The study found that alpha-gal IgE antibodies resulting from a tick bite were associated with musculoskeletal symptoms, particularly knee pain. This was true even in patients with no evidence of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. The study was conducted in a population with high levels of tick exposure and osteoarthritis. The researchers also found…
The Dog Aging Project, which researches the aging process of almost 50,000 companion dogs, is at risk after losing funding from the National Institute on Aging. However, the co-founders are not giving up and plan to resubmit for funding, while also striving to get donations for their nonprofit Dog Aging Institute. They have received small…
Practical Prescribing is a series aimed at medical and non-medical prescribers, focusing on commonly prescribed medicines and promoting shared decision making. An example case presented is a 55-year-old man with high cholesterol after a transient ischaemic attack, prompting discussion of statin treatment. Statins are widely prescribed, with over 145 million users globally and 7.5 million…
A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health showed that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can have a positive impact on anxiety disorders in children, by improving both clinical symptoms as well as brain functioning. The findings of the study reveal that CBT led to a decrease in anxiety symptoms and improved brain connectivity, particularly…
A global research study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed a negative impact on diabetes patients. Sight loss and non-COVID-related deaths among those with diabetes increased, particularly among children and adolescents. Direct impacts of the pandemic on diabetes management included significantly more severe new cases of Type 1 diabetes. Additionally, diabetes-related mortality rose during the…
A new report highlights the impact of loneliness on the health of people who are obese, showing that social and mental health factors are important in improving overall health. Research found that social isolation is a greater risk factor for mortality, including cancer and cardiovascular disease, than depression, anxiety, and lifestyle risk factors. The study…
A recent study suggests that assisted reproductive technology (ART), a potential mediator between BMI and twin births, explains 23% of the association in obese women with a BMI of 30-40. The study involved over half a million deliveries and found an increased proportion of ART in women with higher BMIs. The rate of twin deliveries…
Intermittent fasting is a popular weight loss strategy that involves alternate periods of eating and fasting. Different methods include time-restricted eating, alternate-day fasting, twice-a-week fasting, and once-a-week 24-hour fast. Some potential health benefits of intermittent fasting include improved weight loss, blood sugar control, and heart health. However, long-term studies are still needed to fully understand…
AIIMS Deoghar has issued a notification regarding the schedule for the payment of exam fee and the release of admit cards for the first professional supplementary MBBS exam. The notification also includes information about the use of cookies for analytics, advertising, and site improvement. By continuing to use the site, users agree to the use…
Technology in healthcare has evolved over the last 50 years to meet the needs of clinicians and patients. Three technology trends expected in 2024 include immediate access to emerging evidence, the use of generative AI, and the demand for easy-to-consume information that can be trusted. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for quick access…
The annual GP Study Day at Bon Secours Hospital Cork took place on January 20, 2024 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork. The event was documented with photos by Gerard McCarthy. The study day likely featured presentations and workshops aimed at providing continuing education and professional development opportunities for general practitioners. The event is likely…
A study published in Hypertension found that Hispanic and Latina women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy have long-term cardiac structural alterations. The rate of these disorders has doubled in the US among Hispanic/Latina and Black women. The study, based on data from the Hispanic Community Health Study, found that these women had…
CardioSignal, a tech-enabled heart disease detection company, has secured $10 million in Series A funding, bringing its total raise to $23 million. DigiTx Partners led the round with participation from Sandwater and existing investor Maki.vc. The company uses gyroscope and accelerometer motion data from smartphone sensors to analyze cardiac motion and detect heart diseases. The…
Medicare Advantage plans are increasingly popular, with 30.8 million Americans enrolled. However, once you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan, it may be difficult to switch back to traditional Medicare. Advantage plans can be appealing due to lower costs and additional benefits, but they also have limitations on hospitals and doctors. The Biden administration recently issued…
The FDA has approved generic febuxostat 40 mg and 80 mg tablets, a generic version of Uloric, for the management of chronic hyperuricemia in adult patients with gout. The tablets will be manufactured at Lupin’s facility in India and are estimated to have an annual U.S. sales of $27 million. This announcement follows the FDA…
Steward Health Care, a for-profit health system in Eastern Massachusetts, is facing financial distress and may have to close some facilities. Regulators are working to prevent layoffs and the loss of care. Steward runs nine hospitals in Boston suburbs and underserved areas, but has had financial difficulties for the past three years. The health system…
Primary care networks (PCNs) were established in 2019 as groups of general practices working together to provide services for a local population. Each PCN receives a budget for additional staff, such as pharmacists and physiotherapists, based on the number of patients. However, the setup has led to complicated situations, with some practices merging and others…
Finding the right therapist is an important step for those considering therapy. Dr. Eric Storch, a psychologist from Baylor College of Medicine, outlines the importance of connecting and feeling comfortable with a therapist. Different therapists specialize in different treatment approaches, so finding one with expertise in the specific issue is important. For example, cognitive behavioral…
Parkinson’s disease is complex, with some forms caused by genetics and others by environmental factors. A new model called SynNeurGe classifies the disease based on biology rather than clinical diagnosis. This model includes factors such as alpha-synuclein, neurodegeneration, and genetics to identify and classify patients. The focus is on identifying patients before symptoms appear and…
Menstrual migraines are common and there are many treatment options available to help manage the pain and discomfort. These migraines are typically more severe and last longer than regular migraines, often occurring 2 days before to 3 days after the period. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, particularly the sudden drop in estrogen, are the…
A clinic called the Multidisciplinary Atopic Dermatitis Program (MADP) was established to provide comprehensive care for patients with severe atopic dermatitis (AD) by involving a team of clinicians from different disciplines such as dermatologists, allergists, and clinical pharmacists. The clinic aims to assess the severity of the disease, educate patients and families, and create a…
A large-scale study observed a connection between consuming energy drinks and disturbed sleep, particularly among younger people. Marketing themselves as enhancing mental and physical energy, energy drinks contain high amounts of caffeine. The frequency of energy drink consumption was measured in younger individuals, as well as observed sleep patterns. It was found that higher consumption…
A study has found that the prevalence of erectile dysfunction is high among men with prediabetes and diabetes. The study also mentions the use of cookies for analytics, advertising, and site improvement, and requires user agreement to continue using the site. For more information, users are directed to the site’s Cookie Policy and Cookie Settings….
The decentralization of healthcare, accelerated by the pandemic, has led to the development of digital tools to help patients manage chronic conditions at home. However, many Americans lack access or knowledge to benefit from these tools. Nearly 95% of adults over 60 have chronic conditions but may struggle to use digital tools due to lack…
Irish stroke survivors, family carers, and healthcare professionals emphasize the need for future developments in stroke services to prioritize specialist community-based rehabilitation, ongoing support for life after stroke, and improved information and support for navigating services. These findings, gathered from a study by RCSI’s School of Population Health, highlight the need for improved staffing, access…
Researchers found disparities in cancer research funding from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and nonprofit organizations, as reported in JCO Oncology Practice. The study evaluated funding for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies from 2015 to 2018. The combined NCI-nonprofit budget was $13.66 billion, with breast cancer, leukemia, and lung cancer receiving the most funding. Some…
Osteoporosis patients with chronic kidney disease using Prolia have a higher risk of developing dangerously low calcium levels, leading to severe harm, including life-threatening events and death. Patients should be aware of symptoms such as confusion, irregular heart rhythm, and muscle spasms. It is important to have regular check-ups and maintain calcium and vitamin D…
Children and young people in the United States face challenges in receiving timely and appropriate healthcare, especially for mental health and complex medical conditions. Digital health solutions offer hope, but there is a disconnect between innovators and health systems, resulting in products that don’t fit clinical workflows or meet diverse patient needs. As incidence rates…
Some members of Congress are demanding federal oversight of billions in opioid settlements, with some state and local governments using it to plug budget holes rather than fight the addiction crisis. Rep. Marcy Kaptur and Rep. Ashley Hinson have introduced legislation to ensure funds are used for treatment, prevention, education, and enforcement related to the…
Primary care physicians spent more time on electronic health records (EHR) between 2019 and 2023, with an average increase of 28.4 minutes per workday. Researchers also reported higher volumes of orders, inbox messages, patient calls, and chart reviews. This increase in EHR time could be attributed to the complexity of some patient interactions and a…
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is retracting six papers and correcting 31 manuscripts after an alleged data manipulation review involving four of its top scientists. The institute also mentioned scores of studies are under review, including several authored by CEO Laurie Glimcher, COO William Hahn, Irene Ghobrial, and Kenneth Anderson. The review stemmed from potential errors flagged…
The British Heart Foundation has reported that the number of premature deaths in England caused by cardiovascular disease has reached a 14-year high, signaling the worst heart care crisis in recent memory and a tragic setback in progress. In 2022, over 39,000 individuals in England died before the age of 75 due to cardiovascular conditions,…
Attending an NHS Health Check appointment in the UK is linked to a reduced risk of death and decreased risk of various diseases, including dementia and liver cirrhosis. The program identifies individuals at risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and kidney disease, providing basic physical checks and tailored support. Participants who attended an NHS Health…
A large Norwegian study found that consuming energy drinks is linked to poor quality sleep and insomnia among college students. The more frequently the drinks were consumed, the fewer hours of sleep the students got. Even occasional consumption was linked to a heightened risk of disturbed sleep. The study found sex differences in energy drink…
Research supports the link between neuroticism and poor health, as people high in neuroticism are more prone to anxiety, worry, and stress. This personality trait has been associated with mental disorders like depression, as well as physical illnesses such as heart disease and certain cancers. Studies suggest that neuroticism may lead to unhealthy behaviors such…
The use of gabapentinoids by adults in the United States has increased to 4.7% in 2021 from 4% in 2015, with many of the drugs being prescribed off label for chronic pain conditions despite minimal evidence supporting their use. The study, which analyzed data from the 2002-2021 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, found that use of…
Protein powder has become essential for health and fitness, with options suitable for different goals. Whether for weight loss, muscle gain, or overall nutrition, these powders offer a convenient and efficient way to increase protein intake. Our top picks include Ancient Nutrition’s plant-based powder, Ghost Whey Protein Powder in Cinnabon flavor, Paleovalley’s Grass Fed Beef…
Liquid biopsy is showing promise in identifying the patients with non-small cell lung cancer who will benefit the most from radiation. This non-invasive technique involves analyzing circulating tumor DNA in the blood to determine the genetic makeup of the tumor. The study suggests that patients whose liquid biopsy results show a high level of tumor…
Ionis Pharmaceuticals has reported positive results from the Phase 3 trial of its drug candidate, donidalorsen, for the treatment of hereditary angioedema (HAE). The drug met its main trial goal of reducing the rate of HAE attacks, was well tolerated by patients, and no serious adverse events were reported in the treatment group. Phase 3…
The content is about the RCPI Institute of Medicine Stearne Lecture and Bryan Alton Medal. It includes a photo of the event with individuals such as Prof Anthony O’Regan, Prof Tim O’Brien, Prof Geraldine McCarthy, Prof Dennis McGonagle, Prof Ed McKone, and Dr. Diarmuid O’Shea present. The article is one of 15 free-access articles allowed…
Yonsei University Health System has launched Connect-DTx, a platform that integrates hospitals, insurers, and medical device manufacturers to seamlessly connect the entire care process. The platform allows for the collection of real-time health data from patients using digital therapeutics (DTx) and hospital EMRs, which can be used to personalize treatments. It also facilitates communication with…
The J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco drew over 8,000 attendees in January 2024, with a focus on science, medicine, and money. The conference showcased the potential of artificial intelligence in drug development, but some attendees were skeptical about the impact AI could have. Weight loss pills were another hot topic, as investors inquired…
The FDA has cleared NeuroSigma’s second-generation Monarch eTNS System for treating pediatric ADHD. The device is smaller and includes a high-resolution color LCD screen and optimized user interface. It is indicated for patients aged 7 to 12 years who are not currently taking ADHD medications. NeuroSigma plans to scale its commercial operations to help treat…
The human blood system undergoes a constant turnover, and different blood cells have varying lifespans. Stem cells in the bone marrow replenish these cells. Changes in these stem cells can lead to blood diseases. Researchers have developed a technique called ReDeeM to trace and monitor the blood cell family tree, shedding light on the changes…
The recent escalation of conflict in Yemen is predicted to worsen the already dire humanitarian crisis in the country and may result in aid groups ending their operations there. The US and UK airstrikes in response to Houthi attacks on commercial ships have led to several international aid groups ceasing their work in western Yemen….
A clinical trial led by Professor Uwe Platzbecker from the University of Leipzig Medical Center tested a new treatment combination for higher-risk myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS). Symptoms of MDS include rapid progression, severe symptoms, and a transition to acute leukemia. Only intensive treatments like stem cell transplantation and chemotherapy are available to patients with higher-risk MDS….
Researchers analyzed samples of edible vegetable oils to determine if they contained potentially toxic elements. The study aimed to evaluate the health risks associated with consuming these oils in Hamadan, Iran. They found that iron, arsenic, zinc, cadmium, and lead were present in varying concentrations in these oils. While concentrations of these elements did not…
For individuals with diabetes, choosing meals can be challenging due to nutritional concerns. A diabetes meal delivery plan can offer convenience and cost savings compared to eating out. It can also provide more control over the nutritional content of meals while helping to curb overeating. When comparing meal plans, look for those based on the…
A study published in JAMA found that using the osteoporosis drug denosumab (Prolia) in dialysis patients significantly increases the risk of life-threatening hypocalcemia compared to other treatments. The FDA is revising the prescribing information for the drug to include a boxed warning. Patients on dialysis have a high risk for fracture and difficulty absorbing calcium,…
A recent study conducted by researchers at Tufts University found that women who incorporated more plant-based protein into their diets had a reduced risk of developing chronic diseases as they aged. The study, published in the American Journal of Nutrition, involved over 48,000 participants from the Harvard-based Nurses’ Health Study. The research team found that…