ALSO NOTED: McGuire at risk in options probe?; Thomson acquires MercuryMD; and much more...

> Observers speculate that as the options-backdating scandal broadens, criminal charges become more likely. Could UnitedHealth Group's McGuire be at risk? Article

> Information services giant Thomson formalizes its deal with MercuryMD, the Research Triangle based maker of MData Enterprise. Article

> GE Healthcare is touting the Vivid e, its newest compact ultrasound system for cardiac imaging at the point of care. Release

> Barton Memorial Hospital in S. Lake Tahoe, CA will install MEDHOST's Emergency Department Information System. Release

> McKesson Specialty said it has won an agreement with Altos Solutions to distribute the software company's OncoEMR product to oncology practices. Release

And Finally... Following the discovery of the most recent bird flu cluster in Indonesia, International health officials are admitting that the number of cases of human to human transmission of avian flu is probably much higher than has been conceded. Article