An observational study in Japan found that anifrolumab, a new treatment targeting the interferon pathway, effectively improved disease activity and reduced glucocorticoid (GC) doses among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The study included patients who failed to achieve Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) and those who experienced minor flares after achieving LLDAS. An…
Computer scientists from Australia and Iraq have developed an AI-based diagnostic tool to detect facial palsy with 98% accuracy. The system uses a microcomputer, digital camera, and deep learning algorithm, and could help prevent misdiagnosis in up to 20% of cases. In a separate development, an app promoting ear health and mental wellbeing in Aboriginal…
Some hospitals sue patients in bulk for unpaid medical bills, even if the defendants are already facing financial hardship or bankruptcy. These lawsuits often don’t bring hospitals much money, yet they still pursue them. Dan Weissman, host of “An Arm and a Leg,” investigates this practice with The Baltimore Banner and Scripps News, speaking to…
In a Healio Video Perspective, Cynthia Matossian, MD, FACS, and David Evans, PhD, MBA, discuss the importance of SEO for practices and the trust that consumers have in organic listings. They explain that consumers associate rankings on Google with quality, and if a practice does not show up on the first page, nobody will see…
Every year, the health care industry is becoming more like a balloon with companies integrating various aspects of health care services. In 2023, the biggest pharmacy chain bought a primary care provider, and the biggest private insurer extended into home health care, both facing profit challenges in their core businesses. Hospitals are also expanding their…
The House of Lords report found that the lack of coordination between primary care and community services in the NHS was causing patients to be inconvenienced, endangered, and denied opportunities to improve their long-term health. The report was based on interviews with academic experts, government officials, former ministers, and representatives from healthcare, charities, and patient…
Many aspects from winter can have significant effects on our minds, bodies, and behavior and scientists find different explanations for these changes. In the winter months, sunlight decreases which affects the production of serotonin, causing increased rates of depression and lethargy. Winter may also be linked to weight gain, seasonal sex drive, and increased generosity….
A University of Queensland research project is investigating the online influences that lead young people to start vaping and aims to create social media content to help them quit the habit. Dr. Carmen Lim will lead a five-year project to analyze pro-vaping content and explore young people’s attitudes towards vaping. The project plans to conduct…
The article discusses the recent development of over-the-counter hearing aids. The new regulations allow adults with mild to moderate hearing loss to purchase hearing aids without a prescription. This is seen as a positive step in increasing access to hearing aids and reducing costs. However, there are concerns about the lack of professional guidance and…
Michael Smith struggled with obesity and food cravings for much of his life. Doctors are now beginning to consider obesity as a brain disorder, with brain-based treatments being developed to help patients. Research suggests that people with obesity may have broken circuits in their brain, leading to impaired gut-brain pathways, decreased responses after meals, and…
A study from the University of Illinois, Chicago found that women with suicidal thoughts face an increased risk of ideation or planning of suicide during the days around menstruation. The researchers tracked daily fluctuations in symptoms throughout the menstrual cycle and found that suicidal ideation was more severe and planning more likely to occur during…
The Madras High Court has ruled that a medical reimbursement claim cannot be rejected solely because the patient was treated in a non-network hospital. The court stated that the treatment decision should be based on medical grounds rather than the hospital’s network status. This decision could have implications for insurance companies and their reimbursement policies….
AI scribing tools are becoming popular in the healthcare industry, with companies like Nuance and Augmedix offering solutions to record and transcribe physician-patient encounters. A survey by Elation Health found that 67% of primary care physicians have not yet tried AI scribes but are interested in the potential benefits, such as time savings and improved…
Scabies outbreaks in Ireland have increased dramatically in 2023, with 26 outbreaks reported compared to just nine in 2022. The rise in cases reflects a trend seen across Europe, particularly among adolescents and young people. While treatments are becoming harder to access, scabies is not a notifiable disease, which means that many cases likely go…
A study found that daily tea and moderate coffee consumption can decrease mortality risk among patients with metabolic syndrome. Researchers used data from the UK Biobank to conduct a prospective cohort study to assess the relationship between coffee and tea consumption and mortality. They found a U-shaped non-linear association between coffee or tea intake and…
Jakarta-based digital clinic network, Klinik Pintar, has raised $5 million in funding to expand and introduce new products. It plans to launch a second neurology specialist clinic and expand into corporate care. The company aims to combine SaaS and physical IT models to offer a new hybrid offering. Mental health tech startup BetterSpace received $54,000…
The Senate Finance Committee plans to meet with Social Security to address overpayments. Recipients told to repay billions in overpayments. Legislation gaining support to raise asset limits for Social Security recipients for the first time in decades. Millions receive overpayment notices but many are disabled and living paycheck to paycheck. Meanwhile, congressional legislation that would…
The content discusses the key takeaways from a Healio Video Perspective on effective practice websites. The discussion is led by Cynthia Matossian, MD, FACS, and David Evans, PhD, MBA. They emphasize the importance of promoting vision and lifestyle improvements for patients on the practice website. The information on the website should be easily accessible, and…
In an effort to encourage good-faith discussion about difficult issues, STAT is now publishing selected letters to the editor received in response to its First Opinion essays. The topics include challenges faced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, shortcomings of the Medicare Annual Wellness visit, funding for sobering centers for those recovering from intoxication,…
Busse, Casassus, Carrasco-Labra, Durham, Mock, Zakrzewska, and others collaborated on a clinical practice guideline for managing chronic pain related to temporomandibular disorders. The guideline was published in BMJ in 2023. It provides evidence-based recommendations for the management of this type of pain, aiming to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of this condition. The…
Columbia University researchers have developed a technique to enhance CAR T cell therapy in solid tumors by engineering E. coli bacteria that naturally accumulate in solid tumors. The bacteria are engineered to interact with tumor cells, deposit a synthetic antigen, and are then targeted by CAR T cells. This could expand the variety of cancers…
The study published in Cell Reports Medicine found that changes in multiple biochemical and hematological parameters occur up to eight years before the diagnosis of Crohn’s disease and up to three years before the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. The researchers examined more than 20,000 IBD patients and 4.6 million potential controls, and identified widespread significant…
Increased sedentary time during childhood can raise cholesterol levels significantly as an adult, increasing the risk of heart problems and premature death. However, a study has found that light physical activity can reverse these risks and is more effective than moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at promoting heart health. The research was conducted using data from children…
Hearing loss can have a significant impact on a person’s mental and emotional well-being. It can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and depression, as well as a loss of confidence and independence. Communication difficulties can strain relationships with loved ones and affect a person’s overall quality of life. It is important for individuals with…
The FDA has expanded the approval of tralokinumab-ldrm (Adbry) for treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in children 12-17 years old. The therapy targets the interleukin (IL)-13 cytokine, a key driver of AD symptoms. Results from the phase 3 ECZTRA 6 trial showed significantly more pediatric patients met primary and key secondary endpoints with tralokinumab-ldrm…
Long-COVID, a condition with symptoms lasting for months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, affects 10-20% of people. Researchers discovered a similar condition, “long flu,” causing long-term negative health effects in people hospitalized with seasonal influenza. A study compared the risks of death, hospital admissions, and adverse health outcomes for COVID-19 and flu patients. They found that patients…
As Covid-19 cases continue to rise, it is crucial to practice physical distancing. A new study has found that the brain generates a common code to mark where other people are in relation to ourselves, which is important for everyday activities. The study used epilepsy patients with brain electrodes to monitor brain activity as they…
Liveromax capsules are designed to support liver health and function, as the liver is responsible for filtering toxins from the blood and aiding in digestion and energy storage. The capsules provide tips for maintaining a healthy liver, such as eating a diet low in trans fats and fructose, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol consumption. The…
PGIMER will conduct Round 1 Counselling for INI CET January 2024 session on 19th December. Candidates are advised to visit the official website for more details. By continuing to use the site, users agree to the use of cookies for analytics, advertising, and site improvement. The Cookie Policy and Cookie Settings can be accessed for…
Health inequities, racial disparities, and access barriers in the healthcare system can be mitigated by digital solutions, but improper use of these technologies can widen the gap in healthcare access and exacerbate disparities among vulnerable populations. Artificial intelligence (AI) advancements can enhance patient care and health outcomes, but they also introduce potential for bias. AI…
The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has recommended passive immunisation and vaccination against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) for infants, children, and older adults. The committee advises the government on vaccination strategies and has proposed an immunisation plan for infants and older people, aiming to protect the most vulnerable. Two forms of passive immunisation for infants…
The American Medical Association recognized obesity as a disease in 2013, sparking a rise in the popularity of injectable weight loss medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide. However, concerns about fatphobia and weight stigma have also increased with the use of these medications. Experts argue that it is important to consider various factors, such as body…
Recent research by the US National Institute for Health (NIH) has shed light on the biology of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). ME/CFS is a complex condition with extreme fatigue as a common symptom, and it has been underrecognized and underdiagnosed. There have been myths surrounding ME/CFS, including the belief that it is a psychiatric…
The emergence of AI in healthcare is driven by the need for tailored solutions, lower costs, and improved accuracy in medical decisions. AI is reshaping medicine through advancements in medical imaging, surgery, research and data analysis, drug development, early disease detection, remote patient care, fraud detection, and early cancer diagnosis. AI algorithms can analyze complex…
Pharma money has been influential in various organizations, including universities, medical companies, and patient advocacy groups. Public Citizen reported that from 2010-2022, the drug industry provided at least $6 billion in grants to over 20,000 organizations, raising concerns about conflicts of interest. Examples include the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society, which received…
The FDA has approved Zoryve, a once-daily steroid-free foam, for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in individuals aged 9 years and older. This makes Zoryve the first drug approved for this condition with a new mechanism of action in over 20 years. The approval was supported by positive results from the STRATUM phase 3 trial,…
A National Institutes of Health working group recommended increasing salaries of postdoctoral researchers to $70,000 per year, with adjustments for inflation, and capping the length of the position to five years. They also suggested increasing NIH support for international postdocs, ensuring professional development time, creating new funding opportunities for underrepresented scientists, and giving all postdocs…
The 1861 Offences Against the Person Act passed by the UK Parliament covered a range of offences, including: assaults, rape, abduction, defilement of women, child-stealing, and bigamy. It also addressed the use of chloroform, laudanum, and other drugs with the intent to commit a crime, and the use of poison or other substances to procure…
The Eko CORE 500 stethoscope is an upgrade from the Eko DUO, with better construction and improved durability. It features USB-C charging, 5-hour continuous use battery life, and up to 40X digital amplification. It works well with active noise cancellation and ECG capabilities. The Eko mobile app, including AI-assisted detection, is easy to navigate. The…
The clinical trial of an experimental drug for patients with chronic kidney disease showed significant reduction in albuminuria for 50% of participants. Combining the drug with standard-care medication led to 70% of participants experiencing significant reduction in albuminuria. This experimental drug, designed to inhibit aldosterone production, reduced the negative effects of ACE inhibitors and ARBs,…
Research at University of California San Diego School of Medicine found a connection between cellular metabolism and depression, and how different genders are impacted. They say that tools that could help stratify individuals based on their risk of becoming suicidal could help save lives. They analyzed the blood of 99 participants with treatment-refractory depression and…
Michael Smith struggled with obesity and uncontrollable food cravings for much of his life, as he felt unable to resist unhealthy food despite knowing he should be full. It is mentioned that obesity is often misunderstood and a stubborn condition that doctors have only recently recognized as a disease, with a variety of potential contributing…
Newly unionized resident physicians and fellows at Stanford Health Care in California have reached their first contract with the health system, resulting in a 21% pay increase over 3 years for about 1500 physicians. The deal also includes paid rideshares, fertility benefits, and a new grievance process. All house staff will have access to app-based…
The New Year presents an opportunity for a fresh start. To revitalize your well-being, setting goals and arming yourself with the right products is essential. Seventeen products are recommended for a successful journey. BUBS Naturals collagen peptides powder promises to rejuvenate skin and infuse bones with vigor. CareCard’s prescription discount card offers substantial savings on…
Budget 2021-2022 is highly anticipated by India Inc due to last year’s economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The government announced the budget on February 1, which received praise from India Inc and the medical fraternity. Key highlights include increased spending on public health, with a focus on mental health and the Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat…
Specialift cream is effective in reducing wrinkles for people of all ages. Wrinkles can be caused by irregular eating habits, stress, anxiety, and lack of sleep, but Specialift cream offers a solution. In addition to using the cream, there are natural remedies that can help reduce wrinkles, such as citrus fruits and Specialift’s natural ingredients….
In advanced heart failure patients treated with fully magnetically levitated left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), the exclusion of aspirin from antithrombotic therapy appears to be safe. A study found that aspirin exclusion did not increase the risk of adverse events related to stroke or bleeding in these patients. This suggests that using only an antiplatelet…
WeightWatchers has launched a new program to support people taking GLP-1 medications, as well as a WeightWatchers Clinic offering medication management and access to a care team. The GLP-1 program provides daily nutritional and activity targets, recommended foods, recipes, food and activity tracking, a digital community, virtual workshops and access to coaches. The WeightWatchers Clinic…
Beacon Hospital will be hosting its Annual GP Study Morning on January 20th, 2024, with both in-person and online attendance options available. The event will focus on the theme “Cancer MDT Between Consultant & GP” and will feature top cancer specialists from the hospital. Attendees can earn 6.5 CPD points and 1 day of GMS…
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and certain types of cancer have increased risks of stroke and bleeding. The risk for thromboembolic disease and arterial thromboembolism is associated with most cancer types, along with some chemotherapy regimens. The study assessed data from…