Individuals with deterministic genes in whom it is known that Alzheimers disease (AD) will develop appear to show differences in beta-amyloid distribution when compared with non-dominantly inherited AD patients, helping to consolidate evidence that PET and MRI can depict brain changes well before the arrival of AD-related symptoms, according to preliminary findings presented July 20 at the 2011 Alzheimers Association International Conference in Paris.

Despite concerns about the risk of radiation-induced cancer among frequently scanned patients, most CT-induced cancers occur among rarelyrather than frequentlyscanned young adults, according to a study published in the July issue of Journal of American College of Radiology. The findings led the authors to call for enhanced education focused on appropriate utilization of CT scanning.

More than 400 organizations, companies and venture capital firms pressed leaders of Congress to repeal a recently enacted $20 billion medical device excise tax. In a July 18 letter, they claim the 2.3 percent tax will adversely impact patient care and innovation, as well as increase the costs of healthcare.

Although overwhelmingly safe, radiation oncologys error record does not stack up to similarly complex industries like aviation and nuclear power. In fact, national coordination of reporting and preventing radiation oncology errors has made little progress, while the field has become increasingly complex, according to a July article published in The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety.

For 22 years, U.S. News & World Report has issued a report card grading the nations hospitals for patient care and acknowledging 50 hospitals as the best. This year, as in years past, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital and the Mayo Clinic have been chosen as top performers for demonstrating superior care in at least six of the 16 specialties. Cleveland Clinic reclaims its position as number one for heart care for the 17th year in a row.

Infants born prematurely with brain injuries viewable on neonatal ultrasound may be at higher risks for developing a slew of psychiatric disorders, including depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a study published in the July issue of Archives of General Psychiatry.

The secretary of Veteran Affairs (VA) has launched a competition under Section 105 of the America Competes Reauthorization Act of 2011 to encourage widespread use of Blue Button personal health records (PHRs) to benefit veterans who receive care from non-VA providers.

While Royal Philips Electronics reported a net loss of EUR1.35 billion ($1.91 billion)a decline of EUR1.61 billion ($2.27 billion) compared with the 2010 second quarterthe healthcare sector experienced a sales increase of 8 percent on a comparable basis, driven by high single-digit growth in all businesses.