Researcher-scientists at The Saban Research Institute of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles have discovered a way to dramatically enhance the growth of stem cells from umbilical cord blood after transplantation, according to Gay Crooks, M.B., B.S., director of the Stem Cell Project at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and a professor of pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC).

Can you list all of the medical professionals who should be on a diabetes health care team? When was the last time you and a friend or family member discussed ways to recognize symptoms of low glucose levels? Whether you can expertly recite the distinction between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, or you’ve just started using a glucose meter, Diabetes Forecast’s April issue will enhance your ongoing diabetes education.

The Government’s intention to review Medicare expenditure on mental health was welcomed by Australian psychologists. ‘We are strong proponents of evidence based practice,’ said Amanda Gordon, President of the Australian Psychological Society. ‘It makes good sense to review health expenditure for effectiveness and we will assist the Government in any review.

Auriga Laboratories, Inc. (OTCBB: ARGA), a specialty pharmaceutical company, announced today the launch of Extendryl® PEM and Extendryl® GCP. The two new products will be marketed under the Extendryl brand name which consists of prescription products to treat various cough, cold, and allergy symptoms. The prescription respiratory market is valued at more than 8 billion dollars in sales and more than 68 million prescriptions are written annually in the US.

Cytokinetics, Incorporated (NASDAQ: CYTK) announced positive results from an analysis of the first two patient cohorts of the ongoing Phase IIa clinical trial evaluating CK-1827452 administered intravenously to patients with stable heart failure. CK-1827452, a novel cardiac myosin activator, is being investigated as a potential treatment for patients with either acutely decompensated or chronic heart failure.

Corcept Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CORT) announced the commencement of its fourth Phase 3 trial, Study 14, evaluating CORLUX for the treatment of the psychotic features of psychotic depression. This trial is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study which will enroll up to 450 patients at approximately 25 sites in the United States. In connection with this study Corcept also announced the signing of an agreement with MedAvante, Inc.

Acting CMS Administrator Kerry Weems on Thursday said that a new Medicare competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment might save the program and beneficiaries $1 billion in 2009, the Cox/Miami Herald reports (Lipman, Cox/Miami Herald, 3/21).

Initially founded to combat tuberculosis (TB) more than a century ago, the American Lung Association today urges Congress to act decisively to finally eliminate TB in America. The Comprehensive TB Elimination Act, S. 1551/HR 1532, now pending in the Congress, would propel the U.S. Public Health Service’s efforts and lead international work to eradicate the infection globally.

University of Oklahoma: The university’s Health Sciences Center has worked closely with the Absentee Shawnee, Chickasaw and Choctaw American Indian tribes in the state to encourage participation in the national

The Maryland House of Delegates on Wednesday voted 105-34 to approve a fiscal year 2009 budget that reduces funding for the state’s stem cell research program to $15 million, the Washington Post reports. According to the Post, Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) allocated $23 million for the program in his budget proposal.