Motta-Yanac and colleagues conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on smartphone apps for blood pressure control. The study examined the effectiveness of digital prescriptions in managing blood pressure. The review analyzed various apps and their impact on blood pressure control. Results indicate that smartphone apps can be beneficial in monitoring and controlling blood pressure levels….
Kimberly Williams-Paisley opens up about her two-year struggle with losing her voice due to muscle tension dysphonia in 2023. She felt trapped and terrified as she sought medical help after experiencing vocal weakness. Various treatments, including therapy, medication, and hypnosis, did not work until she underwent a surgery in August that restored her voice. She…
Primary care is essential for disease prevention and chronic condition management, which ultimately leads to longer and healthier lives for patients. Despite these benefits, many people do not engage with primary care due to various factors like limited access and social determinants of health. To address health inequities, it is crucial for more individuals to…
The author discusses the power of breaking free from tribal thinking, especially in terms of political opinions and health decisions. A study shows that people often form political opinions based on strongly held beliefs rather than a careful consideration of all sides of the data. Intelligent individuals may be even more adept at sticking to…
The requirement for hospitals and insurers to post negotiated prices for health care services has been in effect for almost four years, but the impact on patient costs remains unclear. There is bipartisan support for price transparency, but there are concerns about the potential reversal of regulations under the Trump administration. While some progress has…
In December 2024, at the AAO meeting, Dr. I. Paul Singh discussed the Artevo 850 heads-up display and its impact on ergonomics during surgery. The Artevo 850 (Zeiss) offers features that improve the experience for patients and surgeons in the operating room, such as adjusting LED light intensity and performing intraoperative OCT. Dr. Singh highlighted…
The FDA approved Eli Lilly’s obesity drug Zepbound, also known as tirzepatide, as the first treatment for obstructive sleep apnea in the U.S. The drug is now specifically approved for patients with obesity and moderate-to-severe OSA, a condition characterized by breathing interruptions during sleep. This approval marks the first time Zepbound has been cleared for…
Researchers conducted a meta-analysis on 113 trials involving 15,000 adults with ADHD to identify the most effective treatments. They found that the selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor atomoxetine and stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidate were the most effective in managing symptoms. Other treatments like bupropion, clonidine, and guanfacine extended release were also examined, along with non-pharmacological…
A study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at a higher risk for heart failure, particularly heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), compared to non-RA controls. The analysis included 1,445 RA patients and 4,335 non-RA controls, with RA patients having a 79% higher risk for incident heart failure. The increased risk was…
Dan Cortez of UC Davis set a world record by being the first to implant a dual chamber leadless pacemaker in a child, which was published in a journal this week. The patient, a 13-year-old with congenital complete heart block, received the innovative leadless pacemaker. The procedure was minimally invasive and allowed the patient to…
Post-exertional malaise (PEM) is a significant phenomenon in conditions such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID, characterized by worsening symptoms after exertion. A study at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) meeting found PEM in many rheumatologic conditions, associated with worse symptoms. Experts stress the importance of assessing PEM, cautioning against graded…
Dr. Karan Rangarajan, a U.K. surgeon, suggests four specific foods to ease constipation and improve gut health. Kiwi is rich in soluble fiber and can improve symptoms of bloating and constipation. Coffee contains soluble fibers and polyphenols that support gut health and reduce the risk of liver disease. Mixed nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pistachios…
3D medical animation services have revolutionized the healthcare industry by transforming complex medical information into visually engaging and easily comprehensible content. These animations enhance education for medical professionals and patients, improve patient outcomes, and drive marketing efforts in the medical field. The evolution of medical animation from 2D illustrations to sophisticated 3D animations has addressed…
A survey conducted by the Medical Protection Society found that almost two thirds of doctors feel burnt out and exhausted, with one-in-five describing their mental wellbeing as concerning. Many doctors also feel disillusioned and unsupported in discussing mental health issues at work. The survey highlights the mental burden faced by healthcare professionals due to increasing…
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The #HearHer campaign raises awareness about gender disparities in lung cancer diagnosis and clinical trial enrollment, focusing on the increasing incidence of lung cancer among young women. Despite progress in treatment, women face delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation, with clinicians less likely to offer screening or enroll women in clinical trials. The campaign aims…
The article discusses the importance of Physician Health Programs (PHPs) for medical students and the medical profession. The response from Michael Baron, a board-certified psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist, highlights the benefits and success rates of PHPs in helping physicians, trainees, and students with substance use disorders and mental health conditions. He refutes the claims…
Alison Leary, a professor of healthcare and workforce modelling, discusses the importance of valuing experienced and proficient workers in healthcare. While safety critical industries prioritize retaining experienced workers for productivity and safety, healthcare often focuses on inexperienced workers to save costs. Leary emphasizes the need for a proficient workforce that can make decisions in the…
Led by Aliyu Tetengi Ibrahim and his team at Ahmadu Bello University, a groundbreaking study published in Data Science and Management introduces an innovative AI model for detecting skin cancer. The model utilizes transfer learning and test time augmentation to categorize skin lesions with precision, achieving an impressive 94.49% accuracy rate. By integrating deep learning…
Over 20 million people were diagnosed with cancer and nearly 10 million died from it in 2022. Texas A&M University researchers uncovered new details on cancer progression, showing the influence of mechanical stiffening of the tumor cell’s environment on the nucleus. The nuclear lamina becomes taut in a stiff environment, leading to the movement of…
A retrospective analysis found no adverse events (AEs) in children receiving a live attenuated vaccine while on dupilumab or methotrexate treatment, challenging current recommendations. Researchers analyzed records of pediatric patients receiving these medications from 2017 to 2023 at a tertiary care center, with no AEs observed up to 6 months post-vaccination. Nine patients received the…
Louisiana public health officials are no longer allowed to promote vaccines due to a new covert policy. The policy prohibits distribution of press releases, interviews, vaccine events, presentations, and social media posts advocating for vaccines. This comes after President-Elect Donald Trump nominated anti-vaxxer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the Department of Health and Human…
Silicon Valley startup Suki has enhanced its AI assistant for healthcare professionals by adding patient summary and Q&A features, setting it apart in the healthcare AI market. Suki aims to streamline physicians’ documentation processes and lighten their workload through its voice assistant. The new features allow physicians to quickly access key patient information, simplify care…
Research has shown that there are differences in how Parkinson’s disease affects men and women. Women are more prone to develop tremor-dominant PD and perform better on cognitive tests, but also experience more pain and depression symptoms. Response to treatment also varies, with women showing better improvement in daily activities but also more side effects….
Independent Health Association of Buffalo and CEO Betsy Gaffney agreed to pay up to $100 million to settle Justice Department allegations of fraudulent billing for exaggerated or nonexistent health conditions. The settlement includes a payment of up to $98 million from Independent Health and $2 million from Gaffney. The settlement is not an admission of…
The FDA has approved Zepbound (tirzepatide) for adults with obstructive sleep apnea and obesity, showing significant efficacy in treating the condition. Results from the SURMOUNT-OSA phase 3 clinical trials demonstrated that Zepbound was more effective than a placebo, leading to weight loss and improvement in OSA symptoms. Participants using Zepbound alone or in combination with…
In Congress, year-end spending bills with multiple priorities attached are known as “Christmas tree” bills. This year’s health care policy provisions in the spending bill are lacking significant progress. Despite funding for public health programs and telehealth extensions surviving, Congress failed to achieve any new health care goals. Efforts to regulate pharmacy benefit managers and…
Matthew is correct in stating that patients need to understand the cause of their musculoskeletal symptoms, but wrong in assuming that an expensive MRI is necessary for diagnosis. Health care professionals such as advanced nurse practitioners and musculoskeletal physicians have the knowledge to diagnose and manage these symptoms. The challenge lies in effectively communicating with…
A recent study compared various interventions for adult ADHD, finding stimulants and atomoxetine most effective for core symptoms. Non-pharmacological therapies, such as psychoeducation and mindfulness, also show promise in specific contexts. However, limited long-term data exists for these treatments. The study included 113 randomized controlled trials with 14,887 participants, evaluating the efficacy, tolerability, and acceptability…
To estimate an individual’s risk of having a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years, doctors use equations based on factors such as age, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. New risk equations called PREVENT have been developed by the American Heart Association in 2023, based on more current population data. However, studies suggest…
After suffering a stroke, British grandmother Althia Bryden began speaking with an Italian accent and using Italian words, despite never having visited the country. She was diagnosed with aphasia and found herself unable to control her newfound linguistic tendencies. Bryden expressed feeling like an impersonator of herself, wishing to return to her old self. Despite…
About 25% of adults over 65 face mental health challenges like depression and anxiety, with 63% not receiving adequate care. Vitalic, a geriatric behavioral health platform, has launched with $4 million in seed funding to address this issue. The startup works with payers to identify high-cost members with mental health conditions and provide them with…
Anaemia is a common complication of myelofibrosis, a rare chronic condition affecting blood cell production. The condition is driven by mutations in genes like JAK2, CALR, and MPL, causing abnormal cellular proliferation and disrupted haematopoiesis. Anaemia in myelofibrosis is challenging to manage, typically requiring transfusions and limited treatment options like erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) or androgens….
Researchers at Azabu University have discovered that cats are not just professional sleepers, but also cognitive powerhouses. In an experiment involving nonsense words and images, cats were able to make associations in just two nine-second trials, faster than human babies. Cats were also found to have a radar for human speech and could distinguish between…
The bird flu outbreak among cattle in the United States has not shown signs of slowing down, with at least 875 herds across 16 states testing positive. This has led to experts losing faith in the government’s ability to contain the outbreak. The lack of timely interventions, surveillance, and collaboration between agencies has allowed the…
At the American Epilepsy Society annual meeting, Dr. Barry S. Ticho discussed the effectiveness of zorevunersen in reducing seizures in patients with Dravet syndrome. Zorevunersen led to a 75% to 80% reduction in seizures, which is significant as it is the only antiseizure medication in the clinic with disease-modifying effects. Studies showed that zorevunersen, an…
Novo Nordisk’s dominance in the obesity drug market was challenged when the company reported disappointing results for their new obesity drug, CagriSema. The drug led patients to lose 20% of their weight in a late-stage study, falling short of the company’s projection of 25% weight loss. This news caused Novo’s stock to drop by nearly…
The Tremor study compared manual dexterity and composure under pressure of hospital staff roles using a buzz wire game. Surgeons outperformed physicians, nurses, and non-clinical staff in completing the task within five minutes, showing superior dexterity but higher rates of swearing. Nurses and non-clinical staff exhibited more audible expressions of frustration. Surgeons completed the game…
Researchers have discovered that Black women with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have a lower survival rate compared to women of other racial backgrounds. The study focused on the TRIM37 protein, which is associated with poor patient survival and drives TNBC spread and resistance to chemotherapy. An ancestry-specific genetic variant, rs57141087, was identified as a potential…
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that higher daily step counts are associated with fewer depressive symptoms in adults. Researchers analyzed data from 33 observational studies, concluding that walking 7,000 steps or more per day reduces the risk of depression. The study highlighted the protective effects of physical activity, particularly walking, in…
A study found that children of Black ethnicity with traumatic injuries are more likely to be suspected of child abuse compared to White children. Factors such as young age, lower socioeconomic status, and severity of injury also increase the likelihood of suspicion for child abuse. Black patients had higher odds of having a SCA code…
The holiday season brings festive cheer, but it also brings an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, particularly on Christmas Day. Cold weather, holiday stress, and disrupted routines contribute to this risk. Symptoms to watch for include severe chest pain, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. To reduce the risk, dress warmly, avoid excess…
A recent CNN/Kaiser Family Foundation poll found that 90% of Americans believe we are facing a mental health crisis. Behavioral health practices are struggling to keep up with this demand, requiring strategic operations to balance patient volume and maintain high-quality care. Efficient intake processes, telehealth implementation, provider recruitment and retention, and high standards of care…
Pain involves nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic mechanisms. Nociceptive pain comes from injury or inflammation, neuropathic pain results from nerve damage, and nociplastic pain involves altered central nervous system processing. Chronic pain can be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like NSAIDs and paracetamol, but must be used carefully to avoid side effects. OTC pain relievers…
Several individuals have written letters to the editor focusing on various topics related to healthcare and aging. Edna R.S. Alvarez from Los Angeles discusses her experience as a solo ager and her concerns about aging alone. Jerry Wilborn from Erie, Pennsylvania, highlights the importance of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) for…
The field of rheumatology has neglected patients with lupus from Africa and the global African diaspora at research, diagnosis, and treatment levels. Researchers, led by Dr. Ashira D. Blazer, aimed to understand the impact of lupus on underrepresented groups. Genetic studies on individuals of African ancestry face challenges due to lack of diversity in participants….
Novo Nordisk’s new obesity treatment, CagriSema, led patients to lose 20.4% of their weight in a pivotal study, falling short of the company’s projected weight loss of 25%. This outcome has raised doubts about Novo Nordisk’s competitiveness in the weight loss market. The results caused Novo Nordisk’s shares to drop by over 20% in pre-market…
A study evaluated the cognitive abilities of publicly available large language models (LLMs) using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and additional tests. The LLMs included ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. Results showed signs of mild cognitive impairment in all LLMs, with older versions scoring lower than newer versions. The LLMs struggled with visuospatial and executive function…
A study from Drexel University found that neighborhoods with more green space have lower rates of heart disease deaths, especially among men, even in areas with higher crime rates. The study looked at data from Philadelphia and found that green spaces offer health benefits, with men benefiting more than women. The research highlights the importance…
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control suggests that hospitals can reduce hand hygiene monitoring efforts from 200 to 50 observations per unit per month without sacrificing data quality. Hand hygiene is crucial for preventing infections in healthcare settings, but adherence among healthcare workers is often low. The Leapfrog Group’s hand hygiene…