A recent study found that 7 out of 10 ED visits for unsupervised medication exposures by infants and young children in the US were due to unsupervised ingestion of melatonin from 2019 to 2022. Many incidents involved flavored products like gummies, and in nearly half of visits, children ingested adult or family formulations of melatonin….
The ALS community faces disappointment as Amylyx Pharmaceuticals’ drug Relyvrio fails to outperform a placebo in a study, raising questions about its approval in 2022. ALS advocate Mary Catherine Collet emphasizes the importance of facing the scientific data despite the setback. The drug generated significant revenue for the company, prompting discussions about its removal from…
The International AIDS Society (IAS) and UNAIDS are condemning Ghana’s parliament for passing legislation that would criminalize homosexuality. IAS president Sharon Lewin stated that this law, along with similar ones in Africa, would hinder progress in ending the HIV pandemic. Research shows that anti-gay laws are linked to lower use of HIV preventive services and…
A study investigated the impact of extrahepatic organ failure (EHOF) characteristics on the prognosis of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) patients. The study included 736 ACLF patients from six hospitals in China. Results showed that the number and type of EHOF, but not the onset time or sequence, influenced patient mortality. Patients were stratified into risk…
New England Biolabs has introduced the NEBNext Enzymatic 5hmC-seq Kit, a new method for detecting 5hmC sites with high yields and quality data. While the biological significance of 5hmC is not fully understood, its variation between tissues suggests it plays a role in gene regulation. Existing methods do not effectively distinguish between 5mC and 5hmC,…
The article discusses the negative impact of technology on mental health, particularly in the workplace, leading to burnout and stress. It highlights the importance of practicing mindfulness to combat these effects and protect against digital stress. A study found that mindfulness was more effective than confidence in technology in reducing the dark side effects of…
Dr. Mio Nakamura discussed the challenges of providing dermatologic care to patients with personality disorders at the American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting. Personality disorders, affecting up to 15% of the general population, can be difficult to treat and require flexibility. Nakamura shared her approach to caring for patients with borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive personality…
Two new studies from UCSF found that SARS-CoV-2 antigens can persist in the body long after the acute phase of COVID-19, up to 14 months in blood and over two years in tissue samples. The presence of viral fragments in tissues, even without reinfection, may contribute to conditions like Long COVID. Hospitalized individuals and those…
A study published in JAMA found that preoperative urine culture testing does not significantly reduce the risk of postoperative urinary tract infections. The research suggests that relying solely on this type of testing may not be an effective way to prevent UTIs in surgery patients. The study results call into question the common practice of…
In his State of the Union address, President Biden highlighted several critical healthcare issues facing Americans, including reproductive rights, prescription drug costs, the Affordable Care Act, and women’s health research. He criticized states banning abortion and promised to restore Roe v. Wade if Congress supports it. Biden discussed proposals to cap insulin costs and negotiate…
In December 2023, the Minister for Finance Michael McGrath initiated a review of the Standard Fund Threshold (SFT) currently set at €2 million. The review aims to examine the implications of potential changes to the SFT, which could impact individuals planning for retirement. The SFT has not been adjusted since 2014, despite inflation and earnings…
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that a continuous dosing schedule of PEG-asparaginase (PEGasp) in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) reduced hypersensitivity reactions and antibody formation compared to a noncontinuous schedule. The study included 818 patients aged 1-18, with 312 in the medium-risk arm. Results showed fewer hypersensitivity reactions in…
Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid addiction by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It contains buprenorphine and naloxone, which work in the brain to alleviate symptoms without the same euphoric effects as opioids. Suboxone is commonly used in medication-assisted treatment programs to help individuals manage their addiction. However, there are potential side effects…
Headspace, a digital mental health company, has launched a new virtual reality app called Headspace XR aimed at helping users strengthen their mind-body connection through movement and breathwork. The app includes mood-boosting games, guided meditations, and techniques to reach a younger audience, especially Gen Z. Headspace plans to conduct a study to evaluate the app’s…
President Joe Biden delivered a State of the Union address focusing on accomplishments in health care, as well as discussing immigration, the economy, crime, job growth, infrastructure, and international conflicts. Biden aimed to counter his low approval ratings and draw contrasts between his policies and those of Trump and some Republicans, without mentioning Trump by…
A study presented at ACTRIMS 2024 found no correlation between depression and self-reported disability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), contrary to the hypothesis. The study involved a retrospective chart review of 224 adults with MS admitted to Parkland Hospital. Data showed a trend between higher depression scores and higher disability levels but was not…
Amylyx Pharmaceuticals announced that their ALS treatment, Relyvrio, failed to provide any benefit in a large clinical trial, leading to consideration of withdrawing the medicine. The FDA called for a meeting to discuss Eli Lilly’s Alzheimer’s drug, donanemab, despite successful trial results. President Biden’s proposal to expand Medicare price negotiation in his State of the…
On February 1, the UK Foundation Programme Office announced changes to the specialised foundation programme recruitment, moving to a “preference informed allocation” system. This new algorithmically generated ranking system has raised concerns among academics, clinicians, and students about its impact on clinical academia. Medical student Marina Politis and colleagues argue that the changes will add…
Chronic kidney disease is a condition that can lead to serious health problems, and the Black community faces a higher risk due to genetics, hypertension, diabetes, and socioeconomic factors. Dr. Ivan Porter II, a Mayo Clinic nephrologist, explains that these factors create a cycle that increases the risk of chronic kidney disease. Awareness, controlling blood…
A study published in BMC Public Health explored the relationship between nutrient intake and multimorbidity in women. Multimorbidity, the presence of multiple chronic illnesses, is a global health concern that increases the risk of mortality and other negative outcomes. Unhealthy dietary habits can raise the risk, while consuming fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can reduce…
Standard treatments help most people with depression, but about 30% continue to have severe symptoms after trying multiple antidepressants, known as treatment-resistant depression. For those affected, it’s important not to give up as there are still management options available. Experts do not have one definition for treatment-resistant depression, but it generally occurs when two different…
Two new exploratory studies presented at a 2024 conference highlighted the potential benefits of using radioenhancers in combination with radiation therapy for head and neck cancers. The studies showed that these agents, such as the hedgehog pathway inhibitor vismodegib and hafnium oxide nanoparticles (NBTXR3), can improve local control rates, progression-free survival, and overall survival in…
An independent lab report from Valisure found high levels of the cancer-causing chemical benzene in acne products containing benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is used to treat acne by reducing bacteria and causing the skin to peel. Tests showed that benzene can form in these products when stored at high temperatures, exceeding FDA limits by over…
A doctor in Delhi fell victim to a sextortion racket and lost Rs 8.6 lakh. The scam involved the perpetrator threatening to leak private and sensitive information unless the victim paid a large sum of money. This incident highlights the dangers of online extortion schemes and the importance of being cautious while interacting with strangers…
Blue Shield of California is making changes to lower prescription drug prices by cutting CVS Caremark as its pharmacy benefit manager, partnering with other companies for various services. CEO Paul Markovich predicts that these changes will become the norm in the industry. He believes the current system is problematic, with multiple players in the middle…
The Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital in Dublin is seeking a Senior Audiologist for a full-time maternity leave locum position. Interested candidates must submit a full Curriculum Vitae, cover letter, provide three named referees (one current), and evidence of current registration with a regulatory body. Applications must be sent to the Medical HR Department…
A study published in the JAMA Health Forum found that disparities in mental telehealth availability in the US are not significantly influenced by patients’ mental health conditions or demographics. Instead, access to telehealth services was associated with facility-, county-, and state-level characteristics. The study, conducted through a secret shopper method, found that 80% of mental…
Nuance Communications, a Microsoft company, announced that WellSpan Health in Pennsylvania is adding Dragon Ambient eXperience (DAX) to their patient experience solutions. DAX automates clinical documentation during visits for immediate entry into electronic health records to reduce provider burnout. WellSpan initially partnered with Nuance in 2020 for this purpose. Microsoft emphasizes innovation in AI solutions…
President Joe Biden is working on his health agenda, while Congress tackles overdue spending bills. Alabama lawmakers are fighting to reopen fertility clinics, and pharmacy giants CVS and Walgreens are set to sell the abortion pill mifepristone. Julie Rovner hosts the KFF Health News podcast, discussing these topics with panelists Sarah Karlin-Smith, Alice Miranda Ollstein,…
Valisure tested 99 acne products containing benzoyl peroxide and found that when exposed to higher temperatures, they can develop high levels of benzene, a potentially cancer-causing chemical. This was not seen in products containing salicylic acid or adapalene. Valisure has submitted a citizen petition to the FDA to recall BPO-containing products and suspend sales, as…
Several pharmaceutical industry giants, including Bristol Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, and Novo Nordisk, brought a team of lawyers to a courtroom in Trenton, New Jersey, to challenge Medicare’s new drug price negotiation program. The program, part of the Inflation Reduction Act, allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices starting in 2026. The lawyers argued…
Illness trajectories are a useful tool for understanding how individuals with progressive illnesses will likely experience decline over time. There are three established trajectories: rapid for cancers, intermittent for declining organ function, and gradual for frailty or neurological conditions. A new trajectory for multimorbidity is now proposed. The complexity and unpredictability of these trajectories make…
Research presented at the European Congress on Obesity found that individuals are six times more likely to have obesity in middle age if both parents had obesity at the same age. Having one parent with obesity triples the odds. The study, based on the Tromsø Study, showed a strong association between parents’ BMI in middle…
Artificial intelligence (AI) in dermatology is gaining popularity for assessing, diagnosing, and treating skin conditions. However, a recent analysis of studies in the International Journal of Dermatology found shortcomings when AI is applied to skin of color (SOC). Challenges include underrepresentation of SOC in datasets, image quality issues, and lack of standardization. Current AI programs…
The content discusses the importance of understanding vaginal health and the misconceptions surrounding it. Experts like Karen Adams and Heather Irobunda emphasize that vaginas are self-cleaning and do not need extra products to stay healthy. While vaginal health gummies are popular, experts have opposing views on their safety and effectiveness. The content also addresses the…
The US FDA approved biosimilar tocilizumab-aazg (Tyenne) by Fresenius Kabi, making it the second tocilizumab biosimilar approved. It is available in both IV and subcutaneous formulations, similar to the reference product Actemra. The approval was based on outcome and safety data from clinical studies. Common side effects include upper respiratory tract infections, headache, and injection…
A new study suggests that chronic consumption of refined carbohydrates, such as white flour and table sugar, may reduce facial attractiveness in both men and women. The Western diet rich in these carbs is associated with health issues like obesity and diabetes. Researchers from the University of Montpellier studied 104 French adults and found that…
A recent study has found that a metabolite derived from fish consumption may be linked to a lower risk of developing chronic kidney disease. The study suggests that this metabolite, TMAO, may have protective effects on kidney health. Researchers believe that incorporating fish into one’s diet may help reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease….
The opioid crisis has claimed over 112,000 lives in 2023, surpassing deaths from car accidents and gun violence combined. The epidemic has cost $1.5 trillion and is contributing to a decline in national life expectancy. Disparities in OUD treatment exist based on race and location, with White patients receiving more medication than Black patients. Urban…
The Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital is a specialist hospital in Dublin. Candidates interested in applying for positions at the hospital should email their Curriculum Vitae, cover letter, and three named referees (one of which must be current). They must also provide evidence of current registration with a regulatory body. Applications should be sent…
Surgery may improve overall survival in older women with invasive breast cancer aged 80 and above, according to a study published in Clinical Breast Cancer. The study found that patients who underwent surgery had a longer median overall survival compared to those who did not have surgery. The research also highlighted the importance of individualized…
Health system Mass General Brigham is partnering with AvoMD to help rapid response teams identify patients at risk of fatal respiratory or cardiac arrest outside of the ICU. AvoMD converts guidelines into digital tools for integration into the clinical workflow. Nurses can receive notifications on the best next steps based on hospital protocols when they…
Rural hospitals, including South Lincoln Medical Center in Wyoming, are facing worsening financial problems leading to closures and service cuts. A report by Chartis Center for Rural Health found that half of rural hospitals lost money in the past year, with 418 hospitals at risk of closure. States that expanded Medicaid eligibility, like Montana, have…
Researchers found variability in screening tools for spondyloarthritis (SpA) in patients with psoriasis, uveitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. No existing tools are generalizable to all at-risk patients. Screening could improve early diagnosis, as extra-articular manifestations may precede articular symptoms. A scoping review by Vartika Kesarwani and colleagues identified 13 tools for psoriatic arthritis, two for…
Boehringer Ingelheim is introducing a program to cap out-of-pocket costs at $35 a month for their inhalers used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The initiative, starting on June 1, aims to assist Americans with commercial health insurance, as well as those without insurance who pay cash for their inhalers. This move is…
UK science secretary Michelle Donelan falsely accused a member of a diversity group, Kate Sang, of supporting Hamas in a letter last October. Donelan later apologized and agreed to pay libel damages and costs to Sang. An investigation by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) found no evidence of support for Hamas. Donelan also accused another…
Alabama’s governor signed a new law providing liability protections related to in vitro fertilization (IVF) after a court ruling caused fertility clinics in the state to halt procedures. The bill offers civil and criminal immunity for death or damage to an embryo during IVF services. The Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling that frozen embryos are considered…
A study in England examined harm perceptions of e-cigarettes compared to cigarettes among smokers. Many adult smokers believe e-cigarettes are as harmful as cigarettes due to media exaggeration of risks. Risk messages and outbreaks like EVALI and COVID-19 have influenced perceptions. The study found that harm perceptions of e-cigarettes have worsened over the last decade,…
Experts are questioning the effectiveness of taking a low-dose aspirin every day for primary prevention of heart attacks and strokes. Recent guidelines suggest that aspirin should be used infrequently in routine primary prevention due to the risks of bleeding in the brain and digestive tract possibly outweighing the benefits. Age plays a significant factor, with…
An ongoing cyberattack by the BlackCat/ALPHV ransomware group has disrupted cancer practices and patients in the United States. Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth, took its systems offline to prevent further issues. The American Hospital Association called it the most significant cyberattack on the US healthcare system. The group behind the attack has been identified…