2024

Akhil Chandra Biswas, a consultant paediatrician, former international adviser to the Royal College of Physicians, and professor, has passed away after battling idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Known as Andy to colleagues and friends in the UK, Biswas was a dedicated scholar committed to paediatric care. Born in pre-independence India, he overcame significant challenges to complete his…

A study published in The Lancet found that patients with severe eosinophilic asthma controlled on bevacizumab can successfully taper their inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) without worsening asthma control. The study involved adults with severe eosinophilic asthma who tapered their high-dose ICS to a medium-dose, low-dose, and as-needed dose. The study found that 92 percent of patients…

Scotland’s NHS Golden Jubilee, the country’s only heart transplant center, is expanding to accommodate the increasing number of heart transplants being performed. The center has opened a second ward to cope with the record number of 40 transplants carried out in 2022-23, becoming the highest volume provider in the UK. Advancements in techniques and technology,…

In the summer of 2005, Qasim Amin Nathari suffered memory loss while giving a sermon at a New Jersey mosque due to medication for severe migraines. He decided to openly address his condition with the congregation and has been met with understanding and support. Having experienced a hemiplegic migraine, he discussed a backup plan with…

The European Medicines Agency has recommended precautionary measures for the treatment of male patients with valproate after concerns about an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children fathered by men treated with the drug. The treatment should be started and supervised by a specialist and the potential risks explained to patients. Regular reviews of the…

The American Red Cross has reported a critical blood shortage in the United States, with donations at an all-time low. This has resulted in a deficit of nearly 7,000 units of blood, impacting hospitals’ ability to meet the demand. This problem is compounded by the upcoming winter weather and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which may…

A study has found that overuse of antibiotics is not the sole factor contributing to the spread of superbugs. Other factors such as poor infection control practices, lack of sanitation, and global travel also play a significant role. The study highlights the importance of addressing these various factors in order to effectively combat the spread…

The use and ownership of endoscopes and other medical instruments in U.S. hospitals come with significant costs and challenges. These instruments are expensive to acquire and maintain, and hospitals often face hidden costs in service contracts and repair agreements. As a result, the healthcare industry is unnecessarily spending millions of dollars on these instruments. To…

Ireland has scored highly in all five commitments to adopt behavioural and cultural insights (BCI) in public health, as outlined by the World Health Organisation. The WHO resolution aims to use BCI to combat major health issues, such as cancer, hypertension, vaccination coverage, antimicrobial resistance, and climate change. Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer, Prof Breda Smith,…

A comparison of rezafungin and caspofungin for the treatment of candidemia and invasive candidiasis found that rezafungin may offer an early treatment benefit with its front-loaded dosing regimen. Study findings published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases showed that rezafungin was noninferior to caspofungin in terms of all-cause mortality and had higher rates of mycologic eradication….

There are unconventional ways to lose weight without traditional dieting or intense physical activity, such as mindful eating, getting sufficient sleep, stress management, and hydration/nutrition awareness. Mindful eating involves fully engaging in the dining experience and being deliberate in savoring the sensory aspects of meals, leading to a decrease in calorie consumption. Getting sufficient sleep…

The diabetes app Smit.fit from India and Qatar-based digital therapeutics company Droobi Health have merged to form DroobiSmit, aiming to be a leading diabetes solution provider in the Middle East and South Asia. Fitterfly has launched an empathetic AI chatbot called JEDi to assist with health and fitness management, while South Korean food AI company…

Former Health and Human Services secretary, Alex Azar, was instrumental in getting the FDA’s approval to import drugs from Canada to Florida in 2020. He is now the chairman of the board of a Dallas-based company, LifeScience Logistics, which Florida is paying to help manage the drug importation program. Critics are concerned about the potential…

Cook Medical has re-introduced its hydrophilic selective catheter to the U.S. and Canada market after a prior recall in 2016. The device has been re-engineered and features a protective foil packaging with up to a 3-year shelf life. The catheter is designed for use in both vascular and non-vascular procedures and is intended for use…

STAT publishes selected Letters to the Editor in response to First Opinion essays to encourage discussion on important issues. Tara Bannow’s essay on the difficulties of pumping milk at work sparked a response from a male physician who gained a new perspective, and from another writer who highlighted organizations working to create lactation spaces in…

Paul Cassford Weaver was a university student involved in rowing and climbing. After completing surgical training in London, he did a fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. In 1976, he became a surgical oncologist consultant at Portsmouth Hospitals and also served as the director of surgery. Source link

A clinical trial conducted by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) found that preventive treatment with DHA-PPQ is a safe and effective strategy to prevent malaria during pregnancy in women living with HIV. Pregnant women with HIV who were given DHA-PPQ had a significantly lower risk of developing clinical malaria throughout pregnancy and a…

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University studied pancreatic islet cell loss in people with no previous pancreatic problems. They found that islet cell loss in the elderly is largely due to insulin-producing beta cell loss, which may be linked to age-related diabetes and inform new treatments. The study focused on trends by age and sex and…

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found that 11 out of 12 prenatal supplements tested had at least one nutrient above or below the levels noted on the labels. The GAO recommends that Congress strengthens the FDA’s oversight of dietary supplements, which are now regulated not as drugs but as foods. The FDA does not…

Researchers have found that prescriptions for topical antifungal medications are being given out without proper consideration, potentially leading to microbial resistance. This indiscriminate use of these medications may pose a threat to their effectiveness in the future. The findings highlight the need for more cautious and targeted prescribing of topical antifungal treatments to prevent the…

January is National Blood Donor Month aimed at raising awareness about blood donation’s importance, especially as the U.S. faces an emergency shortage due to a 40% drop in donations over the past 20 years. Many myths and fears keep healthy potential donors away. Dr. Jessica Jacobson, director of Blood Bank and Transfusion Medicine at Bellevue…

ResMed has issued a recall for certain CPAP masks that contain magnets, following a warning from the USFDA. The FDA has classified the recall as a Class I, which indicates that the agency deems it to be the most serious type of recall. ResMed’s decision to recall the masks comes after reports of the magnets…

Astellas Pharma’s drug approval for zolbetuximab, a promising treatment for gastrointestinal cancer, has been delayed by the FDA due to manufacturing issues at a third-party facility. The FDA did not raise concerns about the drug’s safety or efficacy but cited unresolved deficiencies during the pre-license inspection. Zolbetuximab targets a specific protein found in stomach cells,…

Ireland is experiencing high levels of influenza and Covid-19, with over 2,800 cases reported in the first week of 2024. The HSE is urging eligible individuals to get vaccinated. Dr. Alice Quinn from the National Immunisation Office emphasizes the importance of vaccination for healthcare workers. Vaccination reduces the risk of infection for workers and the…

A study published in BMC Infectious Diseases found that while COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rates have increased among people experiencing homelessness, targeted public health interventions are still needed to further address vaccine uptake in this vulnerable population. Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 29 studies to determine factors associated with vaccine acceptance and uptake….

Urinary incontinence can be managed through various treatments beyond traditional methods. Lifestyle changes can help prevent and manage symptoms. For women in menopause, hormone replacement therapy, as well as antidepressants, may offer relief. The diversity of gut bacteria can also affect urinary incontinence. Pelvic floor exercises can provide some relief, particularly for postmenopausal women. Advanced…

YouTube Health is prioritizing first aid and emergency care videos from reliable healthcare organizations in search results. The platform is partnering with organizations like the Mexican Red Cross and the American Heart Association to provide videos in English and Spanish about various first aid topics. This includes a free CPR course created by the AHA….

Mary Lou Retton spoke about her recent hospitalization due to pneumonia and revealed that she was uninsured. She cited preexisting conditions and cost as the main reasons for not having coverage and not specifying her type of insurance or financial details. The Affordable Care Act addresses these concerns by offering coverage through federal and state…

Alcohol Change UK runs Dry January, a campaign that encourages people to abstain from alcohol for 31 days at the beginning of the year. The initiative offers numerous health benefits, including lower blood pressure, reduced diabetes risk, and lower cholesterol. The campaign also encourages participants to download the Try Dry app to track progress and…

Medicare Advantage, a controversial health care program, is in the spotlight due to new data revealing overpayments and criticism of its quality rating system. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission discussed these findings, leading to conclusions that the federal government overpays Medicare Advantage insurers because they attract healthier, low-cost individuals and then code their health conditions…

John Hedges had a successful career in both military and civilian medicine, thanks to a medical cadetship with the Royal Army Medical Corps. He was commissioned in 1969, completed his house jobs, and became the garrison senior medical officer in West Germany in 1974. He then trained at the Cambridge Military Hospital in Aldershot and…

Mitochondria play an important role in muscle development, regeneration, and maintenance, and problems with these can lead to muscle diseases such as muscle atrophy. The tethering of mitochondria to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is found in healthy cells, and this anchoring regulates metabolism, mitochondrial morphology, and calcium homeostasis. In people experiencing muscle atrophy, there is…

In this episode of omg OMx, Mike Greig from Bruker discusses the potential of mass spectrometry in pharma. He talks about his career in biotechnology, his mentor, and his passion for chemistry. He also discusses the evolution of drug development and the barriers to the marketability of mass spectrometry in the pharma industry. He mentions…

The United States is currently experiencing a surge in respiratory viruses, notably the JN1 variant of COVID-19. Hospitalization and death rates are increasing, but the response to the pandemic is waning due to complacency, pandemic fatigue, and decreased resources. COVID has become normalized, leading to increased awareness of virus transmission and increased use of protective…

The results of the phase 3 EMERGENT-2 trial showed that KarXT, a combination of a muscarinic receptor agonist with an anticholinergic agent, led to significant improvements in symptoms of schizophrenia compared to a placebo. The treatment showed potential as a new class of effective and well-tolerated antipsychotic medication. It was associated with fewer side effects…

Monitoring your blood pressure is crucial for maintaining good health, as hypertension can cause silent damage to your heart, arteries, and kidneys. This guide helps you find the best blood pressure monitors for your needs and budget, including options for tech-savvy users, value-conscious users, and healthcare professionals. The top contenders are the Wellue Blood Pressure…

Hydrogels show promise as electrodes for treating ventricular arrhythmia, a potentially life-threatening condition. These innovative electrodes could revolutionize the treatment of this heart condition. The use of cookies for analytics, advertising, and site improvement is acknowledged, and continued site use implies agreement to their use. For more information, the Cookie Policy and Cookie Settings can…

Amira CEO Loewen Cavill was inspired to create The Terra System, a product aimed at helping women manage menopause symptoms, after her aunt suffered severe sleep disruptions from hot flashes. The AI-powered product includes a wearable bracelet to predict hot flashes and a cooling mattress pad to help regulate temperature fluctuations. Amira also launched Amy,…

Six counties in Ireland, including Donegal, Westmeath, Leitrim, and Sligo, have reported high rates of Covid, flu, and RSV above 500 cases per 100,000 population. Donegal has the highest rate of seasonal viruses, with more than two-and-a-half times the national rate. The county has also been significantly impacted by the current flu season and RSV,…

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that metformin used as an adjunct to insulin therapy for patients with type 2 or gestational diabetes does not reduce the odds of neonatal adverse outcomes. The research involved pregnant adults with type 2 diabetes or diabetes diagnosed before 23 weeks of pregnancy,…

An antitrust lawsuit has been filed against Cigna-owned online pharmacy and pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) Express Scripts by several independent pharmacies. The lawsuit alleges that Express Scripts teamed with rival PBMs to fix pharmaceutical reimbursement rates and fees, resulting in collecting a portion of the revenue. PBMs negotiate prescription prices, which can be substantially higher…

Lawmakers are struggling to fund the government and federal health programs. The Supreme Court is reviewing a case about Idaho’s abortion ban and federal law. The Biden administration is scaling back health provider conscience protections. Florida introduced legislation classifying abortion as a felony and penalizing those involved in distributing abortion pills. The FDA approved Florida’s…

Researchers compared facility fees for three common colonoscopy procedures at hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. They found that the fees were approximately 55% higher at hospitals compared to ambulatory surgery centers. The study, published in JAMA Health Forum, used data from four major insurers and included 13,287 in-network fees from hospitals and 17,052 fees from…

The Texas Medicaid program has agreed to cover costs for doctors to assess 4-month-old infertility patient Sufyan Pashai in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Sufyan’s older brother has metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a gene mutation, and Sufyan is a candidate for treatment to prevent the disease from manifesting. This gene therapy called Libmeldy is…

A clinical editor discusses the potential fallacy of relying on easily measured data from wearable technology to inform mental health care, emphasizing the importance of considering the impact on patients. A study on lung cancer screening raises concerns about the high rate of complications found in those who undergo invasive tests after a positive screening…

Cedar-Sinai investigators have developed a way to use electronic health records to identify hospitalized patients with dementia. The method, outlined in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, is designed to help care teams provide tailored and targeted interventions for patients with dementia. An algorithm searches for dementia diagnoses and appropriate prescriptions in patients’ health…

Researchers at The University of Texas at El Paso have identified a promising new pharmaceutical compound called thiophene F-8 that successfully kills leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells. This could lead to new forms of therapy. Aguilera’s lab screened 1,300 different compounds and found thiophene F-8 successful in inducing cell death in leukemia and lymphoma cells….

The content discusses how isometric exercises have been found to be especially effective in lowering blood pressure. Isometric exercises involve holding a position to flex muscles, which constricts blood vessels leading to a buildup of metabolites and a release of nitric oxide, causing blood vessels to dilate. Research has shown that isometric exercises such as…

The FDA has not found any evidence linking glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) medications used for type 2 diabetes and obesity to suicidal thoughts or actions. This determination was made after reviewing clinical trial data and reports to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System. While the agency cannot definitively rule out a small…

A recent study found that a person consumes around 240,000 tiny plastic particles from one liter of bottled water, raising concerns about the potential health impacts of micro-nano plastics. Researchers developed a new imaging technique to estimate the quantity of microplastics in bottled water and found significantly higher levels than previously reported. The study also…