A former Montana health department staffer criticized new rules implementing legislation to scrutinize nonprofit hospitals’ charitable acts as being a hospital “wish list.” The rules aim to collect data on hospitals’ charitable acts to eventually create giving standards. However, the rules have been accused of catering to the Montana Hospital Association and providing exemptions for…
Recent research presented at the American Epilepsy Society annual meeting found that adults with epilepsy have difficulty recognizing facial expressions, particularly anger and fear, compared to healthy controls. The study used the Emotion Recognition Task (ERT) to assess emotional identification in 67 adults with epilepsy and healthy controls. Results showed that individuals with epilepsy performed…
Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark have developed a natural method to produce vitamin B2 by heating lactic acid bacteria. This breakthrough could help combat vitamin B2 deficiency in developing countries by allowing for fortification at the local level. The method is cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and integrates vitamin production into the food fermentation process….
A study in Australia found that individuals with melanomas with a Breslow thickness of 0.8-1.0 mm had a higher risk of melanoma-related death compared to those with tumors smaller than 0.8 mm. The research analyzed data from over 140,000 individuals diagnosed with thin melanomas between 1982 and 2014. The 20-year cumulative incidence of melanoma-related deaths…
A Texas doctor was forced to delete a TikTok video about helping undocumented immigrants access healthcare after Governor Greg Abbott threatened to defund the children’s hospital where he works. The doctor, Dr. Tony Pastor, mentioned in the video that patients do not need to disclose their citizenship status when seeking medical care. Abbott’s executive order…
Over 35 million private-sector employees are enrolled in self-insured health plans, with a total of over 100 million covered lives when families and public-sector employees are included. Employers on these plans face cost increase challenges similar to those of commercial insurers. Accolade, a company that helps employees navigate healthcare, aims to lower costs for employer…
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with a complex origin involving genetics, environment, and immune factors. It affects around 40,000 people in Ireland, with symptoms ranging from abdominal pain and diarrhea to fistulas and abscesses. Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical symptoms, imaging, and pathology tests. Treatment includes medication to control inflammation and…
AI medical scribes are transforming healthcare by automating documentation processes, allowing clinicians to focus more on patient care. They use voice recognition and data structuring to capture and organize medical information in real-time. Research shows that AI can accurately diagnose conditions like influenza, outperforming some physicians. Benefits include improved patient-provider relationships, time savings, and cost…
Juana Valle’s dream of owning a farm turned into a nightmare when she began to suspect her well water was making her sick. Researchers found worrisome levels of toxic chemicals, called PFAS, in her water. These chemicals are linked to health problems, and there are concerns about contamination from nearby agricultural operations. Valle started feeling…
Tirzepatide has shown significant weight loss and cardiometabolic benefits for patients with diabetes and overweight. Early responders who lost 5% or more weight in 8 weeks saw the most benefits. Data from the SURMOUNT trials showed that early responders had greater weight loss and improvements in parameters such as blood pressure and cholesterol compared to…
Eli Lilly is expanding its reach by partnering with the telehealth platform Ro to allow patients to order vials of its obesity medication Zepbound through Ro’s app. Previously, Lilly had only made these vials available to patients with prescriptions ordering directly through its online portal called LillyDirect. This partnership marks a significant development for Ro,…
K Sonu Gaind, a professor and chief of psychiatry, challenges Downar and colleagues’ claim that eligibility criteria have little impact on who receives medical assistance in dying (MAID) in Canada. Gaind argues that the expansion of MAID has led some individuals to seek death as a solution to social suffering rather than illness. He highlights…
Tufts University professor Simin Meydani, together with a team of researchers and entrepreneurs, has developed a shelf-stable smoothie containing 24 carefully selected fruits and vegetables. This smoothie aims to make it easier for people to consume the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables, which many Americans struggle to achieve. Research has shown that this…
A review of prostate cancer vaccines explores the progress and challenges in using immunotherapy to treat the disease. Prostate cancer is difficult to treat with standard approaches like ADT, and new therapies are needed. Vaccines that introduce tumor antigens to activate the immune system show promise, but face challenges like tumor heterogeneity. Different types of…
Interest in radiology residencies has increased, but the number of available positions does not meet the demand. Radiologists believe that this issue can be resolved. Source link
Everyday habits like using a laptop on your lap or using a heating pad could cause skin damage. Dermatologist Dr. Mark Strom warns that long-term heat exposure can lead to permanent skin damage known as toasted skin syndrome. Signs include a blotchy rash that can turn red, purple, or brown over time. In some cases,…
Arcellx is developing a cell therapy called anitocabtagene autoleucel (anito-cel) that could be a safer alternative to current CAR T-treatments for multiple myeloma. Preliminary data show no neurological complications associated with other therapies in its class. In a Phase 2 study, 97% of patients responded to anito-cel with 62% achieving a complete response. Anito-cel’s safety…
The RCPI Heritage Day took place on October 16, 2024, in Dublin. The event included notable figures such as Dr Diarmuid O’Shea, Prof Rose Anne Kenny, and Prof Joseph Harbison. Also present were Dr David Powell, Dr Peadar O’Mórdha, Prof Robert Armstrong, and Ms Harriet Wheelock. The event was captured in photos by David Coleman…
Despite errors being common in the healthcare industry, not all legal issues are the same. Medical malpractice claims involve breaches in patient care standards, while license violations are related to professional standards set by licensing bodies. The consequences and solutions for each type of legal problem are different. Healthcare practitioners must understand these distinctions to…
A federal judge in North Dakota has ruled in favor of 19 states challenging the Biden administration rule that allowed DACA recipients to enroll in Affordable Care Act coverage. This ruling prevents DACA recipients in those states from enrolling in or receiving subsidies for ACA plans. The Biden administration is likely to appeal the decision,…
The TREAT EARLIER trial presented at ACR Convergence 2024 showed that a 1-year course of methotrexate can prevent anti-citrullinated protein autoantibody-negative rheumatoid arthritis in high-risk patients with clinically suspect arthralgia. The study included ACPA-negative patients with CSA and subclinical joint inflammation who were at an increased risk for RA. Results showed a reduction in RA…
The Ohio Supreme Court ruled that CVS Health, Walgreens, and Walmart cannot be held liable under a state nuisance law for their role in the opioid crisis. The court overturned a $650.9 million judgement against the pharmacy chains, citing a state product liability law that superseded the nuisance claims. The decision, made in a 5-2…
Recent unexpected diagnoses and deaths in a surgery have highlighted the unpredictability of future health. While basic health advice remains the same, additional tests may not always be beneficial. Genetics, childhood experiences, and social factors play a significant role in determining health outcomes. Focusing on improving social determinants of health, such as ending child poverty,…
Higher cardiorespiratory fitness in older adults is associated with maintaining cognitive abilities that are vulnerable to age-related decline, regardless of key risk factors like age and APOE4 gene carriage. This link was found in a study of cognitively healthy adults aged 65-80. Cardiorespiratory fitness, measured by oxygen consumption during exercise, was linked to better performance…
A recent study explored the relationship between plant-based diets and physical performance in aging adults. Physical performance is crucial for healthy aging and preventing disability. The study, conducted with participants from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, found that adherence to a healthy plant-based diet was linked to better physical function and strength, while an…
A post hoc analysis of the HOST-EXAM trial showed that clopidogrel monotherapy was more effective than aspirin monotherapy in patients who underwent PCI and remained event-free for 6-18 months on DAPT, regardless of bleeding risk or PCI complexity. Thrombotic events and bleeding were more common in high bleeding risk patients, but the benefits of clopidogrel…
Regular strength training has been found to have anti-aging effects by lengthening telomeres, reducing biological aging by up to 8 years. A study involving almost 4,900 individuals in the U.S. showed that 90 minutes of strength training per week can lead to 3.9 fewer years of biological aging, while 180 minutes per week can result…
More than 70 organizations, led by Families USA, are urging Congress to extend the enhanced premium tax credits set to expire in 2025. These premium tax credits, introduced in 2021, have reduced health insurance premiums for many individuals purchasing coverage through the marketplace. The tax credit lowers the out-of-pocket costs of health insurance premiums for…
Dr Brendan O’Shea discusses the importance of being involved in political activity within one’s community as the recent election results are analyzed. Despite criticisms, the political process in Ireland appears to be delivering, with healthy politics being crucial for effective governance. Dr. O’Shea shares his experience canvassing for a local candidate, highlighting the challenges and…
Grief is a complex and personal experience that can be triggered by various types of losses. It can manifest mentally, emotionally, and physically, often leading to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Coping with grief in today’s fast-paced world can be challenging, especially when societal expectations prioritize emotional stoicism and productivity. Seeking professional…
Un juez federal en Dakota del Norte falló a favor de 19 estados que impugnaron una regla de la administración Biden que permitía que Dreamers inscritos en DACA obtuvieran cobertura de salud a través de la Ley de Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio (ACA). La decisión prohíbe a los beneficiarios de DACA en esos…
The cost-effectiveness of nirsevimab and maternal RSV vaccines in reducing health care costs and productivity losses associated with RSV was analyzed. Nirsevimab could prevent 14,341 hospitalizations and 14 deaths per year, while the maternal vaccine could prevent 7,571 hospitalizations and 8 deaths per year. Both vaccines were found to increase overall spending, but reduce societal…
The news roundup from the ASH 2024 conference includes a feud between biotech companies Arcellx and Legend Biotech over their CAR-T therapies for multiple myeloma. Arcellx received a waiver to highlight the safety of their treatment, while Legend remains confident in their market presence. Additionally, a study suggests that stem cell transplants may not be…
The National Review of Asthma Deaths from over a decade ago revealed that many asthma-related deaths in the UK are preventable, with one key risk factor being the overuse of reliever inhalers and underuse of preventer inhalers. The recent NICE guidance aims to address this issue by encouraging early use of combination inhalers and maintenance…
New research on dopamine signaling challenges the traditional model of reinforcement learning in the brain. The study found that dopamine release patterns in response to cues and rewards are more complex than previously believed. By using new tools to track dopamine in mice, researchers discovered that dopamine release timing varied in different parts of the…
A recent study from the University of Oxford utilized wearable sensor data and machine learning to predict fall risk in Parkinson’s patients over five years. By analyzing walking and postural sway, researchers aimed to provide a more objective method for identifying fall risks in Parkinson’s patients. The study found that machine learning models accurately predicted…
In the winter semester of 2023, there were over 113,000 students enrolled in medical programs in Germany, with nearly 65% of them being women. The shift in thinking that allowed women to pursue medical studies was influenced by pioneering figures like Dorothea Christiane Erxleben in Germany and Elizabeth Blackwell in the United States. Erxleben challenged…
Joe Faratzis was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer at 28 after ignoring symptoms for months. Now, he shares his story on TikTok to raise awareness about the subtle signs of the disease. Faratzis missed key warning signs like night sweats, abdominal pain, frequent bathroom trips, cramping, constipation, and blood in his stool. He emphasizes…
The healthcare system in the U.S. typically separates physical and mental health, leading to a limited perspective on diabetes treatment that focuses primarily on physical symptoms. Emerging evidence shows a strong connection between mental health issues like anxiety and diabetes, with a bi-directional relationship between the two conditions. Addressing mental health is crucial in managing…
In healthcare, having a strategic approach to workforce planning is crucial for success. The sector in Ireland is undergoing significant transformation due to technological advancements and changing demographics. Superstars like doctors and nurses are essential, but issues such as retention, recruitment, workload, and fair pay need to be addressed. With the rise of AI and…
Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS) is a condition characterized by excessive daydreaming, sluggishness, and difficulty concentrating, leading to disruptions in daily life and social interactions. While not officially recognized as a disorder, it is distinct from ADHD, with key differences in attentional focus. Symptoms include mental fog, sluggishness, excessive daydreaming, and difficulty with working memory. Diagnosis…
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been pushing for approval to import prescription drugs from Canada, a plan initially endorsed by Donald Trump in 2020. Despite FDA approval for the program, Florida has not set a start date. Critics argue that drug importation could lead to counterfeit drugs and shortages in Canada. The program is focused…
The WikiGuidelines provide guidance on diagnosing and treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women. UTIs are common and can lead to serious complications, especially for pregnant women. The recent UTI guidance emphasizes the need for appropriate testing, antibiotic stewardship, and shorter courses of antibiotics. Common treatments for UTIs include sulfamethoxazole, fluoroquinolones, fosfomycin, and nitrofurantoin. UTIs…
Portugal’s health system focuses on primary care and public health, leading to longer life expectancy and lower healthcare costs compared to the U.S. The country’s success is attributed to a national health care system that provides free or low-cost healthcare to all residents. Portugal implements innovative programs like “social prescribing” and has effectively addressed drug…
The focus is on the need to reform the UK’s health data system from analogue to digital, with a shift towards prevention and community care. The Sudlow review highlights the importance of better data use to predict and prevent illness. However, there are tensions between privacy, public benefit, and data security. The review’s emphasis on…
A study published in the Journal of Public Health found that household income in early childhood is a better predictor of major health-related problems for 17-year-olds than growing up in a poor neighborhood. The Index of Multiple Deprivation, used to assess neighborhoods in the UK, has limitations in representing individual socioeconomic status compared to household…
A study published in Nature Metabolism found that one hour of daily cold exposure with shivering for 10 days improved glucose tolerance and metabolic health in individuals with overweight or obesity. The study involved 15 participants and showed that cold exposure led to a reduction in blood pressure, improved glucose and lipid metabolism, and other…
The development of a smart mattress designed to detect seizures in individuals with epilepsy lying face down and reposition them onto their side could reduce the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) by more than 50%. This innovation, presented at the American Epilepsy Society Annual Meeting, is a response to the high mortality…
Regular exercise is known to improve memory, but new research suggests that the benefits can last into the next day. A study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that moderate to vigorous physical activity can enhance memory performance the following day. Limiting sitting time and getting at least six…
GSK’s drug Blenrep, previously pulled from the market, has shown promising results in a Phase 3 study for treating multiple myeloma earlier in the treatment process. The drug has demonstrated longer progression-free survival and overall survival rates compared to standard regimens. Blenrep targets BCMA, a protein on multiple myeloma cells, and has the potential to…