Gastric bypass is the superior surgery for the morbidly obese, a study finds. Swiss researchers, based on a review of more than 400 patients, concluded that gastric bypass leads to faster and more sustained weight loss than gastric banding. Over the long term, gastric banding patients also suffered more complications. The Wall Street Journal, HealthDay, Archives of Surgery
American Red Cross fined $9.6 million for sloppy and unsafe blood management practices. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration imposed the penalties based on inspections at 16 Red Cross blood centers in 2010. An FDA official said the agency found no actual harm to blood recipients but warned of potential hazards. The Red Cross was fined $16 million for similar infractions two years ago. msnbc.com, Bloomberg , FDA
Headphone-wearing pedestrians are suffering more deaths and injuries. University of Maryland researchers say walkers listening to music are less aware of their surroundings, including oncoming trains and street traffic. They found that 47 pedestrians wearing headphones were struck and killed or injured in the 2010-2011 study period, up from 16 in 2004-2005. New York Daily News, HealthDay, Injury Prevention
Indian doctors report “totally drug resistant” strain of tuberculosis in Mumbai. The doctors said three of the 12 patients found with the strain have died from the disease, which normally is treated with antibiotics for six to nine months. The report raised concerns about the ability of doctors to contain the disease, although the Indian government questioned characterizing the strain as “totally” drug resistant and said the lab at the hospital where the strain was evaluated was not accredited for conducting the tests. Reuters, BBC
Grounding of Costa Concordia raises questions about safety of cruise ships. Investigators are focusing on the actions of the ship’s captain, who was accused by his bosses of deviating from a fixed course to show off the $450 million boat. But the Friday night accident off the Tuscan coast of Italy, which killed at least 11 people and left two dozen more missing, also put a spotlight on loose oversight of the global cruise line industry. The Associated Press, The New York Times, Reuters
Obama administration will propose requiring drug companies to disclose payments to doctors. The intent is to head off conflicts of interest that, the administration says, “threaten the underlying integrity of the health care system.” Analyses have shown that about a quarter of doctors take cash payments from drug or device makers. The New York Times
Regulators examine risks of dissolvable tobacco. Food and Drug Administration experts are meeting for three days this week to evaluate the products, which include flavored mints, strips and sticks of smokeless tobacco. Critics say the products threaten to addict children and teens, and could cause nicotine poisoning. HealthDay
Texas tile manufacturer faces proposed workplace safety fines of $318,000. U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration officials cited American Marazzi Tile on three willful violations, the agency’s most severe infractions, and 22 other charges. The company, which is being placed in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program, was accused of failing to protect workers from extreme noise levels or to provide required guards on exposed belts, pulleys, chains and sprockets. OSHA
BMW recalls nearly 89,000 Mini Cooper sedans. The vehicles have faulty water pumps that could cause engine fires. The recall, which applies to sedans with turbochargers, comes three months after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating 12 reports of fires with the Mini Coopers. Los Angeles Times, Consumer Reports, NHTSA
More recalls: SRT8 sedans, Rexall calcium supplements, RSW Distributors seasoned diced beef, Gourmet Stuffed Clams, Pine Ridge sauce
Compiled by Stuart Silverstein
