The writer argues that the idea of individual choice in elections in Ireland is diluted by the proportional representation system. Voters may be swayed by single issues or long-term goals that may not align with their best interests. Parties may promise action on issues like housing and healthcare, but political realities may prevent meaningful change….
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In a study published in November 2024, researchers found that treating patients with bone and joint infections with oral antibiotics led to more patients being discharged exclusively on oral antibiotics and shorter hospital stays without increasing rates of treatment failure. This change was implemented in April 2023 at an institution, following the findings of the…
YouTube plays a crucial role in providing health information to users, with a focus on removing dangerous misinformation and promoting high-quality, evidence-based content. Garth Graham, the global head of healthcare and public health at YouTube, emphasizes the platform’s responsibility in delivering accurate health information. YouTube Health aims to combat misinformation, support underserved communities, and protect…
Kwanele Asante, an advocate, lawyer, and bioethicist, emphasizes the need for fair remuneration for patient partners in Africa to empower them in contributing to health decisions and policies. While the fair pay movement is gaining traction globally, it has not been widely implemented in Africa. Asante argues that patient partners should be compensated for their…
A study published in Heliyon shows that men conforming to traditional masculine ideologies are at a higher risk of suicide compared to those who do not. These traditional gender roles include ideas of independence, emotional control, and risk-taking. The study found that men who strongly identified with these norms, categorized as Stoics, were at more…
New research from örebro University and örebro University Hospital in Sweden suggests that Covid-19 may be a risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS). The study found a higher risk of MS among individuals who had severe Covid-19, with nearly 26 per 100,000 patients with serious Covid-19 subsequently developing MS. However, only a small number of…
A new study found that sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) affects 60% of stroke patients, with prevalence rates ranging from 57% in North America to 70% in Asia. The overall prevalence of SDB remained unchanged between 2010 and 2023. The study included more than 5.7 million patients with stroke from 26 countries. SDB was assessed using various…
A recent trial conducted by researchers from the University of Oxford and Kings College London found that a higher dose of the antibody injection benralizumab could be more effective in managing asthma and COPD flare-ups than standard steroid tablets. This could be a game-changer for the millions of people struggling with these conditions, as it…
The evolution of customer engagement in the pharmaceutical industry emphasizes the importance of translating data into personalized interactions. Synchronizing field engagements and digital promotions can boost campaign effectiveness, but many interactions remain unsynchronized. Healthcare providers value consistency and expect seamless interactions across multiple touchpoints. While AI and advanced analytics can predict engagement patterns, their true…
The RCPI Institute of Medicine held an Autumn Symposium on September 25, 2024, in Dublin. The event featured speakers such as Dr. Diarmuid O’Shea and Prof. Clare Fallon among others. The symposium aimed to discuss important medical issues and advancements in the field. Attendees included healthcare professionals and experts in the medical field. The event…
Medical errors are preventable mistakes that can lead to patient injury, with prescriptions and drug administration being common areas of malpractice. Civil court systems offer financial compensation for medical malpractice, which can help alleviate the negative effects of illness or injury caused by negligent healthcare providers. Different types of medical malpractice include incorrect diagnosis, delayed…
At the 2024 AIMed Annual Meeting, presenters discussed how a generative AI chatbot could influence patient behavior by using patient archetypes backed by the transtheoretical model of behavioral change. The chatbot would personalize behavioral interventions by identifying patient archetypes and pairing them with the stages of the TTM to create personalized behavioral nudges. Patients would…
Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb is raising concerns with Senate Republicans about President-elect Joe Biden’s selection of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Gottlieb believes there is skepticism within the Republican caucus regarding RFK Jr.’s nomination. He warned that RFK Jr.’s views on childhood vaccines could be harmful…
Former chief executive of Countess of Cheshire Hospital, Tony Chambers, denies allegations that he sought to ruin the careers of consultants who raised concerns about nurse Lucy Letby, convicted of murdering seven babies. The deaths stopped when Letby was removed from the neonatal unit in 2016, but police were not contacted until 2017. Chambers faced…
Researchers have discovered that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can persist in the brain’s protective layers and skull bone marrow for up to four years after infection, leading to chronic inflammation and potentially increasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. The study, published in Cell Host & Microbe, also found that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines can reduce the…
A specialized diet free of serine and glycine enhances immune cell activity and improves the effectiveness of immunotherapy in colorectal cancer patients. The study explores the impact of the diet on tumor growth and the tumor microenvironment, focusing on cell-mediated antitumor immunity. The diet inhibits tumor growth by promoting T cell responses to tumor neoantigens,…
A structured mindfulness intervention improved existential well-being and advance care planning self-efficacy in patients with advanced cancer, with moderate improvements in psychological outcomes. The intervention also led to improved quality of life for caregivers. The study involved 55 patient-caregiver dyads in a pilot randomized controlled trial. Patients in the mindfulness intervention group showed significant increases…
Breaking down barriers in women’s healthcare, particularly in underserved communities, is a critical challenge in modern medicine. Rural areas struggle to access specialized medical care, especially in obstetrics and women’s health. The Alberta College of Family Physicians recognizes the importance of bridging these gaps, with Dr. Stephanie Efua Sobotie receiving the Recognition of Excellence award…
Scientific advances in obesity treatment have brought about GLP-1 medications, offering significant weight-loss and cardiometabolic improvements. However, the high cost and low long-term adherence rates raise concerns about achieving a meaningful return on investment for employers and health plans. To address this, organizations should look for comprehensive solutions that include personalized treatment options, support for…
The Forum of Irish Postgraduate Medical Training Bodies Global Health Scientific Meeting was held at the College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland in Dublin on October 4, 2014. The event included discussions on various global health issues. Photos from the meeting were taken by David Coleman and BobbyStudio. Source link
Emergency medical responders face high levels of stress and mental health challenges due to their demanding and traumatic work environments. To support their mental well-being, organizations can implement strategies such as leveraging technology for stress monitoring, establishing structured peer support programs, providing access to on-site mental health resources, utilizing trauma-informed therapy techniques, and encouraging physical…
Shawn Millerick has been appointed as the president of vision care, Americas at Johnson & Johnson. He plans to focus on driving market share for Acuvue contact lenses and increasing wearers in the contact lens market by embracing new technologies. Erin Powers will serve as the vice president of North America, surgical vision, where she…
President Joe Biden and leaders from Australia, India, and Japan launched the Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative aiming to reduce cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific region. The initiative focuses on achieving the WHO recommendation of vaccinating 90% of girls with the HPV vaccine, which effectively prevents cervical cancer. The U.S. Navy will provide support for screenings…
Nathan Davies, a doctoral fellow at the University of Nottingham, highlights the issue of betting, trading, and cryptoasset sponsors of Premier League football clubs, which have a huge influence on millions of supporters. He emphasizes the need for restrictions on sponsorship of gambling, cryptoassets, and high-risk financial products to protect public health. Health experts have…
Researchers at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry are actively studying HIV to develop treatments and better understand the virus. The goal is to end HIV and AIDS as public health concerns by 2030, with targets set by UNAIDS. HIV is challenging to cure because it integrates into human DNA, making it difficult for the…
A recent study published in Nature Cardiovascular Research reveals the role of the RNA-modifying enzyme Mettl1 in heart cell maturation after birth. The study highlights the importance of ketogenesis in driving the transition from glucose to fatty acids for metabolism in heart cells. Mettl1 regulates the expression of genes essential for fatty acid oxidation and…
A study presented at the Family Medicine Forum 2024 in Vancouver found that Canadian women aged 40-49 who participated in organized mammography screening programs had significantly greater breast cancer 10-year net survival compared to those who did not. The study challenged draft guidelines from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care that suggest not…
Ultra-processed foods, such as frozen meals, processed meats, and packaged snacks, have been linked to triggering psoriasis, an autoimmune disorder that affects the skin. A study found that individuals with a high intake of ultra-processed foods were more likely to have active psoriasis compared to those who consumed less. While the study suggests a connection…
Roche will acquire Poseida Therapeutics for $1 billion, aiming to develop allogeneic cell therapies for solid tumors and immunological indications. This deal includes an upfront payment of $9 per share, with potential additional payments of up to $4 per share based on program goals. Poseida specializes in non-viral technologies for cell and gene therapies, with…
The global prevalence of knee osteoarthritis has doubled in the past 50 years, making it a significant health issue affecting around 250 million people worldwide. A company in west Ireland, Relevium Medical, has been awarded €4.6 million in Government funding to develop a treatment for knee osteoarthritis that offers immediate and long-lasting relief. The project,…
Filing a medical malpractice claim is a complex process that requires proving that a healthcare provider made a mistake that a reasonable provider wouldn’t make. The standard of care is used to determine if a healthcare professional committed an egregious error. Liability in a malpractice claim can extend beyond just surgeons and physicians to include…
Health entrepreneur Calley Means and other health business leaders are influencing President Trump’s focus on health policy. Their movement, “Make America Healthy Again,” promotes ideas like health freedom and true health, challenging prevailing public health norms. This movement, largely anti-regulatory and anti-big government, aims to shape health policies and restore trust in federal health agencies….
Researchers are conducting a study to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture as a complementary treatment for glaucoma. They have recruited 10 patients with glaucoma so far and aim to enroll a total of 50 participants. The study will assess the impact of acupuncture on intraocular pressure, cardiovascular parameters, and daily functionality. Preliminary results are expected…
Vanessa Kerry founded Seed Global Health to address health care disparities worldwide, exacerbated by climate change. The organization trains health workers in Sierra Leone, Malawi, Uganda, and Zambia to improve health care systems. Kerry emphasizes the importance of investing in strong health systems and the role of a well-trained workforce in transforming health outcomes. She…
A woman in her 40s presented with pruritic eruptions on her hands for three years, despite previous treatment for fungal infection, eczema, and lichen planus. She had polycythaemia vera and was taking hydroxyurea. Examination revealed violaceous plaques on her hands, hyperpigmentation on her face, and ichthyosis-like lesions on her legs. Lab tests were unremarkable, ruling…
Spices bring comfort, cultural connection, and delicious flavors to our food. However, recent investigations have found lead contamination in cinnamon products, raising concerns about consumer safety. Lead in cinnamon could come from contaminated soil during cultivation, processing, or intentional adulteration to increase weight or color. Elevated lead levels in cinnamon products have been linked to…
In Kenya, 1.5-million-year-old footprints of Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei were found near Lake Turkana, revealing the first evidence of two different hominin species existing together. This discovery sheds light on human evolution and behavior, showcasing how species cooperated and competed for resources. The footprints were preserved within hours of each other, offering detailed insight…
Life expectancy in Europe has increased by 12 years from 1960 to 2022, leading to a growing population of older adults. However, ageist attitudes in healthcare settings persist, impacting the treatment and care of older individuals. Research shows that ageism can lead to negative health outcomes, including depression and reluctance to adopt a healthy lifestyle….
A New Mexico man was awarded $412 million after a men’s health clinic treated his erectile dysfunction with invasive penile shots. The man visited NuMale Medical Center in 2017 for symptoms like fatigue and weight loss, and was diagnosed with erectile dysfunction. The clinic reportedly misled patients into believing they needed the shots three times…
The HRSA has invested $52 million in 54 health centers to provide primary care to individuals preparing to leave incarceration. This funding will help manage chronic conditions, provide mental health and substance use disorder treatment, reduce drug overdose risk, and address health-related social needs. Recipients had to apply for funding, with over 100 eligible applications…
The ICO Winter Meeting 2024 in Dublin focused on changes in public and private healthcare practices in Ireland, discussing new ownership and funding models. The Annual Montgomery Lecture was given by Professor Robert Scott, who shared insights on managing severe ocular trauma from his experience in high-pressure environments, such as war zones. He emphasized the…
Early detection of cancer is crucial for successful treatment, but misdiagnoses are more common than realized. Failure to gather complete medical histories, misinterpreting symptoms, ordering incorrect tests, and mishandling samples are common causes of misdiagnosis. Breast, prostate, lung, and ovarian cancers are frequently misdiagnosed. To prove medical malpractice, one must demonstrate duty of care, negligence,…
Private prison contractor GEO Group filed a lawsuit against California officials over a state law allowing public health inspections at immigration detention facilities. The company claims the law is unconstitutional and interferes with federal immigration enforcement. The lawsuit names Gov. Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and a health officer as defendants. GEO’s stock rose…
Fifteen years ago, an HIV vaccine trial in Thailand sponsored by the U.S. Army showed promising results, reducing new infections by more than 31%. However, recent trials of similar vaccines in Africa have not been successful. Long-acting injectables like lenacapavir have changed the landscape of HIV prevention, raising concerns about the future of HIV vaccine…
Legislation known as the BIOSECURE Act, aimed at limiting U.S. pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies’ dealings with Chinese biotech firms such as WuXi AppTec and WuXi Biologics, is under consideration in Congress. The bill has bipartisan support and could be attached to either a crucial defense budget or government funding legislation. The potential impact of this…
Starting next year, gambling operators in Great Britain will pay a levy to fund NHS services for problem gambling. Limits will be placed on stakes for online slot machines, with £5 per spin for those over 25 and £2 for 18-24 year olds. The plans were developed by the previous Conservative government and a public…
The World Health Organization is urging countries to increase surveillance for bird flu after the first case was detected in a child in the United States. There has been a small but growing number of H5N1 avian influenza infections in humans worldwide. The virus first emerged in 1996, leading to outbreaks in birds and infections…
Luís Oliveira from Lund University won the Researcher’s Grand Prix in Sweden’s science communication competition. The event challenges researchers to present their work in simple, engaging, and clear ways in just four minutes. Oliveira, a cancer researcher, described his research as battling cancer cells. He was overwhelmed by questions from high school students afterward. The…
A study compared outcomes for acute ischemic stroke patients treated in mobile stroke units (MSU) with those receiving standard emergency medical services (EMS) care. Results showed that patients treated in MSUs had lower global disability scores, faster thrombolysis times, and comparable safety outcomes. Patients in MSUs had better global disability scores, higher rates of independent…