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Reports say that there is evidence that using proton pump inhibitors in the first trimester of pregnancy could increase the chance of cardiac defects. Such inhibitors are for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, stomach ulcers include Nexium, Dexilant, Prilosec, Zegerid and Prevacid, among others. A 2010 study suggested that those using proton pump inhibitors were twice as likely to have a child with a heart defect compared to those who did not take the drugs. Three types of birth defects…

Mark Hurd, Chief Executive of Hewlett-Packard Co., resigned suddenly over the summer following a sexual harassment claim which was filed against him by an outside contractor.   Reports say that as HP launched an investigation, Hurd quit the company. The investigation reportedly found that Hurd had violated business conduct standards. The investigation was launched after HP was notified of the claim by the contractor’s company in late June, reports say.   But reports also say that the probe found that…

Reports say Smith & Nephew’s Advanced Wound Management division recently announced a U.S. voluntary nationwide recall of some alcohol prep products, such as pads, wipes, and swabs over concerns about potential microbial contamination. The contamination by possible Bacillus cereus could lead to life-threatening infections, especially in at-risk people such as immune suppressed and surgical patients. Smith & Nephew announced the halt of all shipments of IV PREP Antiseptic Wipes manufactured by The Triad Group and is advising all customers and…

Dov Charney, chairman and chief executive officer of American Apparel, has been charged in a court filing by Irene Morales, a former manager of one of American Apparel’s branches in New York City, that Charney repeatedly used  “extreme psychological abuse and torment” while she worked with him, reports say.  Reports say that Morales says Charney took her to his apartment in New York City and held her there for several hours, allegedly forcing her to have sex. The suit alleges…

Several freshmen at Central Washington University were hospitalized after attending an off campus party in October last year at which they consumed Four Loko, an alcoholic beverage containing twelve percent alcohol and caffeine. The students evidently became violently ill and lost consciousness after consuming several cans of the drink. Reports say that blood alcohol content of the students ranged from 0.12 to 0.35, putting them well into legally impaired status. Reports say this was not the first time Four Loko…