Only 55% of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients were brought directly to a specialist center for treatment. The report found that patients who arrived directly at a PCI center had a higher chance of receiving timely treatment compared to those who were transferred between hospitals. There was an increase in referrals for cardiac rehabilitation…
Healthcare billing processes are complex and prone to errors, impacting providers and patients negatively. Modern solutions, like integrating electronic health records with billing software, automation of routine tasks, and utilizing data analytics, can improve operational efficiencies and transparency. Integrating billing systems with clinical data ensures accurate billing and enhances patient care. Patient portals and clear…
The article discusses the challenges faced by solo agers, older adults who live alone without a spouse, partner, or adult children to help as they age. Many solo agers are taking proactive steps to plan for their future, such as organizing financial information, drafting living wills, and connecting with resources and communities specifically designed for…
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that prenatal diets aligned with U.S. dietary guidelines reduce the risk for slow or rapid infant growth up to 24 months after birth. High Healthy Eating Index (HEI) diets were linked to lower odds of slow or rapid growth, while low-inflammation diets showed inconsistent results. The study…
The ASH 2024 conference news includes Johnson & Johnson seeking approval for a treatment for smoldering myeloma, GSK’s promising results for Blenrep in multiple myeloma, efforts to ease conditioning in genetic treatments for sickle cell disease, and Kura Oncology’s positive Phase 1 trial results for AML. Pfizer’s withdrawal of Oxbryta for sickle cell disease raised…
Former UN high commissioner for human rights, Louise Arbour, states that the war on drugs has failed and a public health approach is needed. The Global Commission on Drug Policy, of which Arbour is a member, advocates for evidence-based and human rights-focused drug policies. Their report highlights the ineffectiveness of prohibition and criminalization in curbing…
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that for patients with microsatellite-instability-high or mismatch-repair-deficient metastatic colorectal cancer who had not received prior treatment, nivolumab plus ipilimumab resulted in longer progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy. In the trial, patients were randomly assigned to receive nivolumab plus ipilimumab, nivolumab alone, or chemotherapy with…
Research led by Mark Nelson and his team at UVM has revealed a new mechanism, E-Ca coupling, that integrates electrical and calcium signaling in brain capillaries to regulate blood flow. This process ensures precise delivery of blood to active neurons, crucial for maintaining brain function. By bridging electrical and calcium signals, E-Ca coupling allows for…
Psychotherapy use in the United States increased significantly from 2018 to 2021, with young, urban, higher-income professionals being the primary drivers of this growth. However, there were significant disparities in access to psychotherapy, with women, younger individuals, college graduates, and privately insured individuals seeing faster increases compared to their counterparts. Teletherapy, which increased in popularity…
A new study from Lund University suggests that consuming sugary snacks like cake, chocolate, and cookies may actually lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. The research followed nearly 70,000 Swedes for up to 22 years and found that twice daily consumption of sugary treats was linked to a reduced risk of ischemic stroke…
Cala Health, a bioelectronic medicine company, raised $50 million to help those with essential tremor using their kIQ system, a noninvasive wearable device for managing hand tremors. The condition can impact essential abilities and mental health, and current treatments like medications or surgery can have undesirable side effects. Cala’s device delivers transcutaneous afferent patterned stimulation…
Health officials are concerned about the rising number of influenza cases and hospitalizations in Ireland. The reported cases increased by 67 per cent in the week ending November 30, with hospitalizations rising from 42 to 73. The highest incidence of flu is seen in children aged 1-4 years and adults over 80. Health officials are…
Children and sleep are like peanut butter and jelly – they go together. Babies tend to sleep through the day and night, but when a child isn’t getting enough sleep, it can affect everyone in the house. Common signs of a sleep disorder in children include loud snoring, trouble falling asleep, and shifts in behavior….
Un innovador curso llamado Aging Alone Together de la organización Dorot en Nueva York está ayudando a personas mayores que envejecen solas a planificar su futuro. Este curso ha inspirado a participantes como Jeff Kromrey, Gayle Williams-Brett y Michael Davis, quienes están tomando medidas para asegurarse de estar preparados en caso de una crisis de…
The OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation has partnered with WHO on the SPECS 2030 initiative to increase refractive error coverage by 40% by 2030. This collaboration will focus on knowledge sharing, technical input, and data provision to implement the “Vision for Everyone” resolution. The foundation will support key pillars of the initiative, including improving access to services,…
Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old man, is considered a person of interest in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. He was arrested in Pennsylvania on gun-related charges and was found with a gun and fake identification linked to the crime. Police received a tip that led to his arrest. Thompson was shot while walking to…
Private admissions for bariatric surgery in the UK declined for the first time in 2020, according to a report from the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN). The report analyzed four bariatric procedures from 2016 to 2023, showing a peak of 3500 admissions in 2019 that decreased to 2800 in 2020. The decline is attributed to…
The UK is facing a potential “quad-demic” this winter, with high rates of COVID, flu, RSV, and norovirus. Factors such as colder weather, lack of sunlight, and changes in behavior due to the pandemic are contributing to the spread of these viruses. Vaccination is crucial in protecting against these illnesses, with free vaccines available for…
Scientists have found that consuming too much added sugar can increase the risk of stroke or aneurysm, but enjoying a few treats is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, drinking sweetened beverages can raise the risk of stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Different sources of sugar have varying…
Understanding how people make health-related decisions requires a deeper exploration of their motivations, beliefs, and circumstances. Many fail to engage in proactive health behaviors due to psychological biases and socioeconomic factors shaping their priorities. People prioritize immediate concerns over long-term benefits, particularly those facing daily survival challenges or social instability. Interventions can bridge this gap…
With the onset of winter, coughs become more common due to a variety of causes such as allergies, infections, lung conditions, or even choking. The type of cough can vary, from dry coughs caused by inflammation or acid reflux to wet coughs with mucus build-up from infections or lung conditions. Paroxysmal coughs are severe and…
Despite America being known for its diverse population, healthcare highlights significant issues in diversity. Racial disparities have become the norm due to limited evidence, with only 14% of medical decisions based on high-quality evidence. Women, minorities, and rural communities are underrepresented in clinical trials and research. Lack of data leads to stereotypes, biases, and inadequate…
Violent attacks on healthcare workers in public hospitals are a growing concern, with incidents ranging from physical assaults to verbal abuse. The issue is often overlooked compared to other professions, despite the devastating impact it can have on victims. Reports show a concerning increase in incidents, particularly in overcrowded emergency departments. Healthcare workers, including nurses…
Will Lightbourne, a veteran public servant in California, has been appointed as the interim executive director of the state’s mental health commission after the previous director resigned due to conflict of interest allegations. Lightbourne, who has previously served as head of the Department of Social Services and the Department of Health Care Services, aims to…
A survey study published in Contraception found that adults without biological children who underwent permanent contraception reported satisfaction with their decision and low levels of regret. Reasons for seeking permanent contraception included not wanting children, fear of pregnancy and childbirth, financial reasons, and environmental reasons. Many respondents faced barriers such as cost and finding a…
Terry Pirovolakis receives numerous messages weekly from strangers seeking help for rare diseases affecting their children. The requests come from across the globe, detailing heartbreaking stories of genetic conditions causing muscles to weaken, neurons to misfire, and eyes to fail. One such plea came from Rebekah Lockard in Littleton, whose daughter Naomi was diagnosed with…
Six more aid workers, including three from World Central Kitchen, have been killed in Gaza by an Israeli airstrike, with a total of 343 humanitarian workers confirmed dead since October 7. The attack led WCK to halt operations for five days, but they have since resumed distributing meals in Gaza. Operations manager Shadi Albasayna emphasized…
A recent analysis compared the rates of soft tissue sarcomas in active-duty U.S. military servicemen with those in the general population. The study found that incidence rates of these rare cancers were lower in young servicemen but higher in middle-aged servicemen, possibly due to increased exposure to toxins. The lower rates in young servicemen may…
Research suggests that handwriting activates key brain regions for memory and learning, highlighting the importance of balancing traditional and digital practices in education. The study used high-density EEG to explore the neural connectivity differences between handwriting and typing. Results showed that handwriting, compared to typing, led to stronger and more widespread connectivity in theta and…
The US FDA grants accelerated approval to cancer drugs to provide patients with faster access to potentially beneficial therapies, but the downside is that the effectiveness of these drugs is often unclear. A recent study published in Lancet Oncology found that many patients are willing to wait for greater certainty that a new drug provides…
Cutting back on added sugars is beneficial for health, but not all sugars carry the same risks. Research shows that occasional sweet treats may not harm the heart, but excessive sugar consumption can increase the risk of stroke and aneurysm. A study on the impact of sugar on cardiovascular disease risk found that the source…
Starting January 1, hospitals will be required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to provide more detailed price transparency, including information on drug costs and expected reimbursement amounts. While experts are skeptical about patients’ ability to benefit from these changes, they hope that increased public pricing data will lead to technology solutions simplifying…
Irish Medical Times will continue printing their paper edition into 2025, despite previous plans to shut it down this year. The decision comes as a surprise, as early figures suggested it wasn’t financially viable. The print edition provides a more leisurely reading experience compared to online platforms, offering a comprehensive view of the month in…
Etavopivat, an oral activator of red blood cell pyruvate kinase, showed promise in reducing vaso-occlusive crises and improving hemoglobin levels in patients with sickle cell disease. Results from the HIBISCUS trial revealed a decrease in annualized vaso-occlusive crisis rates, an increase in hemoglobin levels, reduced fatigue, and improved hemolysis markers with etavopivat compared to placebo….
An outbreak of illness in a remote part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo with unknown cause has led to speculation that known diseases like malaria, pneumonia, influenza, Covid-19, or measles may be exacerbated by severe malnutrition. The area’s food insecurity, low vaccination coverage, and limited healthcare resources have contributed to the high number…
New guidelines for the diagnosis and management of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) have been published, developed by an international team including women with lived experience. POI, defined as ovarian function loss before age 40, affects 4% of women globally and is linked to infertility, psychological distress, and health risks. The updated 2024 guidelines cover symptoms,…
A recent study published in Hearing Research explores the relationship between naps and tinnitus, revealing that somatosensory modulations may lead to increased tinnitus loudness after naps. Factors such as snoring, sleep apnea, and muscle tonus can contribute to this phenomenon. The study involved 37 tinnitus patients and found that tinnitus loudness increased following naps. Snoring…
The addition of blinatumomab to chemotherapy significantly improved 3-year disease-free survival in pediatric patients with newly diagnosed, standard-risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). A phase 3 trial showed a 61% improvement in disease-free survival when blinatumomab was added to standard treatments. The study included patients aged 1 to 10 years and with a specific white…
Dental anxiety and mistrust are common reasons why people avoid dental treatment. This leads to missed appointments, neglected tooth pain, and poor oral health. Emerging dental technologies are improving patient care and outcomes, reducing anxiety associated with treatments. Approximately 40 million Americans skip the dentist due to anxiety, impacting their oral health. Establishing trust and…
The Irish Pakistani Professionals Association (IPPA) organized its 3rd CME and 4th Annual Event with prominent guests including government ministers and the Pakistani Ambassador. The event focused on humanitarian medicine, medical research, and career progression for international medical graduates in Ireland. Presentations were given by experts in the field, and a poster presentation competition was…
Daratumumab monotherapy has shown to significantly delay progression of high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma to active multiple myeloma compared with active monitoring. The results of the AQUILA study revealed that daratumumab reduced the risk for progression or death by 51% and had a low rate of treatment discontinuation due to toxicities. The study included 390 adults…
The ASH 2024 conference featured industry leaders discussing the future of blood cancer treatment, emphasizing the potential for cures using innovative therapies. Data presented highlighted the disparities in access to bone marrow transplants for AML patients from disadvantaged backgrounds. Research on 9/11 first responders revealed a higher risk of blood cancers due to toxic exposure,…
Research shows that humans, monkeys, and apes have social knowledge to track social dynamics. Humans communicate events by emphasizing agents, actions, and patients in a sentence structure. Cross-linguistic studies reveal a universal bias for agents. An eye-tracking study with humans and apes showed quick identification of agents and patients in social scenes, particularly with food….
Researchers at Kyushu University discovered the connection between spatial distance in DNA and gene activity bursts. The folding and movement of DNA, as well as protein accumulation, change based on gene activity levels. This study, published in Science Advances, provides insight into gene expression complexities and potential therapeutic applications for gene expression-related diseases. Gene transcription…
Patients with multiple myeloma who receive IVIG prophylaxis during treatment with teclistamab have fewer infections and better overall survival compared to those who do not receive IVIG. The study included 225 patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma, showing that IVIG prophylaxis led to a longer duration of infection-free survival and almost threefold longer median…
The three major pharmacy benefit managers, CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and Optum Rx, have countersued the FTC after being accused of engaging in anticompetitive practices tied to insulin rebates. The PBMs claim the lawsuit is unconstitutional and are trying to defend themselves against the allegations. The FTC argues that the PBMs control a large portion…
The Blackrock Health Summit, themed “Better Together – Healthcare Horizons,” gathered thought leaders to discuss healthcare challenges, solutions, and opportunities. Speakers highlighted the impact of climate change on healthcare, the need for strong antimicrobial stewardship, and the importance of collaboration in addressing healthcare issues. Discussions centered around the future of healthcare, including access to new…
Financial toxicity is a significant issue for individuals with blood cancer, encompassing factors beyond just drug costs, such as childcare, transportation, and lost income. Addressing this issue requires efforts at the clinic, system, and policy levels. Proactively screening for financial toxicity and implementing financial navigation are key actions clinicians can take at the individual level….
Socioeconomic factors create barriers to bone marrow transplants for acute myeloid leukemia patients, leading to higher death rates in disadvantaged communities. Research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found patients from these areas were less likely to receive transplants and more likely to die without one. Factors like education levels influenced access to treatment, with those…
A recent study explored the impact of sensory stimulation on increasing human visual working memory capacity. The study aimed to determine if manipulating brain oscillations through sensory entrainment could enhance working memory. Contrary to expectations, both faster and slower theta frequencies of stimulation significantly improved working memory capacity in participants. This finding suggests that sensory…