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The December tipsheet includes story ideas pertaining to holiday safety for children, the Charite artificial disc, organ transplantation, a new Center for Reproductive Medicine and more.

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An immune-modulating therapy improves kidney transplantation rates, even among "highly sensitized" patients whose immune systems have prevented them from receiving donated organs.

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Although Marylou Ferry experienced increasingly debilitating headaches for years, a benign tumor that was crowding out the normal tissues and structures of her brain was not found until it was the size of a large orange.

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Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have found that a small protein called hsFlt3L delivered via a genetically engineered virus increased the number of immune cells in the brain and significantly slowed tumor growth, increasing the survival of laboratory rats in pre-clinical studies.

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From candles to candy, ornaments to allergies, the holiday serve up special risks for kids. Dr. Kate Perkins, Medical Director of the Children's Health Clinic at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, offers 14 tips for protecting children from holiday hazards.

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With the launch of the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles is rounding out its comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of women's reproductive disorders.

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Andrew Scott Klein, MD, MBA, is the new director of the Comprehensive Transplant Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

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Holiday celebrations offer an array of temptations for partygoers to abandon healthy nutrition habits, while calorie-laden foods pose a special challenge for the many American children and adults who are struggling with the proverbial "battle of the bulge."

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A diverse group of international cardiologists and cardiovascular researchers has sent a formal request to former President Bill Clinton inviting him to help in the campaign for heart attack eradication.

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Because the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 has been linked to many types of cancers, manipulation of the enzyme is considered an attractive anti-cancer strategy. Researchers now describe COX-2's harmful impact on key cells that result in the immune system's tolerance of deadly brain tumor cells.

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1) Flu vaccines for pregnant women; 2) Use of over-the-counter at-home defibrillators; 3) Acoustic neuroma; 4) Outsmarting brain tumors patient conference; 5) Parkinson's disease research.

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Women who are expecting a baby should be considered high priority during this season when the Flu vaccine is in short supply, and should seek an influenza vaccine as soon as possible.

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An estimated 70-80 percent of cardiac arrests occur at home, often suddenly and without warning. While cardiopulmonary resuscitation can buy some time as families wait for paramedics, the only way to actually re-start the heart with a jolt of electricity is by using a defibrillator.

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A variety of specialists from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and its Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute will present the latest information on research and treatment for adult and pediatric brain tumors.

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1) Music therapy; 2) Obesity vs. Fitness as a Risk Factor for Heart Disease in Women; 3) Chemotherapy Following Vaccine for Brain Tumors; 4) Hyperspectral Imaging Endoscope; 5) Parents With Paralysis are Blessed by the Birth of Twins.

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When an acoustic neuroma "“ a benign tumor that grows on a nerve extending from the brainstem to the inner ear "“ is discovered when it is two centimeters or larger in size, there is very little chance that hearing in the ear can be saved.

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Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have found that two specific proteins delivered via a genetically engineered virus into the brains of laboratory rats, prevented the progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the brain that cause Parkinson's disease.

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Although excess body weight is associated with numerous heart disease risk factors, the body mass index appears to be a poor predictor of both existing coronary artery disease and future risk of adverse events in women.

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Netanel is the middle name the Kleins gave to their firstborn twin, Yosef. It means "God has given" in Hebrew and applies equally to brother Yaakov, says their father, Shmuel.

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Researchers have found that stress tests may not adequately screen for latent atherosclerosis "“ a hardening of the arteries due to plaque build-up "“ and the leading cause of heart disease. Findings indicate that many patients could benefit from additional screening for coronary calcium.

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Glioblastoma multiforme grows quickly and spreads rapidly. Although it has been the target of both conventional and experimental treatments, it has remained virtually unstoppable. Now a combination of two therapies appears to slow its progress and significantly lengthen patient survival.

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Includes: 1) National Women's Health Platform; 2) Minimally Invasive Upper Lumbar Fusion Surgery; 3) Fluorescence Spectroscopy; Hyperspectrial Endoscopy; 4) Brain Cancer Chemotherapy Following Vaccine; 5)Magnet Hospital Designation; 6) Backpack Safety; and more.

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Caregivers have long known about music's power to elevate a patient's mood, ease pain, and lessen muscle tension. Musicians are receiving five-star reviews and standing ovations from patients, families, physicians, and employees who've experienced the "Music for Healing" program.

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Despite parents' best efforts to protect their children from getting hurt, one of the greatest sources of potential injury often gets overlooked even when it's in plain sight: the backpack.

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A newly designed endoscope, capable of providing sub-second polarized spectral images of tissue in vivo, allows physicians and surgeons to non-invasively survey and sample an entire area without actually removing tissue.

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A new device that temporarily assists a weakened heart can be threaded into position through blood vessels. The procedure is a potential lifesaver for patients who arrive in the emergency room after experiencing damaging heart attacks and those whose hearts are too frail to undergo major procedures without temporary support.

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Surgeons who perform minimally invasive spine fusion surgery find access to the upper portion of the lumbar spine difficult because major blood vessels, nerves and important muscles are situated in the way of the usual approaches.

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When neurosurgeons attempt to remove the deadliest type of brain tumor, nothing is more important-"“or more challenging--than distinguishing normal tissue from tumor. New biophotonics technology may provide nearly instantaneous identification of types of tissue and disease progression.

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The first two recipients of the Pauletta and Denzel Washington Family Gifted Scholars Program in Neuroscience have started their work at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

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Researchers have linked three cancer-related antigens to the deadliest type of malignant brain tumors. They have been able to target these antigens using an immune-based vaccine, significantly extending patient survival.

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A molecular change that occurs as brain tumors progress may give clinicians a way to more precisely evaluate tumor grade and more effectively predict time to recurrence and length of patient survival.

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Thousands of people do not know they have Marfan syndrome, a potentially fatal genetic disorder of the connective tissue. To help identify and care for these patients, and give them the hope of a normal life-span, Cedars-Sinai has established a Marfan Center and will co-host the Foundation's 20th Annual Conference.

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After a thorough site survey and interviews with staff, physicians, patients and community organizations, the largest nursing credentialing organization in the United States has re-designated Cedars-Sinai Medical Center a Magnet hospital.

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The Medical Tipsheet for June includes story ideas pertaining to: 1) Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); 2) Testosterone patch for women; 3) New Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute; 4) Interleukin 10 brain tumor research; 5) Neural stem cell research for treating brain tumors

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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome causes menstrual and ovulation irregularities, infertility, and skin problems including excess male-like hair growth and acne; and is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.

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Latest-generation intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging now gives neurosurgeons real-time images in the operating room. Because brain tissue can shift during surgery, immediate feedback allows surgeons to revise their approach as needed.

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Researchers have found that by turning off the interleukin 10 gene in dendritic cells they can make those cells much more effective in generating an immune response against highly aggressive brain tumor cells. This may be a significant step in improving the dendritic cell vaccine being fine-tuned in the fight against gliomas.

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Because of the antioxidant properties of compounds occurring naturally in green tea leaves, tea has been considered a possible intervention for atherosclerosis. In fact, antioxidants have been shown to protect against plaque formation in animal studies, results in human trials have been disappointing.

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A 5-year-old boy from Mexico is recovering from lifesaving heart surgery in Los Angeles. The youngster and his mother were brought to the United States by Liga International, and his medical costs are being covered by Cedars-Sinai and the Larry King Cardiac Foundation. The needed heart valve was donated by Cryolife.

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The May medical tipsheet from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center includes story ideas about: Women's Health Screenings; CVS and Prenatal Diagnosis; Stem Cell/Brain Tumor Research; High-Tech Hip Replacement; Novel Approaches to Address the Nursing Shortage; Seasonal Allergies, the Bioartificial Liver and more.

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More than 10,000 participants are expected to enroll in Cedars-Sinai Medial Center's Women's Health Research Registry(tm) in the next five years. The registry has been established in an effort to close the gap in the under-representation of women in clinical research.

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Neural stem cells, which have the ability to track deadly brain cancer cells as they migrate from a tumor to form new satellites, are potential transporters to deliver cancer-killing agents.

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Cedars-Sinai Medical Center announces that it has been fully accredited by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs, Inc., for all research involving the protection of patients.

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Genetic screening tests available today have greatly increased couples' ability to predict the likelihood of genetic disorders in their offspring. Testing is available to patients in various situations"”women over age 35 who are worried about chromosomal problems like Down Syndrome.

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Did you know that half the women in the US with diabetes don't even know they have it? Or that cholesterol and blood sugar levels are on the rise in women as young as their 20s? "Knowing the numbers" is the key to keeping healthy, no matter what your age, says C. Noel Bairey Merz, M.D.

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A team of Southern California professionals will travel to Guatemala May 15-24 as part of a medical team with HELPS International, a nonprofit organization that supports and facilitates volunteer work in the Central American country.

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A bioartificial liver developed by researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center reduced mortality significantly among patients suffering from acute liver failure, according to a clinical trial conducted at 20 centers in the United States and Europe.

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For those with allergies, Zab Mosenifar, M.D., Director of Pulmonary and Critical Care at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, offers tips for circumventing Mother Nature at this time of year.

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When Sherman Spiegel found out he had to have hip replacement surgery late last year, he was worried. He had already experienced enough pain from his osteoarthritis. But when he started having trouble getting around because of severe pain in his right hip, his doctor took some x-rays that showed that the cartilage in his hip joint had worn away.

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Gestational diabetes increases risks of complications for pregnant women and their unborn babies. A maternal-fetal medicine specialist says, "Recent literature indicates that some women who develop this disorder can be treated with a tablet instead of insulin injections."