 18 months in a closely monitored exercise program at a cardiac-rehabilitation adult-fitness center.

She saw a flier at the grocery store and lives a short walk from the club. “I hope to be able to exercise more frequently and to strengthen my heart,” said May.

“This was the right fit for me because I’m a cardiac patient,” she said. “They offer the service of taking your vital signs during your workout, and that’s important to me.”

Ruffell describes the club’s workout as a “personalized 20- station circuit that combines cardio equipment and strength training using resistant-band technology.”

John Vail joined after he met Ruffell at a business networking meeting.

“I’ve never ever joined a gym,” he said. “I just don’t like the environment.”

Vail, 57, recently lost 50 pounds. He said he has gone from obese to overweight and is headed toward the normal weight range.

“When she (Ruffell) described to me about the 30 seconds at each station three times for 30 minutes, this appealed to me because you can’t get bored in 30 seconds,” he said. Vail also likes getting “personal assistance without paying for a personal trainer.”

Members can take advantage of other services such as nutritional guidance and specialized personal training for additional fees. “People want to look better naked, and I can do that,” said Ruffell. “But I want to help them be healthier.”

A grand opening is scheduled for 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, complete with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Take a tour, meet the coaches, listen to entertainer Joe Bourne, have refreshments and enter a raffle to win a prize.

Quick fit

* What: 1-2-3 Fit

* Where: 10370 N. La Canada Drive, Suite 170

* Phone: 575-9800

* Hours: 5 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.

* Prices: Memberships start at $35 a month.

* Contact news assistant Joyce Bertschy at 573-4201 or [email protected].

Originally published by JOYCE BERTSCHY, ARIZONA DAILY STAR.

(c) 2008 Arizona Daily Star. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.

By Paul Harasim

By PAUL HARASIM

REVIEW-JOURNAL

A recent stroke suffered by Dr. Dipak Desai, 58, has forced the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners to postpone a September disciplinary hearing for the physician, whose clinics are linked to a hepatitis outbreak in Las Vegas.

Medical records shared with a board physician by Desai’s attorneys, according to Tony Clark, the board’s executive director, “indicate an inability to participate in a defense for himself at this time.”

Clark said the board physician, Dr. Jerry Calvanese, who was not made available to the media, told him that “there are some items, like a watch, that he (Desai) can’t name.”

The stroke occurred within the past two weeks in California, Clark said.

“He was in intensive care for less than a week at UCLA Medical Center, and then his family brought him home,” Clark said.

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel bringing oxygen and blood to the brain ruptures or gets blocked so brain cells don’t get the flow of blood they need.

How a stroke patient is affected depends on where the stroke occurs in the brain and how severely the brain is damaged, according to Dr. Dale Carrison, head of emergency medicine at University Medical Center.

Carrison said that when brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain are lost.

Those abilities can include speech, movement and memory.

Because he hasn’t worked with the patient or seen the MRI brain imaging exam that Calvanese studied, Carrison said it’s impossible to know whether the symptoms described by the board physician are evidence of a speech or memory problem.

Rehabilitation often makes it possible for someone who has had a stroke to overcome the difficulties now associated with Desai, Carrison said.

But he said it also is possible that a stroke victim “might not ever get over it.”

Without seeing the patient, he said, it’s impossible to know how long rehabilitation might take.

Clark said a status check will be held on Desai’s case in late September.

“At that time, the board may ask him to submit to an exam by one of our physicians so we can determine the extent of his problem” Clark said.

This was Desai’s second stroke. Associates of Desai say that his first, suffered last year on a trip to India, was minor and left him with no residual effects.

However, that first stroke delayed another legal action against Desai’s clinic and one of the physicians on his staff, Dr. Clifford Carrol.

Patient Keven Rexford had filed a malpractice lawsuit, alleging that a frenetic pace of procedures at Desai’s Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada led Carrol to miss a tumor growing in his colon during a colonoscopy in January 2005.

Health officials sent out warnings to tens of thousands of patients after they announced in February that unsafe injection practices had been linked to an initial cluster of six hepatitis C cases at the Endoscopy Center’s 700 Shadow Lane facility.

Legal documents in Rexford’s case show that a November 2007 deposition was canceled after a stroke Desai suffered the previous month.

Desai’s attorney, Cheryl Horner, informed Rexford’s attorney, Daniel Carvalho, in January that Desai could testify for only 60 minutes because of what the stress would do to him.

In a motion to compel Desai to testify in February, Carvalho noted that the clinic’s chief operating officer, Tonya Rushing, testified in her January deposition that Desai had been performing endoscopic surgical procedures at his clinic since his stroke.

“It is difficult to comprehend that he (Desai) can perform multiple endoscopic surgical procedures upon patients under anesthesia with the risk of death, perforation and other complications, but cannot answer questions for longer than a self- imposed 60 minute time limit,” Carvalho wrote in his motion.

Under oath during his February deposition, Desai also noted that he had been performing surgical procedures since his stroke.

Rexford’s case was settled in April. Terms were not disclosed.

“It was a strange case,” Carvalho said.

Contact reporter Paul Harasim at [email protected] or 702-387-2908.

(c) 2008 Las Vegas Review – Journal. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.

By Jerry Siebenmark, The Wichita Eagle, Kan.

Aug. 1–Via Christi Wichita Health Network has a new president and chief executive: Michalene Maringer.

Maringer will be the first woman to permanently lead the health network, which includes the St. Francis and St. Joseph hospital campuses, rehabilitation center Our Lady of Lourdes and behavioral health center Good Shepherd. She will start at Via Christi in early September.

“I’m very excited,” Maringer said Thursday from her office at St. Anthony’s Medical Center in St. Louis. “Via Christi has a national reputation for excellence in patient care and its commitment to Catholic health care.

“That’s what attracted me.”

Maringer has been at St. Anthony’s since 2004, where she works as executive vice president and chief hospital officer.

At Via Christi, she replaces Larry Schumacher, who in November joined Hospital Sisters Health System in Illinois as chief operating officer.

Laurie Labarca, who was serving as interim chief executive, will return to her previous position as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Via Christi Health Network.

Via Christi Health System chief executive Kevin Conlin, whom Maringer will report to, was not available for comment Thursday. Conlin said in a news release that Maringer has significant experience leading complex health care organizations.

Before joining St. Anthony’s, she was assistant administrator and chief nursing officer at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Ill.

She also has served as associate vice president and chief operating officer for Loyola University Medical Center in suburban Chicago and vice president for operations at the Medical Center of Wake Forest University/the Bowman Gray School of Medicine in North Carolina.

“Via Christi’s spectrum of health care settings is familiar to me in my 30-year career,” Maringer said.

Like Schumacher, Maringer got her start in health care as a nurse.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree from the Rush College of Nursing. She also was a Wharton Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania.

Maringer’s new job at Via Christi means the return to an environment she says she thrives in: working in a teaching hospital.

“St. Anthony’s is not a teaching hospital,” she said. “I miss that.

“That’s where I think I do my best work, and I can really make a difference and really contribute.”

Reach Jerry Siebenmark at 316-268-6576 or [email protected].

—–

To see more of The Wichita Eagle, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.kansas.com.

Copyright (c) 2008, The Wichita Eagle, Kan.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

By Benning W. De La Mater, The Berkshire Eagle, Pittsfield, Mass.

Aug. 1–SANDISFIELD — State police are investigating an elaborate marijuana-growing operation that was being run inside a country farmhouse on Route 57.

It was discovered Monday when members of the Sandisfield fire department responded to a fire at 243 Sandisfield Road. No one was home at the time of the blaze, but firefighters found marijuana growing in several rooms. Police were called.

More than 300 marijuana plants were being grown using a sophisticated set-up that optimizes yield, said Detective Lt. Joseph P. McDyer, head of the state’s local narcotic unit and the Berkshire County Drug Task Force.

“This house had all stages of growing: adult plants, seedlings, everything,” he said. “Multiple rooms were being used. It was a decent-sized grow.”

High-powered lights, like high pressure sodium and metal halide lamps, were used to fuel the plants’ growth, and it is believed that one of them sparked the fire.

No one has been arrested yet, but a criminal investigation is continuing. McDyer said there is a discrepancy in who owns the house.

According to documents filed with the state Registry of Deeds, ownership of the home was transferred on June 28, 2007, with Francis and Frank Dwyer selling it to Jose A. Dos Santos for $175,000.

The discovery of the pot plants has been the talk of the town since it happened, but it’s not the first high-tech marijuana operation discovered in Sandisfield.

The DEA seized more than 5,500 marijuana plants from Marcel Rosenzweig’s residence and barn on Clark Road in August 1995.

Rosenzweig, who died before he could be prosecuted, and 11 others were running what the officials called the largest and longest-running indoor marijuana-growing operation in New England history.

McDyer said this week’s findings could lead to both state and federal charges.

“We expect a resolution soon,” he said. “There will be arrests.”

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To see more of The Berkshire Eagle or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.berkshireeagle.com.

Copyright (c) 2008, The Berkshire Eagle, Pittsfield, Mass.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

By Jeff Mosier and Holly Yan, The Dallas Morning News

Aug. 1–The Dallas County medical examiner’s office is investigating whether the death of a 6-year-old girl is related to the parasitic infection cryptosporidiosis.

Rosemary Stagaman of Richardson died Monday at Medical City Dallas Hospital.

The disease can be spread through contaminated water, including swimming pools. The girl’s father said that she did swim but that he did not know what led to her death.

Jacqueline M. Bell, a spokeswoman for Dallas County Health and Human Services, said she could not confirm whether the girl died from cryptosporidiosis.

But she said 41 cases of crypto-related illness have been reported in Dallas County since June.

“The normal rate is eight to 10 a month in the summer,” Ms. Bell said. “The summer is usually the peak time, with the increase in water activities.”

Meanwhile, the number of confirmed cases of cryptosporidiosis linked to Burger’s Lake in Fort Worth has grown to 67, Tarrant County Public Health officials said Thursday.

County officials said previously that they had received hundreds of calls from customers of the private swimming hole who had symptoms. Tarrant County had 14 reported cases of cryptosporidiosis before this outbreak started in June.

Countywide, there were six reported cases each in 2006 and 2007. Health officials said they couldn’t provide numbers from earlier years.

There have been no fatalities linked to this outbreak in Tarrant County.

Two Dallas city spraygrounds were temporarily closed last week after at least one child tested positive for cryptosporidiosis and others became ill with similar symptoms, which include diarrhea, stomach aches, vomiting and dehydration.

Burger’s Lake reopened Sunday after the water was hyperchlorinated to kill the waterborne parasite.

Dallas officials said they would hyperchlorinate the water at all 28 of its swim and spray facilities weekly for the rest of the summer. Officials with the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, which hasn’t been linked to any of the infections, said they would hyperchlorinate their pools this week.

Also on Thursday, Hawaiian Falls Adventure Park in Garland was closed briefly after a reported case of cryptosporidiosis. All of the park’s pools and water features were treated with chlorine.

Frisco was scheduled to start super-chlorinating its municipal pools on Thursday evening. Pools will remain closed today.

The treatments are precautionary, city officials said, and Frisco has no confirmed cases of cryptosporidiosis. Frisco crews have been testing the pool water hourly and requiring babies to wear swim diapers.

Frisco’s Municipal Outdoor Pool and the indoor and outdoor pools at the Athletic Center will reopen Saturday when chemical levels return to safe ranges. The city’s two spray parks are not affected because they use noncirculating fresh water that drains directly off the spray pads. “The Zone” inside the city’s athletic center will close from 4 to 9 p.m. today to accommodate a birthday party originally planned for the center’s outdoor water park.

Cryptosporidium is resistant to chlorine at levels found in swimming pools. However the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that high levels of the chemical will kill the protozoa, which is one of the most common causes of waterborne disease.

Staff writers Elizabeth Langton and Bruce Tomaso and WFAA-TV (Channel 8) contributed to this report.

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To see more of The Dallas Morning News, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.dallasnews.com.

Copyright (c) 2008, The Dallas Morning News

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

By Denise Neil, The Wichita Eagle, Kan.

Aug. 1–It has a reputation for being one of Wichita’s most dangerous intersections — a magnet for aggressive drivers and those prone to fender bending.

But 21st and Woodlawn might also be one of Wichita’s most delicious intersections, a magnet for those who love authentic ethnic food.

Over the past several years, the corner has become home to a number of locally owned eateries specializing in exotic fare.

Two Indian places. A Thai restaurant. A Cajun Shak. A branch of a popular local Mexican chain.

Following is a look at some of the restaurants you might sample the next time you buckle up and carefully navigate your way to 21st and Woodlawn.

Deshi Curry, 6249 E. 21st St., 316-651-5933. This small restaurant, owned by Zannatul Karim, opened about four years ago and specializes in food from all over the Indian subcontinent, including Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Among the specialties, said Karim, is a rice and meat dish called bariani and some spicier, more exotic dishes like grilled chicken tikka and mutton korma, a curry dish made with goat meat.

It’s open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Da Cajun Shak, 6249 E. 21st St., 316-260-1486. A few doors down from Deshi Curry is Da Cajun Shak, owned and run by a family of Louisiana transplants.

The whimsically decorated dining room offers a Zydeco soundtrack and a menu full of Cajun favorites such as etouffee, gumbo, jambalaya, fried okra and alligator bites.

It’s open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Siam Cuisine, 6249 E. 21st St., 316-652-0033.

Tucked around the corner in the same strip mall that houses Deshi Curry and Da Cajun Shak is Siam Cuisine, which specializes in Thai food.

Among the restaurant’s specialties are pad Thai — a popular noodle dish that is a good entry into Thai cuisine — and several curry dishes.

It’s open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily but closes at 3 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Passage to India, 6140 E. 21st St., 316-691-8300. On the north side of 21st Street, Passage to India is in a strip mall that also includes the Loony Bin Comedy Club.

The restaurant, filled with wonderful aromas, serves a delicious lunch buffet stocked with creations featuring curries, lentils, chicken, beef and all the naan you can eat. The evening menu features an equally impressive array of everything from curry to tandoori chicken.

It’s open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 5 to 9:30 p.m. daily except Mondays, when the restaurant is closed.

Felipe’s, 2241 N. Woodlawn, 316-652-0027. This Mexican restaurant has several locations around town, one of which sits in a new building on north Woodlawn.

Diners can choose from Mexican favorites such as enchiladas and tacos as well as a selection of massively huge burritos.

It’s open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays; and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays. It’s closed Mondays.

—–

To see more of The Wichita Eagle, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.kansas.com.

Copyright (c) 2008, The Wichita Eagle, Kan.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

By Kristin Molstre

A group of young professionals want their neighbors in Mt. Lebanon to put on their dancing shoes for a good cause this weekend.

Experience LEBO — Lifestyles Enriched by Opportunity — will shut down part of Washington Road to stage its second annual ULTRAparty from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday.

Organizers hope to showcase the local business district.

“There were a few of us who thought there was a need to make sure that people understood that Mt. Lebanon was a fun, friendly community to live, work and play,” said Dorene Ciletti, an Experience LEBO board member. “A lot of social activities, great restaurants and shops, a reason for people to be here.”

All proceeds from the event support The Autism Center of Pittsburgh, which offers speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychological evaluations and parent support.

“It’s partying for a good cause,” Ciletti said.

With the help of $22,000 raised by ULTRAparty last year, The Autism Center opened a new office in January on Washington Road. According to Cindy Waeltermann, founder and director of the center, it has served about 450 families in the past year, diagnosing about six new cases of autism a week.

“I have to say that of all the places that we have offices, the South Hills office is my favorite because the community has been so accepting and the people there are so wonderful,” Waeltermann said.

The Autism Center will use the money donated from this weekend’s party to cover operational expenses and provide activities and support for parents of newly diagnosed children.

“Without the ULTRAparty, I’m not sure we would make it through the year,” said Waeltermann. “It’s very tough to get grants in this economic climate.”

Mt. Lebanon officials agreed to close Washington Road to vehicles between Cedar and Castle Shannon boulevards. Uptown garages and lots will be available for parking.

Registration tables will be set up on each end of Washington Road to check ID’s and sell wristbands, which are required to purchase alcohol. There is a suggested admission donation to The Autism Center of $5.

Many local businesses and restaurants are offering specials and extending hours to encourage attendance. Food and drink vendors will be available on both sides of street.

The ’80s cover band Velveeta will return as the entertainment for the evening.

(c) 2008 Tribune-Review/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.

By Kristin M. Kraemer, Tri-City Herald, Kennewick, Wash.

Jul. 31–The sentencing for a chiropractor convicted of having inappropriate relations with a preteen girl has been delayed two weeks.

Jeffery A. Sullivan, 46, faces a two-month jail term when he returns to Benton County Superior Court on Aug. 13.

The West Richland man admitted in May to a reduced charge of communicating with a minor for immoral purposes.

The charge was amended from second-degree rape of a child because Sullivan doesn’t have a criminal history. The victim also was not cooperating with the case, according to prosecutors.

The case stems from two November incidents in which Sullivan admitted to having “inappropriate sexual contact, including kissing,” court documents said.

It started with Sullivan and the girl going “hot-tubbing” at his house after riding motorcycles most of that day, the state Department of Health said in its report. Sullivan reportedly gave the girl a pair of his underwear and a T-shirt to wear in the hot tub.

Then about a week later after again using the hot tub, Sullivan and the victim went riding around in his truck at 2 a.m. as another girl was driving, health department and court documents said.

Sullivan kissed the girl on both occasions and sexually assaulted her while riding in his truck, documents said.

He knew the girl from motocross events before treating her for a back injury last year.

The Department of Health suspended Sullivan’s license in early May after learning about the sexual misconduct allegations and violations of moral turpitude. State officials ordered him to immediately hand over his chiropractic credentials and to stop seeing all patients.

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To see more of the Tri-City Herald, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.tri-cityherald.com.

Copyright (c) 2008, Tri-City Herald, Kennewick, Wash.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

By Terry Gauthier Muessig, Asbury Park Press, N.J.

Jul. 31–The Highlands Clamfest is being held today through Sunday between Bay Avenue and Shore Drive at Waterwitch Avenue.

The hours are 6 to 11 p.m. today and Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.

The event features food vendors, amusement rides, games of chance, entertainment and a tour of outer space via the NASA Exploration traveling truck.

Today and Sunday are family bracelet nights. The cost of a bracelet is $20, which entitles the wearer to unlimited amusement rides.

Sunday is contest day. The baby costume parade is at 1 p.m.; the clam-shucking contest is at 3 p.m. and the all-you-can-eat clam eating contest is at 3:30 p.m.

As borough officials scurried to make room for a 60-foot tractor-trailer Wednesday, employees from a party store were putting up a 100-foot tent, and restaurateurs were busy setting up tables in preparation for the 14th annual Highlands Clamfest.

The tractor-trailer carrying a NASA Exploration exhibit is a new attraction to the Clamfest. The 18-wheeler had to be escorted into the borough by the Police Department, and the designated spot for the truck was questionable — at first.

To make room for the four-foot overhangs on the truck, borough officials had to cut branches from a tree at the curb line and call in the fire marshal to approve the spot because the truck is near a fire hydrant.

Four days ago, Sunshine Amusements Co. of Florida arrived in the borough to begin setting up its rides for the four-day event, said Carla Cefalo-Braswell, the president of the Highlands Business Partnership.

And, as deliverymen went about their business, Dodie Bower, the president of the Highlands Garden Club, was busy pruning the flower beds around the gazebo in Huddy Park.

The Clamfest is from 6 to 11 p.m. today and Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. The event is held at the corner of Bay and Waterwitch avenues. The festivities’ hub of is based on the streets around Huddy Park.

“We are very excited about this year’s event,” Cefalo-Braswell said.

Many of the borough’s restaurants are participating in the event, Cefalo-Braswell said. And, although the featured delicacy is clams — cooked and raw — the vendors will be providing Italian, Mexican and American cuisines.

For the landlubbers, the borough’s fire department will be cooking hot dogs, hamburgers and corn on the cob.

“We also have the traditional carnival favorites,” such as funnel cake, cotton candy and jellied apples, Cefalo-Braswell said.

The event is home to a clam-shucking contest and all-you-can-eat clam-eating contest, as well as a baby costume parade contest.

The family-oriented nonalcoholic event has amusement rides for all ages, live entertainment, games of chance, and arts and crafts. The organizers, the Highlands Business Partnership, also has added a new attraction to the mix this year.

Cefalo-Braswell said she received a telephone call a few months ago from Shannon J. Ridinger, the outreach coordinator for NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., asking if the space center could be part of the Clamfest.

The traveling exhibit is inside the 30-by-60-foot trailer and was created by NASA, Ridinger said.

About 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, the tractor-trailer rolled into town.

The exhibit consists of a 12-minute tour, beginning with a simulated visit to the moon. Visitors will have a chance to build a lunar outpost and touch an actual moon rock.

The moon rock at the exhibit was brought back to Earth in December 1972 by astronaut Jack Schmidt, Ridinger said. Originally, the moon rock weighed 8,000 grams. The rock at the exhibit weighs .14 grams and was cut from the original rock, she said.

Visitors will explore a virtual model of the moon and interact with the lunar surface on a video screen to learn about NASA’s research and future plans for exploration. The second half of the exhibit features a hexagonal, interactive theater where visitors will learn about NASA’s plan of returning to the moon in new vehicles currently being developed to create a working environment that will help ensure safer, more effective future exploration into the solar system.

The free exhibit will be open from 6 to 11 p.m. today and Friday, 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

As always, admission to the Clamfest is free, and the event takes place rain or shine.

The Clamfest is a nonalcoholic event. However, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6902, adjacent to Huddy Park, will have a beer garden, and the Claddagh Bar and Restaurant and Driftwood Bar, both on Bay Avenue will have “happy as a clam” drink specials for the duration of the clamfest.

For more information, call (732) 291-4713 or visit www.highlandsnj.com on the Web.

—–

To see more of the Asbury Park Press, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.app.com

Copyright (c) 2008, Asbury Park Press, N.J.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) announced today that it has submitted a proposal in response to a request for proposal (RFP) issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for a recombinant protective antigen anthrax vaccine (rPA). Emergent’s rPA vaccine candidate is a reformulated and more stable form of the rPA 102 vaccine originally developed at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) and is well-positioned to be a leading candidate for an award under this RFP. One Phase II clinical trial of rPA 102 has been completed.

HHS’s RFP is designed to meet the government’s stated goal to procure 25 million doses of an rPA anthrax vaccine for the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). In the event that Emergent receives an award under the rPA RFP, doses of rPA procured by HHS would be in addition to the 18.75 million doses of the company’s FDA-licensed product, BioThrax(R) (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed), that HHS is procuring under the existing $448M contract with Emergent. HHS has indicated that any awards under the rPA RFP would be granted at the end of 2008, at the earliest.

“We are very pleased with our submission in response to this RFP, and we are confident that our rPA 102 vaccine is a leading candidate to be selected as an advanced rPA anthrax vaccine. Our company is proud of our proven track record of delivering critical biodefense countermeasures to the U.S. government, and we believe our reputation as the premiere domestic biodefense supplier, coupled with our development and manufacturing expertise, uniquely situates Emergent to meet HHS’s stated commitment to procure 25 million doses of a recombinant anthrax vaccine for the Strategic National Stockpile,” said Fuad El-Hibri, chairman and chief executive officer of Emergent BioSolutions.

“Considerable resources have been devoted to improving the stability of the rPA 102 vaccine. Analytical testing and non-clinical data indicate the changes made to the formulation of rPA 102 has significantly improved the stability of this vaccine candidate. We are confident that the formulation changes have addressed previous concerns regarding the stability of the product. We believe that the current formulation will meet the U.S. government’s stability requirements for an rPA vaccine,” said Dr. James Jackson, senior vice president and chief scientific officer of Emergent BioSolutions.

The company expects to manufacture this rPA anthrax vaccine, as well as BioThrax, in its recently constructed, large-scale manufacturing facility at its Lansing campus. The continued development of this rPA vaccine candidate further solidifies Emergent’s franchise of anthrax countermeasures, which now includes:

BioThrax – the only FDA-approved vaccine to prevent the infection of anthrax. Nearly 2.0 million men and women of the United States military have received the vaccine, and HHS has procured more than 28 million doses of BioThrax for the SNS;

rPA 102 – a recombinant anthrax vaccine candidate, which is composed of a purified protein with an alum adjuvant and is designed to induce antibodies that neutralize anthrax toxins;

AVA7909 – an anthrax vaccine candidate composed of BioThrax(R) and the immunostimulatory oligodeoxynucleotide compound CPG 7909 (VaxImmune(R)) developed by Coley Pharmaceutical Group (purchased by Pfizer Inc. in 2007).;

AVP-21D9 – a human monoclonal antibody product candidate being developed as an intravenous post-exposure treatment for patients who present symptoms of anthrax disease; and

AIG – a polyclonal anthrax immune globulin product candidate being developed as an intravenous post-exposure treatment for patients who present symptoms of anthrax disease, is derived from human plasma from individuals who have been vaccinated with BioThrax.

About rPA 102

The vaccine candidate, rPA 102, is based on a recombinant form of the protective antigen protein. This vaccine contains a purified protein (rPA) formulated with an alum adjuvant and is designed to induce antibodies that neutralize anthrax toxins. The vaccine candidate does not cause anthrax infection and is based on the pioneering work of USAMRIID. rPA 102 has been the subject of two research and development grants totaling approximately $100 million from the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

About Emergent BioSolutions Inc.

Emergent BioSolutions Inc. is a leading, multinational biopharmaceutical company dedicated to one simple mission — to protect life. Emergent develops, manufactures and commercializes immunobiotics, consisting of vaccines and therapeutics that assist the body’s immune system to prevent or treat disease. Emergent’s products target infectious diseases and other medical conditions that have resulted in significant unmet or underserved public health needs. The company’s marketed product, BioThrax(R) (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed), is the only vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of anthrax infection. www.emergentbiosolutions.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, including our expected revenue growth and net earnings for 2008, and any other statements containing the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “estimates” and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including our ability to obtain sales contracts for BioThrax(R), rPA 102, AVA7909, AVP-21D9 and AIG with the U.S. government; our plans for future sales of BioThrax, rPA 102, AVA7909, AVP-21D9 and AIG; our plans to pursue label expansions and improvements for BioThrax; our plans to expand our manufacturing facilities and capabilities; the rate and degree of market acceptance and clinical utility of our products; our ongoing and planned development programs, preclinical studies and clinical trials; the timing of and our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for our product candidates; our commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy; our intellectual property portfolio; our estimates regarding expenses, future revenue, capital requirements and needs for additional financing; and other factors identified in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., July 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Poniard Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , a biopharmaceutical company focused on oncology, today announced that the Company will present information on platinum resistance at the Fourth Annual Moores UCSD Cancer Center Translational Oncology Symposium on Friday, August 1, in San Diego.

Neela Patel, Ph.D., director of preclinical and translational medicine for Poniard Pharmaceuticals, will present on the topic of “Molecular Mechanisms of Platinum Resistance” at 2:30 p.m. Pacific Time. Jerry McMahon, Ph.D., chairman and chief executive officer, will participate in the symposia’s concluding panel discussion at 3:15 p.m. Pacific Time.

“Each year, 300,000 cancer patients in the United States are treated with a platinum-based chemotherapy, and most relapse after initial treatment,” said Dr. McMahon. “Therefore, intrinsic or acquired resistance to platinums is a significant treatment issue. Picoplatin, our lead product candidate, was designed to overcome platinum resistance, and we are exploring the use of genetic markers of platinum resistance to optimize patient treatment.”

About The Rebecca and John Moores UCSD Cancer Center

The Rebecca and John Moores UCSD Cancer Center seeks to bring the finest minds in treatment and research under one roof to share the latest advances in the oncology field, and to create a fertile atmosphere that promotes networking and collaboration opportunities of benefit to all participants.

Information about the Moores UCSD Cancer Center and the Translational Oncology Symposium can be found at http://cancer.ucsd.edu/symposium/index.asp.

About Poniard Pharmaceuticals

Poniard Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative oncology products to impact the lives of people with cancer. Picoplatin, the Company’s lead platform product candidate, is a new generation platinum therapy with an improved safety profile relative to existing platinum-based cancer therapies. Picoplatin is designed to overcome platinum resistance associated with chemotherapy in solid tumors, and is being studied in multiple cancer indications, combinations and formulations. Clinical trials of intravenous picoplatin include a Phase 3 trial in small cell lung cancer and Phase 2 trials in metastatic colorectal and hormone-refractory prostate cancers, as well as a clinical trial of oral picoplatin in solid tumors. Picoplatin has not been approved by any regulatory authority for use in humans. For additional information please visit http://www.poniard.com/.

(C) 2008 Poniard Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Poniard and Poniard Pharmaceuticals are trademarks of Poniard Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Poniard Pharmaceuticals

CONTACT: Brendan Doherty, Corporate Communications of PoniardPharmaceuticals, +1-650-745-4425, [email protected]

Web site: http://www.poniard.com/

By Daniel Connolly

The board of the Regional Medical Center at Memphis voted Wednesday to give consulting firm FTI Cambio broad powers to turn around the financially struggling public hospital.

The firm’s new policies will likely have major impact on the employees and patients of The Med, which operates the only burn and trauma centers in the region and serves as a safety net hospital for the poor and uninsured.

FTI Cambio’s policies will also likely have a big impact on the numerous clinics, insurers and suppliers that work with The Med.

The consulting group is already supplying executives to run the day-to-day operations of the hospital, but intends to make big changes quickly once an 18-month contract for as much as $10.4 million starts Sept. 1.

In one of its first moves, the consulting firm plans to bring in its own employees to replace The Med’s chief medical officer, Dr. Stuart Polly, and chief nursing officer, Rhonda Nelson. Polly and Nelson weren’t available for comment Wednesday.

Replacing them will be Dr. Jack McCue, who is already acting as an adviser to the hospital, and nurse executive Rhue Hope Lamont.

“We feel that those two positions are absolutely critical to the success going forward and they need to be filled by people who are experienced in transformation (and) turnarounds,” said Jim Braley, senior managing director with FTI Cambio, based in Brentwood, Tenn. “It’s nothing against the incumbents at all.”

The company is also replacing Sylvester Reeder, the chief executive whom the company has been supplying under a short-term contract. The new interim CEO will be Claude Watts Jr., currently running a hospital group in Gary, Ind.

Reeder would not comment Wednesday.

The firm plans to keep two other interim executives, chief operating officer Christine Pappas and chief financial officer Peggy Allen.

It also plans to bring in other advisers.

Patients may see changes. FTI Cambio has floated the idea of closing The Med’s doors to residents of Arkansas and Mississippi, unless those states increase their contributions to the hospital, and it may eliminate some services.

And the consulting group called on The Med to renegotiate its agreements with several medical groups, including UT Medical Group Inc., Semmes-Murphey Clinic and Campbell Clinic.

FTI Cambio will also play a role in the hospital’s negotiations with health insurers BlueCross BlueShield and United Healthcare, which start administering the TennCare health insurance program for the poor and disabled in West Tennessee later this year.

Braley of FTI said none of these suggestions is final. He said the consulting group plans to conduct a thorough evaluation over its first 60 to 75 days. As it completes assessments of some part of the hospital, it will immediately start making changes.

The decision to hire FTI Cambio is the latest episode in a difficult period for The Med.

The hospital has been losing money for years, finishing the 2007- 08 fiscal year with a $3.6 million operating deficit. It also needs hundreds of millions of dollars for capital improvements and has had several interim executives since Dr. Bruce Steinhauer retired in late 2006.

Last year, it began a search for a financially powerful partner but couldn’t find one, and in June began to look for a turnaround firm.

Of nine candidates, it selected two: New York-based Alvarez & Marsal, which had helped during the search for a partner, and FTI Cambio.

Some board members said familiarity with FTI Cambio was a factor.

“They’re already here,” said board member Darrell Thomas. “They understand our operations.”

FTI Cambio also answered concerns about costs. It had earlier proposed a contract valued at $18.9 million over two years, but agreed to cut its time period and price.

That brought it more in line with Alvarez & Marsal’s proposal, which would have cost between $6.6 million and $9.6 million over 18 months.

The board voted 5-1 to select FTI Cambio. The only board member to vote for Alvarez & Marsal was Jeane Chapman, who said its proposal appeared to do a better job of involving current employees. But once the votes were counted, she agreed to switch so the board would be unanimous.

The hospital plans to finalize details before signing an agreement with FTI Cambio, board chairman Gene Holcomb said.

Contact Daniel Connolly at 529-5296. To read more stories by this reporter, click on “Contact Us” at commercialappeal.com, then click on the reporter’s name.

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Potential Med initiatives

FTI Cambio included dozens of possible initiatives for The Med in its winning proposal, though none is final. Among them:

Limiting The Med’s bariatric and catheter lab services

Reducing the size of the hospital’s medical education programs

Evaluating the “value” of the burn unit

Moving the primary care Health Loop clinics out from the auspices of The Med

Evaluating employee benefits and renegotiating as necessary

——————–

Originally published by Daniel Connolly [email protected] .

(c) 2008 Commercial Appeal, The. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.

Fitch Ratings today has updated its Quantitative Insurer Financial Strength (Q-IFS) ratings for 194 U.S. health companies. At the same time, Fitch has assigned new Q-IFS ratings to 30 U.S. health insurers.

Of the 194 updated ratings, there are 30 upgrades, 23 downgrades, and 111 affirmations.

Q-IFS ratings are generated solely on a statistical model utilizing the five most recent years of statutory financial statement information. The model incorporates ‘rating logic’ that mirrors many aspects of the quantitative analysis that is used to assign traditional IFS ratings. While recognizing the limitations associated with using a strict quantitative rating approach, Fitch believes that IFS ratings do provide a reasonable representation of the company’s stand-alone financial strength and operating profile.

For more information on Fitch’s Q-IFS ratings, visit the Fitch Ratings web site www.fitchratings.com. A copy of the criteria report, ‘The Updated U.S. Health Insurer Quantitative Insurer Financial Strength Ratings Methodology,’ dated Aug. 10, 2006, is available under ‘Insurance’ and ‘Criteria Reports’.

Fitch assigns the following Q-IFS ratings:

Entity/NAIC Code/New Rating

–Abrazo Advantage Health Plan Inc (AZ)/10160/’BBq’;

–Amerigroup Ohio, Inc. (OH)/10767/’Bq’;

–Amerigroup Virginia, Inc. (VA)/10153/’Bq’;

–Arkansas Community Care, Inc. (AR)/12282/’Bq’;

–Atrio Health Plans Inc. (OR)/10123/’Bq’;

–Bravo Health Texas, Inc. (TX)/10134/’Bq’;

–Care Wisconsin Health Plan, Inc. (WI)/12248/’BBq’;

–CareCore N.J. L.L.C. (NJ)/10144/’BBq’;

–Citrus Health Care, Inc. (FL)/11836/’Bq’;

–Community Care Health Plan Inc (WI)/10756/’BBq’;

–Geisinger Health Plan (PA)/95923/’BBBq’;

–Geisinger Indemnity Insurance Company (PA)/10244/’BBq’;

–Globalhealth Inc. (OK)/11709/’Bq’;

–Health Plan of CareOregon, Inc. (OR)/12277/’BBq’;

–Healthsun Health Plans Inc. (FL)/10122/’CCCq’;

–Marion Polk Community Health Plan Advantage Inc. (OR)/12310/’Bq’;

–Metcare Health Plans, Inc. (FL)/10126/’CCCq’;

–Mid Rogue Health Plan (OR)/12253/’Bq’;

–Molina Healthcare of Ohio, Inc. (OH)/12334/’Bq’;

–Molina Healthcare of Texas, Inc. (TX)/10757/’Bq’;

–Paramount Advantage (OH)/12353/’BBq’;

–Preferred Medicare Choice, Inc. (NA)/12178/’BBq’;

–Samaritan Health Plans, Inc. (OR)/12257/’Bq’;

–Southwest Life and Health Insurance Company (TX)/66117/’Bq’;

–Total Health Care USA, Inc. (MI)/12326/’BBBq’;

–Valueoptions of New Mexico, Inc. (NM)/10150/’Bq’;

–Wellcare of Georgia, Inc. (GA)/10760/’BBq’;

–Wellcare of Louisiana, Inc. (LA)/12194/’Bq’;

–Wellcare Prescription Insurance Inc (FL)/10155/’BBBq’;

–WPS Health Plan Inc (WI)/10159/’Bq’;

Fitch has upgraded the following Q-IFS ratings:

Entity/NAIC Code/Upgrade

–Advantage Health Solutions Inc. (IN)/52568/’BBq’ from ‘Bq’;

–Amerigroup Florida, Inc. (FL)/95093/’BBBq’ from ‘BBq’;

–Amerigroup New Jersey, Inc. (NJ)/95373/’BBBq’ from ‘BBq’;

–Amerigroup Texas Inc. (TX)/95314/’Aq’ from ‘BBBq’;

–Athens Area Health Plan Select Inc. (GA)/95691/’BBq’ from ‘Bq’;

–Carolina Care Plan Inc. (SC)/95732/’Bq’ from ‘CCCq’;

–Cdphp Universal Benefits, Inc. (NY)/47027/’Bq’ from ‘CCCq’;

–Children’s Mercy’s Family Health Partners (MO)/95636/’BBq’ from ‘Bq’;

–Community Health Choice Inc. (TX)/95615/’BBBq’ from ‘BBq’;

–Coordinated Care Corporation Indiana, Inc. (IN)/95831/’BBBq’ from ‘BBq’;

–Driscoll Children’s Health Plan (TX)/95809/’Bq’ from ‘CCCq’;

–Elder Health Pennsylvania, Inc. (PA)/11524/’BBq’ from ‘Bq’;

–Essence, Inc. (MO)/11699/’Bq’ from ‘CCCq’;

–Grand Valley Health Plan (MI)/95453/’BBq’ from ‘Bq’;

–Health First Health Plans Inc. (FL)/95019/’BBq’ from ‘Bq’;

–Health New England Inc. (MA)/95673/’BBBq’ from ‘BBq’;

–Health Partners of Philadelphia Inc. (PA)/95066/’BBBq’ from ‘BBq’;

–Health Right, Inc. (DC)/95787/’BBq’ from ‘Bq’;

–Hometown Health Plan, Inc. (NV)/95350/’BBq’ from ‘Bq’;

–Medica Health Plans (MN)/52626/’Aq’ from ‘BBBq’;

–Molina Healthcare of New Mexico (NM)/95739/’BBBq’ from ‘BBq’;

–Molina Healthcare of Utah, Inc. (UT)/95502/’Bq’ from ‘CCCq’;

–Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, Inc. (RI)/95402/’BBBq’ from ‘BBq’;

–Network Health Plan (WI)/95737/’BBBq’ from ‘BBq’;

–Physicians Health Plan Mid-Michigan Familycare (MI)/11537/’BBq’ from ‘Bq’;

–SelectHealth, Inc. (UT)/95153/’Aq’ from ‘BBBq’;

–Total Health Care Inc. (MI)/95644/’BBBq’ from ‘BBq’;

–Unity Health Plans Insurance Corporation (WI)/95796/’BBBq’ from ‘BBq’;

–Upper Peninsula Health Plan (MI)/52615/’BBq’ from ‘Bq’;

–Value Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania, Inc. (PA)/47025/’BBq’ from ‘Bq’;

Fitch has downgraded the following Q-IFS ratings:

Entity/NAIC Code/Downgrade

–Buckeye Community Health Plan, Inc. (OH)/11834/’Bq’ from ‘BBq’;

–Colorado Access (CO)/95733/’CCCq’ from ‘Bq’;

–Cook Childrens Health Plan (TX)/95822/’Bq’ from ‘BBq’;

–Evergreen Health Plan Inc. (GA)/95837/’CCCq’ from ‘Bq’;

–First Medical Health Plan, Inc. (NA)/95722/’CCCq’ from ‘Bq’;

–Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Inc. (MA)/96911/’BBBq’ from ‘Aq’;

–Healthease of Florida, Inc. (FL)/52631/’BBBq’ from ‘Aq’;

–HMO Louisiana Inc. (LA)/95643/’BBBq’ from ‘Aq’;

–HPHC Insurance Company, Inc. (MA)/18975/’BBq’ from ‘BBBq’;

–Mckinley Life Insurance Company (OH)/77216/’BBq’ from ‘BBBq’;

–Mercy Health Plans of Missouri, Inc. (MO)/95309/’BBq’ from ‘BBBq’;

–Mmm Healthcare Inc. (NA)/11157/’CCCq’ from ‘Bq’;

–NevadaCare, Inc. (NV)/95244/’Bq’ from ‘BBq’;

–Physicians Health Plan of Mid-Michigan (MI)/95849/’BBq’ from ‘BBBq’;

–Physicians Health Plan of Northern Indiana, Inc. (IN)/95436/’BBq’ from ‘BBBq’;

–Preferred Care Partners Inc. (FL)/11176/’Bq’ from ‘BBq’;

–Preferred Health (NA)/95746/’Bq’ from ‘BBq’;

–Priority Health (MI)/95561/’BBBq’ from ‘Aq’;

–Rocky Mountain Healthcare Options Inc. (CO)/47004/’CCCq’ from ‘Bq’;

–Sanford Health Plan (SD)/95683/’Bq’ from ‘BBq’;

–Sha LLC (TX)/95138/’Bq’ from ‘BBq’;

–University Health Alliance (HI)/47953/’CCCq’ from ‘Bq’;

–University Health Plans Inc. (NJ)/95503/’Bq’ from ‘BBq’;

Fitch has affirmed the following Q-IFS ratings:

Entity/NAIC Code/Affirmed Rating

–Abri Health Plan, Inc. (WI)/12007/’CCCq’;

–Alliance For Community Health, LLC (MO)/95609/’BBq’;

–Alliant Health Plans Inc. (GA)/11256/’BBBq’;

–Alohacare (HI)/95853/’BBBq’;

–America’s Health Choice Medical Plans, Inc. (FL)/11122/’Bq’;

–Amerigroup Maryland, Inc. (DC)/95832/’BBBq’;

–Arcadian Health Plan, Inc. (WA)/12151/’Bq’;

–Avera Health Plans, Inc. (SD)/95839/’BBq’;

–Avmed Inc. (FL)/95263/’BBBq’;

–Bluegrass Family Health Inc. (KY)/95071/’BBBq’;

–Capital District Physicians Health Plan (NY)/95491/’BBBq’;

–Caresource (OH)/95201/’BBBq’;

–Cariten Health Plan Inc. (TN)/95754/’BBq’;

–Cariten Insurance Company (TN)/82740/’BBq’;

–Columbia United Providers, Inc. (WA)/47047/’Bq’;

–Community Choice Michigan (MI)/95562/’Bq’;

–Community First Health Plans Inc. (TX)/95248/’BBq’;

–Community Health Plan (MO)/95145/’CCCq’;

–Community Health Plan of Washington (WA)/47049/’BBBq’;

–Communitycare HMO, Inc. (OK)/11691/’BBBq’;

–Denver Health Medical Plan Inc. (CO)/95750/’Bq’;

–Elder Health Mid-Atlantic, Inc. (MD)/10095/’Bq’;

–Elderplan Inc. (NY)/95662/’BBq’;

–Fallon Community Health Plan Inc. (MA)/95541/’BBBq’;

–Florida Health Care Plan Inc. (FL)/95124/’BBBq’;

–Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire (WI)/95192/’BBq’;

–Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (WI)/95311/’BBBq’;

–Harmony Health Plan of Illinois, Inc. (IL)/11229/’BBq’;

–Harvard Pilgrim Health Care of New England, Inc. (MA)/96717/’BBq’;

–Health Alliance Plan of Michigan (MI)/95844/’BBBq’;

–Health Plan of Michigan, Inc. (MI)/52563/’BBBq’;

–Health Plan of The Upper Ohio Valley, Inc. (The) (WV)/95677/’BBBq’;

–Health Plus of Louisiana, Inc. (LA)/95009/’BBq’;

–Health Resources Inc (IN)/96687/’Bq’;

–Health Tradition Health Plan (WI)/96628/’Bq’;

–HealthPartners Insurance Company (MN)/44547/’BBBq’;

–Healthplus of Michigan, Inc. (MI)/95580/’BBBq’;

–Healthplus Partners, Inc. (MI)/11549/’Bq’;

–Healthspring of Alabama, Inc. (AL)/95781/’BBq’;

–Hometown Health Providers Insurance Company Inc. (NV)/48305/’BBq’;

–Independent Health (NY)/95308/’BBBq’;

–Independent Health Benefits Corporation (NY)/47034/’BBq’;

–Leon Medical Centers Health Plans, Inc. (FL)/11532/’Bq’;

–M Plan, Inc. (IN)/95444/’BBBq’;

–Magellan Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania, Inc. (PA)/47019/’BBq’;

–Managed Health Services Insurance Corporation (WI)/96822/’BBBq’;

–Managed Health, Inc. (NY)/95284/’BBBq’;

–McLaren Health Plan, Inc (MI)/95848/’BBBq’;

–MCS Health Management Options Inc. (NA)/95779/’BBBq’;

–Medica Healthcare Plans, Inc. (FL)/12155/’CCCq’;

–Medica Insurance Company (MN)/12459/’BBBq’;

–Medical Associates Health Plan Inc. (IA)/52559/’BBq’;

–Medical Health Insuring Corporation of Ohio (OH)/95828/’BBBq’;

–Medical Mutual of Ohio (OH)/29076/’Aq’;

–Mercycare HMO, Inc. (WI)/12195/’Bq’;

–Midwest Health Plan, Inc. (MI)/95814/’BBBq’;

–Molina Healthcare of Michigan, Inc. (MI)/52630/’BBBq’;

–Molina Healthcare of Washington, Inc. (WA)/96270/’Aq’;

–Mount Carmel Health Plan, Inc. (OH)/95655/’BBq’;

–MVP Health Insurance Company (NY)/11125/’BBq’;

–MVP Health Plan, Inc. (NY)/95521/’BBBq’;

–Neighborhood Health Plan, Inc. (MA)/11109/’BBBq’;

–Network Health Insurance Corporation (WI)/11137/’Bq’;

–New West Health Services (MT)/95829/’Bq’;

–Optima Health Insurance Company (VA)/70715/’BBq’;

–Optima Health Plan (VA)/95281/’Aq’;

–PacificSource Health Plans (OR)/54976/’BBBq’;

–Paramount Care of Michigan (MI)/95566/’Bq’;

–Paramount Health Care (OH)/95189/’BBBq’;

–Parkland Community Health Plan (TX)/95414/’BBq’;

–Physician Health Plan of South Michigan (MI)/52564/’BBq’;

–Physicians Plus Insurance Corp. (WI)/95341/’BBBq’;

–Piedmont Community Healthcare, Inc. (VA)/95811/’Bq’;

–Preferred Medical Plan, Inc. (FL)/95271/’Bq’;

–Preferred Plus of Kansas Inc. (KS)/95390/’BBBq’;

–PreferredOne Community Health Plan (MN)/95724/’BBq’;

–Priority Health Government Programs (MI)/11520/’Bq’;

–PSO Health Services, LLC (TX)/11494/’Bq’;

–Public Health Trust of Dade County, FL (FL)/95126/’BBq’;

–QCA Health Plan, Inc. (AR)/95448/’BBq’;

–Quality Health Plans (FL)/11519/’CCCq’;

–Rochester Area Health Maintenance Organization, Inc. (NY)/11602/’Aq’;

–Rocky Mountain Health Maintenance Organization, Inc. (CO)/95482/’BBBq’;

–Saint Mary’s Health First (NV)/95793/’BBq’;

–Scott & White Health Plan (TX)/95099/’BBBq’;

–Security Health Plan of Wisconsin Inc. (WI)/96881/’BBBq’;

–Select Health of South Carolina Inc. (SC)/95458/’Bq’;

–SelectCare of Texas, LLC (TX)/10096/’BBBq’;

–South Dakota State Medical Holding Company (SD)/96598/’BBq’;

–Summa Insurance Company, Inc. (OH)/10649/’BBq’;

–Summacare Inc. (OH)/95202/’BBq’;

–Summerlin Life & Health Insurance Company (NV)/11838/’Bq’;

–Sun Health Medisun Inc. (AZ)/95982/’Bq’;

–Superior HealthPlan Inc. (TX)/95647/’BBq’;

–Texas Healthspring I, LLC (TX)/11593/’BBBq’;

–THP Insurance Company (WV)/60016/’Bq’;

–Total Health Choice Inc. (FL)/95134/’Bq’;

–Tufts Associated Health Maintenance Organization, Inc. (MA)/95688/’Aq’;

–Tufts Insurance Company (MA)/60117/’Bq’;

–Union Health Services Inc. (IL)/52553/’Bq’;

–Universal Health Care, Inc. (FL)/11574/’CCCq’;

–University Health Care Inc. (KY)/52621/’BBBq’;

–Utmb Health Plans Inc. (TX)/95764/’BBq’;

–Valueoptions of Texas, Inc. (TX)/95799/’Bq’;

–Vantage Health Plan Inc. (LA) (LA)/95584/’BBq’;

–Virginia Premier Health Plan Inc. (VA)/95612/’BBBq’;

–Viva Health Inc. (AL)/95322/’BBq’;

–Wellcare of Connecticut, Inc. (CT)/95310/’Bq’;

–Wellcare of Florida, Inc. (FL)/95081/’BBBq’;

–Winhealth Partners (WY)/95401/’BBq’;

–Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WI)/53139/’BBBq’;

Fitch’s rating definitions and the terms of use of such ratings are available on the agency’s public site, www.fitchratings.com. Published ratings, criteria and methodologies are available from this site, at all times. Fitch’s code of conduct, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, affiliate firewall, compliance and other relevant policies and procedures are also available from the ‘Code of Conduct’ section of this site.

MDRNA, Inc. (Nasdaq: MRNA) announced today results from a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating PYY(3-36) Nasal Spray (PYY) for the treatment of obesity. The data indicate that PYY did not meet the primary efficacy endpoint of a dose response of weight loss vs. PYY dose, nor did PYY meet the secondary efficacy endpoint of greater weight loss than the active control, sibutramine (Meridia(R)).

“The study demonstrates that our tight junction technology effectively delivers PYY into the body via nasal administration, but that the peptide itself is not effective as a single agent for weight loss,” stated Gordon Brandt, M.D., President. “We are pleased that once again our delivery technology has effectively and safely delivered a large molecule via the intranasal route with good tolerability but disappointed that PYY did not show more promising therapeutic effect. We believe our intranasal delivery technology continues to demonstrate value as a means of safely administering peptides and proteins and believe that PYY might still prove effective in combination with other weight loss drugs. We would like to thank the investigators, staff and patients who participated in the trial.”

Consistent with prior clinical experience, the most common adverse event for patients dosed with PYY was transient, dose related nausea. Nasal adverse events were similarly low between the Company’s proprietary delivery formulation and the saline nasal spray control, demonstrating good tolerability of the proprietary delivery formulation. In comparison to some other obesity programs in development, there were no occurrences of depression or suicidal thoughts in the patients receiving PYY at any time during the six-month study.

Conference Call

MDRNA will host a conference call with investors and security analysts today, July 31, 2008, at 4:45 p.m. Eastern Time (1:45 p.m. Pacific Time) to answer questions regarding the trial results. To participate in the live conference call, U.S. residents should dial 866-831-6247 and international callers should dial 617-213-8856. The participant code for the live conference call is 64313449. To access the 24-hour telephone replay, U.S. residents should dial 888-286-8010 and international callers should dial 617-801-6888. The participant code for the replay is 12327161. Alternatively, to access the live audio webcast for this conference call, please go to MDRNA’s Web site at http://www.mdrnainc.com approximately 15 minutes prior to the conference call in order to register and download any necessary software. A replay of the webcast will be available following the event.

Phase 2 Study Design

The 24-week, blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled dose-ranging trial in healthy obese patients evaluated three different doses of PYY Nasal Spray compared to placebo and sibutramine (Meridia(R)), with the primary endpoint being weight loss. Patients in the nasal spray treatment arms took PYY Nasal Spray or saline nasal spray placebo three times daily prior to a meal over the 24-week period. The study design enabled patients to undergo an initial dose titration period to establish an optimal dose to continue over the duration of the trial.

About PYY(3-36)

PYY is a naturally occurring hormone that is believed to function as a physiologic inhibitor of food intake. PYY is released into the blood stream from specialized cells in the gut after a meal and is believed to trigger the feeling of satiety, or fullness. Because PYY is a peptide, initial studies focused on PYY delivery by injection. Utilizing its proprietary drug delivery technology, Nastech developed the nasal spray formulation of PYY as a unique, non-invasive treatment option for obesity.

About Obesity

There are approximately 1.6 billion overweight adults worldwide, 400 million of whom are clinically obese according to World Health Organization. Obesity is a heterogeneous disease encompassing multiple redundant and compensatory biological processes, any of which may contribute to a person’s inability to lose weight. Obesity has been identified as a risk factor in chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Treatment options against novel targets such as PYY using patient friendly routes of administration such as intranasal delivery may provide significant therapeutic benefit for those suffering from this condition.

About MDRNA, Inc.

MDRNA, Inc., formerly Nastech Pharmaceutical Company Inc., is a biotechnology company developing RNAi-based therapeutics. The Company’s primary focus is on the safe and effective delivery of siRNA drug candidates for the treatment of a wide range of human diseases, including inflammation, viral infections, cancer and metabolic disorders. MDRNA will continue to leverage its expertise and capabilities toward innovation in novel and useful RNA-based compositions in order to increase the value proposition of MDRNA to investors and partners. Additional information about MDRNA, Inc. is available at http://www.mdrnainc.com.

MDRNA Forward-Looking Statement

Statements made in this news release may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Federal Securities laws that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and involve factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or suggested. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) the ability of MDRNA or a subsidiary to obtain additional funding; (ii) the ability of MDRNA or a subsidiary to attract and/or maintain manufacturing, research, development and commercialization partners; (iii) the ability of MDRNA, a subsidiary and/or a partner to successfully complete product research and development, including preclinical and clinical studies and commercialization; (iv) the ability of MDRNA, a subsidiary and/or a partner to obtain required governmental approvals; and (v) the ability of MDRNA, a subsidiary and/or a partner to develop and commercialize products that can compete favorably with those of competitors. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or suggested in any forward-looking statements are contained in MDRNA’s most recent periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. MDRNA assumes no obligation to update and supplement forward-looking statements because of subsequent events.

By Wendy Johnson, The Pine Journal, Cloquet, Minn.

Jul. 31–Kettle River is about to launch its annual tribute to madcap fun and festivities as this year’s 24th Annual Ma and Pa Kettle Days approaches.

Set for Friday, Aug. 8, and Saturday, Aug. 9, the popular summer event offers everything from a queen contest to a mug bog — and a whole lot of exciting activities in between.

The weekend gets under way on Friday night, Aug. 8, with a steak fry beginning at 5 p.m. in the fire hall, sponsored by the Kettle River Relief Association.

At 6 p.m., the spotlight will turn to the Miss Kettle River and Little Miss Kettle River coronation in the American Legin building.

The young people are invited to stick around for the Kids Dance, also set to take place at the American Legion building, with music provided by DJ Sam Clark.

The “big kids” will get their turn beginning at 8:30 p.m., with a street dance set to the music of “Live Bait.” Dancing goes on until 12:30 a.m., so plan to make a night of it.

Early risers will enjoy the big pancake breakfast on Saturday, Aug. 9, sponsored by the Barnum Community Methodist Church.

The flea market opens at 8 a.m., and so does the start of the run/walk race, following registration at 7:30 a.m.

Lineup for the Ma & Pa Kettle Days parade will begin at 9 a.m. at the ball field on County Road 12. While you’re waiting for the parade to start, enjoy “Music on Main Street” with the tunes of DJ Sam Clark from 9-11 a.m.

Registration for the Mud Bog competition opens at 9 a.m. as well, so truck owners, don’t forget to sign up to “get down and dirty” with this crowd-pleasing event.

The big parade gets under way at 11 a.m., followed by a Pie and Ice Cream Social at 11:30 a.m. at the senior center, sponsored by the Holy Trinity Mission Guild, with supplemental funds provided by Thrivent.

Kids races are slated for high noon in the grassy area near the Federated Oil office, and the Lake Superior Zoomobile will unveil a host of exciting animals from 1-2 p.m. in the main street park area.

The Mud Bog event revs up at 1 p.m., and a silent auction is scheduled for 1-2 p.m. at the American Legion building.

The Korpis will provide musical entertainment from 1-4 p.m., and Kids Bingo will take place at the Tower Tap from 2-3 p.m. Bar Bingo will follow from 3-5 p.m., with the Ma & Pa Kettle Days button drawings set to take place at 4 p.m. at the American Legion building. You must be present to win and have your button with you.

Cap off the weekend’s fun with the big street dance from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. featuring the music of “Live Bait.”

—–

To see more of The Pine Journal or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.cloquetmn.com/journal/.

Copyright (c) 2008, The Pine Journal, Cloquet, Minn.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

WASHINGTON and HAMBURG, Germany, July 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The field of personalized cancer research and treatment grows with each day. And a new partnership with Washington’s largest biomedical research organization and an international research and biobanking company is contributing to that growth.

Georgetown University Medical Center announced today a partnership with Indivumed GmbH, based in Hamburg, Germany, designed to analyze complex clinical molecular signatures from cancer patients, enabling researchers and physicians to better diagnose and tailor cancer treatments for individual patients. The partnership builds upon a one-year agreement currently in place at Georgetown that established a high-quality tumor biobank and clinical database for pancreatic cancer and which, recently, also includes cancer of the breast and colon.

The expanded collaboration will grow to include a clinical database of prostate, glioblastoma and renal cancer. Together, the institutions expect to establish a robust portfolio of research collaborations, supported by a state-of-the-art biobanking infrastructure and protocol, using Indivumed’s established scientific approach, and a multidimensional, integrated clinical and molecular database of cancer.

“Integrating scientific, medical, and technological expertise and assets will transform our ability to analyze complex clinical data relating to specific diseases, employing a more comprehensive, system-level approach to how we treat patients,” says Howard J. Federoff, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice President for Health Sciences at GUMC. “We’re starting with cancer, and hope this kind of research will lead to better, more individually targeted treatments.”

The agreement will expand upon the Indivumed Biobank protocol already begun at Georgetown University Hospital, expanding the collection, storage, analysis and utilization of biospecimens. This includes prospective and standardized collection of pre-, intra- and post-surgical patient data and biospecimen data by specially trained research associates, extracting clinical data from existing clinical systems, developing an enhanced collaborative relationship with the MedStar Health system, Georgetown’s clinical partner, and eventually developing partnerships with national health systems to establish a network of biobanking partnerships for specimen collection.

“Indivumed’s approach to standardized and high-quality biobanking and data management as a foundation for individualized medical treatment aligns well with GUMC’s approach to a Database of Cancer,” says Dr. Hartmut Juhl, MD, CEO of Indivumed and former GUMC faculty member.

The collaboration is a key step in the future development of the Georgetown Database of Cancer (G-DOC) at Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown. The G-DOC will be designed to marry clinical information from patients in clinical trials with molecular characteristics of their cancer. This effort will define the molecular features that underlie prognosis and responsiveness to therapy in patients, providing a basis for personalized medicine and a tool for target discovery and drug development.

“Georgetown — and its Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center — is committed to reducing the burden of human cancer through the discovery and early adoption of cutting-edge systems’ biology-based tools,” says Louis M. Weiner, M.D., director, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Lombardi is one of only 41 comprehensive cancer centers in the country and the only one in the Washington area. “Collaborating with a company with an established, successful research strategy such as Indivumed brings together the strengths of both institutions in order to achieve this goal.”

Indivumed is a privately owned company started by former Georgetown faculty member Hartmut Juhl (Dr. Juhl continues to hold an adjunct faculty appointment at the University but is not compensated by Georgetown). Indivumed also has partnerships with 8 Clinical Cancer Centers in Hamburg, Germany, to collect similar specimens. Indivumed also has offices in Kensington, MD.

About Georgetown University Medical Center

Georgetown University Medical Center is an internationally recognized academic medical center with a three-part mission of research, teaching and patient care (through our partnership with MedStar Health). Our mission is carried out with a strong emphasis on public service and a dedication to the Catholic, Jesuit principle of cura personalis — or “care of the whole person.” The Medical Center includes the School of Medicine and the School of Nursing and Health Studies, both nationally ranked, the world-renowned Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Biomedical Graduate Research Organization (BGRO), home to 60 percent of the university’s sponsored research funding.

About Indivumed

Indivumed is a privately held biotech company focused on the generation, characterization and analysis of highly standardized biological samples from human cancer for the development of individualized cancer therapies. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, with a subsidiary in Kensington, Maryland, USA, Indivumed has cooperation agreements with all major oncological hospitals in the Hamburg metropolitan area. Indivumed’s clinical infrastructure and tumor biobank of currently more than 9,000 patient-cases serve as resources for both Indivumed’s internal cancer biomarker discovery programs as well as for use by pharmaceutical and diagnostic partners through a variety of services, such as immunohistochemistry, drug profiling and access to biospecimen preparations linked with comprehensive clinical data.

About Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center

The Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of Georgetown University Medical Center and Georgetown University Hospital, seeks to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer through innovative basic and clinical research, patient care, community education and outreach, and the training of cancer specialists of the future. Lombardi is one of only 39 comprehensive cancer centers in the nation, as designated by the National Cancer Institute, and the only one in the Washington, DC, area. For more information, go to http://lombardi.georgetown.edu/.

Indivumed

CONTACT: Prof. Dr. Hartmut Juhl of Indivumed GmbH, +49-40-413383-10,Cell phone: +49-160-637 9241; Fax: +49-40-413383-14, [email protected]

Web Site: http://www.indivumed.com/

NEWARK, N.J., July 31 /PRNewswire/ — Alexander J. Hatala, president and CEO of Catholic Health East New Jersey (CHE-NJ), today announced the completion of an asset purchase agreement with Cathedral Healthcare System that makes Saint Michael’s Medical Center, Inc. the newest affiliate of Catholic Health East, one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit health systems.

“We are delighted to welcome Saint Michael’s Medical Center into the CHE-NJ family,” said Hatala. “With the addition of Saint Michael’s, and with Lourdes Health System — Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center in Camden and Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County in Willingboro — and St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton, our hospitals will now be serving three of the state’s major cities and will constitute the state’s largest Catholic health-care system.”

“Our mission calls us to seek ways to ensure access to health services for those people most in need,” said Robert V. Stanek, president and CEO of Catholic Health East. “Today’s announcement is the culmination of the collaborative work of all parties — the Archdiocese of Newark, Newark city leadership and state legislators, the State of New Jersey, physicians and employees, and the local community — to find a solution that best meets community needs. Our Catholic health ministry in New Jersey, and nationwide, is strengthened and enriched with the addition of Saint Michael’s Medical Center to our family.”

Hatala explained that each affiliate of CHE-NJ — the newly established New Jersey division of Catholic Health East — retains its local management and governance while benefiting from some key economic and operational efficiencies and shared services.

“The Franciscan roots of our New Jersey hospitals have helped shape the firm foundation for their partnership,” said Hatala. “This union strengthens each of our hospitals and allows all to enjoy certain advantages of affiliation. Our hospitals share a longstanding commitment to delivering the best in care to our state’s most vulnerable and underserved populations, and this commitment will continue to be strengthened through close collaboration and the identification of best practices and models for care.”

Established by the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in 1867, Saint Michael’s is a 357-bed regional tertiary-care, teaching, and research center in the heart of Newark’s business and educational district. Renowned for its pioneering infectious disease program, it was also the first New Jersey facility to perform open-heart surgery, and its Heart and Vascular Institute today offers the best in innovative cardiac care. The Regional Cancer Center provides state-of-the-art cancer care, and The Connie Dwyer Breast Center at Saint Michael’s Medical Center offers the very latest in diagnostics and procedures for the treatment of breast cancer and other breast diseases. The Saint James Campus in the East Ward and the Columbus Campus in the North Ward deliver key non-acute services, including emergency care, primary care, and prenatal care. They serve as a “front door” to the inpatient, outpatient, and clinic services available at Saint Michael’s Medical Center. More information is available at http://www.smmcnj.org/.

Catholic Health East (CHE), a Catholic health system co-sponsored by 10 religious congregations and Hope Ministries, is based in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. CHE provides the means to ensure the continuation of the Catholic identity and operational strength of the sponsors’ health ministries, which are located in 11 eastern states from Maine to Florida. The CHE system includes 33 acute-care hospitals, four long-term acute-care hospitals, 36 free-standing and hospital-based long-term care facilities, 12 assisted-living facilities, five continuing-care retirement communities, seven behavioral-health and rehabilitation facilities, 25 home health/hospice agencies, and numerous ambulatory and community-based health services. More information about CHE is available at http://www.che.org/.

Catholic Health East

CONTACT: Brendan M. Middleton, Director of Communications, SaintMichael’s Medical Center, +1-973-596-3804, [email protected]; or Scott H.Share, Vice President, System Communications, Catholic Health East,+1-610-355-2017, [email protected]

Web site: http://www.che.org/http://www.smmcnj.org/

By Dann Denny, Herald-Times, Bloomington, Ind.

Jul. 31–The Bloomington Hospital Ambulance Service director says his fleet of seven vehicles that respond to 911 calls is being stretched to the limit, and that he needs another vehicle to ease the strain. And he thinks local governments should help pay for it.

A statistical comparison with ambulance services in nearby counties seems to back him up.

During the day, BHAS has five ambulance vehicles responding to 911 calls, plus two backup vehicles stationed at Ellettsville Fire Department stations in Ellettsville and on Curry Pike. The seven vehicles respond to 10,200 ambulance calls a year.

By comparison, the Columbus Regional Hospital Ambulance Service — which has seven ambulance vehicles plus two backup vehicles that can respond to emergency calls — handles 7,370 emergency calls a year in Bartholomew and Brown counties.

And David Doane, director of the Greene County Ambulance Service, said the five ambulances in his fleet — including a Linton Fire Department rescue vehicle — make about 1,900 emergency runs a year.

That’s a ratio of 380 emergency runs per year per vehicle, compared to BHAS’s ratio of 1,457. With the Dunn Memorial Hospital Ambulance Service, which has two emergency vehicles plus a backup, the ratio is 456 emergency runs per year per vehicle.

David DeGroote, BHAS’s director, said since 2004, the number of emergency calls to BHAS has grown from 630 to 850 a month. That is why he would like to have another ambulance, which he says would add a layer of security.

“Because our volume of 911 calls has increased over the last few years, we could use another truck on the street seven days a week,” he said.

“It would help us make sure we always have ambulances available for 911 calls, which are our top priority.”

DeGroote said a new, fully equipped ambulance would cost around $185,000.

It would be like the other seven — a sophisticated “advance life support equipped” model with defibrillators and other equipment that allow paramedics to electronically transmit vital data to the hospital’s emergency room while the ambulance is en route. But the cost of the truck is just the beginning.

“It would require another $120,000 a year to staff the vehicle,” he said.

But DeGroote said the hospital, which in 2007 propped up the financially strapped ambulance service with a $1,037,000 subsidy, should not have to pay for a new vehicle.

“It should come from increased subsidies from our city and county governments,” he said. “Most ambulance services in other counties are subsidized far more substantially by the city and county than we are.”

DeGroote is not the only ambulance service director who wants another vehicle. David Doane, director of the Greene County Ambulance Service, said that due to rising patient volumes he plans to ask the Greene County Council for an additional vehicle.

“We would pay about $80,000 for a low-end, box style rather than a van-style ambulance,” he said. “The high-end ambulances cost too much.”

Despite wanting an additional 911 vehicle, DeGroote said his seven-vehicle emergency fleet rarely gets so depleted that he has to ask for ambulance vehicles from surrounding counties.

“In the last 12 years, you can count on one hand the number of times we’ve had to go outside the county for ambulance assistance,” he said. “If we have a major accident that ties up three vehicles and get a couple more runs on top of that, we’ll contact Lawrence or Owen counties for more vehicles.”

BHAS’s total budget for 2007 was $3,270,000. It got $120,000 in 2007 from the county, its only government subsidy. The service needed a $1,037,000 subsidy from the hospital to stay afloat.

The financial woes of BHAS stem from rising medical and gasoline costs; and paltry reimbursements from Medicare, Medicaid and private insurers that do not come close to covering the cost of providing care.

“We get about 30 cents on the dollar in reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid,” DeGroote said.

Because those reimbursements are not expected to increase anytime soon, DeGroote would like to see more financial help from the city and county.

In neighboring Greene County, which has about one fourth the population of Monroe County, taxpayers subsidize the Greene County Ambulance Service to the tune of $643,400 a year — more than five times the amount Monroe County officials allot each year to BHAS.

Bartholomew and Brown counties, which together have 40,000 fewer residents than Monroe County, support the Columbus Regional Hospital Ambulance Service with $1.25 million worth of city and county taxpayer money a year.

DeGroote thinks the disparity in taxpayer support is reprehensible, adding that emergency medical service is a community’s third public safety service, along with the police department and fire department.

“I don’t know what taxpayers pay for police and fire department services and I don’t care,” he said. “When I dial 911, I want to get service from those two departments.”

While in Greene County residents pay approximately $19.40 per person for ambulance service, based on total county population data, DeGroote said Monroe County residents pay about $1 per county resident per year to support BHAS.

“I feel people in this county would be willing to pay $4 or $5 per year for that emergency medical service,” he said. “I don’t think they’ve ever been asked.”

Vic Kelson, Monroe County Council president, said he is sympathetic to BHAS’s plight.

“It’s obviously an important service and I understand how hard it is for them financially,” he said. “But it’s a challenge for the council, because every dollar we give to one entity has to be taken from another one.”

Kelson said the council will certainly discuss the issue, however, and ask for input and recommendations from the county commissioners.

“We definitely need the ambulance service, and the council will do what we can to make sure it continues to be provided,” he said. “We just need to see how its funding fits in with everything else.”

Dan Sherman, Bloomington City Council attorney, said the city has not provided BHAS with direct financial support for the past 30 years.

“It’s really not a city council question,” he said. “The issue should be addressed by the mayor.”

Mayor Mark Kruzan said city residents indirectly support the ambulance service through their property taxes, and that the city further helps BHAS by providing it with free dispatch services.

“If we were to charge fees for the dispatch services and also give them a cash subsidy, it would probably be a wash,” he said. “But this is an issue we all need to grapple with, because BHAS provides an important service to the community.”

Sherman added that the city helps BHAS with its First Responder Program, in which Bloomington firefighters often arrive first on the scene and administer emergency medical care — treating patients for shock and bleeding and using automated external defibrillators on those undergoing cardiac arrest — until an ambulance arrives.

DeGroote said the average BHAS response time for 911 calls is 7.24 minutes, below the 8- to 10-minute national average.

“I think having our vehicles stationed in strategic spots is part of the reason our response times are so good,” DeGroote said.

Two of BHAS’s five emergency ambulances are stationed at the hospital, and the other three are kept on the IU campus, in Ellettsville, and at the Perry-Clear Creek Fire Department. Its two 911 backup vehicles are at Ellettsville Fire Department stations in Ellettsville and on Curry Pike.

BHAS’s average response time is below that of the Greene County Ambulance Service (9.0 minutes), the Dunn Memorial Hospital’s Ambulance Service (8.3), Bedford Regional Medical Center’s Ambulance Service (8.15), and the Columbus Regional Hospital Ambulance Service (7.6).

But as Greene County’s Doane points out, the size of a county plays a role in response times. “We’re the third largest county in the state,” he said.

—–

To see more of the Herald-Times, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.heraldtimesonline.com.

Copyright (c) 2008, Herald-Times, Bloomington, Ind.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

By TERECILLE BASA-ONG, STAFF WRITER

Most bookstores thought the midnight madness would be over with the seventh Harry Potter novel, figuring they would not have to deal with another late-night release party.

Then along came “Breaking Dawn,” the fourth and final book in StephenieMeyer’s teen vampire series, “Twilight.”

To promote the book’s midnight release, stores throughout the area will be welcoming “Twilight” fans Friday night with everything from cake to costumes to vampire-bite tattoos.

“Some places had midnight parties for [the third book] ‘Eclipse,’ ” said Elizabeth Eulberg, Meyer’s global publicist, “but this is on a much wider scale.”

The series kicked off in 2005 with “Twilight,” about an average 17-year-old girl and a vampire in love. The book and its two sequels “New Moon” and “Eclipse” were on the New York Times bestseller list for 143 weeks combined.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Meyer told a young fan that she “felt closure” with “Breaking Dawn,” in which heroine Bella must ultimately choose between Edward the vampire and Jacob the werewolf.

Meyer who will be taking the stage Friday night with musician Justin Furstenfeld for a sold-out “Breaking Dawn concert” at Nokia Theatre in Manhattan isn’t doing a book tour, so Bookends in Ridgewood couldn’t get her to stop by. But the store will be open from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., selling “Breaking Dawn” at 20 percent off for only those four hours. Co-owner Walter Boyer predicted that the fans will “make it a girls’ night out” and is “encouraging people to come early and hang” since there will be light refreshments and cake.

Northvale’s Books &Greetings will open at 11 p.m. and serve refreshments, but will not have any games or festivities.

“Unlike the Harry Potter fanatics, the girls will just want to get the book and go,” said owner Kenny Sarfin. “They’re not interested in becoming vampires!”

Barnes & Noble and Borders stores are planning more elaborate celebrations. At Clifton’s Barnes & Noble, the festivities begin at 8 p.m., including a costume party and dance contest, a prom photo booth and trivia games. While this is being treated in the “same respect as a Harry Potter release party,” merchandising manager Janine Bubetsaid the series is “not as big as Harry Potter, so we don’t expect [the turnout] to be as big.”

Mike Marmo, store manager for the Edgewater Barnes & Noble, agreed. “It’s for a specialized crowd, strictly the teen market,” Marmo said.

Their party, beginning at 9 p.m., will feature a fortuneteller and tarot card readings, a trivia hunt and the chance to get vampire bites painted on your neck.

The Barnes & Noble in Hackensack has been gearing up for the release with its “Countdown to ‘Breaking Dawn’ ” book group, which has been meeting since June to discuss the first three books.

The store’s 10 p.m. party will offer a costume contest, prom photos and the chance to get painted with either vampire bites (if you’re rooting for Edward) or a werewolf scratch (if you’re a Jacob fan). Other activities include T-shirt raffles and a crafts table.

“Because of the interest in the fiction group, we’re expecting a decent turnout,” said community relations manager Jill Fisch. “We don’t expect it to be quite as big as Harry Potter, but pre-orders have been good and [the fan base does range from] teenage girls and some boys, and mothers too.”

The Borders stores in Fort Lee and Ramsey will hold “From Twilight Till Dawn: A Night With Bite” parties starting at 9:30 p.m., with a costume party, trivia contest, food and prizes; Fort Lee’s party will also include a reading of the first chapter.

“It’s not Harry Potter, but it’s surprising how many people are interested in it,” said Fort Lee store manager Steven Parisi. “I never thought we’d throw another midnight release party, but it’s a good thing; the kids get excited and have fun.”

The success of these parties has led Parisi to expand the release party concept to other series, such as Christopher Paolini’s “Eragon,” whose third book, “Brisingr,” arrives in September.

The end of the “Twilight” series likely won’t mean the end of the mania or the Harry Potter comparisons. The movie version of “Twilight,” in theaters Dec. 12, stars Robert Pattinson – Cedric from “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.”

“Breaking Dawn” release parties will be held Friday at Barnes & Noble in Clifton (395 Route 3 east, 973-779-5500), Edgewater (465 River Road, 201-943-6130), Hackensack (187 Riverside Square, 201- 488-8037) and West Paterson (1156 Route 46 West, 973-812-0180); Bookends in Ridgewood (232 E. Ridgewood Ave., 201-445-0726); Books & Greetings in Northvale (271 Livingston St., 201-784-2665); and Borders in Fort Lee (1642 Schlosser St., 201-302-0815) and Ramsey (235 Interstate Shopping Center, 201-760-1967). Call or go online for details. Pre-ordering the book is recommended.

***

E-mail: [email protected]

(c) 2008 Record, The; Bergen County, N.J.. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.

By Joe Goldeen, The Record, Stockton, Calif.

Jul. 31–MANTECA — San Joaquin County’s shortage of assisted-living facilities for seniors will get some relief in September when the 114-unit Prestige Senior Living at Manteca is scheduled to open. It will include 24 memory-care units suitable for Alzheimer’s patients, another component of health care that is in short supply in the region.

The new senior residential center, at 1130 Empire Ave. in a northeast Manteca neighborhood, is taking reservations for studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units it calls villas. Some have patios, and some have balconies. Monthly fees range from $2,400 to $3,800 and include a host of amenities, including all meals, housekeeping and transportation.

Prestige Senior Living is a private-pay facility but accepts long-term-care insurance and assists military veterans in obtaining benefits they are entitled to, according to Jason Delamarter, vice president of operations for owner Prestige Care Inc. It also offers a 60-day money-back guarantee if a resident is unsatisfied with the facility.

“We see a need in the area; we really do. In our analysis of the San Joaquin Valley, we see a market both for senior housing and also for memory care,” Delamarter said.

“The Expressions program is our memory care, and there are not a lot of options for memory care in the area,” Delamarter said.

In fact, only one of Manteca’s three skilled nursing facilities has an Alzheimer’s unit, and there are only seven Alzheimer’s facilities countywide, according to San Joaquin County Aging and Community Services.

Jill Hernandez, the county’s ombudsman coordinator, agreed that residential facilities for Alzheimer’s patients are in great demand.

“There’s definitely a need for memory facilities. The harder thing is to find something for lower-income seniors,” Hernandez said.

Prestige Care is based in Vancouver, Wash., and operates 44 nursing facilities, dementia care facilities, assisted-living communities and retirement communities in eight Western states with a concentration in the Northwest. Its closest sites to Manteca are Prestige Assisted Living centers in Marysville and Visalia.

Delamarter said the Manteca center would employ 45 people as personal caregivers, medication management aids, housekeeping, food service and other positions.

“We really look for people who are competent in their positions and have a passion in providing seniors care. There’s a phrase: ‘We promise to personally touch lives every day.’ We strive for that,” Delamarter said.

He estimated yearly staff payroll at $1.3 million and purchases of goods and services from area vendors of $400,000 for a total annual impact on the community of $1.7 million. The project cost to build Prestige Senior Living at Manteca is $18 million.

Sunny Sundell, who will work on site as executive director, has 18 years’ experience working in senior residential facilities. She was brought in because of her background in dementia care.

“This is my passion. What we bring to the table is a best-friend’s approach to memory care. We really spend a lot of time getting to know who our residents are so we can incorporate that into their daily activities. We are going to accommodate their lifestyle even through their journey of dementia,” Sundell said.

Active adults 59 and older who are still living independently but want a simpler lifestyle are welcome at Prestige Senior Living, Sundell said.

In addition to three meals a day served in a dining room setting and weekly housekeeping, rent includes all utilities plus basic cable television and telephone long-distance, scheduled transportation and trips to medical appointments, weekly laundry with the option to do it yourself, and access to a wellness spa with fitness equipment and massage area, cinema room, coffee bistro, private dining room and meeting room. A modern security system is designed to keep residents safe and track their locations.

When landscaping is complete, the grounds will be dotted with walking paths and sitting areas. It has the added attraction of being across the street from 6-acre Diamond Oaks Park in a neighborhood of single-family homes.

Retreat stays of as long as a month are also available for individuals recovering from a temporary incapacity caused by illness, injury or surgery. Temporary residents receive full access to all community services and amenities.

Contact reporter Joe Goldeen at (209) 546-8278 or [email protected].

—–

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Copyright (c) 2008, The Record, Stockton, Calif.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

To: STATE EDITORS

Contact: Ted Montgomery of Oakland University, +1-248-370-4346; or Colette Stimmell of Beaumont Hospitals, +1-248-551-0740

Gift Support, Name, Vision Also Announced

ROCHESTER, Mich., July 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Oakland Universitys Board of Trustees today approved the appointment of Robert Folberg, M.D., as the founding dean of the allopathic medical school Oakland will open with Beaumont Hospitals in 2010 with a charter class of 50 students. Oakland and Beaumont also announced the official name of the school — Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine (OUWBSM) — and that philanthropic support is approaching $25 million. They describe their vision for the school as a partnership to lead innovation in patient-centered medical education and research.

This is a watershed moment in Oakland Universitys history, said Oakland President Gary D. Russi. Today, with our nationally recognized partner, Beaumont Hospitals, we have taken several momentous steps toward creating exciting opportunities in top- quality medical education for the next generation of doctors, and, at the same time, bringing to the region a much-needed economic and job-creation boost, and exciting new opportunities for a top- quality medical education for the next generation of doctors.

Beaumont Hospitals President and CEO Kenneth J. Matzick said, This new medical school will help solve the predicted shortage of physicians in Michigan and attract renowned educators and researchers to the region.

Dr. Robert Folberg has served as chairman of the department of pathology at University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago since 2000. He is an esteemed professor of ophthalmology and pathology, with a national and international reputation in the field of ophthalmic pathology, hospital administration, education and research. In addition to his role as dean of the OUWBSM, Dr. Folberg will also serve as professor of biomedical sciences, pathology and ophthalmology, with tenure, and as Beaumont Hospitals chief academic officer. (View Dr. Folbergs complete CV at www.oakland.edu/ medicine.)

Im tremendously honored to be chosen as the founding dean of a medical school that has the force of two outstanding institutions behind it, Folberg said. Oakland University and Beaumont Hospitals are recognized leaders in higher education and medicine, and the combination of these two organizations will create a medical school that will blaze new and exciting trails in medical education in Michigan and throughout the country. To be named the founding dean of the new medical school is humbling indeed.

Oakland University Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Virinder Moudgil said, The new medical school will promote applied research from the bench to the bedside, assuring that scientific discoveries and new technologies are able to directly benefit patients in the most rapid timeframe possible. Its clear that Dr. Folberg shares our vision for the medical school and will help us reach new heights in medical training, innovation and instruction.

Instruction and research in the basic sciences will be provided on Oakland Universitys campus in Rochester, with clinical instruction and advanced research provided at Beaumont. The school will train physicians to practice 21st century medicine with an emphasis on lifelong learning, technology, research, preventive and pre-symptom medicine, treatment and management of chronic disease, and teamwork. (For more on the vision of the medical school, visit www.oakland.edu/medicine.)

Beaumont Hospitals will be the exclusive clinical partner, responsible for providing clinical training to an estimated 125 OUWBSM students by the fourth year of operation. An OUWBSM advisory committee composed of Beaumont and OU executives will provide guidance on the direction of the school.

Beaumont has the largest, non-university affiliated, post- graduate teaching program in the country, said Ananias Diokno, M.D., Beaumont executive vice president and chief medical officer. This medical school affiliation will bolster our already strong programs for medical education and research.

Building on a solid foundation of the nearly $25 million in gifts announced today, revenue for the OUWBSM will come from tuition and fees, commercialization of intellectual property, partner contributions (e.g., clinical training, scholarships), extramural research and philanthropy. Administrators and faculty will be hired to support the new school consistent with accreditation standards set by the Liaison Committee for Medical Education (LCME), which will also be reviewing the OUWBSM application materials and facilitating a site visit. Following receipt of accreditation from the LCME, students will be actively recruited beginning in 2009 for a fall 2010 start.

The OUWBSM will create hundreds of new jobs and is expected to generate a regional economic impact of up to $1 billion annually, once the school is fully operational. As it grows, the school will help combat the physician shortage predicted for Michigan and graduates will fill residencies at local hospitals, contributing to the care of Michigan residents. The school will also attract top- level medical, business and academic leaders, helping to keep our best and brightest from leaving the state to pursue educational opportunities elsewhere.

For a medical school timeline, Dr. Folbergs complete curriculum vitae, and additional information on the medical school, please visit www.oakland.edu/medicine.

SOURCE William Beaumont Hospital

(c) 2008 U.S. Newswire. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.

International productivity consultant Steven Terry has rejoined McGhee Productivity Solutions to provide McGhee products and services in the Pacific Northwest. Having facilitated over 1,000 sessions around the globe, Steven is widely regarded as an inspiring speaker and gifted coach. His diverse background in psychology, counseling, personal development and corporate training, along with his commitment to personal and organizational transformation, assure customers of receiving the highest quality consulting services and support.

“With a young son at home, I am ever more aware of the challenges and necessity for creating productive and balanced work/life business cultures,” offers Steven. “The Take Back Your Life(TM) methodology represents a much needed antidote to our ever more complicated world.”

Steven joins the McGhee team during a time of rapid growth for the company. As a result of continuing strong demand for its consulting services and products, McGhee will be hiring 10 additional consultants domestically and abroad in the coming year.

McGhee Productivity Solutions, Inc. (McGhee) provides consulting services, tools and education to increase productivity and work/life balance. Based in Denver, CO, McGhee integrates its proven methods and protocols with Microsoft technology to deliver innovative action-management strategies to individuals and organizations worldwide. The McGhee approach is widely recognized for maximizing technology investments, improving job satisfaction and driving sustainable productivity throughout numerous Fortune 500 organizations. CEO Sally McGhee is the author of the popular book series Take Back Your Life! Using Microsoft Outlook to Get Organized and Stay Organized. www.mcgheeproductivity.com

U.S. medical scientists say a drug commonly prescribed to treat immunodeficiencies has shown promise as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and the Weill Cornell Medical Center announced the nine-month interim results of an ongoing Phase II double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of gammagard intravenous immunoglobulin, or IGIV.

Those results show significantly better global outcomes, cognitive performance and daily functioning in patients treated with IGIV compared with initially placebo-treated patients, the researchers said.

The new interim data show persistence of benefits for Alzheimer’s patients treated continuously for nine months. The study’s lead researcher, Dr. Norman Relkin, said the study is the first to show persistence of benefits for Alzheimer’s from IGIV with continuous treatment for nine months. Previous studies discontinued therapy after six months.

The findings were presented Wednesday during an Alzheimer’s Association’s international conference in Chicago.

A Phase III trial is expected to begin this year.

By JUDITH GRAHAM

CHICAGO — Researchers from Kansas are offering a rare glimpse into the interior world of Alzheimer’s patients with a new study that will be presented at a major international conference in Chicago this week.

The study, while small, is highly suggestive. Key findings indicate that patients — even those who may seem deeply disoriented or cognitively impaired — dislike being patronized or treated as if they were children.

This suggests that a sense of adult identity remains intact in people with dementia, even when an individual isn’t able to remember how old she is, where she is, what day it is or which family members are alive and present.

How people experience Alzheimer’s disease, especially in its latter stages, is a mystery because those who suffer from this illness lose the ability to articulate their thoughts and feelings.

In the Kansas study, researchers tried to get around this hurdle by videotaping 20 elderly men and women living in three nursing homes during the course of a day as aides helped them bathe, brush their teeth, dress, eat and take their medications, among other activities.

Researchers then analyzed the tapes frame by frame, assessing how the manner in which staff interacted with patients influenced patients’ behavior and the quality of care.

They discovered that when nursing aides communicated in a kind of baby talk for seniors — using a high-pitched sing-song tone, making comments like “good girl,” diminutives like “honey,” and using language that assumed a state of dependency (“are we ready for our bath?”) — Alzheimer’s patients were twice as likely to resist their efforts to help.

The old men and women would turn or look away, grimace, clench their teeth, groan, grab on to something, cry or say “no” — behaviors that can be read as indications of distress at being patronized or infantilized, said lead researcher Kristine Williams, an associate professor at the University of Kansas School of Nursing.

“Communication can really impact care,” she said.

The observation applies equally to people with Alzheimer’s disease being cared for at home, who make up the vast majority of the estimated 5.2 million men and women living with this illness in the U.S., other experts suggest.

“What this new study does is really validate anecdotal evidence and folk wisdom about how we should communicate with people with dementia,” said Dan Kuhn, director of the professional training institute at the Alzheimer Association’s Greater Illinois chapter.

Twenty years ago, a very different vision prevailed, Kuhn explained. Then, it was thought that if an Alzheimer’s patient seemed disoriented — if a woman thought she was in her 20s, for instance, or that she was speaking to her brother instead of a son – – it was important to point out the mistake and correct her, lest she regress.

Today, the approach is to “enter into a patient’s reality instead of forcing that person into our reality,” Kuhn explained. “Don’t remind them of their disability. Don’t tell them they’re wrong. And by all means, don’t be condescending or critical.”

Kathleen Ustick, who oversees Alzheimer’s services at Lutheran Life Communities in Arlington Heights, Ill., gives an example. If an old man with dementia asks repeatedly for his mother, who is deceased, she tells staff to listen closely to his tone of voice and try to read his body language.

If the man seems agitated or panicked, “I think the meaning behind his words is, ‘I don’t feel safe right now.’ Mom represents safety, security, love. And the message for staff is, we have to help calm this person down,” she said.

A good way to do that would be to say something like, “No, I haven’t seen your mother. But why don’t you stay with me for a while?” Ustick suggested.

Assuming that the patient is being childlike misses the meaning that underlies his words. “I firmly believe we should never treat (men and women with dementia) like infants. We may be their safety net, the person who interprets the world to them, but they are adults,” she said.

Originally published by JUDITH GRAHAM Chicago Tribune.

(c) 2008 Tulsa World. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.

By The Times-News, Twin Falls, Idaho

Jul. 31–Young Latino girls are invited to show their talents at the fifth annual Miss Chiquitita 2008 pageant.

The pageant is part of the Hispanic Heritage Fiesta, a cultural celebration set for 10 a.m. Aug. 9 at the Twin Falls City Park.

The Miss Chiquitita competition is for girls ages 5 to 10 of Latino descent. The pageant will be held at noon Aug. 9 at the park. The girls’ parents/guardian are required to complete a registration form and must attend an orientation meeting from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 7 at the Twin Falls City Park. Registration is free and the deadline to apply is Friday.

The girls will be judged in stage presence, originality and personality.

The contestants also will be required to perform a talent not to exceed three minutes. The girls do not need to be bilingual.

Contestants do not need to buy or wear a formal dress for this event, organizers say. They will model in front of the judges with the same outfit in which they will perform and there will be no time to change.

The winners will be announced the same day of the event and they may need to return to the fiesta on Sunday. First-place or reina (queen) for ages 9 to 10 will receive $100 cash. Second-place princesa (princess) for ages 7 to 8 will receive a $75 cash prize. Third-place duquesa (duchess) for ages 5 to 6 will receive $50 cash prize. All three winners will receive a crown and sash.

All of the contestants will receive a certificate of participation and a flower.

For more information about the contest, call Carmen Macias at 208-734-7024, ext. 1602.

—–

To see more of The Times-News, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.magicvalley.com

Copyright (c) 2008, The Times-News, Twin Falls, Idaho

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

Seattle Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:SGEN) announced today that it has initiated a phase I clinical trial of SGN-70, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD70 that is being developed as an investigational therapy for autoimmune diseases. The trial will assess the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of SGN-70 in healthy volunteers.

“CD70 targeted therapies have shown promise in multiple preclinical models by reducing autoimmune disease activity at well-tolerated doses,” said Thomas C. Reynolds, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer of Seattle Genetics. “This clinical trial is designed to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of SGN-70 in humans and to serve as a foundation for future clinical trials in patients with autoimmune disease.”

The phase I study is a dose-escalation trial in which cohorts of healthy volunteers will receive single doses of SGN-70. The clinical trial will be conducted in Switzerland and is expected to accrue approximately 60 volunteers.

The CD70 antigen is highly expressed on activated T- and B-cells but not resting lymphocytes, and has been associated with a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. SGN-70 has been shown in preclinical models to selectively deplete CD70-positive lymphocytes and block the co-stimulation pathway between CD70 and its receptor, CD27. By specifically targeting the activated cells, SGN-70 may reduce the damaging effects of autoimmune disease without globally suppressing the immune system.

CD70 is also expressed on several types of cancer, including multiple myeloma, lymphoma, renal cell cancer, glioblastoma and several other solid tumors. In addition to SGN-70, Seattle Genetics is advancing SGN-75, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting CD70, for the treatment of cancer and expects to file an investigational new drug (IND) application in 2009.

About Seattle Genetics

Seattle Genetics is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of monoclonal antibody-based therapies for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune disease. The company has a worldwide collaboration with Genentech for SGN-40. Seattle Genetics also has two other product candidates in ongoing clinical trials: SGN-33 and SGN-35. In addition, the company has developed proprietary antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology comprising highly potent synthetic drugs and stable linkers for attaching the drugs to monoclonal antibodies. Seattle Genetics has collaborations for its ADC technology with a number of leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, including Genentech, Bayer, CuraGen, Progenics, Daiichi Sankyo and MedImmune, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AstraZeneca, as well as an ADC co-development agreement with Agensys, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Astellas Pharma.

Certain of the statements made in this press release are forward looking, such as those, among others, relating to the therapeutic potential of SGN-70. Actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected or implied in these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such a difference include the inability to show sufficient safety in this phase I clinical trial and the risk of adverse clinical results as SGN-70 moves into and advances in clinical trials. More information about the risks and uncertainties faced by Seattle Genetics is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Seattle Genetics disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

DALLAS, July 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. today announced a five year contract, totaling $100 million, with UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc., a Worcester, Massachusetts-based hospital system, to provide extensive information systems services. The contract will extend an existing six-year business relationship.

Under the terms of the agreement, ACS will provide a cost-effective method of expanding UMass Memorial’s IT systems through planned deployment of servers and data storage based on the hospital system’s specific IT infrastructure needs. ACS will provide networking, data systems, data center hosting, desktop, help desk, telecommunications, disaster recovery, and resource planning services.

“This new agreement will enable UMass Memorial to continue our successful relationship with ACS to tackle upcoming challenges, including growing demands for storage, high availability computing, clinical information systems and the increasing service levels the technology requires,” said George Brenckle, senior vice president and chief information officer, UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc. “We are confident our extended partnership with ACS will elicit continued success and help reposition our hospital system for future growth.”

Through it subsidiary unit, ACS Healthcare Solutions, the company has a legacy in healthcare information technology and clinical transformation by providing a full array of services to healthcare delivery systems to help them operate more efficiently and effectively, including world-class healthcare transformational outsourcing services.

“UMass Memorial is demonstrating its leadership by taking proactive steps to anticipate and increase its capabilities through an expanded information services infrastructure,” said Charles Bracken, managing director, ACS Healthcare Solutions. “Our deep healthcare knowledge and expertise, gained over nearly 25 years, combined with our integrated, healthcare-specific services and tools, will help us deepen our relationship with UMass Memorial and this facility’s patients.”

About ACS

ACS, a global FORTUNE 500 company with 63,000 people supporting client operations reaching more than 100 countries, provides business process outsourcing and information technology solutions to world-class commercial and government clients. The company’s Class A common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ACS.” Learn more about ACS at http://www.acs-inc.com/.

About University of Massachusetts Memorial Health Care, Inc.

UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc. is the largest health care system in Central and Western Massachusetts, and the clinical partner of the University of Massachusetts Medical School. UMass Memorial Health Care, Inc. includes UMass Memorial Medical Center and four community hospitals.

The system also includes a long-term nursing facility, home health and hospice program, behavioral health programs, and community-based physician practices. Approximately 1,500 physicians are members of the medical staff, with 13,000 employees, including 3,000 registered nurses. In total, the hospitals have 1,093 beds. In 2006, 58,762 inpatients were treated and more than one million outpatient visits were counted. 5,346 babies were delivered and the emergency departments handled 233,500 visits.

The statements in this news release that do not directly relate to historical facts constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the Company’s control. As such, no assurance can be given that the actual events and results will not be materially different than the anticipated results described in the forward-looking statements. Factors could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. For a description of these factors, see the Company’s prior filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent filing. ACS disclaims any intention or obligation to revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future event, or otherwise.

Affiliated Computer Services, Inc.

CONTACT: Investors, Jon Puckett, Vice President, Investor Relations,+1-214-841-8281, [email protected], or Media, Chris Gilligan, Manager,Corporate Communications, +1-859-389-2412, [email protected], both ofAffiliated Computer Services, Inc.

Web site: http://www.acs-inc.com/

Amarin Corporation plc (NASDAQ:AMRN) announced that at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Dublin today, shareholders approved all of the thirteen resolutions set out in the AGM notice.

About Amarin

Amarin is a biopharmaceutical company focused on improving the lives of patients suffering from cardiovascular and central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Amarin’s cardiovascular programs, including AMR101 for hypertriglyceridemia, capitalize on the known therapeutic benefits of essential fatty acids in cardiovascular disease. Amarin’s CNS development pipeline includes programs in myasthenia gravis, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and memory. Amarin is listed in the U.S. on the NASDAQ Capital Market (“AMRN”).

Obagi Medical Products, Inc. (Nasdaq:OMPI), a leader in topical aesthetic and therapeutic skin health systems, announced today the interim results of a 10-week study comparing CLENZIderm M.D.(TM) Acne Therapeutic Systems’ 3-step acne system for normal-to-oily skin to a leading combination benzoyl peroxide (BPO)/clindamycin antibiotic product at the American Academy of Dermatology Summer Meeting in Chicago. The data, compiled from 69 patients at week 6 of the study, show that patients with mild-to-moderately severe acne experienced comparable reductions in inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions when using the CLENZIderm M.D. System which offers a new solubilized BPO technology.

The Obagi Medical Products 3-step acne systems, branded CLENZIderm M.D. Systems, which contain 5% solubilized BPO, help enhance the follicular penetration of BPO without the need for topical antibiotics.

“With increasing concerns regarding antibiotic resistance, there is clearly a need for improved acne therapies that do not contain antibiotics,” said Diane Thiboutot, MD, Professor and Vice Chair of Dermatology Research Co-Director, MD/PhD Program Assoc. Program Director, GCRC Penn State University College of Medicine and lead investigator of the study. “These interim results suggest that use of the CLENZIderm M.D. System may be as efficacious as a topical BPO/antibiotic combination.”

Data and Methodology

Patients were assigned facial treatment with either the 3-step acne system (CLENZIderm M.D. System for normal-to-oily skin) or the twice-daily 5% BPO/clindamycin combination product.

 NON-INFLAMMATORY LESION REDUCTION ---------------------------------------------------------------------- TREATMENT            WEEK 2           WEEK 4          WEEK 6 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-step acne system   27%              40%             35% ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BPO/clindamycin      19%              30%             36% ----------------------------------------------------------------------  

 INFLAMMATORY LESION REDUCTION ---------------------------------------------------------------------- TREATMENT            WEEK 2           WEEK 4          WEEK 6 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-step acne system   37%              48%             49% ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BPO/clindamycin      41%              41%             41% ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 

“Obagi Medical Products’ solubilized BPO has been studied in more than 800 patients over multiple clinical studies and continues to demonstrate compelling efficacy when compared to a leading BPO/clindamycin product,” said Steven Carlson, Chief Executive Officer of Obagi Medical Products. “Our solubilized BPO-based products have the potential to change the approach to treating acne and we are proud that Obagi Medical is at the forefront of these dermatological advancements.”

About Solubilized Benzoyl Peroxide

Obagi Medical’s proprietary, solubilized BPO, known as SoluZyl Technology, is 1/10,000 the size of any other BPO molecule available, so it can penetrate deep into the root of the follicle and treat acne where it starts. Obagi Medical’s solubilized 5% BPO is clinically proven to kill more P. acnes bacteria faster than the leading BPO/antibiotic combination product.

The solubilized BPO is available in both gel and lotion forms and can be purchased from physician offices individually or as part of a CLENZIderm M.D. Acne Therapeutic System. The System comes in two formulations, one for normal-to-oily skin patients (Gel) and one for normal-to-dry skin patients (Lotion).

About the CLENZIderm M.D. Systems

The CLENZIderm M.D. System, which uses proprietary ingredients, has two formulations based on skin type. The CLENZIderm(TM) System for normal-to-oily skin includes 2% salicylic acid cleanser and toner, and the 5% solubilized BPO gel. The CLENZIderm M.D. System for normal-to-dry skin includes a gentle cream cleanser, a therapeutic lotion containing solubilized 5% BPO and a therapeutic moisturizer with 20% glycerin and 1% dimethicone.

Of the patients who experienced signs and symptoms of treatment (erythema, peeling, dryness, burning and/or stinging) during clinical studies, the majority of cases were mild to moderate, occurred during the early weeks of treatment and decreased or resolved over time. Although rare, allergic reactions have been reported with topical benzoyl peroxide therapy.

The CLENZIderm M.D. Systems are not available over the counter and can only be obtained through physician offices.

About Obagi Medical Products, Inc. (www.obagi.com)

Obagi Medical Products develops and commercializes skin health products for the dermatology, plastic surgery, and related aesthetic markets. Using its Penetrating Therapeutics(TM) technologies, Obagi Medical’s products are designed to improve penetration of agents across the skin barrier for common and visible skin conditions in adult skin including chloasma, melasma, senile lentigines, acne vulgaris and sun damage. The history of Obagi’s skin care product introductions is as follows: Obagi Nu-Derm(R), 1988; Obagi-C(R) Rx (the first and only prescription-strength vitamin C and hydroquinone system), 2004; Obagi(R) Professional-C (a line of highly stable vitamin C serums), 2005; Obagi(R) Condition and Enhance for use with cosmetic procedures to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction, 2006; Obagi ELASTIderm(TM) eye treatment and Obagi CLENZIderm(R) M.D. acne therapeutic systems, 2007; a formulation of Obagi CLENZIderm(R) M.D. Systems for normal to dry skin, June 2007; and Obagi ELASTIderm(TM) Decolletage System, January 2008. Obagi’s products are only available through physicians.

Forward Looking Statements

There are forward-looking statements contained herein, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as the words “believes,””expects,””may,””will,””should,””potential,””anticipates,””plans,” or “intends” and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be materially different from the future results, events or developments indicated in such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to the intense competition our products face and will face in the future, the level of market acceptance of our products, the possibility that our products could be rendered obsolete by technological or medical advances, the possibility that we may become involved in intellectual property claims and litigation that could adversely affect the profitability of or our ability to sell our products, the possibility that our products may cause undesirable side effects and the fact that our ability to commercially distribute our products may be significantly harmed if the regulatory environment governing our products changes. A more detailed discussion of these and other factors that could affect results is contained in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that the future results covered by the forward-looking statements will be achieved. All information in this press release is as of the date of this press release and Obagi Medical Products does not intend to update this information.

Obagi Medical Products, Inc. (Nasdaq:OMPI), a leader in topical aesthetic and therapeutic skin health systems, announced the results of an in vitro study of their Obagi Professional-C and Obagi-C Rx Serums today at the American Academy of Dermatology’s Summer Academy Meeting in Chicago. The data show that Obagi-C Rx Serum (4% hydroquinone, 10% L-ascorbic acid) provided a more than 10-fold greater absorption of vitamin C than the leading competitive product, Skinceuticals(R) 20%. The Obagi Professional-C Serum (20%) resulted in a more than 5-fold greater absorption of vitamin C than the leading competitive product.

In addition, both Obagi Medical Vitamin C Serums were proven to have greater stability than the leading competitor, which is important given that topical vitamin C products can be unstable thus potentially making them less efficacious.

“Vitamin C is an important antioxidant and is essential for collagen production, which keeps skin looking young and healthy. It’s also very sensitive to numerous external conditions, so it is important to use a formulation that has a high level of penetration and is stable,” said Harry Agahigian, lead investigator of the study. “The studies showed that the Obagi Medical vitamin C formulations provide much better absorption and greater stability versus the competitive product.”

Key Findings:

Investigators sought to evaluate the absorption and stability of the three serums and the Obagi serums performed better in each objective of the study.

In an in vitro test evaluating absorption of vitamin C, each of the three serums (Obagi-C Rx Serum, Obagi Professional-C 20% Serum and the 20% L-ascorbic acid-based leading competitor product) was tested by being applied to cadaver skin for a period of 19 hours at 37 degrees C. The total absorption of vitamin C in each product was:

— 148 micro-g with Obagi-C Rx Serum (31% of baseline amount)

— 66 micro-g with Obagi Professional-C Serum (11% of baseline amount)

— 12 micro-g with the competitor product (2% of baseline amount).

In a stability test, the serums, Obagi-C Rx Serum (4% hydroquinone, 10% L-ascorbic acid), Obagi Professional-C Serum (20% L-ascorbic acid), and leading competitor 20% L-ascorbic acid, were stored at 40 degrees C and the vitamin C content was measured at 1 and 3 months. An additional stability test was performed by storing the products at 45 degrees C for 1 month. Here, vitamin C content was also measured.

 Stability Test 1        Stability Test 2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Product                One Month          One Month      Three Months Reduction (45      Reduction (40  Reduction degrees C)         degrees C)     (40 degrees C) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Obagi-C Rx Serum       2%                 None           2% ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Obagi Professional-C Serum                 14%                8%             17% ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Leading Competitive Product               29%                11%            41% ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 

“We are proud that our vitamin C products provide such clinically significant advantages over the competitive product,” said Steven Carlson, Chief Executive Officer of Obagi Medical Products. “Obagi Medical’s top priority is to provide highly effective differentiated skin care products that are based in real science. We do that by working closely with the top experts in the skin care field.”

About The Obagi-C Rx System

The patented Obagi-C Rx Early Intervention System is a complete skincare program that proactively corrects the early signs of damage to help restore and maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin. It is the first and only regimen offering the benefits of both prescription strength hydroquinone and stable vitamin C in one comprehensive system. It is available through physicians, including dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

About Obagi Professional-C Serums

Obagi Medical Products Vitamin C Serums deliver greater penetration to the skin thus delivering more antioxidant benefits. Obagi Professional-C Serums use stabilized ascorbic acid – the only form of vitamin C that can be readily absorbed by the skin. Patients may choose from 4 different concentrations: 20%, 15% or 10% concentrations for the skin and a 5% concentration for around the eyes.

About Obagi Medical Products, Inc. (www.obagi.com)

Obagi Medical Products develops and commercializes skin health products for the dermatology, plastic surgery, and related aesthetic markets. Using its Penetrating Therapeutics(TM) technologies, Obagi Medical’s products are designed to improve penetration of agents across the skin barrier for common and visible skin conditions in adult skin including chloasma, melasma, senile lentigines, acne vulgaris and sun damage. The history of Obagi’s skin care product introductions is as follows: Obagi Nu-Derm(R), 1988; Obagi-C(R) Rx (the first and only prescription-strength vitamin C and hydroquinone system), 2004; Obagi(R) Professional-C (a line of highly stable vitamin C serums), 2005; Obagi(R) Condition and Enhance for use with cosmetic procedures to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction, 2006; Obagi ELASTIderm(TM) eye treatment and Obagi CLENZIderm(R) M.D. acne therapeutic systems, 2007; a formulation of Obagi CLENZIderm(R) M.D. Systems for normal to dry skin, June 2007; and Obagi ELASTIderm(TM) Decolletage System, January 2008. Obagi’s products are only available through physicians.

Forward Looking Statements

There are forward-looking statements contained herein, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as the words “believes,””expects,””may,””will,””should,””potential,””anticipates,””plans,” or “intends” and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be materially different from the future results, events or developments indicated in such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to the intense competition our products face and will face in the future, the level of market acceptance of our products, the possibility that our products could be rendered obsolete by technological or medical advances, the possibility that we may become involved in intellectual property claims and litigation that could adversely affect the profitability of or our ability to sell our products, the possibility that our products may cause undesirable side effects and the fact that our ability to commercially distribute our products may be significantly harmed if the regulatory environment governing our products changes. A more detailed discussion of these and other factors that could affect results is contained in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that the future results covered by the forward-looking statements will be achieved. All information in this press release is as of the date of this press release and Obagi Medical Products does not intend to update this information.

Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE: THC) today announced that it will offer the Versant(TM) RN Residency in the fall of 2008 at 10 hospitals. Tenet is expanding the residency offered by Versant Advantage, Inc. as part of its strategy to increase nurse retention and improve the acclimation of its new registered nurse (RN) graduates. Approximately 120 newly-graduated nurses will participate in the rigorous 18-week residency curriculum.

“The RN residency provides a transition from student nurse to professional nurse by giving them the skills they need to increase their competency and confidence,” said Garry Olney, vice president, Patient Care Services at Tenet.

Since the pilot began in the spring of 2007, Tenet has offered 11 residency classes at four hospitals, graduating 68 RNs with 29 additional nurses scheduled to graduate this summer. The Versant RN Residency has helped Tenet reduce its new graduate RN attrition rate by an average of 50 percent.

“Tenet is committed to taking proactive steps to maintain a high-performing nursing workforce at our hospitals,” said Stephen L. Newman, MD, chief operating officer at Tenet. “Our goal is to provide these new graduates with the tools they need to develop as professional nurses who can immediately be integrated into our patient care areas.”

The 10 Tenet hospitals to offer the Versant RN Residency this fall are:

— Delray Medical Center, Delray Beach, Fla.

— Des Peres Hospital, St. Louis, Mo.

— Doctors Hospital of Manteca, Manteca, Calif.

— Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center, Fountain Valley, Calif.

— Nacogdoches Medical Center, Nacogdoches, Texas

— Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

— Saint Francis Hospital, Memphis, Tenn.

— San Ramon Regional Medical Center, San Ramon, Calif.

— South Fulton Medical Center, East Point, Ga.

— USC University Hospital, Los Angeles, Calif.

“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Tenet Healthcare Corporation,” said Charles Krozek, RN, MN, president and managing director of Versant Advantage, Inc. “As one of the nation’s largest and most trusted providers of health care services, Tenet, with the assistance of the Versant RN Residency, will have a positive impact on the quality of nursing care.”

About Tenet Healthcare Corporation

Tenet Healthcare Corporation, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates acute care hospitals and

related ancillary health care businesses, which include ambulatory surgery centers and diagnostic

imaging centers. Tenet is committed to providing high quality care to patients in the communities we serve. Tenet can be found on the World Wide Web at www.tenethealth.com.

About Versant(TM) Advantage, Inc.

Through the development of a research-driven RN residency program of Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles, Versant was founded in response to the severe national shortage of experienced nurses. Designed by nurses for nurses, Versant is a leading provider of integrated, evidence-based programs that assist hospitals with achieving nursing excellence and stabilizing their RN workforce, thereby contributing to the organization’s strategic objectives and financial goals. Versant leverages technology in measuring and tracking professional growth accurately and efficiently through Voyager(TM), a web-portal that provides residency participants and staff with access to tools and data. More than 4,000 newly graduated registered nursing students from over 50 hospitals nationwide have completed the Versant RN Residency. Versant’s clients include Advocate Illinois Medical Center, Seton Health System, Carondelet Health Network, Baptist Health of South Florida, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and Northridge Hospital Medical Center. For more information on the Versant RN Residency, please visit: www.versant.org.

Some of the statements in this release may constitute forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on our current expectations and could be affected by numerous factors and are subject to various risks and uncertainties discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2007, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and periodic reports on Form 8-K. Do not rely on any forward-looking statement, as we cannot predict or control many of the factors that ultimately may affect our ability to achieve the results estimated. We make no promise to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of changes in underlying factors, new information, future events or otherwise.

Lux Biosciences today announced the presentation of preclinical data demonstrating the safety and pharmacokinetics of LX214 as a potential once-daily topical treatment for chronic inflammatory diseases of the eye. LX214 is a clear, micellar, topical formulation of voclosporin, a next-generation calcineurin inhibitor licensed by Lux Biosciences from Isotechnika, Inc. (Edmonton, AB, Canada), which Lux Biosciences is developing as a potential treatment for such conditions as dry eye syndrome, blepharitis, and atopic keratoconjunctivitis.

Lux Biosciences researchers and collaborators presented the data in a poster session at the ARVO Summer Eye Research Conference, “Ocular Immunity and Inflammation” held from July 31 – August 2 at the Portola Plaza Hotel in Monterey, CA. Highlights of the data included:

— Concentrations of LX214 (and/or residue) establish therapeutic levels in tear fluid and most ocular tissues, including conjunctiva, cornea, eyelids, sclera and lacrimal gland after single or multiple topical applications of the experimental drug. Blood levels of LX214 remained at or near base line, and there was minimal distribution of LX214 to the opposite, non-treated eye.

— Tissue concentrations of LX214 in the target tissues for ocular immune-mediated diseases were significantly higher than the tissue concentrations of cyclosporine A achieved by twice daily topical application of Restasis(R) (cyclosporine 0.05%). These results are particularly important given that voclosporin has been shown to be four-fold more potent than cyclosporine A.

— No evidence of clinical irritation was observed in any of the animals treated with LX214.

— No evidence of melanin binding by LX214 was observed.

“These data strongly support the further development of LX214 as a topical product for serious ocular inflammatory conditions as well as for dry eye syndrome,” said Ulrich Grau, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Lux Biosciences. “We believe that the product has best-in-class potential based on the preclinical findings.”

About Lux Biosciences

Lux Biosciences, Inc. is a privately held biotechnology company focused on ophthalmic diseases. The company has a staged product portfolio of potentially first-in-class therapies distinguished by their short-term path to commercialization and potential to generate high revenue growth. The portfolio includes:

— Two Phase 3 clinical-stage projects including: i) LUVENIQ(TM), the oral formulation of a next-generation calcineurin inhibitor (voclosporin) developed as steroid-sparing therapy for the treatment of non-infectious uveitis, and ii) LX201, a silicone matrix ocular (episcleral) implant that steadily releases therapeutic doses of cyclosporine A locally to the eye for the prevention of rejection in cornea transplant recipients. Both the LUMINATE pivotal clinical program for LUVENIQ for the treatment of uveitis, as well as the LUCIDA (Lux Corneal Transplant Implant Development and Advancement of Therapy) pivotal clinical program with LX201 for the prevention of corneal transplant rejection were initiated in early 2007 and include sites in North America, Europe and India. Enrollment in the LUMINATE program was completed in June 2008.

— LX214, a novel topical eye drop formulation currently in IND-enabling studies with a target date for entry into the clinic in 2008. LX214 is based on Lux’ proprietary next-generation calcineurin inhibitor and is targeted towards other chronic inflammatory diseases of the eye, most notably dry eye syndrome, blepharitis and atopic keratoconjunctivitis.

— Several earlier stage projects based on proprietary product-enabling bio-erodible polymer technologies that facilitate targeted and sustained delivery of molecules to the eye.

For more information on Lux Biosciences, please visit the company’s website at http://www.luxbio.com.