(December 4, 2008 - Insidermedicine) From Italy - According to research in the Lancet Oncology, current criteria for evaluating liver cancer patients for transplantation may unnecessarily disqualify many. Under current standards, those with single liver tumors less than 5 cm or three or fewer tumors no more than 3 cm receive the highest priority. However, in a study of over 1,500 patients, researchers identified a subgroup with similar survival rates as those evaluated under the current criteria who are, nonetheless, sent to the back of the line.

From California - According to research in the journal Psychiatric Services, many Americans suffer from psychiatric disorders, but few receive proper treatment. Researchers found that nearly 5% of the nation's population suffers from persistent depression or anxiety disorders yet a study of over 1,600 adults with a psychiatric disorder found that only 12% were receiving both medication and counseling, and only 22% had even consulted a mental health specialist.

And finally, from Washington - According to research in Consumer Reports, high amounts of sodium can be found in many processed foods. In a study of 37 products, researchers found that foods such as breakfast cereal and bagels often contain high amounts of sodium. Meanwhile, in low-fat foods, sodium is often used to compensate for flavor. It is recommended that healthy adults get no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day, and those with high blood pressure should aim for 1,500 mg or less.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.