Researchers at the National Cancer Institute have developed an AI tool, PERCEPTION, that predicts patient responses to cancer treatment drugs using individual tumor cells. This approach provides better resolution data by utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing. The tool showed promise in clinical trials for myeloma and breast cancer by ranking drug combinations based on individual tumor…
Medical providers are still struggling after a cyberattack on a UnitedHealth Group subsidiary disrupted payments. The digital network affected processes a significant number of U.S. patient records. Providers are facing difficulties in receiving payments and managing billing without the electronic remittance information. The cyberattack has cost UnitedHealth $870 million with a total expected cost of…
Presenters at the ACP’s annual meeting discussed a new over-the-counter birth control option, norgestrel 0.075 mg (Opill), which is less effective than other options but important for women without health insurance. The presentation highlighted the importance of counseling patients on the pill’s history, side effects, and effectiveness, as well as the need to continue using…
Social media is now being seen as a more trusted source of information than physicians when it comes to weight loss medicines. People are making decisions based on posts by friends and influencers, sometimes even skipping consulting with a doctor. Biocon is developing its own version of the weight loss drug Wegovy and plans to…
Zaid Al-Najjar, the medical director of NHS Practitioner Health, emphasizes the importance of tailored mental health support for healthcare workers due to the unique demands of their profession. The success of NHS Practitioner Health, which started as a pilot program for doctors and dentists, highlights the increasing need for mental health support in the healthcare…
Tumor deposits (TDs) are clusters of tumor cells found in adipose and fibrous tissues near the primary tumor in various cancers, including colorectal and gastric cancer. They lack lymphoid structures and are not directly linked to the primary tumor. The 8th edition of TNM staging defines TDs as tumor cell deposits without identifiable vascular or…
Researchers developed the TORCH deep-learning approach to differentiate tumor origins using cytological histology pictures from over 57,000 patients with hydrothorax and ascites. The AI model showed high accuracy in predicting cancer origin compared to pathologists. TORCH improved junior pathologists’ diagnostic abilities and guided treatment choices, leading to better overall survival rates in patients. The model…
Buccal patches stuck to the inside of the mouth offer a quicker and potentially side effect-free way to deliver drugs, especially for those who struggle with swallowing pills or insulin injections. Buccal films and patches are developing as innovative methods of drug administration, providing benefits such as rapid onset of action, avoidance of gastrointestinal side…
Better communication between primary care clinicians and hospice providers can reduce the number of denied Medicare approvals for end-of-life treatment. Dr. Tyler Haussler conducted a study showing that poor documentation by physicians often leads to denials by CMS. Having a face-to-face conversation between the referring physician and hospice medical director improved the quality of documentation…
Korean sunscreens are revolutionizing sun care by offering innovative formulas that go beyond basic sunblock to provide multiple skincare benefits. These sunscreens have cutting-edge formulations, lightweight textures, and high levels of sun protection, making them a pleasure to wear and incorporate into your daily routine. Factors to consider when choosing a Korean sunscreen include broad-spectrum…
A recent study explores the use of non-thermal atmospheric-pressure plasma as a novel approach for treating bone fractures. This method shows promise in promoting bone healing and regeneration. The study highlights the potential benefits of using this technique in the treatment of fractures, offering an alternative to traditional methods. Researchers are continuing to investigate the…
Ilant Health, a virtual obesity management company, extended its seed funding round from $3 million to $5.5 million. Based in New York City, the company provides value-based care to employers and government payers nationwide. They match patients to personalized obesity treatment options such as intensive behavioral therapy, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery. The funding includes participation…
In a special ceremony, renowned immunologist Dr. Anthony Fauci was awarded an honorary fellowship by the UCD School of Medicine and received the Fulbright Ireland Public Service Award for his outstanding contributions to public service. Dr. Fauci, who served as director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has been a key…
Chinese Hospital in San Francisco, located in Chinatown, faces financial challenges common in underserved areas. Many patients are elderly with limited incomes and rely on Medicare and Medi-Cal. The hospital receives lower reimbursement rates due to a federal rule and struggles with high costs. Despite this, it has strong community support and partnerships. Fundraising efforts…
The FDA has approved the subcutaneous administration of Takeda Pharmaceuticals’ Entyvio for maintenance therapy in adult patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease after induction therapy via IV administration. The approval was based on the results of a phase 3 clinical trial, VISIBLE 2, which showed that patients who received SC vedolizumab achieved higher rates of clinical…
Share your new hires, promotions, and job changes with us so we can share them with others. This week, Athira Pharma hired Javier San Martin as chief medical officer, previously of Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals. Don’t forget to take a break from work to keep things interesting! Visit STAT+ for the full story. Source link
Health analysts are calling on UK ministers to address the severe shortages of medicines that have become the “new normal” since Brexit. The Nuffield Trust has warned that global supply problems have worsened shortages of essential drugs like antibiotics and epilepsy treatments. The UK risks being left behind in addressing these issues outside the EU….
A team of cancer researchers has developed an AI model that can trace the origins of metastatic cancer cells in the body, improving outcomes for patients. In a study published in Nature Medicine, the team trained the AI with images of cancer cells from patients and found it to be 83% accurate in identifying the…
Researchers developed the MONET foundation model to connect medical images to text based on medically relevant ideas, aiding in medical AI development. They collected over 100,000 dermatology image-text pairs to train MONET to identify various concepts in dermatological images. MONET’s concept annotation capabilities were evaluated by comparing its performance to other models and used for…
Toniya Farmer experienced a heart attack but faced delays in diagnosis and treatment due to gender biases in healthcare. Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) affects women, predominantly premenopausal, due to factors like hormones, connective tissue disorders, and stress. Patients like Nakeia Jackson and Jennifer Maxwell have suffered multiple SCAD events, highlighting the lack of effective…
A study comparing an AI model’s clinical reasoning with that of physicians found the AI outperformed residents and attending physicians in simulated cases, despite more instances of incorrect reasoning. The study involved 39 physicians and the AI model GPT-4 evaluating 20 clinical cases. The AI achieved a higher clinical reasoning score compared to physicians and…
The CDC has issued a warning about salmonella infections linked to contaminated basil sold at Trader Joe’s, reporting 12 cases in seven states. Trader Joe’s has recalled the affected product and the FDA is investigating. Customers who purchased the basil should not eat it, even if stored in a refrigerator or freezer. Symptoms of salmonella…
The Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) 2024 registration has started. The exam schedule, eligibility criteria, fee, and exam scheme are all important details that candidates need to be aware of. Cookies are used on the website for analytics, advertising, and site improvement purposes. By continuing to use the site, users agree to the use of…
Healthcare in 2024 faces a paradox: while groundbreaking technologies like precision medicine promise to revolutionize patient care, the sector remains tethered to the outdated practice of fax-based communication. This causes issues for patients with complex medical histories, leading to miscommunication, delays, and unnecessary stress. Despite efforts to transition to digital records, many healthcare providers continue…
A report by the HSE National Doctors and Planning group found that more than 100 consultant posts remained unfilled for over 18 months by the end of last year, despite a 12% growth in the consultant workforce. The report attributed the high vacancy rates to various factors such as job unattractiveness, shortages in specialties, and…
A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that patients with COPD living at high altitudes had worse functional performance compared to those living at lower altitudes. The study looked at outcomes such as lung function, symptoms, and mortality among participants with COPD living at different altitudes. Results showed…
Lawmakers in Washington held a congressional hearing on the Change Healthcare cyberattack, leading to financial trouble for some providers. A new survey found that 1 in 4 adults who lost Medicaid coverage are now uninsured. The panelists discussed the dangers of vertical integration in health care and the impact of losing health coverage. Arizona Republicans…
A study presented at the Society of Healthcare Epidemiologists of America Spring Conference found that mandatory infectious disease (ID) consultations can reduce antibiotic courses for patients with gram-negative bacteremia. The study showed that a consensus approach among ID doctors in a facility can improve outcomes, leading to shorter antibiotic prescriptions and quicker transitions from IV…
Elevance has partnered with private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice to launch a $4 billion primary care company focused on managing patients’ chronic medical conditions. This strategic partnership will combine Elevance’s expertise with CD&R’s resources to create a new company that will include doctors, clinics, and technology to help manage patient care. Health insurers…
Dr. Partha Kar, a consultant in diabetes and endocrinology at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, discusses the recent shift in doctors’ attitudes towards advocating for better working conditions and pay. He credits the younger generation for speaking up against the decline in healthcare and pushing back against the status quo. Dr. Kar highlights the importance of…
A study led by Dr. Jizong Zhao, Dr. Dong Zhang, and Dr. Peicong Ge explores the role of glutamine in stroke risk for Moyamoya disease (MMD) patients. Elevated serum glutamine levels were linked to increased stroke risk in MMD. The study found that manipulating integrin subunit beta 4 (ITGB4) and using atorvastatin could alleviate the…
Researchers conducted a biomonitoring study in the Mediterranean Sea to assess contamination levels of cadmium, microplastics, and antibiotics in fish and cephalopods. Cadmium and antibiotic contamination was low, while high levels of microplastics were found in Sparus aurata and Dicentrarchus labrax. The ADRINET project aimed to address pollution in the Mediterranean by improving coastal management….
A study suggests that using two-sided conversion messages, where individuals who previously resisted vaccination explain why they changed their minds, can be effective in persuading people to reconsider their beliefs. Authenticity and personal experience are key factors in the success of these messages. Another study found that giving individuals a choice in COVID vaccine brands…
The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has updated guidelines to provide pregnant physicians with more workplace accommodations and protection against discrimination. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act aims to help women balance their careers and pregnancies by requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations. Female doctors historically face barriers to family planning due to demanding careers, leading…
A new study suggests that engaging in jobs that require cognitive stimulation can lower the risk of memory and cognitive issues as you age. Researchers found that individuals with jobs demanding higher cognitive engagement had a lower risk of experiencing mild cognitive impairment after age 70. The study categorized job tasks into routine manual, routine…
A recent study published in NEJM suggests that early minimally invasive hematoma evacuation can lead to improved outcomes in patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage. This procedure may help reduce the size of the hematoma and improve patients’ chances of recovery. The study highlights the potential benefits of this minimally invasive approach in treating this condition….
Carrie Lester, a Medicare enrollee with chronic health conditions, benefits from the Chronic Care Management (CCM) program that offers regular check-ins with doctors outside of office visits. However, only a small percentage of eligible enrollees actually participate in the program due to various factors. While the program has helped reduce hospital visits and improve patient…
Total spending on pay in the Health Service Executive (HSE) increased by almost €2 billion between 2016 and 2022, reaching €5.4 billion. This includes a 50% increase in agency and overtime payments, with basic staff pay also rising by a similar proportion. The report also highlights a 29% increase in the number of health service…
A study published in Respiratory Medicine found that online resources for pulmonary inhaler therapy lack important information on proper inhaler technique, preparation, and care. The study compared information from websites with product monographs for 12 common inhaler devices. Most websites were rated as moderate quality but lacked information on preparation/first-use and post-usage/device-care. Industry websites scored…
NeuroBrave, an AI company, partners with Sourasky Medical Center’s Functional Neurology Unit in Tel Aviv to research complex neurological conditions. They aim to use AI to translate thoughts for paralyzed patients, allowing them to communicate and operate devices. NeuroBrave specializes in emotional and cognitive wearables and uses AI to decode biomarkers in real time. The…
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration compromised on heat protection rules for indoor workers, delaying relief for tens of thousands of prison and jail employees. The deal came after rejecting sweeping heat standards for workers in dangerous hot environments. State prisons will be temporarily exempt from the rules due to implementation challenges. The rules, years in…
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has been designated as a GRADE Center, making it the first organization in the U.S. to receive this recognition. GRADE, known for its rigorous methodology in developing clinical guidelines, is considered the “gold standard” in guideline development. ACP’s designation reflects its commitment to producing high-value clinical guidelines based on…
In the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic, there were shortages of cleaning supplies like antibacterial wipes and disinfectant sprays as everyone focused on sanitizing surfaces. The World Health Organization initially stated that Covid-19 was not airborne, leading to confusion among scientists and physicians. In November 2021, the WHO updated its guidelines to recognize the…
The Royal College of Paediatricians and Child Health (RCPCH) is calling for the removal of the “reasonable punishment” defence in England and Northern Ireland that allows parents to justify physical punishment of their children. This legal protection is already in place in Scotland and Wales. The RCPCH argues that children deserve the same protection from…
An innovative health care program called Integrated Virtual Care (IVC) developed by University of Ottawa researchers successfully matched residents in Renfrew County, Ontario, without family physicians to comprehensive, team-based primary care. The study addressed the shortage of family physicians in rural communities by connecting previously unattached patients to off-site physicians through virtual appointments. The program…
A recent genetic study of over 1.2 million individuals identified 95 genetic loci associated with the risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study, the largest of its kind, revealed 80 previously unidentified loci and 43 genes linked to causing PTSD. The findings confirm that PTSD has a genetic component and provide new targets…
The rise of skin care influencers on social media has led many young people to seek anti-aging products and procedures, despite experts stating that there is no evidence that Gen Z is aging faster than normal. The focus on frown lines and wrinkles online is often driven by perception rather than reality. While Gen Z…
A new pilot study suggests that the ketogenic diet may reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, reverse metabolic syndrome, and promote weight loss. Participants on the high-fat, low-carb diet experienced a 30% reduction in psychiatric symptoms and a 10% decrease in weight. The diet was found to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially improving…
Athletes often get blisters from friction, moisture, and repetitive movement. This discomfort is intensified by the interface between the skin and sports equipment. Blister patches are adhesive dressings that can protect and relieve blisters by reducing friction, providing cushioning, managing moisture, and promoting healing. The ENGO Blister Patches are thin, self-adhesive patches that offer immediate…
Male androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male pattern baldness, can be treated with oral or topical minoxidil. Oral minoxidil is more effective in promoting hair growth but may have more side effects, including low blood pressure and fluid retention. On the other hand, topical minoxidil is easier to apply and has fewer side effects, but…