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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…

Understanding haematological changes in older patients is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, according to Theresa Lowry-Lehnen. With aging, the haematological system undergoes significant alterations, impacting the management of various haematological disorders. For example, older individuals are predisposed to specific haematological conditions due to changes in red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), platelets, and…

A Lancet study found that classic signs of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) are rare in children and adolescents. Researchers concluded that diagnosis should be based on LDL-C concentration and genetic confirmation. The study, which included 63,093 individuals in 48 countries, found that universal screening for HeFH in childhood is crucial to narrowing the gap between…

In-home care provider DispatchHealth has partnered with grocery delivery company Instacart to prescribe food to patients using Instacart Health. DispatchHealth offers in-home urgent care medical visits, with a clinician arriving within two hours. Instacart Health provides tools for providers to create curated shops, recommend healthy recipes, and build tailored grocery lists for patients. The partnership…

In New Hampshire’s Democratic and GOP primaries, voters expressed health care concerns, but many were primarily motivated by their opinion of Trump. Most voters interviewed by KFF Health News mentioned Trump as a factor in their voting decision, while still expressing concerns about health care access and costs. Some voters, particularly Democrats, voted for Biden…

The study found that alpha-gal IgE antibodies resulting from a tick bite were associated with musculoskeletal symptoms, particularly knee pain. This was true even in patients with no evidence of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. The study was conducted in a population with high levels of tick exposure and osteoarthritis. The researchers also found…

The Dog Aging Project, which researches the aging process of almost 50,000 companion dogs, is at risk after losing funding from the National Institute on Aging. However, the co-founders are not giving up and plan to resubmit for funding, while also striving to get donations for their nonprofit Dog Aging Institute. They have received small…

Practical Prescribing is a series aimed at medical and non-medical prescribers, focusing on commonly prescribed medicines and promoting shared decision making. An example case presented is a 55-year-old man with high cholesterol after a transient ischaemic attack, prompting discussion of statin treatment. Statins are widely prescribed, with over 145 million users globally and 7.5 million…

A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health showed that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can have a positive impact on anxiety disorders in children, by improving both clinical symptoms as well as brain functioning. The findings of the study reveal that CBT led to a decrease in anxiety symptoms and improved brain connectivity, particularly…

A global research study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed a negative impact on diabetes patients. Sight loss and non-COVID-related deaths among those with diabetes increased, particularly among children and adolescents. Direct impacts of the pandemic on diabetes management included significantly more severe new cases of Type 1 diabetes. Additionally, diabetes-related mortality rose during the…

A new report highlights the impact of loneliness on the health of people who are obese, showing that social and mental health factors are important in improving overall health. Research found that social isolation is a greater risk factor for mortality, including cancer and cardiovascular disease, than depression, anxiety, and lifestyle risk factors. The study…

A recent study suggests that assisted reproductive technology (ART), a potential mediator between BMI and twin births, explains 23% of the association in obese women with a BMI of 30-40. The study involved over half a million deliveries and found an increased proportion of ART in women with higher BMIs. The rate of twin deliveries…

Intermittent fasting is a popular weight loss strategy that involves alternate periods of eating and fasting. Different methods include time-restricted eating, alternate-day fasting, twice-a-week fasting, and once-a-week 24-hour fast. Some potential health benefits of intermittent fasting include improved weight loss, blood sugar control, and heart health. However, long-term studies are still needed to fully understand…

AIIMS Deoghar has issued a notification regarding the schedule for the payment of exam fee and the release of admit cards for the first professional supplementary MBBS exam. The notification also includes information about the use of cookies for analytics, advertising, and site improvement. By continuing to use the site, users agree to the use…

Technology in healthcare has evolved over the last 50 years to meet the needs of clinicians and patients. Three technology trends expected in 2024 include immediate access to emerging evidence, the use of generative AI, and the demand for easy-to-consume information that can be trusted. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for quick access…

The annual GP Study Day at Bon Secours Hospital Cork took place on January 20, 2024 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork. The event was documented with photos by Gerard McCarthy. The study day likely featured presentations and workshops aimed at providing continuing education and professional development opportunities for general practitioners. The event is likely…

A study published in Hypertension found that Hispanic and Latina women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy have long-term cardiac structural alterations. The rate of these disorders has doubled in the US among Hispanic/Latina and Black women. The study, based on data from the Hispanic Community Health Study, found that these women had…

CardioSignal, a tech-enabled heart disease detection company, has secured $10 million in Series A funding, bringing its total raise to $23 million. DigiTx Partners led the round with participation from Sandwater and existing investor Maki.vc. The company uses gyroscope and accelerometer motion data from smartphone sensors to analyze cardiac motion and detect heart diseases. The…

Medicare Advantage plans are increasingly popular, with 30.8 million Americans enrolled. However, once you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan, it may be difficult to switch back to traditional Medicare. Advantage plans can be appealing due to lower costs and additional benefits, but they also have limitations on hospitals and doctors. The Biden administration recently issued…

The FDA has approved generic febuxostat 40 mg and 80 mg tablets, a generic version of Uloric, for the management of chronic hyperuricemia in adult patients with gout. The tablets will be manufactured at Lupin’s facility in India and are estimated to have an annual U.S. sales of $27 million. This announcement follows the FDA…

Steward Health Care, a for-profit health system in Eastern Massachusetts, is facing financial distress and may have to close some facilities. Regulators are working to prevent layoffs and the loss of care. Steward runs nine hospitals in Boston suburbs and underserved areas, but has had financial difficulties for the past three years. The health system…

Primary care networks (PCNs) were established in 2019 as groups of general practices working together to provide services for a local population. Each PCN receives a budget for additional staff, such as pharmacists and physiotherapists, based on the number of patients. However, the setup has led to complicated situations, with some practices merging and others…

Finding the right therapist is an important step for those considering therapy. Dr. Eric Storch, a psychologist from Baylor College of Medicine, outlines the importance of connecting and feeling comfortable with a therapist. Different therapists specialize in different treatment approaches, so finding one with expertise in the specific issue is important. For example, cognitive behavioral…

Parkinson’s disease is complex, with some forms caused by genetics and others by environmental factors. A new model called SynNeurGe classifies the disease based on biology rather than clinical diagnosis. This model includes factors such as alpha-synuclein, neurodegeneration, and genetics to identify and classify patients. The focus is on identifying patients before symptoms appear and…

Menstrual migraines are common and there are many treatment options available to help manage the pain and discomfort. These migraines are typically more severe and last longer than regular migraines, often occurring 2 days before to 3 days after the period. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, particularly the sudden drop in estrogen, are the…