Researchers have discovered that some genes are associated with higher, better balanced production of immune cells in mice. As people age or become ill, their immune systems become less effective. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) production of immune cells varies based on specific genes. The scientists identified nearly 40 genes that relate to immune cell production…
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was designed to cover many preventive health services, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and vaccines at no cost to patients. However, medical providers and billers have found ways to exploit gray areas in the law to charge patients extra. Many patients are receiving unexpected bills for preventive care visits, due to…
Trish Palmer was diagnosed with MS in 2013 but kept it a secret from her colleagues. According to social security disability attorney Thomas Stewart, there is no legal requirement to disclose your condition until you need protection under the FMLA or ADA. You can reveal as much or as little as you want to at…
A study conducted at a large county hospital in Texas found significant associations between readmission with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and both substance abuse and incarceration. The study identified 243 T1D patients admitted with a DKA diagnosis, with 64 having multiple admissions. Substance use disorder was identified in 40.3%…
Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that causes inflammation of the plantar fascia, leading to stabbing heel pain. Choosing the right shoes with arch and heel support, cushioning, orthotic-friendly design, and lightweight comfort can provide relief. For men, slip-on options like Gecko Man, ITAZERO, Heel That Pain, XPACS, and OrthoComfoot offer stylish comfort. Women can…
Middle aged females who consume plant-based proteins are more likely to experience healthy aging. This is the result of a study that found a correlation between plant protein intake and positive aging outcomes. The study suggests that incorporating more plant proteins into one’s diet can lead to a healthier and more fulfilling aging process. The…
The J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in 2024 highlighted the potential for a healthcare revolution driven by innovation and necessity. The emerging biopharma space is experiencing a surge of innovation, resulting in promising therapies for previously untreatable illnesses. The complex Medicare landscape is being navigated with the help of data-driven solutions, ensuring access to necessary care….
A report with 36 recommendations from the Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use has been submitted to Oireachtas for consideration. The recommendations include a health-led approach to drug use, introducing a comprehensive health-led response to possession of drugs for personal use, greater funding for services at national and local levels, and stronger oversight and accountability at…
A study published in Frontiers in Medicine found that high red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with an increased risk for psoriasis in women. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and included 14,089 patients. The results showed that increased RDW levels were significantly linked to an increased…
Rural-focused e-clinic chain CureBay secured an additional Rs 620 million ($7.5 million) in funding as part of a Series A round, bringing their total raised in 2022 to $13.5 million. They plan to use the funds to invest in their membership program, hire experts, and expand to 200 e-clinics in underserved communities in India. Mental…
The U.S. Senate committee on Aging is investigating the assisted living industry, discussing the concerns regarding the high costs, quality of care, and financial practices. Both Republican and Democratic senators have expressed support for the inquiry but are wary of further federal regulation. The dominant concern is the poor care and the high costs that…
Stacy A. Ogbeide discusses the importance of self-care and wellness for healthcare professionals, especially in the post-COVID era. She emphasizes the need for the healthcare system to support practice changes that create a more enjoyable work environment for clinicians. This includes making electronic medical records more user-friendly and utilizing artificial intelligence to reduce documentation. Ogbeide…
The federal government is seeking to block Novant Health from acquiring two hospitals in North Carolina, which would give them control of over 65% of the inpatient market in the region. This acquisition would make Novant even more powerful and could drive up insurance premiums and medical bills. Novant, a nonprofit system with $7.6 billion…
Senior health leaders are urging the government to develop a strategy on sexual health in response to the increasing rates of sexually transmitted infections among young people. England’s chief medical officer and the president of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV called for a new approach to running sexual health services, including addressing…
The differences in brain activity between handwriting and typing have been studied by researchers in Norway who found that handwriting increases brain connectivity more than typing. Connectivity between different brain regions increased when participants wrote by hand, but not when they typed. The researchers concluded that the careful forming of letters while writing by hand…
A new study found that toilet flushing creates aerosols that can carry viruses to other surfaces, leading to potential cross-contamination. The study examined the impact of closing the toilet lid before flushing on the odds of viral contamination. Tests found that closing the lid did not reduce the risk of contaminating bathroom surfaces. Using hydrochloric…
At 27, Julie Stamm was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the midst of her finance career. Now 42, she advocates for others with MS and authored a children’s book. She balances motherhood and symptoms with fun activities and empowering language. Director Mary Rensel stresses that medication, nutrition, and social connections are key to living with…
The FDA has approved dupilumab for the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in children aged 1-11 years and weighing ≥ 15 kg. Dupilumab is the first and only medicine approved for this use. EoE is a chronic inflammatory disorder that damages the esophagus, causing difficulty swallowing and eating. The approval is based on results from…
A recent study found that babies born to women infected by COVID-19 during pregnancy are three times more likely to develop respiratory illness. The risk is significantly lower when mothers are vaccinated before getting infected. Uninfected children exposed to the virus during pregnancy have also shown increased reports of respiratory distress. Research published in Nature…
In the study comparing PCI guided by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS), it was found that both imaging techniques had similar outcomes when used to guide treatment for complex coronary lesions. The study concluded that there was no significant difference in clinical outcomes or procedural success between the two imaging modalities. This…
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is adding $20 million to its health equity initiative, bringing its total investment to $60 million. The program aims to address health disparities highlighted by the pandemic. AWS has already distributed more than $30 million to 28 countries and partnered with 230 organizations. Their priorities include increasing access to quality health…
Two doctors arrested for alleged fraud against the HSE have been released. The arrests were part of a Garda investigation into a complaint of fraud against the exchequer and the HSE from 2017-2019. Gardaí are preparing a file for the DPP and investigations are ongoing. The men, aged in their mid-forties and late fifties, were…
In the phase 3 ERMES study, treatment de-escalation was found to be ineffective in previously untreated, metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The study compared the effectiveness of de-escalated treatment with FOLFIRI/cetuximab until progression. However, de-escalated treatment did not meet the noninferiority endpoint for progression-free survival, with a median PFS of 10.0 months compared to 12.2…
Patients with chronic kidney disease who use Prolia are at higher risk of developing dangerously low calcium levels, known as hypocalcemia. This can be particularly dangerous for patients undergoing dialysis or with mineral and bone density disorder. The FDA advises patients to contact their doctor to discuss the best medication regimen and be aware of…
In 2023, the healthcare sector experienced a transformation due to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in patient diagnostics, leading to increased efficiency, accuracy, and personalization. AI-driven diagnostics revolutionizes how medical professionals approach diagnosis by analyzing patient data swiftly and aiding in identifying diseases at early stages. AI-driven diagnostic tools are being used in interpreting…
The Federal Trade Commission is taking aggressive action against anticompetitive practices in the healthcare industry. It has issued stricter guidelines to prevent hospital mergers and investigated practices in the drug supply chain. The FTC challenged the validity of over 100 drug patents listed in the FDA’s “Orange Book,” which can delay approval for generic competitors….
Research has shown that high concentrations of common genetic variants within families are associated with an increased inherited risk for spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD). Rarer genes associated with inherited connective tissue disorders were not found to be associated with SCAD risk. The study was based on a cohort of 1,352 genotyped individuals, including healthy…
The article discusses various developments in the biotech industry, including the challenges faced by venture capitalists, Gilead Sciences’ investment in oncology, an upcoming IPO for an obesity-related company, and new research in Parkinson’s disease treatments. It also mentions other relevant news and offers readers the option to sign up for a biotech newsletter. The industry…
The BMA’s Junior Doctors Committee for England has decided to reballot its members for another six months of industrial action. This time, junior doctors will also be asked to approve “action short of a strike” as part of the mandate for action, which includes any other industrial action to put pressure on the employer without…
The state of Minnesota is facing a crisis in mental health care, with people in crisis being stuck in hospital emergency rooms, children waiting months for therapy, and treatment centers losing staff due to underpayment and burnout. The state’s reimbursement rates are not enough to cover the cost of care, resulting in a failing system…
A study published in the Nutrients Journal reviewed evidence supporting adzuki bean supplementation as a way to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes (T2D). The researched found several research gaps in the current literature and stated that while adzuki bean has potential health benefits, more research is needed to confirm its efficacy in managing T2D….
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the time it takes for them to be fully effective varies depending on the type used. They target inflammation and work with the immune system to slow down or stop the disease, ultimately minimizing joint damage. Common conventional and biologic DMARDs used for…
The new clinical guidelines from the American College of Gastroenterology advise people with obesity, hepatitis C or B virus infections, or a history of gastric bypass to avoid alcohol to prevent alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). Alcohol use disorder (AUD) should be treated with behavioral interventions and pharmacotherapy. The rising incidence of alcohol use has led…
Cold water swimming has been found to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flushes, anxiety, and mood swings. A study surveyed 1,114 women and noted that cold water swimming provided physical and mental health benefits for menopausal women. The activity was found to relieve symptoms, improve mood, and reduce stress. Additionally, it offered…
AIIMS Jodhpur is inviting online applications for Post-Doctoral Fellowship courses starting in January 2024. The details of the courses and the application process can be found on their website. The institute uses cookies for analytics and advertising purposes, and by continuing to use their site, users agree to the use of cookies. More information about…
Gene therapy has shown promising results in restoring hearing loss in an 11-year-old boy with profound hearing loss due to genetic mutations. The therapy, called AK-OTOF, was developed by pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, which gained it through the acquisition of developer Akouos. The therapy uses a gene delivery system similar to those used in eye…
Dr. Ray O’Connor compiles series on latest clinical studies from around the world. A study in Sweden found that Covid-19 vaccination before infection reduces the risk of post-Covid condition (PCC) with vaccine effectiveness of 73%. Ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir and molnupiravir are effective in non-hospitalized Covid-19 patients. A study in France suggests immediate public health action is…
Patients in rural areas have more advanced kidney cancer at diagnosis and lower survival rates compared to those in urban areas. Researchers found that patients in rural areas had a higher proportion of advanced cancer at diagnosis and were less likely to receive cancer-directed surgery or undergo partial nephrectomy. After matching, the rural cohorts had…
A report by Kodiak Solutions identified AI and new technologies as among the top five management risks for healthcare providers in 2024, alongside financial performance, competition, workforce, and cybersecurity. The benefits of AI tools must be weighed against the costs and workforce challenges of implementing and managing them. These tools promise greater efficiency, quicker diagnoses,…
Lewis Morgenstern has decided to sign an advanced directive for driving when he turns 65, which indicates he will stop driving when his children ask him to. This decision comes after concerns about older adults driving with cognitive impairments. There is a lack of national standards for when people should stop driving as senior drivers…
A study on the long-term safety of dupilumab, a treatment for moderate to severe asthma, found that it appeared safe for long-term use. The study included 393 participants who received 300 mg doses every 2 weeks for up to 3 years. The median treatment duration was 309 days, and the exposure-adjusted event rate for serious…
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is cracking down on the pharmaceutical industry to address concerns about high prescription drug costs. The Biden administration is using the FTC to send a message to drug companies that monopolistic practices that harm consumers will not be tolerated. The FTC is targeting rebates, mergers, and patents that keep generic…
Breast cancer screening has reduced breast cancer deaths, but has led to an increase in non-screen detected ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). A study by Mannu and colleagues found that women with non-screen detected DCIS were 1.37 times more likely to die from breast cancer than those with screen-detected DCIS. Those diagnosed at a younger…
A study published in The BMJ found that women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) outside of the NHS breast screening program are around four times as likely to develop invasive breast cancer and to die from breast cancer than women in the general population. This increased risk could last at least 25 years…
A study conducted in the United States found that the death rate for patients diagnosed with functional seizures is higher than expected, with 11 patients out of 700 dying in the study period, a rate almost 2.5 times higher than similar individuals without the condition. The results of the study, published in Neurology: Clinical Practice,…
Properly storing and disposing of medications is crucial for everyone’s safety. Medications stored in bathroom cabinets are exposed to high humidity and temperature fluctuations, leading to faster degradation. Household medications are often not stored properly and can be accessible by young children or individuals struggling with substance use. Medications past their expiration date may still…
Lockdown measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in England caused a significant increase in obesity and overweight cases in primary school children, particularly those from deprived areas, according to researchers at the University of Southampton. Data from children aged 4-5 and 10-11 revealed a prevalence increase in overweight and obesity during the pandemic, with long-term healthcare…
Researchers from the University of Tromsø have developed an insulin pill wrapped in a protective coating that can be swallowed, solving the problem of insulin breaking down in the stomach. This pill, when combined with sugar-free chocolate, delivers insulin directly to the liver when blood sugar levels are high, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia. The…
Dance interventions have been found to be highly effective in managing overweight and obesity. Research has shown that dance can help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight by providing a fun and engaging form of physical activity. Additionally, dance interventions have been shown to improve overall physical fitness, body composition, and psychological well-being. By…
Clinicians, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, are experiencing high levels of burnout due to factors such as high patient volumes and inadequate support systems. This burnout is contributing to shortages of primary care providers. However, there is an opportunity for pharmacists to play a larger role in providing patient care, including administering vaccines and managing…