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A systematic review and meta-analysis of three studies with 1849 participants found that treatment with the Janus kinase inhibitor baricitinib was safe and effective for treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Baricitinib increased the chances of achieving a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Responder Index-4 response and reducing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index-2000 scores. Additionally, patients treated…

Healthcare research has evolved significantly over the past decade, thanks to the digital age. Real-world data collected through medical online surveys has revolutionized the way research is conducted, making it more accessible, cost-effective, and efficient. This type of data provides researchers with insights into how medical treatments and interventions work in the real world, reflecting…

Israeli healthtech startup Biobeat and Best Buy Health are partnering to integrate Biobeat’s wrist and chest monitors into Best Buy Health’s Current Health platform. Best Buy Health, which acquired Current in 2021, will use Biobeat’s wearables for remote patient monitoring (RPM) solutions. Biobeat’s devices monitor 13 health parameters continuously, with PPG-based sensors providing non-invasive, continuous…

In the late 1990s, Republicans were focused on boosting public health spending, with significant increases for scientific research and the creation of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) under President George W. Bush. However, in recent years, the GOP has shifted its stance, with proposals to cut funding for the Department of Health…

Moderna’s phase 2-3 clinical trials showed that the mRNA-1345 vaccine is effective in preventing RSV in adults over 60. The study also found no safety concerns. An estimated 5.2 million RSV cases in 2019 led to significant hospitalizations and deaths in this age group. The vaccine demonstrated efficacy in preventing RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease…

Six months after selling off its assets in a bankruptcy auction, Pear Therapeutics’ most significant digital treatments have found a new home with PursueCare, a provider of online addiction care and mental health counseling. PursueCare recently raised $20 million in a Series B funding round and acquired Pear’s portfolio of apps used in treating addiction….

The UK regulations prohibit the advertising of prescription drugs to the public, but critics found the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has not issued a single sanction for prescription drugs in the last five years. Critics argue that this lack of enforcement fails patients who may be exposed to the adverse effects of…

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a robotic prosthetic ankle that uses electromyographic sensors to monitor muscle activity in the residual limb of lower limb amputees and assist with maintaining postural control. The testing showed that the robotic ankle helps users maintain their balance and stability by responding to EMG signals and allowing…

The relationship between insulin levels after eating and long-term heart and metabolic health is not as problematic as previously understood. Dr. Ravi Retnakaran and his team have found that the suggestion that insulin surge signals poor health is inaccurate. It can actually be an indicator of good health. Their study, published in eClinicalMedicine, challenged previous…

A study published by a Rutgers researcher found that people with cognitive disabilities, such as autism and memory loss, are less satisfied with their healthcare than the general population. Patients with cognitive disabilities reported worse experiences with healthcare encounters, particularly in terms of patient-provider communication. The study suggests the need for structural and policy changes,…

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends comprehensive, intensive behavioral interventions for children with high body mass index (BMI), including supervised physical activity sessions for up to a year. Nearly 20% of kids aged 2-19 have high BMIs, indicating obesity. The interventions should include at least 26 hours of supervised physical activity, group sessions on…

Low-dose tamoxifen, known as “baby TAM,” is emerging as an alternative breast cancer prevention treatment. It intends to reduce side effects while maintaining efficacy in high-risk individuals. Studies presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) looked at baby TAM users’ risk understanding and medication adherence. Another study examined the efficacy of different tamoxifen…

Holidays are a time for fun and enjoyment, but binge drinking and excessive holiday eating can lead to holiday heart syndrome, causing irregular heartbeat and other heart issues. Binge drinking is a common pattern of alcohol consumption, especially among young adults, and can lead to various negative health outcomes. Anyone, even seemingly healthy individuals, can…

The post discusses the comparison between norovirus and coronavirus, with a focus on the potential danger of norovirus. It highlights the rapid spread and severity of norovirus, which causes vomiting and diarrhea. The post emphasizes that norovirus is highly contagious and can lead to severe dehydration, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and…

MenoProtect capsules are designed to help manage symptoms of menopause, which occurs when a woman’s estrogen levels decrease and she stops menstruating. Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, and symptoms can include changes in menstrual cycles, hot flashes, mood swings, and decreased libido. Menopause can also lead to physical changes, such…

A study published in the BMJ found that women who experience menarche at a younger age have an increased risk of developing diabetes later in life. The study suggests that early onset of menstruation may be a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes in mid-life. Researchers analyzed data from over 15,000 women and found…

In the healthcare industry, the US is spending more than other countries with poor health outcomes, leading to physician burnout and hospital financial struggles. The focus needs to shift towards patient acquisition and retention strategies, rather than simply branding, to drive hospital revenue. Healthcare organizations struggle to pinpoint their most lucrative patient segments and often…

A series written by Dr. Ray O’Connor discusses the latest clinical studies from around the world with a focus on their practical implications. One study highlighted the association between alcohol use and various injuries and diseases, including cancer. This information is important for medical professionals and individuals alike to better understand the health effects of…

Pre-pregnancy dietary and physical activity changes can lower the risk of developing gestational diabetes. A study published in Nutrition & Diabetes conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 30 studies, including randomized controlled trials, case-control studies, and cohort studies, to investigate the association between lifestyle interventions and gestational diabetes risk. The meta-analysis showed that pre-pregnancy…

Revenue cycle management (RCM) is essential for healthcare and other service-oriented industries, ensuring operational and financial stability. It encompasses every step from patient registration to payment collection and is crucial for improved financial performance, patient experience, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and strategic decision-making. RCM involves automation, technology integration, and compliance with regulatory norms, reducing errors,…

Digital weight loss company Noom has made several new hires in its leadership team, including an executive vice president and chief financial officer, a chief technology officer, and a general counsel. The company has also promoted several internal candidates to key positions. Noom’s CEO, Geoff Cook, expressed excitement about the new team members and their…

Angelo Quinto died in 2020 after being pinned to the ground by police in California for at least 90 seconds, and despite these circumstances, officials blamed his death on “excited delirium.” This term has been widely discredited and has been used to explain away police responsibility in in-custody deaths. Quinto’s family, along with other families,…

A study of 242,779 participants found that men have a 1.6-fold increased risk for colorectal cancer and reach equivalent risk 6 years earlier than women. This was determined by using a risk-advancement period approach, based on sex and polygenic risk score criteria. It was found that the polygenic risk score was strongly related to colorectal…

Medicare Advantage beneficiaries have filed a class-action lawsuit accusing Humana of illegally using an algorithm called nH Predict to stop payment for rehabilitation care for patients who have had serious illnesses and injuries. The lawsuit claims that this is part of a scheme to deny claims to sick people and reap financial benefits. This lawsuit…

Consultant obstetrician David Sim has been suspended for 12 months from the UK medical register after sterilizing a woman without her consent in Northern Ireland. He believed the patient wanted the sterilization due to previous conversations, but admitted there was no consent form and his approach could be seen as paternalistic. He referred himself to…

Charco Neurotech has developed CUE1, a non-invasive wearable device to aid Parkinson’s patients in managing their symptoms. The device provides vibratory action to targeted regions, inspired by 19th-century observations showing reduced symptoms in patients on bumpy rides. CUE1 uses cueing to improve patients’ mobility, without drugs. With over 40 symptoms, Parkinson’s can be hard to…

Researchers suggest grading skateboard parts like ski runs to curtail fall risk. Analysis of more than 500 young skateboarders shows that flips, jumps, and turns on flat ground and specialized ramps pose the greatest risk, and these moves are popular. Young skateboarders are more likely to use flat ground and ramps, while older ones also…

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open evaluated post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) among US veterans. PCC refers to persistent symptoms after COVID-19, including shortness of breath, fatigue, and altered senses. Vaccination was found to have a protective effect on individuals with PCC. The study highlighted the need for comprehensive documentation of symptoms in COVID-19 survivors…

Certain foods such as beans, soup, dark chocolate, vegetables, and Greek yogurt can help you feel full longer and curb cravings, aiding in weight loss. A protein-rich breakfast, nuts, and crunchy apples with skin on can also aid in weight loss. Yogurt, grapefruit, and whole grains can be beneficial for weight loss as well. However,…

A recent randomized controlled trial evaluating the use of Abbots’ TriClip system for transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) of tricuspid valve in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) showed improvements in quality of life and safety at 30 days. Results were presented at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics 2023 congress and revealed that patients experienced sustained TR…

A study found that a supplement containing 6-MSITC, the main bioactive compound in wasabi, improved short-term and long-term memory in healthy participants above 60. The trial involved 72 participants split into two groups, with one group taking 100mg of wasabi extract daily and the other taking a placebo. After 12 weeks, the group taking wasabi…

A study by Tel Aviv University found that mothers devote only 25% of their attention to their toddlers while using smartphones, which can impair child development. Mothers talked less with their children and provided poorer quality interactions while using smartphones. Reduced maternal linguistic input can lead to decreased vocabulary in children and impact social and…

Prostanil capsules are designed to treat prostate enlargement, which is a common condition in men over 50 years old. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that produces semen, and its enlargement can cause difficulty urinating and other symptoms. Prostate cancer is a slowly progressing condition that can be diagnosed early and treated to minimize complications….

A study has been conducted to investigate the safety and effectiveness of auricular acupuncture for treating depression. The results shed light on this alternative treatment method. The research suggests that auricular acupuncture may be a safe and effective option for managing depression. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings. The use of cookies…

Sanofi is backing out of a deal to license Maze Therapeutics’ experimental drug for Pompe disease after the Federal Trade Commission accused the transaction of being anti-competitive. The FTC claimed that the deal was an attempt by Sanofi to eliminate a smaller competitor in the market. The complaint alleged that the deal would contribute to…

The Irish College of Ophthalmologists held its Winter Meeting and Montgomery Lecture at RCSI in Dublin 2 on December 1, 2023. The event featured various presentations and discussions related to ophthalmology. The photos from the event were taken by photographer Leon Farrell from Photocall Ireland. The images likely captured the attendees, speakers, and the overall…

The American Academy of Dermatology has released new guidelines for the treatment of adult atopic dermatitis in the United States. It provides 11 evidence-based recommendations for the use of phototherapy and systemic therapies, including biologics and Janus kinase inhibitors, with strong recommendations for the use of certain medications. The guidelines advise against the use of…

Moorfields Eye Hospital experts have developed an AI tool, RETFound, to diagnose eye-related diseases quickly and reliably. The model was trained using 1,640,612 retinal scans from Moorsfield Eye Hospital, and it showed exceptional performance in detecting diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. RETFound is more efficient than other AI tools, requiring only 10% of…

Publicly-traded digital behavioral health company Talkspace has partnered with menopause-focused telehealth startup Evernow to expand their portfolio. Talkspace offers therapy, psychiatric services, and medication management for various mental health conditions, while Evernow provides hormone therapy and treatment plans for menopausal women. Through the partnership, Talkspace providers can access Evernow’s resources, and Evernow’s members can receive…

The KFF Health News Minute provides weekly updates on various health-related issues. Recent topics include the impact of Medicaid purges on those seeking assistance, shortages of physical therapists, and concerns about the rising cost of long-term care. Other topics covered include confusion around definitions of preventive care and the difficulty of obtaining a lifesaving overdose…

The world’s first dual-chamber leadless pacing system, Aveir DR, was named one of 2023’s top inventions. It has been successfully implanted since FDA approval in July and offers substantial reductions in complications. Dr. Cyrus A. Hadadi, one of the first to implant the system, discussed its benefits, patient selection, implantation challenges, and long-term implications. The…

The day is beginning with clear blue skies and sunshine at the Pharmalot campus. The company’s newest mascot is enjoying the outdoors in search of creatures, and Pharmalot is busy as ever hunting for items of interest. According to CNBC, Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug, Zepbound, is causing patients to regain about half of the…

Minerva (BMJ 2023;383:p2761 doi:10.1136/bmj.p2761) reported a UK register of cardiac arrests during anesthesia found 881 cases in a 12-month period, with an incidence of three arrests per 100,000 anesthesia. However, the correct incidence is three arrests in 10,000 anesthesia. The article has been corrected. Source link

Researchers at the National University of Singapore have developed a magnetic hydrogel wound dressing that contains two different regenerative cell types. The dressing is stimulated by an external magnetic field, which causes mechanical stresses to act on the cells, stimulating them to grow and enhancing their regenerative potential. The advanced dressing aims to treat difficult-to-heal…

Five countries in East and southern Africa are experiencing anthrax outbreaks, with more than 1,100 suspected cases and 20 deaths reported this year, according to the World Health Organization. The countries affected are Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Anthrax usually affects livestock and wild herbivores, with humans being infected if they are exposed to…

Researchers recently developed the REP-EQUITY toolbox to address underrepresentation in health research. This toolbox aims to help researchers capture a representative and equitable sample, which is crucial due to the highlighted need to include underserved populations in the wake of COVID-19. The toolkit was developed through a comprehensive data search and consensus workshop, including input…

An experimental device with millions of stem cells reduced the need for insulin shots in people with type 1 diabetes. The device, containing lab-grown pancreatic cells, led to significant improvement in some patients, allowing their bodies to spend more time within the normal blood sugar range and reducing their need for insulin. Researchers hope this…

The recent FDA approval of the Paradise and Symplicity Spyral systems provides a new therapeutic approach to treat resistant hypertension by reducing the activity in the sympathetic nervous system through renal denervation. Both developed after over a decade in development, these devices have been shown to lower blood pressure significantly in patients with hypertension who…

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) affects 3.3 million adults in the U.S. and is marked by severe fatigue that limits a person’s activity. The first nationally representative survey conducted by the CDC estimated that 1.3% of the population had CFS between 2021 and 2022, with higher estimates possibly due to long COVID. Symptoms of CFS include…

The author was diagnosed with Fatty Liver Grade 2 and was at risk of developing irreversible liver diseases. He decided to make lifestyle changes to reduce the fat on his liver by focusing on his diet and exercise. He stopped eating rich and sugary foods, increased his vegetable intake, and exercised for half an hour…