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Pulmonary Atresia (PA) is a congenital birth defect characterized by an improperly formed pulmonary valve. As a result, a solid mass of tissue forms where the valve opening should be, causing the valve to remain closed. This defect inhibits blood from traveling to the lungs to pick up the oxygen it needs to dispense…

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), unsanitary conditions at a Jensen Farms packing plant in Colorado were responsible for a catastrophic Listeria outbreak. Last month witnessed the country’s deadliest foodborne outbreak in 25 years when cantaloupes, containing traces of a dangerous bacterium, were responsible for killing approximately two dozen people and…

Preliminary results of a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) funded study have added significant weight to the long-suspected link between fourth generation oral contraceptives and severe, life-threatening cardiovascular complications. More specifically, birth control pills containing drospirenone may significantly increase a woman’s risk of developing deep veinous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Recent…

In continuing with the recent barrage against dietary supplements that contain 1,3-dimethylamylamine (DMAA), opponents of the ambiguous ingredient are pushing for a ban that would halt public distribution. One opponent of DMAA in particular, a researcher affiliated with Harvard, is calling for an out-and-out ban on DMAA-containing products because of their affiliation with severe,…

According to a recent study published in the online journal PLoS One, serious acts of violence towards others may be directly correlated to the use of the popular smoking cessation drug known as Chantix (varenicline). Those involved with the study are pleading for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to strengthen the warning…

Acute phosphate nephropathy is a rare form of kidney injury associated with the use of oral sodium phosphates (OSP) that is characterized by deposits of calcium-phosphate crystals in the renal tubules. As a result, permanent renal impairment may occur and often requires chronic dialysis. In this article we will discuss the signs and symptoms,…

In the midst of intense criticism and scrutiny, two U.S. studies refute accusations that suggest Chantix is responsible for the development of more adverse neuropsychiatric events than other nicotine replacement therapies. According to studies funded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), both nicotine therapy patches and Chantix may increase the risk of…

In an editorial published by the largest group of Latino-owned bilingual newspapers in the United States, Senator (Ret.) Martha Escutia, a founding member of The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP, commented on the continuing issue of child sexual abuse involving the clergy. In the editorial published on-line by Eastern Publishing Group, Escuitia wrote: “Last Sunday,…