The content discusses the racial and ethnic disparities in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. It emphasizes the need to address these disparities and provide equal access to treatment and care for all patients, regardless of race or ethnicity. The article highlights the importance of understanding and addressing these disparities in order to improve outcomes for all individuals…
A study found that routine histopathology reports on melanoma patients can help predict which patients are most likely to develop immune-related adverse events while taking immune checkpoint inhibitors. The study evaluated 511 patients and found that the presence of lymphovascular invasion and NRAS mutation were associated with increased odds of developing all-grade immune-related adverse events….
The CDC has warned of an urgent need to increase vaccine coverage for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV to prevent a strain on the healthcare system due to rising cases of respiratory illnesses. The surge in influenza, COVID-19, and RSV hospitalizations has prompted the warning, with 12 pediatric deaths from influenza reported. Low vaccination rates are…
Genicular artery embolization has been found to improve knee function in patients with knee osteoarthritis for up to 3 months. This minimally invasive procedure targets the genicular arteries that supply blood to the knee joint, reducing pain and improving overall function. By blocking these arteries, the procedure can provide relief for those suffering from knee…
Bristol Myers Squibb has announced a $4.1 billion deal to acquire clinical-stage RayzeBio, a company focused on developing radiopharmaceuticals for cancer treatment. RayzeBio’s lead program RYZ101 is in Phase 3 testing for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and also in Phase 1b testing for small cell lung cancer. The acquisition is part of a trend of big…
Researchers used a case-control design with Mendelian randomization analyses to examine the link between sleep traits and biological aging risk. They found that shorter sleep duration and increased insomnia symptoms were associated with a higher risk of biological aging. These findings suggest that poor sleep habits may contribute to accelerated biological aging processes. The study…
investment partner Jay Rughani reflected on the challenges faced in healthcare in 2023, including health worker burnout, staffing shortages, and health disparities. However, he remains optimistic about the potential of digital health and modern technology to improve efficiency and accessibility in healthcare. Rughani discussed the potential of AI in healthcare for 2024, focusing on implementing…
Dr. Ursula Schmidt-Erfurth discusses the use of AI-based OCT analysis for geographic atrophy at the FLORetina-ICOOR meeting. These tools help identify disease biomarkers and select patients for new complement inhibition treatments. They also allow for monitoring of treatment efficacy, providing crucial information for clinical management. Schmidt-Erfurth emphasizes the importance of this breakthrough in helping patients…
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals that hospitals acquired by private equity firms experience a 25% increase in adverse events compared to non-acquired hospitals. The research also suggests that all of the hospital-acquired conditions they studied increased three years after a private equity acquisition compared to control hospitals. This…
Scientific knowledge about the human brain has seen a significant shift in the last few years, leading to a golden age of molecular neuroscience. The Douglas-Bell Canada Brain Bank (DBCBB) has collected over 3,600 specimens over the past 40 years, contributing to numerous discoveries about neurological and psychiatric diseases. Leading researchers around the world are…
A recent study shows that the severity of amyloid deposition in the brain is more important than age in determining who will benefit from treatments to slow down Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers examined the relationship between amyloid deposition and new dementia cases in 94 individuals who were cognitively healthy when the study began and found that…
Most people do not pay attention to the health of their gallbladder, but it plays an important role in collecting and storing bile. Gallstones can develop and interfere with the gallbladder’s functioning, causing symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea that lead to surgical removal of the gallbladder. Risk factors include obesity, highly processed foods,…
A study involving medical students found that challenges in family planning impact career choice and delay childbearing. The study focused on fourth-year medical students at the University of Toronto, whose average age ranged between 24 and 33, and 23 out of 34 were women. The study noted that surgical specialties offer less support for family…
According to Dr. Pallatheri Nambi Namboodiri, director of the Nagarjuna Ayurveda Hospital, eating with hands can contribute to a balanced metabolism, leading to overall well-being. Eating with hands engages all senses and can enhance the taste and satisfaction of food, leading to potentially eating more, according to a 2019 study. Additionally, it allows for a…
The Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Chandigarh, India is seeking a Senior Lecturer for their institution. The position is at the University Institute of Nursing, which is affiliated with the University of Punjab. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in Nursing and at least three years of teaching experience. The application…
The healthcare industry is facing a workforce crisis, with issues around employee retention and support. AdventHealth has implemented strategies to gather employee feedback and make changes accordingly. CEO Terry Shaw emphasized the importance of understanding the needs and challenges of frontline workers in order to support them effectively. By seeking feedback from all departments, the…
New legislation prohibiting the sale of e-cigarettes to individuals under the age of 18 has been enacted by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly. The law also prohibits the sale of nicotine inhaling products to minors and carries a penalty of a fine up to €4,000 and/or a prison term of up to six months. A public…
Pakistani telemedicine startup Sehat Kahani has raised $2.7 million in a Series A funding round led by Amaanah Circle from Singapore. The startup, founded by two women doctors in 2017, connects patients with a network of 7,500 doctors within 60 seconds. It also offers on-demand laboratory services and online medicine delivery. The funding will be…
Rheumatoid arthritis patients often cycle through multiple drugs before finding relief, due to insurer and pharmacy benefit manager influence. The best-selling drug in history, Humira, is typically the first prescription offered, despite only providing significant relief to half of patients. A new blood test called PrismRA has the potential to revolutionize treatment by identifying patients…
ZimVie has reached an agreement to sell its spine business to H.I.G. Capital for $375 million. After the transaction, ZimVie will receive $315 million in cash and a $60 million promissory note. They plan to use the proceeds to reduce debt and streamline operations. The sale is intended to create a leaner, more focused ZimVie…
Bristol Myers Squibb is set to acquire Karuna Therapeutics for $14 billion, valuing Karuna at $330 per share, a 53% premium to its Thursday price. The deal centers on a drug called KarXT, designed to treat schizophrenia. KarXT is under FDA review and, if approved next year, would introduce the first new class of medicines…
Most pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting, colloquially referred to as morning sickness. For some, it is mild, while for others, it can be severe and life-changing. The term “morning sickness” is a misnomer, as symptoms can occur throughout the day. The most severe form is called hyperemesis gravidarum, affecting up to 3.6% of pregnant…
The jellyfish species Cladonema can regenerate a missing tentacle in two to three days through the formation of a blastema, a clump of undifferentiated cells. These stem-like proliferative cells (SLPCs) appear during the injury and contribute to the formation and regeneration of the tentacle’s epithelial layer. The resident stem cells in or near the tentacle…
Heart disease is the top cause of death for U.S. adults, and the risk for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AIN) women is particularly high during pregnancy and spans generations. To reduce this risk, the American Heart Association (AHA) released its first set of scientific guidelines for cardiovascular health in AI/AN women of childbearing age. These guidelines…
At the French Urology Association’s 2023 conference, Dr. Charlotte Methorst and Dr. Carol Burté discussed the importance of doctors being involved in the detection, assessment, and treatment of female sexual dysfunction. They emphasized the need to spot sexual dysfunction, which can impact quality of life and relationships, and can also be a symptom of other…
The beauty industry is experiencing a transformative shift with the rise of LED beauty devices. As the global market for LED beauty devices is projected to grow significantly, factors such as increased consumer awareness of skin care and the desire for at-home beauty solutions are contributing to the surge in demand. GLO24K is at the…
A study has found that low eosinophil counts in critically ill patients may be a predictor of infection. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that play a role in the immune response to parasites and certain infections. The study suggests that monitoring eosinophil levels may help identify patients at risk for infection, potentially…
The US healthcare system has the highest costs globally, leading to medical expenses as the main cause of bankruptcy. Many Americans avoid treatment due to costs, with $90B borrowed to pay for healthcare. While consumers struggle, UnitedHealth Group reported record revenue of $359.98B. The article shares a personal experience of being overcharged for routine healthcare…
Dr. Catherine Conlon examines the impact of smartphones on children and parents’ attitudes towards them as Christmas gifts. Education Minister Norma Foley advised against giving smartphones to children, and a survey supported her stance. The Department of Education issued guidelines for parents and plans to support schools in developing voluntary codes for smartphone use. Experts…
This year, state and local governments have received $1.5 billion in court settlements from prescription painkiller companies for their role in the opioid crisis. The companies are expected to pay over $50 billion. Opioid settlement funds are being used for addiction treatment and naloxone, but states lack transparency on spending. Settlements require changes in business…
The FDA approved the first triple-combination gel, IDP-126, for acne treatment, and also recommended modifications to the iPledge REMS for isotretinoin users. The most read Healio acne story this year was the FDA’s approval of IDP-126, followed by a study finding that IDP-126 improves patients’ quality of life compared to vehicle. Other important updates in…
Bristol Myers Squibb is going to buy Karuna Therapeutics for $14 billion. This deal will allow Bristol to enter the market for drugs treating psychiatric and neurological diseases, as its blockbuster drug Abilify has been facing competition. Karuna has an experimental drug undergoing FDA review for treating schizophrenia and other conditions, which could generate over…
A recent study at Haverford College found that mind-wandering varies based on different cognitive tasks. The researchers measured electrical activity in the brain using EEG while participants completed the sustained attention to response task (SART) and the Stroop selective attention task. They found that mind-wandering was associated with increased P2 amplitudes during the Stroop task,…
Patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were treated with diosmin, a flavonoid supplement derived from citrus fruits. The treatment resulted in reduced swelling of the knee and leg, as well as lower pain scores during motion. The treatment did not increase short-term complications. Swelling and pain scores at rest were not significantly different between the…
Heart failure occurs when the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently, leading to fluid buildup in the body. The main symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, fluid accumulation and swelling in the legs and abdomen, stomach pain, weight gain, and fatigue. As the condition progresses, everyday activities become increasingly challenging. Seek medical attention if you…
The FDA has issued a warning about counterfeit semaglutide (Ozempic) products in the US drug supply, specifically those labelled with lot number NAR0074 and serial number 430834149057. The agency is investigating thousands of units of the 1-mg injection product and has confirmed that the pen needles, labels, and packaging are fake, posing a potential infection…
Cooking for large gatherings can be a challenge, as it’s important to have enough food for everyone without having too many leftovers. However, having some leftovers can be useful for post-celebration recovery. It’s important to cook at the right temperature and ensure that food is served and cooled safely. Leftovers should be stored in airtight…
A doctor from the Forensic Science department at GSVM Medical College was brutally attacked by a group of miscreants, leading to the arrest of three individuals. The incident reflects a concerning trend of violence against healthcare workers, prompting the need for better security measures and protections in medical facilities. The use of cookies on the…
A new healthcare startup, Guidehealth, recently acquired Arcadia’s value-based care service division, aiming to advance the industry’s transformation to value-based care. The founders, Sanjay Doddamani and Michael Gleeson, saw a need for technology to help health systems succeed in value-based care arrangements while maintaining financial stability. Guidehealth’s platform uses predictive analytics to improve providers’ financial…
The World Anti-Doping Code, published by WADA, sets anti-doping regulations for all sports and countries. The Prohibited List of Substances and Methods, part of the Code, identifies banned substances and methods for in-competition and out-of-competition, as well as in specific sports. The 2024 Prohibited List, recently released by WADA, includes new regulations such as the…
Oscoda, Michigan is the first community where harmful PFAS chemicals were found contaminating water caused by a nearby military installation. The Air Force has taken some steps to contain the chemicals, but cleanup efforts are costly and complex. PFAS chemicals have been linked to harmful health conditions such as cancer, and communities with PFAS-contaminated water…
The biotech newsletter has announced its final edition of 2023 and will resume on January 3. The newsletter covers key updates in biotech, including Bristol Myers Squibb’s purchase of Karuna Therapeutics and the FDA approval of a new medicine for a rare nerve disease. The biotech sector is experiencing volatility, with the XBI biotech index…
The holiday season often involves family tensions and arguments, but experts in psychology and mental health offer advice on how to manage gatherings. It is important for people to know why they are participating in potentially tense situations and to manage their expectations. It’s also important to avoid contentious subjects, and if they come up,…
The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania conducted a study and determined that liver cancer screenings among cirrhosis patients almost doubled after mailing in signed orders from their specialist. Additionally, the study showed that the inclusion of a $20 incentive with the mailed orders didn’t make a difference in patient participation. According…
Bouba Diemé was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy in 2012 and later found out he has a congenital heart condition. He has made lifestyle changes to manage his condition, including finding calm through meditation and therapy, adjusting his exercise routine, and focusing on nutrition. He has learned to live with the condition and is embracing it….
A new study has shown that monoclonal antibodies used to treat acute COVID-19 infection could also be effective against long COVID. It was found that three patients with long COVID in Florida experienced complete and sudden recoveries after receiving the monoclonal antibody treatment Regeneron. Symptoms such as fatigue, chest pain, and shortness of breath improved…
A survey by the American Heart Association found that holidays are more stressful than tax season, causing people to overlook their health needs. 79% of participants neglected their own needs while creating special moments for others. The demands of the holiday season can be overwhelming, causing stress and taking weeks or even months to recover…
A study in JAMA found that maintaining ideal cardiovascular health can reduce the risk of all-cause mortality in individuals with high-normal levels of urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). This highlights the importance of cardiovascular health in overall mortality outcomes, even for those with elevated UACR levels. The study suggests that focusing on cardiovascular health may be…
Knownwell, a primary care and metabolic health company, raised $20 million in Series A financing and launched an adolescent metabolic health program. The Boston-based company offers virtual and in-person care to patients in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. Knownwell provides weight-inclusive primary care, metabolic health treatment, and support from registered dietitians, as well as…
A €2.5 million funding study will investigate the barriers preventing women from breastfeeding. Led by the UCC School of Nursing and Midwifery, the project aims to shift the focus from individual women to addressing government policy, legal protections, health systems, communities, and workplaces to support breastfeeding. The study will prioritize women-centered breastfeeding care and improve…