Researchers have found that the food additive carrageenan is linked to an increased risk of diabetes, as it disrupts the intestinal barrier and impairs sugar metabolism. Carrageenan is commonly used in various food products and has previously been associated with inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, increased blood sugar levels, and insulin resistance in animals. A recent…
The MedCity Moves podcast has released its final episode, but will continue with monthly roundup articles by Senior Reporter Katie Adams. The episode discusses recent executive hires and exits in the healthcare industry, including CVS Health, Providence, and Abridge. Layoffs at UPMC and Headspace are also highlighted. A guest interview with Claire Zangerle, the new…
The Clinical Assessment and Information (CAI) has introduced a new Model of Care for preassessment services. This model aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare services by streamlining the assessment process. The launch event included key members such as the CEO of CAI, a National Clinical Advisor, and Nurse Lead from the National…
Regularly improving mental health through deliberate behaviors will have long-term benefits. Small changes like fostering relationships, practicing mindfulness, engaging in physical activity, and prioritizing sleep can lead to improved emotional resilience and overall well-being. Kratom, a plant from Southeast Asia, is gaining popularity for its purported wellness benefits, with kratom bars offering a relaxing environment…
Mandi Rokx, a new mother, and her baby faced losing their Medicaid coverage despite being eligible due to errors in Florida’s eligibility system run by Deloitte Consulting. This issue is part of an ongoing federal lawsuit highlighting problems with Medicaid management systems operated by Deloitte in multiple states. The trial revealed that eligible mothers were…
In a study presented at The Liver Meeting, researchers found that both FibroScan-aspartate aminotransferase (FAST) and Agile 3+ scores performed well in predicting the risk of advanced fibrosis in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) who were treated with pegozafermin. The Agile 3+ score identified more patients at high risk for MASH compared to the…
Physician Robert Klitzman and chaplain Molly O’Neil Frank discuss the importance of hospital chaplains in addressing the existential needs of patients. Chaplains play various roles, from providing emotional support to performing spiritual rituals. They serve as mediators between patients, families, and medical teams, especially in times of high stress. Their roles have become more important…
Tom Nolan, clinical editor, reviews this week’s research on various medical topics. One study explored the risk of hypocalcaemia associated with denosumab injections for osteoporosis, particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease. Another study looked at the effectiveness of tirzepatide, a GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide agonist, in treating heart failure with preserved ejection fraction….
An investigation by The BMJ reveals extensive fossil fuel industry involvement in medical research, with calls for academics and publishing companies to sever ties. Over 180 medical articles in the past six years acknowledged industry funding, and 1000 featured authors affiliated with fossil fuel companies. Many studies indirectly benefit these companies by enhancing reputations and…
A study from Sweden published by The BMJ found that certain hormone replacement therapy (HRT) tablets, including those containing estrogen and progestogen, are associated with a higher risk of heart disease and blood clots in women around menopause age. Tibolone was linked to an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke, but not…
In patients with severe alcohol-associated hepatitis, tapering corticosteroids appears to be as safe and effective as a fixed dose. Corticosteroids are the main treatment for this condition, but infections are a concern in many cases. A study involving 254 patients found that tapering doses of corticosteroids reduced infections, hospitalizations, and drug-related adverse events compared to…
Researchers have found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) tablets containing both estrogen and progestogen during menopause may increase the risk of heart disease and blood clots in women. Symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and mood swings, can be frustrating and interfere with daily life. HRT was once commonly prescribed to alleviate these symptoms…
The healthcare industry saw a number of executive hires, including Mario Queiroz as chief product officer at Abridge, William Morris as chief medical officer at Ambience Healthcare, and Claire Zangerle as chief nurse executive for the American Hospital Association. Additionally, there were exits from CVS Health and layoffs at companies like Headspace, Sonata Therapeutics, UPMC,…
The Western Health and Social Care Trust is seeking a Consultant Physician in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and General Internal Medicine for the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen. The salary for this position ranges from £100,400 to £132,000 per annum. The closing date for applications is Friday 20 December 2024 at 3:30 pm. Applicants must visit…
Scientists at the NIH have discovered a highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus in a Texas farm worker’s eye, believed to have come from infected dairy cows. While the worker only experienced mild symptoms, the virus was lethal in laboratory tests on animals. This raises concerns about bird flu in cow’s milk and unpasteurized dairy…
Donald Trump reassured abortion rights supporters on the campaign trail that he would not sign a nationwide abortion ban. However, once he returns to the White House, he could use various tools to restrict reproductive rights and abortion without Congress. This includes enforcing the Comstock Act, which could potentially ban abortion nationwide. Trump is also…
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have a higher risk for avoidable hospitalizations, particularly for cardiovascular complications, compared to healthy individuals. A study presented at ACR Convergence 2024 showed that patients with RA are at a higher risk for hospitalizations 3 and 5 years after diagnosis. Access to ambulatory care is crucial in minimizing hospitalizations for individuals…
Bristol Myers Squibb has filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration for blocking the company from using rebates to pay hospitals in a federal drug discount program. This is the fourth pharmaceutical company to challenge payment terms recently. The lawsuit specifically involves Bristol’s Eliquis blood thinner. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services rejected…
This living systematic review compared interventions for the management of long covid. Moderate certainty evidence suggests that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and physical and mental health rehabilitation are effective, probably reducing fatigue and improving cognitive function, and increasing the proportion of patients experiencing recovery or improvements. Aerobic exercise also probably improves physical function. Other interventions…
A review of evidence published in The BMJ found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and physical and mental rehabilitation programs can improve symptoms of long COVID, but the effects are modest. Intermittent aerobic exercise also improves physical function more than continuous exercise. However, there is no compelling evidence to support the effectiveness of other interventions…
A new study highlights the challenges faced by adults living with hen’s egg white allergy, emphasizing the need for better food labeling and treatment options. The research, published in Scientific Reports, explores the impact of hen’s egg white allergy on quality of life in adults. Symptoms varied, with OAS and stomach pain being the most…
A study found that drug survival for adalimumab is significantly higher than infliximab in pediatric patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Adalimumab’s drug survival was 90.6% at 12 months and 78.3% at 24 months, while infliximab’s survival was 54.5% at 12 months and 36.4% at 24 months. Factors like older age, longer disease duration, higher BMI,…
Texas health officials have reported the state’s first locally acquired case of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection that can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, and rash. While many cases are mild, some can lead to severe complications or fatalities. This year has seen the highest number of cases in Texas since…
Healthcare leaders are supporting the Biden-Harris Administration’s plan to expand coverage of GLP-1 medications for Medicare and Medicaid patients, including those seeking treatment for obesity. Currently, these medications are covered for diabetes but not for weight loss by Medicare, and only 13 state Medicaid programs offer coverage. The proposal could benefit millions of patients by…
Lucy Nugent has been appointed as the new CEO of Children’s Health Ireland, effective January 2025. She has a wealth of experience in leading and managing acute hospitals, having served as CEO of Tallaght University Hospital since 2019. This appointment follows the resignations of interim CEO Fiona Murphy and deputy chief executive Stephen Flanagan. Nugent…
Sarah realized that despite spending eight hours in bed each night, she was only getting around five hours of quality sleep, leading to her feeling exhausted most days. By tracking her sleep patterns, she was able to understand the importance of sleep quality over quantity and how it impacts overall health. Sleep tracking technology has…
Hurricane Helene caused flooding at the largest IV fluid factory in the US, leading to a shortage of IV bags. Hospitals are rationing supplies and reevaluating their use of IV fluids, with some seeing an opportunity to question traditional practices. Some facilities are conserving by giving medications intravenously without a dedicated IV bag and encouraging…
Healio’s content for Diabetes Awareness Month includes updates on diabetic retinopathy. Topics covered include AI screening software for cost-effective screening, benefits of teleretinal screening, and promising results for treatments like OTX-TKI and APX3330. There is also a discussion on the effectiveness of a port delivery system with ranibizumab for diabetic retinopathy. This information aims to…
Sign up to receive the biotech newsletter for the latest updates on science and politics in the biotech industry. This week’s newsletter covers the potential passing of the BIOSECURE Act, layoffs at Recursion Pharmaceuticals, and the need for ethics in the use of embryo models. Sarepta Therapeutics expands its pipeline through a deal with Arrowhead…
Oncologists at a top hospital in Mumbai, India, have warned against misinformation about cancer treatments after Navjot Singh Sidhu claimed his wife beat stage IV breast cancer in 40 days with a dietary regimen. The hospital’s director called Sidhu’s claims “unscientific and baseless.” Sidhu attributes his wife’s recovery to neem leaves, turmeric, apple cider vinegar,…
Ultraprocessed foods, which are high in additives and processed ingredients, have been linked to various health issues. A new study suggests that these foods may also contribute to the development of psoriasis, an autoimmune skin disease. The study found that individuals with a high intake of ultraprocessed foods were 36% more likely to have active…
In Germany, smokers with severe tobacco dependence are entitled to one-time drug therapy for smoking cessation through SHI. IQWiG conducted an assessment of the benefits of four approved drugs for treating severe tobacco dependence: bupropion, cytisine, nicotine, and varenicline. The findings show that nicotine and varenicline have clear advantages in helping smokers quit, despite potential…
A study on Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) in the United States found that most cases are caused by Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) and ambient ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. The research evaluated over 38,000 MCC cases from 2001 to 2019 and identified contributions of modifiable risk factors like immunosuppressive conditions and UVR exposure. Results showed that…
President-elect Donald Trump’s latest pick for the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, has been controversial due to his promotion of “herd immunity” and criticism of COVID-19 lockdowns. Bhattacharya, a professor at Stanford University, was shadow-banned on Twitter for sharing misinformation about the pandemic. Despite criticism from health experts, Trump praised Bhattacharya and another…
Amgen’s Phase 2 data for their obesity drug, MariTide, showed promising results with participants on average losing 20% of their weight after one year of treatment. This puts MariTide in competition with other blockbuster drugs like Zepbound and Wegovy. The drug offers convenient less frequent dosing options for consumers and has shown no plateau in…
Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, Forsa, and Unite have voted in favor of industrial action due to the non-filling and delayed filling of vacant positions in the public health system. INMO members want to ensure a properly staffed health service and have criticized the pausing of hiring critical staff to balance the…
The U.S. FDA is proposing to remove oral phenylephrine from over-the-counter nasal congestion medications due to ineffectiveness. They found that old data used to approve it may have been flawed, and newer studies show it doesn’t provide real-world symptom relief. Phenylephrine works by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages. This proposal targets only oral…
Ryan Wettstein Nauman, a 3-year-old from Peoria, Illinois, was taken to the ER at Carle Health one evening after being inconsolable, only to find out that she had to pay $445 for a covid and flu test even though she never saw a doctor. The high bill highlights the issue of hospitals charging excessively, especially…
Upadacitinib 15 mg was shown to be superior to placebo for achieving sustained remission in giant cell arteritis, according to data presented at ACR Convergence 2024. The study included patients aged 50 years and older with new-onset or relapsing GCA. Sustained remission at 52 weeks was the primary endpoint, with the 15-mg formulation of upadacitinib…
Two years ago, the RSV epidemic overwhelmed pediatric hospitals and residents, leading to a shortage of pediatric healthcare workers. This crisis has discouraged many from pursuing careers in pediatric medicine, resulting in 30% of pediatric residency programs going unfilled. Political factors such as limited funding and support have exacerbated the situation, with conservative policies impacting…
Jane Dacre, the president of the Medical Protection Society in London, UK, welcomes the steps being taken to tackle sexual misconduct in the NHS and provide better support for those affected. She emphasizes that all healthcare workers should feel that their safety is a priority and not accept any kind of inappropriate behavior. This highlights…
A study in Nature Neuroscience links distinct neural and behavioral characteristics in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to the dynamic range of neurons, showing individuals with ASD have increased dynamic range in their neuronal response, resulting in more detailed but slower processing. This challenges previous notions of ASD as a broken cog and offers a computational…
A team of researchers at Rice University led by Anna-Karin Gustavsson has developed the soTILT3D imaging platform for nanoscale cellular structure analysis. It improves super-resolution microscopy by allowing fast and precise 3D imaging of multiple cellular structures with controlled extracellular environments. Traditional microscopy is limited by light diffraction, while existing super-resolution techniques face challenges like…
A recent study found that detection rates for ketamine in drug overdose deaths in the United States increased from 0.3% in 2019 to 0.5% in 2023. Ketamine was identified in less than 1% of drug overdose deaths, with most cases involving illegally manufactured fentanyls, methamphetamine, or cocaine. Data from 228,668 drug overdose deaths across 45…
Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is just as important for health as getting enough sleep, according to a recent study. Irregular bedtimes can raise the risk of cardiovascular events, even for individuals who get the recommended amount of sleep. Researchers found that those with irregular sleep patterns had a 26% higher risk of experiencing a…
Health systems are adopting hybrid and home-based care models to improve patient outcomes while meeting the demand for more convenient and personalized care. Providence is using remote patient monitoring for chronic conditions, OSF HealthCare launched a digital hospital-at-home program, and UMass Memorial Health is utilizing a mobile integrated health program. These models aim to reduce…
Irish researchers have developed a non-invasive method to study gene activity in the living human brain. By analyzing RNA and DNA collected from electrodes implanted in epilepsy patients’ brains, researchers were able to link gene activity with electrical recordings and gain insight into seizure networks. This breakthrough, published in JCI Insight, has the potential to…
Parents play a crucial role in their child’s growth and development journey, including their height. While genetic factors play a major role in determining height, nutritional supplements can make a difference. Supplements like NuBest® have been specially formulated to support bone development during critical growth periods. Factors such as nutrition, sleep, and physical activity also…
The Affordable Care Act open enrollment season is facing new federal guardrails against fraud to prevent unauthorized enrollments and switches by rogue agents and entities. Some experts fear that the new rules may slow consumer sign-ups for 2025 coverage. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have implemented stricter rules, such as requiring three-way calls…
A study conducted in Sweden compared an escalating monotherapy regimen with a multitherapy regimen for patients with untreated glaucoma. The study found that while the multitherapy regimen showed more pronounced visual outcomes among patients with higher baseline IOP, there was no significant difference in the overall rate of progression of visual field damage between the…