Ecuador’s constitutional court has decriminalized euthanasia, making it the second Latin American country to do so. The decision was made in a case brought by a patient with a progressive neurological disease. Seven out of nine judges voted in favor of the decision, allowing doctors to end the life of a seriously and chronically ill…
A recent study analyzed data from over 4,500 adults aged 70 and older in order to provide details on out-of-pocket expenses for people with dementia. The study found that long-term care costs create a significant financial burden, with the median adult with dementia in residential facilities spending 97% of their monthly income on long-term care….
The UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry has opened a special-care dental clinic for people with disabilities in South Texas. It includes specially designed treatment rooms and a “Zen Den” to reduce anxiety. The clinic has seven dental treatment rooms and five rooms equipped with the capability to deliver conscious sedation. It serves several…
Pediatric nurse and mother, Claire Park, has been struggling with atopic dermatitis (AD) on her hands, leading to nighttime itching that disrupts her sleep. Research has found that many people with AD have trouble sleeping due to itching. Poor sleep due to AD can impact mental function, emotional well-being, and quality of life. The relationship…
A population-based cohort study found that women consuming even modest amounts of fructose from sugar-sweetened beverages are more likely to have elevated androgen levels, with implications for conditions such as acne and hirsutism. The study included 136,384 individuals and found that consuming at least 10g/day of fructose from sugar-sweetened beverages was linked to lower SHBG…
Researchers found that the Atlantic Diet, a traditional diet from Portugal and northwest Spain, can help reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome consists of elevated blood pressure, sugar, triglycerides, abdominal fat, and low HDL cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. The diet emphasizes fish, seafood, starch-based foods, and moderate…
A parliamentary panel in India has noted a significant shortage of MBBS and PG medical seats, with demand far exceeding supply. There is a growing need to increase the number of medical seats in order to accommodate the increasing demand for healthcare professionals. The panel has recognized the need to address this issue and has…
Metagenomi, a company focused on gene-editing tools to correct disease-causing mutations, raised $93.75 million from its IPO, priced at $15 per share. Its research uses high-throughput screening and AI technology to mine novel proteins. The company aims to develop new gene-editing tools capable of correcting any genetic mutation. Metagenomi’s preclinical pipeline spans 13 programs targeting…
The Mental Health Commission (MHC) has reappointed John Farrelly as its chief executive for the next five years. Farrelly has 35 years of experience in health and social care services and has led the MHC since October 2018. He was responsible for enhancing the quality and safety of Ireland’s inpatient mental health services and overseeing…
The 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure recommends quadruple therapy with an angiotensin receptor-neurolysin inhibitor (ARNI), beta blocker, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA), and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The article reviews the categories of heart failure, mechanisms, indications, contraindications, and adverse effects…
Los legisladores de Colorado están proponiendo medidas para mejorar el acceso a recursos de salud mental en la industria agrícola del estado, donde el estrés, la ansiedad y la depresión entre los trabajadores en ranchos y granjas son problemas críticos. Las medidas abordan la necesidad de tratamiento en áreas rurales y se enfocan en conectar…
Aurobindo, a large generic drug maker, has temporarily halted some production in India after U.S. inspectors found quality-control issues at one of its key facilities. The inspection identified nine issues at the plant in Telangana, prompting the company to stop production on some lines. Aurobindo plans to fix the problems with the help of consultants…
Don Bethune joined Papworth as a consultant in 1969 after training in hospitals in Newcastle and London. He was a pioneer in the operation and management of life support during open heart surgery, working with the relatively primitive heart-lung machine. He was the first consultant at Papworth with a special interest in open heart surgery…
Heart attack symptoms in women are different from men, often manifesting as sweating, nausea, dizziness, and unusual fatigue, which may occur while resting or asleep. Women should recognize their unique symptoms and work to reduce their risk of heart disease. Risk factors include diabetes, mental stress and depression, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, menopause, broken heart syndrome,…
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have discovered a new link between APOE4 and Alzheimer’s disease. A study found that APOE4 increases the risk of the disease by compromising the function of brain cells known as astrocytes. APOE4 alters the composition of lipid droplets within astrocytes, which ultimately impairs their ability to clean up toxic…
Atopic dermatitis (AD) can cause red, itchy skin flares linked to food allergies, but only 30% of people with AD have food triggers. It’s important to see a doctor before eliminating foods. Young children are more prone to AD, but about 90% outgrow it by age five. A food allergy causes hives, not AD, and…
An analysis of health records found that people using GLP-1 medications for weight loss or diabetes were less likely to develop new diagnoses of depression or anxiety. This correlation was observed among both diabetics and non-diabetic weight loss patients, especially with the drug tirzepatide. While promising, the study’s findings are not conclusive, and it’s unclear…
The article explains that dry eyes can cause discomfort and blurred vision, and provides tips for selecting the best eye drops for dry eyes. It also lists the best eye drops for dry eyes, red eyes, and allergies, and provides a brief description of each product. The article emphasizes the importance of consulting an eye…
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) panel has requested further study on the safety and effectiveness of using tenecteplase at a dosage of 0.25 mg/kg for treating acute ischemic stroke. This request was made to the pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim. The study will focus on evaluating the potential risks and benefits of this treatment…
Attorneys filed suit against Johns Hopkins University and its health system, alleging that they failed to secure IT systems, resulting in a theft of sensitive patient data. The lawsuit mentions a Zero-Day flaw in the MOVEit file transfer system. Other healthcare providers, including Harris Health, have also been affected by this flaw. As more hospitals…
A new campaign called ‘I am Number 17’ has been launched in Ireland to raise awareness about rare diseases. The campaign features 17 people sharing their stories to promote understanding of rare diseases in the country. One in 17 people in Ireland will be affected by a rare disease, and the campaign aims to spotlight…
Fruquintinib plus paclitaxel has shown promising results as a second-line treatment option for patients with advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer. The combination improved responses and progression-free survival (PFS) compared to paclitaxel alone, and there was a trend toward improved overall survival (OS) with fruquintinib. The FRUTIGA trial included 703 patients with advanced gastric…
The tech-enabled mental health platform Headlight has launched with $18 million in funding and offers in-network access to treatment for a variety of mental health conditions. The company aims to improve clinician and patient experience, and plans to use the funding to expand its reach nationally. UK-based SaaS company Lilli, which utilizes AI and machine…
The Food and Drug Administration is planning to propose a ban on formaldehyde in hair-straightening products, which are popular among Black women. The proposal comes after mounting evidence of health risks related to these products, including an increased risk of hormone-driven cancers. Critics say the proposed ban does not go far enough, as it focuses…
STAT publishes selected Letters to the Editor in response to First Opinion essays for robust, good-faith discussion. Jason Karlawish’s article on Aduhelm’s approval process raises concerns about the roles and incentives of pharmaceutical companies and the FDA. John Haaga supports Karlawish’s points and advocates for public funding of FDA and NIH research for objectivity. Adina…
John Humphrey Wilfred Shaw was a medical doctor who studied at St John’s College, Cambridge, and later joined St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London in 1953. He worked as a GP in Redhill for 34 years and was the managing partner from 1985. After retiring in 1997, he attended literature classes and did research, publishing several…
A study presented during the February 2024 session of the American Society for Clinical Oncology Plenary Series shows that triplet therapy of belantamab mafodotin (belamaf) plus bortezomib and dexamethasone significantly improves outcomes for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), with an acceptable safety profile. The trial found that the median progression-free survival (PFS)…
Distek, Inc. introduces the BIOne 250 Bioprocess Controller, a cost-effective solution for microbial bioprocessing. This model is a process optimized design of the BIOne 1250 benchtop bioreactor system, with a user-friendly interface and scalability for evolving needs. It offers sophisticated functionality and integrates with other bioprocess equipment. The controller’s reliability and precision ensure consistent and…
George Kramb, 29, from San Diego, struggled with what he thought was severe dry skin for years. It was flaky, irritated, and cracked, especially in the winter. He tried over-the-counter ointments without success until he was diagnosed with atopic dermatitis (AD) in his teens. AD causes itchy rashes, skin discoloration, pain, and thickened skin. It’s…
A study found that over half of over-the-counter topical scar products contain allergens. Researchers searched for scar products on various retail websites and found 156 products. Of those, 55.2% contained at least one North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) allergen, with fragrance, phenoxyethanol, parabens, panthenol, and sodium benzoate being the most common. The study also…
Nutrition is crucial for overall health and well-being, especially when it comes to heart health. To improve heart health through diet, it is important to understand expert recommendations on what to eat and what to avoid. Heart-healthy foods include sardines, green tea, and flaxseeds, while it is important to limit the intake of high-fat dairy…
A Parliamentary panel has advised the Health Ministry to keep the evaluation criteria for the NExT exam moderate, allowing ample time for preparation and to release the schedule early. They emphasized the need for a balanced approach to the evaluation process to ensure fairness for all candidates. The panel’s recommendation aims to reduce stress and…
The direct-to-consumer model of healthcare is becoming popular due to its easy access and reduced bureaucracy. However, it lacks continuity of care and efficient follow-up. The provider-to-consumer model aims to address these issues, offering the same benefits as DTC but with better follow-up care and reimbursement for providers. Both models provide easy access to care,…
A new study on climate change resilient healthcare has received almost €2.5 million in funding from the Health Research Board. Led by Prof Deirdre Bennett of University College Cork, the program aims to prepare healthcare professionals to actively contribute to resolving the climate crisis. The study, titled ‘Educating Healthcare Professionals for Climate Change Resilient and…
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that invasive breast cancer incidence among US women aged 20 to 49 years increased from 2000 to 2019, with a significant increase after 2016. The study included 217,815 women, and the incidence varied by race and hormone receptor status. The highest incidence rates were seen in non-Hispanic…
Hologic has received FDA clearance to market its Genius Digital Diagnostics System, which integrates AI with imaging technology to aid in detecting cervical cancer cells. The system, already available in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, will be launched commercially later this year. By digitizing glass slides for analysis through the AI algorithm, the system claims…
The covid-19 pandemic in America was predicted to be a wake-up call about the care of vulnerable older adults. The death toll and the chaos in nursing homes and reports of seniors suffering from isolation, depression, and neglect were shocking. There have been around 900,000 older adult deaths due to covid-19, but hoped-for decisive actions…
Special counsel Robert Hur’s report on President Biden’s handling of classified documents focused on the President’s age and alleged memory issues. Medical professionals are skeptical of armchair diagnoses. Memory and aging expert Joel Kramer noted that memory decline with age is not inevitable, and that memory issues in older age do not necessarily indicate underlying…
George Parks had a long and successful career in the medical field. After completing a fellowship at St Mark’s Hospital and the Royal London Hospital, he became a consultant surgeon at Armagh City and South Tyrone Hospital in 1970. In 1971, he took up a position as senior lecturer and consultant surgeon at the Royal…
A study by the Netherlands Cancer Institute found that a new multitarget stool test for colorectal cancer precursors was more effective at detecting these precursors than the current fecal immunochemical test (FIT). This new mtFIT test measures hemoglobin and two additional proteins and can reduce the number of new colorectal cancer cases and mortality resulting…
Researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine have received £2 million in funding to develop vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics. The funding is part of a larger award to establish a GlycoCell Engineering Biology Mission Hub at the University of Nottingham. The hub will focus on unlocking the potential of sugars, called glycans,…
High cholesterol puts you at risk for heart disease, but there are ways to control it. Lower your LDL cholesterol and raise your HDL cholesterol by making simple lifestyle changes. For example, avoiding trans fats, losing weight, getting enough exercise, and incorporating soluble fiber, omega-3 fats, and healthy oils into your diet can help. Reducing…
The content discusses the challenges of treating advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in organ transplant recipients. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors is limited due to the potential risk of organ rejection. Organ transplant recipients have a higher risk of developing cSCC, and treatment options are limited due to the impact of immunosuppressant medications….
Gut health is crucial for overall bodily function, affecting digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, metabolism, and mental health. Prioritizing gut health supports reduced inflammation, enhanced digestion, and lower risk of chronic diseases. The article introduces the top 5 gut health supplements: ColonBroom, Simply Nature’s Promise – ColonSweep, Dr. Tobias Colon 14 Day Cleanse, Health Plus…
A study found that the superior trunk block (STB) is an effective phrenic-sparing alternative to the interscalene block for shoulder arthroscopy. The STB was found to provide comparable analgesia and motor block while avoiding the potential risk of phrenic nerve paralysis associated with the interscalene block. The study suggests that the STB can be a…
Everly Health is partnering with the National Kidney Foundation to improve education around chronic kidney disease and expanding its diabetes monitoring and kidney health testing suite for health plans and employers. Through this partnership, Everly Health’s health plan customers will identify patients at risk for chronic kidney disease, such as those with diabetes, and send…
A new drug combination, enfortumab vedotin in combination with pembrolizumab, has been found to significantly reduce the risk of death in patients with advanced bladder cancer. The treatment improved median overall survival by over 15 months and almost doubled the length of median progression-free survival compared to standard chemotherapy. The Phase 3 trial involved 886…
A study in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that pediatric patients receiving veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) for severe heart disease have a short-term mortality of 45.6%. The analysis included 28 studies with 1736 patients, showing a lower mortality rate for children with acute fulminant myocarditis compared to those with congenital heart…
Unlearn, an AI-enabled company, raised $50 million in Series C funding, bringing its total raise to over $130 million. The company creates digital twins of clinical trial participants using machine learning, providing researchers with insight into the participants’ health outcomes. Unlearn aims to run smaller clinical trials more quickly, and plans to invest in its…
The Senate Finance Committee discussed the use of artificial intelligence in health care. Democrats want regulations for AI to prevent biased recommendations that result in inadequate or inappropriate care. The committee’s chairman, Ron Wyden, expressed concern about flawed algorithms and AI systems and has proposed the “Algorithmic Accountability Act.” The debate over the need for…