The Irish Hospital Consultants Association is calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to allow hospitals and healthcare professionals to function in the warzone. The association, representing 3,800 hospital consultants, is deeply concerned about the healthcare and humanitarian crises in the region, particularly the impact on women, children, and healthcare workers. The deteriorating situation in…
Healthcare data and analytics company Reveleer has secured over $65 million in funding led by Hercules Capital. The company offers a payer-focused AI-enabled platform for risk adjustment, quality improvement, and member management in value-based care. They also provide medical record retrieval services. The funds will be used to expand offerings for payers and providers and…
Andrew McClave Jr., a bodybuilder who suffered from back problems, was found dead in bed with a fatal amount of fentanyl, cocaine, and xylazine in his system. Xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer, has been linked to over 260 accidental overdose deaths in Florida in 2022. While xylazine complicates opioid overdoses and is not affected by naloxone,…
In a Healio video exclusive, Dr. Michael V. Chiorean discusses how physicians can safely switch patients with inflammatory bowel disease from originator biologics to biosimilars at any point during treatment. Research shows that switching to biosimilars is safe, with no differences in drug pharmacokinetics or clinical activities before and after the switch. Chiorean emphasizes that…
MD Anderson Cancer Center faced a dispute between a senior researcher and a junior scientist over authorship and credit. The center outsourced the conflict assessment to a law firm, which recommended naming the senior researcher as a co-senior author on a manuscript. However, a separate investigation found no evidence of plagiarism between the parties’ manuscripts….
Junior doctors in England have been on strike for almost a year, with the latest five-day walkout marking the 10th strike in their dispute over pay with the government. The co-chairs of the BMA Junior Doctors Committee for England have urged the health secretary to make a credible pay offer to avoid further action. The…
Two studies published in The Lancet Oncology found that people in the UK are receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy less often than patients in other comparable countries, leading to long waits for treatments. The research, conducted by the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership, compared treatment for eight cancer types in countries across three continents. The findings showed…
A study from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital found that October is the most effective month to vaccinate young children against seasonal influenza. The study, published in the British Medical Journal, analyzed data on vaccinated children aged 2-5 from 2011 to 2018. They found that children born in October were most likely to…
Breast cancer disproportionately affects non-Hispanic Black women who are less likely to receive timely treatment according to national guidelines due to lack of access to health education and regular medical care. Treatment for metastatic breast cancer usually includes hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy depending on the type of cancer. Other health conditions such…
Florida’s Surgeon General, Joseph Ladapo, is conflicting with public health guidance by not encouraging quarantine for unvaccinated children amid a measles outbreak. Pediatricians are concerned that this approach will fuel the spread of the virus. The outbreak has been traced to an elementary school in Weston and has resulted in sickening at least eight children….
Parents should be cautious about the impact of extended headphone and earbud use on their children’s health, as research shows an increase in usage among kids, particularly those aged 9-12. The prolonged exposure to loud noises can lead to sleep disruption, heightened stress levels, and potential hearing loss. Children’s smaller ear canals make them more…
GLP-1 receptor agonists have shown potential in reducing inflammation in the brain, offering a promising approach for treating neurodegenerative diseases. These drugs could help improve outcomes for conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. By targeting inflammation, these medications may offer a new way to address the underlying causes of these diseases. However, further research is…
Boehringer Ingelheim’s drug, survodutide, has shown promising results in a mid-stage clinical trial for treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in patients with fatty liver disease. The drug demonstrated significant improvements in liver fibrosis without any safety issues. The drug, developed in collaboration with Zealand Pharma, targets gut hormone receptors to decrease appetite and increase energy…
DiaCarta has partnered with OncoAssure to validate and commercialize OncoAssure’s prostate test, which helps identify patients at lower risk of prostate cancer recurrence. The test assesses the risk of aggressive disease post-diagnosis and biochemical recurrence post-surgery. DiaCarta’s expertise in clinical diagnostic services will aid in completing the Laboratory Developed Test validation for the prostate test….
Daewoong Pharmaceutical has launched an AI-driven drug development system called DAVID, consisting of an 800 million-compound database for discovering new drugs. The system includes AIVS for uncovering active substances and Daisy for predicting drug properties, leading to the discovery of weight loss, diabetes, and cancer treatments. By shortening the drug development process, Daewoong aims to…
California Governor Gavin Newsom is pushing Proposition 1, a $6.4 billion bond that aims to address the state’s homelessness crisis. The proposition would fund new housing units and treatment beds for the homeless, in addition to altering how existing tax funding for mental health services is spent. Despite increased homelessness statistics, Newsom’s investments have placed…
A study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that adults with type 1 diabetes who have higher insulin sensitivity, as measured by estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR), are more likely to have better glycemic control. Researchers examined data from 335 adults with type 1 diabetes and found that those with higher…
Survodutide, a drug developed by Boehringer Ingelheim and Zealand Pharma, showed success in treating a serious liver condition called MASH in a Phase 2 study. The drug resulted in significant improvements in 83% of patients compared to 18% in the placebo group without worsening fibrosis. Zealand Pharma’s stock price doubled over the past year due…
The World Health Organization (WHO) published new infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines for Ebola and Marburg disease in August 2023, replacing previous guidelines issued in 2014 and 2016. The updated guidelines focus on engineering and administrative controls over personal protective equipment (PPE) and emphasize the need for strong evidence to support IPC recommendations. The…
A study published in Nature Cell Biology explores the role of β-cells in the onset of type 1 diabetes (T1D), shedding light on the mechanisms involved. Researchers have identified a signaling pathway controlling the immune response in β-cells and found that enhancing levels of the enzyme METTL3 can delay disease progression in a mouse model…
The study “The Well-Being of Women in Healthcare Professions: A Comprehensive Review” explores factors affecting the well-being of female healthcare professionals. It highlights the importance of addressing work-related stressors and promoting a supportive work environment to prevent burnout and improve job satisfaction. Factors such as work-life balance, personal relationships, gender bias, lifestyle interventions, and professional…
Idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) is a sleep disorder with no cure, causing excessive sleepiness. It can affect daily life and work or school performance. Treatment options may include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. People with IH may need more than 11 hours of sleep each night and may benefit from making sleep a priority. Behavioral therapy,…
Fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for non-infarct-related arteries (IRAs) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and multivessel disease was found to be more cost-effective and improved quality of life compared to angiography-guided PCI. A prespecified analysis of the FRAME-AMI trial showed that FFR-guided PCI increased quality-adjusted life years by 0.06 and…
Norovirus, a highly contagious stomach bug causing diarrhea and vomiting, is spreading across many U.S. states, particularly in the Northeast. Outbreaks are common in late fall, winter, and early spring, affecting millions of individuals annually. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, leading to dehydration in severe cases. The virus spreads through direct contact,…
A study published in JAMA found a link between maternal prescription opioid use and spontaneous preterm birth. The researchers suggest that pregnant women who use prescription opioids may have an increased risk of delivering prematurely. This information could be important for healthcare providers when discussing pain management options with pregnant patients. Additionally, the website uses…
AI is a hot topic in healthcare conferences as a potential solution to the clinician shortage. However, the reliance on AI tools with clinicians in the loop may not truly alleviate burnout or solve the shortage. Tarun Kapoor of Virtua Health notes the societal reluctance to fully automate clinical workflows with AI due to fears…
The UCD Centre for One Health in Ireland aims to promote the interconnectedness of human, animal, and planetary health through research, education, and collaboration. The centre, led by Prof Tony Holohan, plans to become a national and world-class leader in implementing the One Health scientific approach. It will focus on research, training, community engagement, policy,…
Black people are underrepresented in the oncology workforce in the US, with only 3% of oncologists being African American despite the population being 14% Black. This lack of representation is due to systemic factors like racism in education and financial barriers. Efforts to increase diversity include programs by organizations like ASCO and ASH to support…
India-based healthcare technology provider CitiusTech has launched an AI solution focused on ensuring quality and trust in genAI applications in healthcare. The software offers automated validation and monitoring of over 70 metrics across seven dimensions. CitiusTech claims that 80% of genAI initiatives face delays due to reliability and compliance concerns. The company aims to seamlessly…
States are redefining when medical professionals can seek mental health treatment without risking notification to licensing boards. Health care workers often delay seeking help, impacting their work and patient care. Montana and other states are considering confidential wellness programs for health professionals struggling with mental health issues. Virginia’s SafeHaven program serves as a model for…
Researchers found key driver genes linked to ozone and fine particulate matter exposure in patients with asthma. Six genes were identified for ozone exposure and three for fine particulate matter exposure, with the FGL2 gene appearing in both types of pollution. Poor air quality triggers asthma exacerbations. The study involved 167 patients with asthma in…
Hospitals, pharmacies, and health care providers are facing delays in insurance processing due to a cyberattack on UnitedHealth’s Change Healthcare subsidiary. The attack, believed to be orchestrated by a nation-state, has led to a system outage and caught the attention of federal law enforcement agencies. UnitedHealth has hired security experts, informed customers and government agencies,…
Kenneth McLean, a former captain in the Royal Army Medical Corps, met his future wife Nancy in freshers’ week and went on to become a GP in Dalkeith. He was one of the first GPs to specialize in general practice and passed the postgraduate exam to prove his capability. Ken dedicated over 30 years to…
A new study led by scientists at the Stanford School of Medicine found that a drug called omalizumab can prevent dangerous allergic responses in children with food allergies, even to small amounts of allergy-triggering foods. The FDA recently approved omalizumab for reducing the risk of allergic reactions to foods. The study showed that after receiving…
Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science have developed a new non-invasive brain stimulation method called Patterned Low-Intensity Low-Frequency Ultrasound (LILFUS) that can induce long-lasting changes in brain function. This technique utilizes ultrasound to precisely stimulate specific brain areas, allowing modulation of neural plasticity through the activation of key molecular pathways. LILFUS has shown promise…
Some U.S. hospitals are partnering with local farms to provide healthier, tastier food to patients by using fresh, locally sourced produce. These collaborations not only result in better meals for patients but also support local farmers by providing them with a stable market. Hospitals are also incorporating education about fresh produce, offering food and nutrition…
Long-term data on the use of risankizumab in moderate to severe Crohn’s disease show stable rates of clinical remission and endoscopic response for up to 3 years, according to the FORTIFY extension study. Patients on risankizumab showed less antibody formation compared to other treatments, and the drug’s efficacy was consistent whether used as first-line treatment…
Maintaining proper oral hygiene for children is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Baby teeth play a vital role in the development of permanent teeth, speech, and self-confidence. Dental caries, or cavities, are a common issue facing children today, but are preventable with good oral hygiene practices. Establishing a dental home early on is…
A study in Pediatric Dentistry found that BC RRM-F is a promising alternative to the gold standard MTA for primary molar pulpotomy. This material could potentially offer comparable results to MTA while being more cost-effective and easier to use. The study suggests that BC RRM-F could be a viable option for primary molar pulpotomies in…
Dentistry has been slow to adopt innovative technology, impacting patient trust. However, the industry has caught up in recent years, using technology to increase patient trust in diagnoses and overall care. Patient trust in healthcare has declined, driven by rising costs and lack of transparency. Dental professionals are using AI imaging, intraoral scanners, and teledentistry…
The Government’s digital health strategy, delayed but finally set for release in early 2024, aims to address Ireland’s outdated health information systems. Calls for a new independent digital health agency have been made to manage the rollout of electronic health records. Prof. Martin Curley highlights the urgent need for modernization in the Irish health system,…
February is American Heart Month, with a focus on cardiovascular health. National Women Physicians Day on February 3 honors women in medicine. Female cardiologists face challenges like pay disparity and lack of leadership opportunities. Obstales also include gender bias, with experiences of being treated differently and facing stereotypes. Despite progress, more work is needed for…
Indian medical imaging AI company InMed AI has launched a new AI-powered tool, Neuroshield CT TBI, for screening traumatic brain injuries. This tool can detect intracranial haemorrhage, fractures, and midline shift on brain CT images, alerting clinicians to critical findings. In-Med recently received FDA clearance for its NeuroShield brain analysis software. Qure.ai’s AI-enabled tuberculosis solution,…
In June 2022, Angela Collier, who was 13 weeks pregnant and experiencing complications, was arrested instead of receiving medical care due to outstanding warrants. Her experience sheds light on the lack of oversight and federal standards for reproductive care for pregnant women in the criminal justice system. Pregnant women in jails often face inadequate access…
Primary care providers spend more time on electronic health record documentation compared to allergy and immunology providers before and after the pandemic. Despite the implementation of telemedicine, the number of messages managed by both types of providers remained consistent. A study presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Meeting compared the…
Colorado has taken the lead in controlling prescription drug costs by setting a payment limit for the arthritis drug Enbrel, which costs insurers an average of $46,772 per patient per year. This move may signal a new era of state governments actively working to control the rising costs of prescription medications. While the state board…
Nancy Patricia Cruikshank met her husband, Ken McLean, in university and struggled with tuberculosis, losing a year of study. Her father, Robert, was a bacteriology professor who encouraged her to try new drug combinations for treatment. Nancy recovered and worked as a locum GP before focusing on raising her family. She later returned to work…
A recent study investigated the nutritional content of more than 700 plant-based foods available in Australian supermarkets, including burgers, sausages, mince, milk, cheese, yogurt, legumes, and tofu. The study found that some products are high in salt or saturated fat, making them less healthy options. Plant-based meats were found to be particularly high in sodium….
New research from Cornell University challenges the belief that a newborn’s immune system is just an immature version of an adult’s. The study shows that newborn T cells actually outperform adult T cells in fighting off infections. Newborn T cells are part of the innate arm of the immune system, responding rapidly to various pathogens….
Caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia face heavy demands on their well-being, personal life, and finances. Education about schizophrenia and caregiving is crucial for caregivers to better understand the condition and access support. Seeking help from family and friends can provide valuable assistance, although consistency may be a challenge. Joining a caregiver support group can offer…