Genetics: Mutation Promotes Restless Legs
An international team of researchers have found what they believe is the first mutated gene linked to restless legs syndrome, a common neurologic disorder.
The researchers doubt that a large proportion of the millions of people who suffer from the syndrome have this mutated MEIS1 gene. They point out, however, that understanding the function of both the normal and abnormal genes will shed some insights into this mysterious disorder.

Restless legs syndrome affects between 5 and 11 percent of the population in Europe and in North America. The condition is characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs at rest, especially in the evening, that are temporarily relieved by movement. Because restless legs syndrome often interrupts sleep, people commonly are diagnosed after they consult a sleep specialist for assistance.

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Abbott announced a definitive agreement to acquire the nutrition businesses of Wockhardt Limited, Carol Info Services Limited, and certain Wockhardt subsidiaries and group companies for consideration totaling approximately US$130 million in cash.

Wockhardt, based in Mumbai, India, has a significant presence in India's pediatric and adult nutrition segments with infant formulas, weaning foods and adult protein supplements. These products hold the number two position in India's pediatric nutrition category with Farex®, Dexolac® and Nusobee® infant formulas and Farex® weaning cereal. The adult protein supplement, Protinex®, is the segment leader. These transactions also include nutrition manufacturing facilities located in Lalru and Jagraon, India.

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 Royal Philips Electronics announced the introduction of the FullLife full-face mask for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This revolutionary mask covers both the nose and mouth, while being compact and offering a clear line of sight for patients. The mask is being launched first in the U.S., followed by Canada; a global launch is planned for September 2009.

Representing a new generation of full-face masks, the FullLife is smaller and lighter, yet made of durable materials. The conventional forehead pad was eliminated to provide a clear line of sight. A newly designed, dual-textured cushion reduces leaks and creates a solid seal even with patient movement. The step-by-step numbered headgear system makes assembly and fitting easy.

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Boston Scientific Corporation announced that the Company's Board of Directors has elected Katharine T. Bartlett and Bruce L. Byrnes as Directors.

Bartlett, 62, is the A. Kenneth Pye Professor of Law at the Duke University School of Law, where she served as Dean from 2000-2007, leading the law school through a period of major strategic expansion. During Bartlett's tenure as Dean, the Law School was recognized by the American Bar Association five times for excellence in student leadership, leadership education and public interest programming. In addition, she was honored by Equal Justice Works in 2006 with its Dean of the Year award for support of public interest programs for law students, and by Duke University in 1994 as Scholar/Teacher of the Year. She earned a B.A. degree from Wheaton College, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa; an M.A. degree from Harvard University; and a J.D. degree from the Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley, where she served as an editor of the Law Review.

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 Across cultures and national boundaries, sight is valued as the most important of the five senses. Yet, new research reveals that across the world, nearly half (44%) share the misguided belief that seeing well translates to good eye health. This and other findings confirm a large global gap between vision care attitudes and behavior which may be preventing people from seeking proper treatment and diagnosis for them and their children.

Gaps in vision care attitudes and behavior are a recurrent theme throughout Global Attitudes and Perceptions About Vision Care, a new survey conducted on behalf of The Vision Care Institute™, LLC, a Johnson & Johnson company.  More than 6,500 adults from Australia, Brazil, China, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States were surveyed to better understand the incidence, practice and perception of eye exams for adults and children around the world.

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