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Science News for November 11, 2002


Health care rationing in Germany

A study analyzing patient deaths and survivors in German hospitals found that nearly 40% of total expenditures went towards the care of just 10% of patients. The most expensive group were young female cancer patients, while old and terminally ill patients accounted for the lowest costs.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateNov 11, 2002

Physicians offer new solution for blood transfusions

A team of physicians at the University of Toronto successfully treated a pediatric patient with an autoimmune disease using a cell-free hemoglobin solution. This alternative provides oxygen-carrying capacity similar to blood cells, making it a viable option for children and Jehovah's Witnesses.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBritish Journal of Haematology·DateNov 11, 2002

COX-2 inhibitors and the elderly

The study found that COX-2 inhibitors led to a substantial increase in NSAID prescriptions and expenditures among elderly patients in Ontario. The listing of these medications had an immediate impact, accounting for 48% of prescriptions and 66% of expenditures for NSAIDs.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 11, 2002

University of Toronto researcher examines effects of power

A recent study by Jennifer Berdahl and Cameron Anderson found that supervisors with more power can influence team decisions more than their subordinates. The researchers discovered that this can lead to subordinates underestimating their supervisors' approval and overestimating their anger, resulting in poorer decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateNov 11, 2002