In a Healio Video Perspective, Cynthia Matossian, MD, FACS, and David Evans, PhD, MBA, discuss the use of AI in building ophthalmology practice websites. Evans mentions that AI can make websites more intuitive and cost-effective, but lacks personalization. Matossian emphasizes the importance of customizing content to differentiate from competitors also using AI. The discussion highlights…
Last week, Recursion Pharmaceuticals, a company utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning for drug development, laid off employees following a merger. The company is known for its advanced use of technology in the field. To learn more about the details of the layoffs and merger, the full story can be accessed on STAT+. Source link
A new case of clade Ib mpox has been found in England, with the patient being treated in Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust after returning from Uganda. UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is monitoring the situation closely as Uganda is experiencing community transmission of this variant. The agency has not released any further details…
Children, especially toddlers and preschoolers, have a natural curiosity that can lead them to stick small objects up their nose. Queensland Children’s Hospital reported over 1,650 cases of foreign objects being stuck in children’s noses over the past decade. Reasons for this behavior include curiosity-based learning, imitation of adults and older children, and a limited…
A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) can lead to altered immune responses in pregnant women, potentially resulting in adverse birth outcomes. Using a single-cell level approach, researchers discovered that PM2.5 exposure can disrupt cytokine genes, leading to increased inflammation in…
The new guideline for managing lupus nephritis (LN) was presented at the ACR 2024 Annual Meeting, recommending a more aggressive first-line approach using triple therapy with glucocorticoids, mycophenolate or cyclophosphamide, and a newer agent like belimumab or voclosporin. The guideline emphasizes shared decision-making with patients, reducing healthcare disparities, and considering pediatric and geriatric populations. Recommendations…
The CY 2024 OPPS Final Rule has led to hospitals adopting new schema for machine-readable files (MRFs). After reviewing numerous files, three common mistakes were identified that prevent hospitals from being compliant with CMS’ validator tool. These mistakes include incorrectly formatted TXT records, not using the “additional notes” column effectively, and underestimating the difficulty of…
The England and Wales Court of Protection ruled on a case involving a young man who suffered a significant brain injury after a kidney and pancreas transplant. The man was receiving life-sustaining treatment in a rehabilitation unit, and his parents disagreed with the medical decisions being made. Despite the efforts of the Official Solicitor to…
Hospital for Special Surgery has named Daphne A. Scott, MD, as the new chief of its primary sports medicine service, effective December 1. Scott succeeds John P. DiFiori, MD, who has held the position since 2018. Scott is a practicing sports medicine physician at the Women’s Sports Medicine Center at HSS and the head team…
President-elect Trump has nominated biotech investor Jim O’Neill for deputy secretary of the Health and Human Services department. O’Neill would oversee the day-to-day operations of sub-agencies running programs like Medicare and Medicaid, public health emergency preparedness, federal research, and more. He would also manage the development and clearance of HHS regulations, working under HHS secretary…
The content discusses the recommendations for a new NHS strategy to address the acute response needed. It suggests a cash injection of £32 billion to tackle current crisis issues, including surgery backlogs and mental health. The strategic response focuses on removing barriers to healthcare, such as efficient resource allocation, investment in primary care, technology implementation,…
A recent study by researchers at Harvard University investigated the role of the motor cortex in executing motor sequences in rats. The study found that the involvement of the motor cortex depends on the flexibility required for the task. Rats trained on specific sequences without flexibility were unaffected when the motor cortex was lesioned, while…
A University of Michigan study found that the immune performance of wild capuchin monkeys declines in higher temperatures, particularly affecting younger monkeys. This decline in immune system function was observed after just two weeks of temperatures around 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The study, focusing on the immune biomarker neopterin in urine samples, highlighted the vulnerability of…
A study comparing the drug survival and safety of adalimumab biosimilars with Humira among new users found similar results. However, patients switching from Humira to biosimilars had a 35% higher discontinuation rate. The study included 7387 adalimumab-naive patients and 3654 switchers. All-cause drug discontinuation rates were similar between new users of biosimilars and Humira, but…
A Texas mother died due to the state’s abortion ban preventing a life-saving procedure. Porsha Ngumezi suffered a miscarriage at 11 weeks pregnant, losing blood. Despite needing a D&C, the doctor gave her misoprostol instead, resulting in her passing away. This is the fifth preventable death due to lack of access to D&Cs or dilation…
BridgeBio Pharma’s drug, Attruby, has received FDA approval for treating cardiomyopathy caused by transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (ATTR). The drug stabilizes the abnormal protein responsible for the disease, showing significant improvement in clinical trials. Attruby is positioned to compete with Pfizer’s tafamidis, a well-established treatment for ATTR. Other companies, like Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and partners AstraZeneca and Ionis…
The writer argues that the idea of individual choice in elections in Ireland is diluted by the proportional representation system. Voters may be swayed by single issues or long-term goals that may not align with their best interests. Parties may promise action on issues like housing and healthcare, but political realities may prevent meaningful change….
Kaiser Health News (KHN) is a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to health and health policy. They distribute their journalism for free through various media partners and rely on reader support. KHN is part of KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation) and donations can be made to KFF to support their work. KFF is a charitable organization not affiliated…
In a study published in November 2024, researchers found that treating patients with bone and joint infections with oral antibiotics led to more patients being discharged exclusively on oral antibiotics and shorter hospital stays without increasing rates of treatment failure. This change was implemented in April 2023 at an institution, following the findings of the…
YouTube plays a crucial role in providing health information to users, with a focus on removing dangerous misinformation and promoting high-quality, evidence-based content. Garth Graham, the global head of healthcare and public health at YouTube, emphasizes the platform’s responsibility in delivering accurate health information. YouTube Health aims to combat misinformation, support underserved communities, and protect…
Kwanele Asante, an advocate, lawyer, and bioethicist, emphasizes the need for fair remuneration for patient partners in Africa to empower them in contributing to health decisions and policies. While the fair pay movement is gaining traction globally, it has not been widely implemented in Africa. Asante argues that patient partners should be compensated for their…
A study published in Heliyon shows that men conforming to traditional masculine ideologies are at a higher risk of suicide compared to those who do not. These traditional gender roles include ideas of independence, emotional control, and risk-taking. The study found that men who strongly identified with these norms, categorized as Stoics, were at more…
New research from örebro University and örebro University Hospital in Sweden suggests that Covid-19 may be a risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS). The study found a higher risk of MS among individuals who had severe Covid-19, with nearly 26 per 100,000 patients with serious Covid-19 subsequently developing MS. However, only a small number of…
A new study found that sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) affects 60% of stroke patients, with prevalence rates ranging from 57% in North America to 70% in Asia. The overall prevalence of SDB remained unchanged between 2010 and 2023. The study included more than 5.7 million patients with stroke from 26 countries. SDB was assessed using various…
A recent trial conducted by researchers from the University of Oxford and Kings College London found that a higher dose of the antibody injection benralizumab could be more effective in managing asthma and COPD flare-ups than standard steroid tablets. This could be a game-changer for the millions of people struggling with these conditions, as it…
The evolution of customer engagement in the pharmaceutical industry emphasizes the importance of translating data into personalized interactions. Synchronizing field engagements and digital promotions can boost campaign effectiveness, but many interactions remain unsynchronized. Healthcare providers value consistency and expect seamless interactions across multiple touchpoints. While AI and advanced analytics can predict engagement patterns, their true…
The RCPI Institute of Medicine held an Autumn Symposium on September 25, 2024, in Dublin. The event featured speakers such as Dr. Diarmuid O’Shea and Prof. Clare Fallon among others. The symposium aimed to discuss important medical issues and advancements in the field. Attendees included healthcare professionals and experts in the medical field. The event…
Medical errors are preventable mistakes that can lead to patient injury, with prescriptions and drug administration being common areas of malpractice. Civil court systems offer financial compensation for medical malpractice, which can help alleviate the negative effects of illness or injury caused by negligent healthcare providers. Different types of medical malpractice include incorrect diagnosis, delayed…
At the 2024 AIMed Annual Meeting, presenters discussed how a generative AI chatbot could influence patient behavior by using patient archetypes backed by the transtheoretical model of behavioral change. The chatbot would personalize behavioral interventions by identifying patient archetypes and pairing them with the stages of the TTM to create personalized behavioral nudges. Patients would…
Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb is raising concerns with Senate Republicans about President-elect Joe Biden’s selection of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Gottlieb believes there is skepticism within the Republican caucus regarding RFK Jr.’s nomination. He warned that RFK Jr.’s views on childhood vaccines could be harmful…
Former chief executive of Countess of Cheshire Hospital, Tony Chambers, denies allegations that he sought to ruin the careers of consultants who raised concerns about nurse Lucy Letby, convicted of murdering seven babies. The deaths stopped when Letby was removed from the neonatal unit in 2016, but police were not contacted until 2017. Chambers faced…
Researchers have discovered that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can persist in the brain’s protective layers and skull bone marrow for up to four years after infection, leading to chronic inflammation and potentially increasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. The study, published in Cell Host & Microbe, also found that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines can reduce the…
A specialized diet free of serine and glycine enhances immune cell activity and improves the effectiveness of immunotherapy in colorectal cancer patients. The study explores the impact of the diet on tumor growth and the tumor microenvironment, focusing on cell-mediated antitumor immunity. The diet inhibits tumor growth by promoting T cell responses to tumor neoantigens,…
A structured mindfulness intervention improved existential well-being and advance care planning self-efficacy in patients with advanced cancer, with moderate improvements in psychological outcomes. The intervention also led to improved quality of life for caregivers. The study involved 55 patient-caregiver dyads in a pilot randomized controlled trial. Patients in the mindfulness intervention group showed significant increases…
Breaking down barriers in women’s healthcare, particularly in underserved communities, is a critical challenge in modern medicine. Rural areas struggle to access specialized medical care, especially in obstetrics and women’s health. The Alberta College of Family Physicians recognizes the importance of bridging these gaps, with Dr. Stephanie Efua Sobotie receiving the Recognition of Excellence award…
Scientific advances in obesity treatment have brought about GLP-1 medications, offering significant weight-loss and cardiometabolic improvements. However, the high cost and low long-term adherence rates raise concerns about achieving a meaningful return on investment for employers and health plans. To address this, organizations should look for comprehensive solutions that include personalized treatment options, support for…
The Forum of Irish Postgraduate Medical Training Bodies Global Health Scientific Meeting was held at the College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland in Dublin on October 4, 2014. The event included discussions on various global health issues. Photos from the meeting were taken by David Coleman and BobbyStudio. Source link
Emergency medical responders face high levels of stress and mental health challenges due to their demanding and traumatic work environments. To support their mental well-being, organizations can implement strategies such as leveraging technology for stress monitoring, establishing structured peer support programs, providing access to on-site mental health resources, utilizing trauma-informed therapy techniques, and encouraging physical…
Shawn Millerick has been appointed as the president of vision care, Americas at Johnson & Johnson. He plans to focus on driving market share for Acuvue contact lenses and increasing wearers in the contact lens market by embracing new technologies. Erin Powers will serve as the vice president of North America, surgical vision, where she…
President Joe Biden and leaders from Australia, India, and Japan launched the Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative aiming to reduce cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific region. The initiative focuses on achieving the WHO recommendation of vaccinating 90% of girls with the HPV vaccine, which effectively prevents cervical cancer. The U.S. Navy will provide support for screenings…
Nathan Davies, a doctoral fellow at the University of Nottingham, highlights the issue of betting, trading, and cryptoasset sponsors of Premier League football clubs, which have a huge influence on millions of supporters. He emphasizes the need for restrictions on sponsorship of gambling, cryptoassets, and high-risk financial products to protect public health. Health experts have…
Researchers at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry are actively studying HIV to develop treatments and better understand the virus. The goal is to end HIV and AIDS as public health concerns by 2030, with targets set by UNAIDS. HIV is challenging to cure because it integrates into human DNA, making it difficult for the…
A recent study published in Nature Cardiovascular Research reveals the role of the RNA-modifying enzyme Mettl1 in heart cell maturation after birth. The study highlights the importance of ketogenesis in driving the transition from glucose to fatty acids for metabolism in heart cells. Mettl1 regulates the expression of genes essential for fatty acid oxidation and…
A study presented at the Family Medicine Forum 2024 in Vancouver found that Canadian women aged 40-49 who participated in organized mammography screening programs had significantly greater breast cancer 10-year net survival compared to those who did not. The study challenged draft guidelines from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care that suggest not…
Ultra-processed foods, such as frozen meals, processed meats, and packaged snacks, have been linked to triggering psoriasis, an autoimmune disorder that affects the skin. A study found that individuals with a high intake of ultra-processed foods were more likely to have active psoriasis compared to those who consumed less. While the study suggests a connection…
Roche will acquire Poseida Therapeutics for $1 billion, aiming to develop allogeneic cell therapies for solid tumors and immunological indications. This deal includes an upfront payment of $9 per share, with potential additional payments of up to $4 per share based on program goals. Poseida specializes in non-viral technologies for cell and gene therapies, with…
The global prevalence of knee osteoarthritis has doubled in the past 50 years, making it a significant health issue affecting around 250 million people worldwide. A company in west Ireland, Relevium Medical, has been awarded €4.6 million in Government funding to develop a treatment for knee osteoarthritis that offers immediate and long-lasting relief. The project,…
Filing a medical malpractice claim is a complex process that requires proving that a healthcare provider made a mistake that a reasonable provider wouldn’t make. The standard of care is used to determine if a healthcare professional committed an egregious error. Liability in a malpractice claim can extend beyond just surgeons and physicians to include…
Health entrepreneur Calley Means and other health business leaders are influencing President Trump’s focus on health policy. Their movement, “Make America Healthy Again,” promotes ideas like health freedom and true health, challenging prevailing public health norms. This movement, largely anti-regulatory and anti-big government, aims to shape health policies and restore trust in federal health agencies….
Researchers are conducting a study to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture as a complementary treatment for glaucoma. They have recruited 10 patients with glaucoma so far and aim to enroll a total of 50 participants. The study will assess the impact of acupuncture on intraocular pressure, cardiovascular parameters, and daily functionality. Preliminary results are expected…