California may provide President Biden with a political victory this year by toughening gun storage requirements. State senators in California passed legislation aligning with a White House priority to prevent gun violence. The Biden administration wants gun owners to secure their firearms most of the time, particularly with children present. Statistics show that firearms are…
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been increasing in the United States. Evidence suggests that taking doxycycline after condomless sex can reduce the risk of STIs, especially among transgender women and men who have sex with men. Studies presented at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) showed promising results, but questions remain about its…
The first over-the-counter birth control pill, Opill, will soon be available in U.S. stores, allowing women and teens to buy the contraceptive medication without a prescription. Manufacturer Perrigo has started shipping the pill to major retailers and pharmacies, with a monthly supply costing around $20 and a three-month supply about $50. Opill contains a single…
Yaguang Wei and Joel Schwartz from Harvard’s Department of Environmental Health argue that while WHO’s tightened air quality guidelines are beneficial, more action is needed to reduce air pollution. Studies show fine particulate matter (PM) 2.5 is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and meeting the new guidelines could reduce hospital admissions by 23% in…
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine investigated the impact of germline or inherited structural variations on gene expression in human cancers. Published in Cell Reports Medicine, the study found that specific germline structural variations could be potential candidates for cancer genetic testing, especially those involving genes with therapeutic targeting implications. Structural variations are changes in…
Physician-scientists at UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new cellphone app that uses AI to diagnose ear infections accurately in children. The app aims to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use by providing a reliable diagnosis of acute otitis media (AOM). AOM is commonly misdiagnosed, leading to ineffective or excessive antibiotic treatment. The AI…
Kathy N. has dealt with multiple food allergies since childhood, relying on over-the-counter medications for relief. The FDA recently approved a drug called Xolair to reduce the risk of life-threatening allergic reactions, offering hope to the millions affected by food allergies. Studies have shown promising results in providing protection against accidental exposures to various allergens….
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed an app called the Baby Sleep Planner to assess the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and improve the communication of safer sleep advice to families. The app has received positive feedback from professionals and families. SIDS is still a leading cause of infant mortality, particularly…
Bisphenol A (BPA) found in plastic products like water bottles is linked to disruptions in hormonal function, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, and now a new study suggests it impacts the gut microbiome and childhood obesity. Researchers in Spain found that exposure to BPA can promote different microbial communities in children…
A study found that providing extended anaerobic coverage in aspiration pneumonia does not result in additional mortality benefit. This means that the use of additional antibiotics targeting anaerobic bacteria does not improve outcomes for patients with this type of pneumonia. The research suggests that current treatment strategies for aspiration pneumonia may be effective without the…
As breast cancer therapy improves survival rates, the impact of long-term treatment complications like lymphedema becomes more significant. Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) can have quality of life and economic implications, with treatment costs ranging from $14,877 to $23,167 over two years. Early detection of BCRL is crucial to prevent progression to chronic lymphedema. Bioimpedance spectroscopy…
Janssen has been collaborating with the University of Galway since 2012, providing Health Economics students with placement opportunities. At an event, students and lecturers met with Janssen’s Market Access and Government Affairs team, engaging in presentations and workshops. Orla Jenkins of HIQA received the Janssen Bursary Medal for academic excellence in health economics. Janssen also…
A study published in Pediatric Cardiology found that infants with elevated left ventricular internal dimensions (LVIDd) prior to ventricular septal defect (VSD) repair are at risk for postoperative left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD). Postoperative LVSD is common in these patients but resolves within 9 months of surgery. The study, conducted at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, included…
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by repeated head injuries, including concussions. Dr. Sam Bureau of the Concussion Legacy Foundation emphasizes that CTE can be prevented by reducing exposure to brain trauma, especially in youth sports. Research is ongoing to develop diagnostic tests and treatment options for CTE. The longer a career…
California has recently passed a law allowing trained physician assistants to perform first-trimester abortions without a supervising physician present. This move is seen as a way to expand access to abortion care, especially in rural areas where access is limited. The American Medical Association has historically opposed such expansions in scope of practice, but the…
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that starting urate-lowering therapy (ULT) during a gout flare does not impact the severity, duration, or risk of recurrence over the following month. The study included six randomized controlled trials with a total of 455 participants. Results showed no differences in pain scores, time to resolution of the flare,…
The lack of health data on LGBTQ+ people has significant consequences, as evidenced by struggles to receive appropriate care for conditions more prevalent in transgender women. Social and structural stigma contribute to disparities in healthcare access, insurance coverage, risk factors, and mental health challenges within the LGBTQ+ community. Calls for increased collection of LGBTQ+ health…
A recent survey conducted by the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians found that 55% of consultants have noticed an increase in patients with ill health related to social and economic factors in the past three months. The annual census also revealed that 24% of doctors report that a majority of their workload is…
The NCI-MATCH clinical trial published in Clinical Cancer Research found that the drug combination trastuzumab-pertuzumab, approved for HER2-positive breast cancer, shrank tumors in patients with other cancers with high levels of the HER2 gene. NCI-MATCH is one of the largest precision oncology trials globally, offering potential treatment options for patients with advanced HER2-amplified cancers. While…
A study from Texas A&M University found that only 9% of older Americans were vaccinated against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) despite the threat of increased hospitalization and deaths from the virus. RSV, along with COVID-19 and influenza, forms a ‘tripledemic’ in the US. The study, published in Health Affairs Scholar, surveyed seniors over 60 and…
Pompe disease is a rare disorder that can often take years to diagnose due to its similarity to other conditions and its rarity. Newborn screenings are making it easier to diagnose babies with the disease, allowing for immediate treatment to start. Symptoms of Pompe disease can show up at any age, from infancy to adulthood,…
A longitudinal study involving 436 patients with chronic GVHD found that patients with sclerotic and combination disease had worse symptoms and quality-of-life impairment compared to those with epidermal disease. The study used two validated patient-reported outcome tools to measure these factors. PROs were also found to predict non-relapse mortality for all three disease subtypes, indicating…
A new study has found a causal connection between air pollution and suicide rates, particularly affecting elderly women. Researchers from India and the U.S. found that China’s efforts to reduce air pollution have prevented 46,000 suicide deaths over five years. The study suggests that environmental factors, such as air pollution, can have a significant impact…
A recent study suggests that antiplatelet therapy, commonly used to prevent blood clots, may reduce the severity and complications of COVID-19. The research indicates that these medications could help lower the risk of severe outcomes in patients with the virus. Antiplatelet therapy works by preventing platelets from sticking together and forming clots, which can be…
Independent primary care physicians and practices are crucial to the American healthcare system, providing personalized care and fostering trust-based relationships with patients. Patients overwhelmingly prefer visiting their primary care physician for routine and preventive care, as they receive higher quality and more personalized treatment. These independent practices also play a vital role in addressing healthcare…
Babies born during pandemic lockdowns had improved gut health and lower rates of allergies, according to Irish research. Public health restrictions during the pandemic positively impacted the gut microbiome of newborns, leading to fewer infections and reduced allergic conditions. The newborns showed higher levels of beneficial microbes, acquired from their mothers, which may protect against…
A study published in Urology analyzed the impact of the shortage of bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) on the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer in the United States. Researchers found that the shortage led to a decrease in the proportion of patients receiving BCG induction therapy and completing the full course of treatment. Instead, there was…
President Obama established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in 2010 to prioritize consumer protection over the interests of big banks. The CFPB has shifted its focus to addressing medical debt issues, penalizing collectors, warning providers, and developing rules to remove medical debt from credit reports. This move has faced opposition from collectors and legal challenges….
The Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections is highlighting emerging research in HIV, as well as other infectious diseases, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. Researchers are presenting new data on COVID-19 vaccines, tuberculosis treatments, and STI prophylaxis, with a focus on HIV treatment options. The conference, running from March 3 to 6, is…
Alternative pharmacies like Costco, Amazon, and Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs are gaining popularity in the US. However, a recent analysis showed that many expensive generic medicines are unavailable, prices vary greatly, and savings are minimal. Out of 100 expensive generics, 20% were not available at some of these pharmacies. Among the available expensive generics,…
Raymond M Agius, a professor emeritus of occupational and environmental medicine in the UK, highlights the similarities and differences in the shortcomings of protection for workers in the UK and US during the COVID-19 pandemic. UK law should have provided adequate protection for workers, but many employers opted for public health guidance instead of fulfilling…
New research published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that Long COVID could potentially trigger declines in thinking and cognitive abilities. The study involved cognitive testing on 113,000 people in England, showing that those with Long COVID scored lower on IQ tests compared to those who had never been infected. Even those who…
A global analysis published in The Lancet reveals that the number of people worldwide living with obesity has exceeded one billion, making it the most common form of malnutrition globally. The study, conducted by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration, shows a significant increase in obesity rates among children, adolescents, and adults since 1990. The rise…
Doctors and scientists have made significant progress in treating multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. While advancements have helped people live longer and healthier lives, there are disparities in care among different racial and ethnic groups. Multiple myeloma is more common in Hispanic and Black populations, who also tend to have a less serious…
A study found that a history of herpes simplex virus (HSV) doubles the risk of dementia in older adults. The study followed 1002 individuals aged 70 over 15 years and found that 7% developed dementia. Anti-HSV IgG positivity was associated with a higher risk of dementia, but not Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment for herpes virus did…
Researchers conducted an extensive review linking ultra-processed food to 32 health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, mental health problems, cancer, and premature death. These foods undergo industrial processes and contain additives like sugar, fat, and salt. They make up a significant portion of daily energy intake in high-income countries and have become more common in…
A gastroenterologist at Fortis Hospital was found guilty of negligence and deficiency in service during the treatment of a patient with Choledocholithiasis, leading to a slap of Rs 5 lakh compensation. The incident highlights the importance of proper medical care and the consequences of medical malpractice. This case serves as a reminder of the need…
FogPharma, a biotech company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has secured $145 million in funding for the clinical development of their novel therapeutic candidate for solid tumors. The drug, FOG-001, targets the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway, which is linked to various types of cancer. The company’s unique peptide drugs, called Helicon therapeutics, are designed to penetrate cells…
A Key Trends report for Ireland shows a 57% increase in the number of hospital doctors employed in the public health service by 2022, with over 11,800 doctors working in public hospitals. The report also reveals a decrease in mortality rates for diseases such as cancer, circulatory system diseases, ischaemic heart diseases, and respiratory system…
A study in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that fexuprazan has noninferior efficacy to esomeprazole in patients with erosive esophagitis (EE). The study compared the healing rates of EE between the two medications over an 8-week period. Both fexuprazan and esomeprazole showed similar rates of EE healing at 8 weeks, with no significant…
The California initiative CA Bridge, aimed at helping patients with substance use disorder through long-term treatment after being discharged from emergency rooms, is facing challenges with unstable funding. The program relies on one-time funding, making it difficult for hospitals to retain navigators amidst the growing drug crisis. State officials are exploring options such as expanding…
In 2016, researchers reported the simultaneous emergence of Candida auris on three continents between 2011 and 2013. This new pathogenic fungus was first isolated from a patient’s ear in Japan in 2009. The mystery surrounding its emergence on three continents at the same time led scientists to propose that global warming may have played a…
CVS Health and Walgreens are set to dispense the abortion pill, mifepristone, in select states within a few weeks. CVS Health will start in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, while Walgreens will begin in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, California, and Illinois. The move comes after the FDA broadened availability of abortion pills to more pharmacies. Mifepristone…
This article discusses the evolving treatment trajectories for patients with incurable solid cancers, focusing on the impact of newer systemic anticancer treatments, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy. The updated trajectories now include major temporary improvement, long term ongoing response, rapid decline due to adverse events, and the traditional trajectory. The importance of discussing patients’…
Bifidobacterium breve, a species of gut bacteria, is important for infant gut health. During childbirth, these beneficial bacteria are transferred from the mother to the baby, especially through vaginal birth. B breve plays a key role in breaking down carbohydrates, boosting the immune system, and protecting against pathogens. Breast milk, with its human milk oligosaccharides,…
Researchers have identified specific strains of bacteria in the microbiome that are linked to a positive response to combination immunotherapy in various cancers, including rare gynecological and biliary tract cancers. A study published in Nature Medicine details how understanding the microbiome at a strain-level can help predict who will benefit from immunotherapy. The research used…
Fires are becoming a worsening global crisis, with the U.S. experiencing an 8% increase in fires in 2020 compared to 2019. Survivors face long-term physical and mental health challenges, including scarring, chronic pain, PTSD, and respiratory issues. Climate change has contributed to longer and more intense wildfire seasons. The COVID-19 pandemic may have also increased…
Vector control strategies have led to a decrease in vector-borne transmission of Chagas disease in many regions, but oral ingestion of Trypanosoma cruzi through contaminated food and beverages is on the rise. This method of transmission is highly lethal, especially in pediatric and adult populations. There is a lack of awareness about oral transmission in…
People aged 65 and older are advised to get an additional COVID shot this spring by the CDC. The recommended booster dose corresponds to the latest version of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Novavax vaccines and is meant for older adults at least four months after a previous dose. People with compromised immune systems may need extra…
A fake drugs racket was busted in Uttarakhand, where counterfeit medicines were being manufactured and sold. Authorities conducted a raid and seized a large quantity of fake drugs. The operation was a result of ongoing efforts to combat the illegal trade of counterfeit medications. Investigations are underway to identify the individuals involved in the racket…