UnitedHealth Group is paying its own physician practices more than other doctor groups for similar services, driving up costs for consumers and businesses. This conflict of interest allows the company to capture larger profits by paying itself higher prices for basic checkups, surgeries, and procedures. STAT’s investigation, in partnership with health analytics company Tribunus Health,…
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated three doctors for key positions in US health administration. David Weldon, a former Congressman and internist, has been chosen to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while Martin Makary, a surgeon at Johns Hopkins Medical Center, has been selected to head the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)….
New research suggests that yoga can help ease the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis on women. A study from the University of Florida found that a 10-week intervention involving yoga, mindfulness meditation, and psychotherapy skills helped reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in women with gynecological, gastrointestinal, or thoracic cancer. The program’s use of…
Researchers have found that both cigarette and e-cigarette smoking have acute negative effects on vascular function, even without nicotine. E-cigarettes are considered less harmful than tobacco cigarettes because they contain fewer chemicals and toxins. However, a study at the University of Pennsylvania revealed that vaping can still be detrimental to vascular function. Inhaled e-cigarette aerosol…
The ENBALV trial showed that Edoxaban, a direct oral anticoagulant, was as effective as or more effective than warfarin in preventing thromboembolism after bioprosthetic valve replacement surgery. The study involved 410 participants who were randomly assigned to either Edoxaban or warfarin for 12 weeks. Results showed a lower primary outcome event rate in the Edoxaban…
A recent study suggests that taking a daily dose of vitamin B3 can significantly reduce inflammation in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a long-term lung condition that causes breathing difficulties. The study found that vitamin B3 reduced lung inflammation biomarkers by up to 63%, leading to improved lung function. Additionally, the vitamin increased…
AI algorithm developed at Carolinas Medical Center accurately predicts complex hernia cases based on preoperative CT images. Algorithm determines need for component separation, ICU transfer, and risk of surgical site infection with 64%-83% accuracy. Study presented at Americas Hernia Society meeting and received Best Paper Award. AI shows promise in aiding surgeons in identifying complications….
The FDA approved pembrolizumab for adults and children with relapsed or refractory classic Hodgkin lymphoma. This decision addresses the need for improved therapies in this patient population. John emphasized the poor prognosis for patients who do not respond to initial treatment or relapse after transplantation. Pembrolizumab as monotherapy offers a new option for these individuals,…
Healthcare reimbursement is evolving, with payers increasingly using AI to manage claims, leading to more denials, delays, and appeals for providers. The lack of transparency in AI systems leaves hospitals at a disadvantage when contesting denials. Timely appeals are crucial to avoid revenue loss due to AI-driven denials. Some hospitals have tried to combat payer…
The Glenwood Resource Center in Iowa is home to a nondescript field where hundreds of people with disabilities were buried. After the facility’s closure due to allegations of poor care, advocates hope Iowa will honor those buried in the cemetery. The neglect of similar cemeteries at other shuttered facilities in the U.S. has sparked efforts…
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in cosmetic insecurities associated with working from home, a phenomenon known as “Zoom dysmorphia.” This term refers to the fixation on perceived flaws from staring at oneself in a computer screen reflection. Dermatologists have seen a rise in cosmetic consultations due to video conferencing, with patients seeking…
Health officials in California have found bird flu virus in raw milk for sale in a store, a concern due to the potential risks of consuming milk contaminated with H5N1. While the implications for human health are unknown, infected cows have high levels of the virus in their milk, leading to severe disease in some…
“The curse of knowledge” refers to the cognitive bias where individuals assume everyone knows as much as they do on a given topic. Dr. Karan Raj warned on TikTok about the dangers of kissing newborns, as their immune systems are not fully developed, making them vulnerable to serious infections. Babies can be infected with harmful…
A recent study explored the potential of urinary pentosidine as a biomarker for muscle strength and physical fitness in young adult men. The study found that higher urinary pentosidine levels were associated with lower muscle mass and grip strength. However, there was no correlation with body fat percentage. Additionally, urinary pentosidine levels were marginally related…
Rates of overweight and obesity in the United States have doubled in the last 30 years. The rise of obesity has been deemed a crisis requiring urgent action. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are now being used for weight loss, showing significant efficacy. Different obesity phenotypes have been identified to determine the best…
The CDC has issued a warning about an e-coli outbreak linked to organic carrots, sickening dozens and leading to one death. Symptoms include watery or bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting, with higher risk for young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. The outbreak has affected 39 people in 18 states,…
A study from Montefiore Medical Center found that remission of diabetes after bariatric surgery may only be a short-term outcome, with a relationship between postsurgical weight gain and an increase in hemoglobin A1c levels. The term “diabesity” describes the coexistence of diabetes and obesity, which is a global epidemic. While bariatric surgery has shown success…
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that women’s increased adherence to coronavirus policies may have contributed to their lower vulnerability and mortality compared to men in the early phase of the pandemic. Researchers found significant gender differences in attitudes and behaviors related to COVID-19 through a survey with…
Healthcare providers are working to create more consumer-friendly experiences for patients. Nworah Ayogu, a healthcare expert, emphasizes the importance of providers shifting away from paternalistic attitudes and focusing on patient-centered care. He suggests that providers prioritize patient experience over optimizing for doctors, and respect patient autonomy even when it goes against clinical recommendations. Ayogu also…
The California Office of Health Care Affordability aims to increase insurers’ spending on primary care to 15% by 2034 in order to improve access to preventive care services and overall health outcomes for Californians. This target is set well above the current industry rate of 7%. The agency believes that health plans can incentivize providers…
At the AAO meeting, Dr. Alexander S. Fein discusses managing patients with transient monocular vision loss, which can be a sign of an impending stroke. Fein emphasizes the importance of evaluating patients’ A1c levels, diabetes status, lipid panel, and blood pressure to prevent future morbidity and mortality. This condition may have a vascular origin and…
Johns Hopkins surgeon Marty Makary has been critical of the FDA, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, for not authorizing innovative products quickly, not emphasizing recommendations from expert panels, and lacking active monitoring of vaccine adverse events. He has been tapped by President-elect Trump to lead the FDA, and his potential changes to the agency include…
Around 2000 claimants in the UK are planning to sue Johnson & Johnson over allegations that their talcum powder products caused cancer. The law firm KP Law has sent a letter before action to the company and will be filing for a group litigation order at the High Court in London. This will be the…
Antibiotic resistance is a pressing global health threat, and addressing it requires innovative education approaches, as highlighted in a recent study of pharmacy students from seven Middle Eastern countries. The study revealed that while students displayed a strong foundation of knowledge on antibiotic resistance, there were gaps in their practices, particularly around self-medication with antibiotics….
A study by Yale researchers found that parents are less likely to intervene when children are getting dressed if the task is framed as a learning opportunity. Overparenting, where adults take over tasks that children should do on their own, diminishes children’s motivation and ability to complete tasks independently. The study showed that framing tasks…
Canada has confirmed its first human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) linked to H5N1, causing concern among virologists and infectious disease experts. The infected teenager in British Columbia remains in critical condition, with mutations in the virus raising fears of easier human transmission. Despite isolated cases in North America, the risk of widespread…
Research has revealed a connection between severe COVID-19 infections and cancer tumor regression, offering potential new options for cancer treatment. Scientists at the Northwestern Medicine Canning Thoracic Institute discovered that RNA from the SARS-CoV-2 virus can trigger the development of immune cells known as inducible nonclassical monocytes (I-NCMs) with anti-cancer properties. These cells could be…
A large randomized trial in the United States compared surgery with antibiotics for adults with appendicitis. Antibiotics were found to be noninferior based on 30-day health status. Seven out of 10 adults safely avoided appendectomy for 90 days with antibiotics, although this number dropped for patients with appendicoliths. Patients with appendicoliths were more likely to…
It is crucial for clinicians to stay informed on the latest strategies for geriatric assessment and integrated oncology care due to the growing elderly population in America and high prevalence of cancer in this age group. Improved strategies can enhance quality of life, reduce unplanned hospitalizations, and prevent early treatment discontinuation in older individuals receiving…
Healthcare organizations are facing challenges in finding and retaining qualified talent from Gen Z, who prioritize a supportive workplace culture, work-life balance, clear career advancement pathways, and effective training and onboarding. Gen Z workers often feel burnt out due to intense pressures, and value employers who prioritize their growth and well-being. Healthcare leaders can address…
President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House may embolden Republicans looking to weaken or repeal the Affordable Care Act, but facing procedural and political obstacles. Trump’s interest in retooling the health law, along with support from high-ranking Republican lawmakers, could lead to significant changes. Congress has the power to change the ACA without Democratic…
Acuitive Technologies received FDA clearance for Citrepore, a synthetic bioactive bone filler designed to promote natural bone healing in orthopedic surgery patients. Citrepore has 80% porosity to allow resorption of saline, blood, and bone marrow aspirate. The filler is osteoconductive and bioactive, promoting bone healing by increasing genetic signaling for metabolism, osteoinduction, osteoconduction, and extracellular…
A federal judge in Texas ruled in favor of UnitedHealth Group, stating that the federal government improperly included a “disputed” phone call in their Medicare Advantage ratings. As a result, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will need to revise UnitedHealth’s 2025 ratings by removing the call center metric. UnitedHealth sued for an expedited…
Louise Holly emphasizes the importance of redesigning social media and digital platforms to create safer and healthier spaces for children. She highlights Australia’s proposed law to ban children under 16 from social media as a step towards protecting children from the dangers of the digital world. However, she points out that simply banning children from…
Researchers at BIDMC found in a national data analysis that over half of US adults, totaling 137 million, are eligible for semaglutide for weight loss, diabetes management, or preventing recurrent cardiovascular events. The study, published in JAMA Cardiology, emphasizes the need for improved access to this medication as its use is likely to increase in…
The Golgi apparatus plays a crucial role in modifying proteins for cellular function, particularly in T-cells that fight cancer. Research has shown that treating the Golgi with hydrogen sulfide helps T-cells withstand stress in the tumor microenvironment. Cells with more Golgi are better at killing cancer cells and controlling tumors, indicating the potential for using…
A Swedish cohort study examined the link between high exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and the risk of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. The study, published in Environmental International, found that high exposure to PFAS was associated with an increased risk of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. This suggests that PFAS may play a role in the…
A recent study revealed that rates of postpartum depression in the U.S. have doubled over the past decade, reaching 19% in 2021. The prevalence of postpartum depression was higher among individuals with a higher pre-pregnancy body mass index. Untreated postpartum depression can negatively impact maternal and child health, leading to reduced bonding, lower breastfeeding rates,…
The November 2020 Digital Edition of General Surgery News covers several important topics in the field of surgery. Some of the highlighted content includes advancements in robotic surgery, updates on the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on surgical practices, and discussions on enhancing patient safety through effective communication. Additionally, there are articles on new surgical techniques for…
The article discusses conspiracy theories throughout history, with a focus on the current theory that COVID-19 was released to force vaccination. This theory could potentially impact Operation Warp Speed, a partnership aimed at developing and distributing vaccines quickly in the United States. Despite numerous conspiracy theories, most do not impact national health. However, the spread…
Despite advancements in diabetes care, many underserved Americans face barriers to managing their condition due to lack of access to screenings, medications, and disease management. While new innovations have helped some, others are left behind in accessing effective therapies. This disparity is exacerbated by fragmented care, limited resources, and socioeconomic constraints. Closing the gap requires…
University Hospital Galway has performed the first surgery in Ireland using a new biological aortic heart valve. The procedure, led by consultant cardiothoracic surgeon Prof Alan Soo, involved replacing a diseased aortic valve with the Avalus Ultra valve. The surgery aims to improve the patient’s quality of life by addressing aortic valve disease, which can…
President-elect Donald Trump has made controversial health policy nominations, including vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for HHS secretary and TV host Mehmet Oz for CMS head. There are concerns about potential tensions within Trump’s administration and implications for Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. Panelists discuss Trump’s nontraditional picks and potential impacts on vaccine…
A study found that a novel retinaldehyde serum with firming peptides improved skin texture and signs of photoaging. The serum, called Retinal Night Advanced 0.1% Retinal Firming Treatment, was applied three nights a week for 8 weeks by women aged 35 to 60. Results showed a decrease in fine lines and hyperpigmentation, as well as…
President-elect Trump’s nominations for key health care positions suggest that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may be in trouble, while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) might be safe. The picks, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CDC director Dave Weldon, have not outlined their plans. Weldon’s…
Daniel Sokol, a medical ethicist and barrister, discusses the temptations towards wrongdoing that medical students face. These temptations include cheating in exams, forging documents, and engaging in deceitful practices. Medical students often prioritize passing exams and qualifying as doctors, leading them to compromise their integrity. Sokol emphasizes that these actions violate the principles of medical…
The 10-year anniversary of the death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes is approaching, highlighting the importance of player safety in cricket. Hughes tragically passed away in 2014 after being hit by a bouncer in an unprotected area. Since then, there have been changes to helmet regulations and safety standards to prevent similar incidents. The use…
Researchers from Miguel Hernández University of Elche and CSIC have developed a protocol to analyze proteins in synaptic and extrasynaptic membranes in human postmortem brains, focusing on NMDA receptors in Alzheimer’s disease. They found decreased synaptic NMDA receptors and increased extrasynaptic receptors in Alzheimer’s patients, indicating toxicity-related activity. The protocol involves separating the membrane types…
A study on early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) in patients under 50 found that Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander individuals and non-Hispanic Black individuals had higher death rates than non-Hispanic White individuals. The study analyzed California Cancer Registry data for 22,834 individuals aged 18-49. Racial and ethnic disparities in survival were linked to neighborhood socioeconomic…
BPA, a common chemical found in plastics, has been linked to various health issues. New research suggests that BPF and BPS, common substitutes for BPA, may also pose health risks. Studies have shown that these compounds behave similarly to BPA, accumulating in biological membranes and disrupting endocrine function. Researchers recommend discontinuing the use of BPF…