Dentistry

The use of AI in radiology did not reduce burnout among radiologists in China, according to a recent study. The FDA’s categorization of AI medical devices as “CADt” may contribute to this issue, as these devices can only prioritize patient scans without indicating specific findings. The FDA’s digital health advisory committee also discussed the challenges…

The COP29 climate talks in Baku concluded with a finance deal that promised at least $300bn a year for low and middle income countries by 2035 to phase out fossil fuels and adapt to climate change. This was seen as a significant improvement from the previous target of $100bn set in 2009, but fell short…

Generation Z is shifting drinking habits, consuming less alcohol compared to previous generations. This trend is global, with a decline in alcohol use among U.S. adults aged 18 to 34 and a decreased priority on spending on alcoholic beverages in the UK. Factors driving this change include growing health consciousness, increased awareness of alcohol’s health…

University of Chicago Medicine researchers are focused on understanding and providing accessible treatment for primary progressive aphasia (PPA), a rare form of dementia that impairs language abilities over time. They have found that PPA significantly impacts quality of life and have demonstrated the feasibility of international telemedicine interventions. Their studies have shown that PPA affects…

A study conducted in Sweden from 2006 to 2023 found that the use of the GLP-1 receptor agonists semaglutide and liraglutide was associated with a lower risk of alcohol use disorder (AUD) related hospitalizations compared to traditional AUD medications. Participants using semaglutide had the lowest risk of AUD-related hospitalization, followed by participants using liraglutide. Both…

Vaping is often seen as a safer alternative to smoking, but a recent study found that it still affects circulation and overall health. The study, to be presented at the RSNA meeting, showed that vaping can impact brain circulation and decrease blood flow in the superficial femoral artery. This was observed in both e-cigarettes with…

Cortica, a provider for children with autism and neurodivergent conditions, secured $80 million in funding led by Morgan Health and Nexus NeuroTech Ventures. The company offers a variety of services including therapy and diagnostic testing at 24 locations across eight states. This funding will help Cortica expand nationally, invest in technology, and transition to value-based…

Dr. Ray O’Connor reviews recent clinical papers on osteoporosis treatment. Osteoporosis is defined by low bone mass and increased risk of fractures. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measures bone mineral density. FRAX, a fracture risk calculator, helps determine further investigation and treatment. Treatment decisions should be tailored based on individual risk factors. Osteoporosis also affects children and…

Two rival hospitals in Terre Haute, Indiana, withdrew their merger application amidst backlash just before the state was set to rule. The proposed merger between Union Health and Terre Haute Regional Hospital would have created a medical monopoly in the county and left residents with only one hospital operator. The hospitals sought the merger under…

Approximately 20% of patients meeting the 2016 fibromyalgia criteria report post-exertional malaise, which may be key to understanding long COVID and fatigue in patients with rheumatic diseases. Chronic fatigue is the dominant symptom in patients with long COVID, and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is important in patients with rheumatic and autoimmune diseases. A study examined…

John Kilian and Allison Cecil, both supporters of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement, have differing views on vaccines. Kilian, a retired professional in Connecticut, sees the benefits of vaccines and plans to get a flu shot. Cecil, a teacher in Kentucky, is skeptical of vaccine ingredients and hesitant about giving them…

Maurice King was not ambitious for prestigious titles but wanted to make the world a better place. He believed in improving healthcare and expressed his ideas in a way that was sometimes misunderstood. In 1990, a Guardian news story misinterpreted his paper, “Health is a sustainable state,” as advocating for sick children in developing countries…

A comprehensive analysis of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists shows significant benefits in kidney and cardiovascular outcomes for individuals with and without diabetes. GLP-1 receptor agonists are known for treating diabetes and obesity by mimicking glucagon-like peptide 1 hormone actions. A meta-analysis of 11 clinical trials involving over 85,000 participants confirmed a 19% reduction in…

Depressed individuals who try to suppress their initial emotional responses to negative memories may have a low tolerance for distress and are more likely to experience increased suicidal thoughts in response to stress. A study in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging aimed to understand how stress contributes to suicide risk in depression. Suicide rates…

Bird flu is a growing concern for humans with over 55 cases reported in the US this year. The virus, H5N1, has been circulating worldwide since 1996 and is now affecting various animals, including dairy cattle. While the current virus strain is less lethal and not spreading among humans, experts worry about the potential for…

Meditation cushions are essential tools to enhance comfort and promote proper posture during meditation sessions. They elevate the hips, alleviate strain on the lower back and knees, and help maintain proper spinal alignment. Available in various shapes, sizes, and materials, these cushions offer customizable support for individual preferences. Beyond physical benefits, using a meditation cushion…

This monograph discusses the issue of undermanaged surgical pain despite advancements in techniques. It introduces an IV formulation of meloxicam as an opioid alternative, providing up to 24 hours of pain relief. This medication has been studied in over 1,400 patients undergoing various types of surgical procedures. Source link

outcomes for certain cancer surgeries, it also found that a subset of high-volume surgeons did not achieve optimal results. This challenges the traditional belief that high-volume surgeons consistently provide high-quality care. The study presented at the ssO 2020 Annual Cancer Symposium highlighted the importance of evaluating outcomes on an individual surgeon basis, rather than solely…

Lucid Diagnostics, a subsidiary of PAVmed, has developed a quick, office-based test called EsoCheck to detect esophageal precancer in patients with heartburn or acid reflux. This test aims to address the lack of early detection programs for esophageal cancer, which is often diagnosed late with poor outcomes. EsoCheck, a noninvasive device, collects cells from the…

The FDA has proposed removing oral phenylephrine from over-the-counter medications for nasal congestion due to its ineffectiveness. They found that older studies relied on unreliable measurements for nasal congestion relief, prompting the review of newer data. Phenylephrine works by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages, making breathing easier. This proposal only affects oral phenylephrine…

Los cambios no autorizados en los planes médicos de la ACA han disminuido en las últimas semanas, según informaron los reguladores federales, con menos quejas de los consumidores. Las medidas adoptadas para prevenir problemas de inscripción y cambios de planes parecen estar funcionando, aunque también podrían ralentizar el proceso de inscripción. Los corredores son fundamentales…

A study found that up to 33.1% of adults eligible for GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment were excluded from clinical trials due to medical and psychiatric conditions. Conditions such as major depressive disorder, uncontrolled hypertension, and liver disease were common exclusion criteria. The researchers emphasized the importance of screening for these conditions before prescribing these medications,…

Alector Therapeutics announced that its Phase 2 trial for an experimental Alzheimer’s antibody, AL002, has failed. The drug was designed to activate microglia, neuronal immune cells, in an attempt to slow the progression of the neurodegenerative disease. However, in the 381-person trial, patients who received AL002 did not show slower decline compared to those on…

Al Aynsley-Green, a professor of compassionate care at the University of Northampton, highlights the importance of reintroducing compassion into healthcare services. He emphasizes that compassion involves actively doing something to help others, rather than just empathizing with them. Research has shown that compassion is often lacking in hospital cultures, leading to suboptimal care for patients…

A randomized phase 3 trial by the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group found that combining temozolomide chemotherapy with radiation therapy significantly improves the long-term survival of patients with slow-growing, low-grade gliomas compared to radiation therapy alone. The trial followed 172 patients for over 10 years and showed a 70% survival rate with combined treatment versus 47%…

A study led by UCL researchers found that the loss of brain volume associated with new immunotherapies for Alzheimer’s disease is likely due to the removal of amyloid plaques, rather than the loss of neurons or brain tissue. The excess volume loss was consistent across trials and correlated with the effectiveness of the therapy in…

GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic, are blockbuster weight loss and type 2 diabetes drugs that offer a wide range of benefits, including controlling blood sugar, significant weight loss, and potentially preventing heart attacks and strokes. Recent research suggests these drugs may also slow kidney disease progression, relieve sleep apnea, and possibly treat Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s…

Standing desks have become popular to combat the health risks of sitting at work, but new research warns that prolonged standing may negatively impact blood pressure. A study monitored the physical activity and blood pressure of 156 employees nearing retirement age. It was found that standing for long periods can increase blood pressure, leading to…

Shanda is a cardiovascular nurse with a background in horticulture, who helps hospitals and health systems to lessen their environmental footprint. She is involved in the Nurses Climate Challenge at Health Care Without Harm, where she leads a national campaign to educate 50,000 health professionals about the health effects of climate change. Shanda’s unique combination…

Retrospective studies have shown that negative emotions like anxiety and fear play a significant role in patients with breast cancer choosing contralateral prophylactic mastectomy over less invasive options. A recent randomized controlled trial further supports this claim. Rates of CPM for early-stage breast cancer are increasing despite no proven survival benefit, with various proposed reasons…

Provider credentialing is essential for ensuring physician qualifications, patient safety, and access to care. Despite advancements, there is no centralized database for credentialing data, causing delays and inefficiencies. A single source of truth for credentialing would involve a continuously updated database accessible across the healthcare sector, streamlining the verification process. This would eliminate redundant checks,…

The Western Health and Social Care Trust is seeking a Consultant Anaesthetist for their Altnagelvin location, offering a salary range of £100,400 to £132,000 per annum. The job reference number is 54589073 and the closing date for applications is Friday, 20 December 2024 at 3:30pm. Interested candidates can find the full criteria, job description, and…

Physical therapy can be necessary following an injury to regain functionality and prevent long-term negative impacts on your life. Whether it’s a car crash, slip-and-fall, or sports injury, physical therapy can help you get back on your feet. The process involves a combination of stretching, strengthening exercises, and more. Costs can vary depending on your…

Unauthorized plan switching in the Affordable Care Act has decreased, with a drop in complaints indicating progress. The annual open enrollment period is testing changes to prevent fraud by rogue agents while maintaining enrollment numbers. Tightened requirements, suspensions of agents involved in switching, and increased support operations aim to curb unauthorized changes. Despite these efforts,…

The article introduces a guest editorial by Mike Schweitz, MD, who recently retired after 42 years of practice in rheumatology. Schweitz has been involved in advocacy and leadership within the field, particularly with organizations like the Florida Society of Rheumatology and the Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations. The editorial discusses Schweitz’s passion for wine and…

UnitedHealth Group is paying its own physician practices more than other doctor groups for similar services, driving up costs for consumers and businesses. This conflict of interest allows the company to capture larger profits by paying itself higher prices for basic checkups, surgeries, and procedures. STAT’s investigation, in partnership with health analytics company Tribunus Health,…

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated three doctors for key positions in US health administration. David Weldon, a former Congressman and internist, has been chosen to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while Martin Makary, a surgeon at Johns Hopkins Medical Center, has been selected to head the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)….

New research suggests that yoga can help ease the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis on women. A study from the University of Florida found that a 10-week intervention involving yoga, mindfulness meditation, and psychotherapy skills helped reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in women with gynecological, gastrointestinal, or thoracic cancer. The program’s use of…

Researchers have found that both cigarette and e-cigarette smoking have acute negative effects on vascular function, even without nicotine. E-cigarettes are considered less harmful than tobacco cigarettes because they contain fewer chemicals and toxins. However, a study at the University of Pennsylvania revealed that vaping can still be detrimental to vascular function. Inhaled e-cigarette aerosol…

The ENBALV trial showed that Edoxaban, a direct oral anticoagulant, was as effective as or more effective than warfarin in preventing thromboembolism after bioprosthetic valve replacement surgery. The study involved 410 participants who were randomly assigned to either Edoxaban or warfarin for 12 weeks. Results showed a lower primary outcome event rate in the Edoxaban…

A recent study suggests that taking a daily dose of vitamin B3 can significantly reduce inflammation in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a long-term lung condition that causes breathing difficulties. The study found that vitamin B3 reduced lung inflammation biomarkers by up to 63%, leading to improved lung function. Additionally, the vitamin increased…

AI algorithm developed at Carolinas Medical Center accurately predicts complex hernia cases based on preoperative CT images. Algorithm determines need for component separation, ICU transfer, and risk of surgical site infection with 64%-83% accuracy. Study presented at Americas Hernia Society meeting and received Best Paper Award. AI shows promise in aiding surgeons in identifying complications….

The FDA approved pembrolizumab for adults and children with relapsed or refractory classic Hodgkin lymphoma. This decision addresses the need for improved therapies in this patient population. John emphasized the poor prognosis for patients who do not respond to initial treatment or relapse after transplantation. Pembrolizumab as monotherapy offers a new option for these individuals,…

Healthcare reimbursement is evolving, with payers increasingly using AI to manage claims, leading to more denials, delays, and appeals for providers. The lack of transparency in AI systems leaves hospitals at a disadvantage when contesting denials. Timely appeals are crucial to avoid revenue loss due to AI-driven denials. Some hospitals have tried to combat payer…

The Glenwood Resource Center in Iowa is home to a nondescript field where hundreds of people with disabilities were buried. After the facility’s closure due to allegations of poor care, advocates hope Iowa will honor those buried in the cemetery. The neglect of similar cemeteries at other shuttered facilities in the U.S. has sparked efforts…

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in cosmetic insecurities associated with working from home, a phenomenon known as “Zoom dysmorphia.” This term refers to the fixation on perceived flaws from staring at oneself in a computer screen reflection. Dermatologists have seen a rise in cosmetic consultations due to video conferencing, with patients seeking…

Health officials in California have found bird flu virus in raw milk for sale in a store, a concern due to the potential risks of consuming milk contaminated with H5N1. While the implications for human health are unknown, infected cows have high levels of the virus in their milk, leading to severe disease in some…

“The curse of knowledge” refers to the cognitive bias where individuals assume everyone knows as much as they do on a given topic. Dr. Karan Raj warned on TikTok about the dangers of kissing newborns, as their immune systems are not fully developed, making them vulnerable to serious infections. Babies can be infected with harmful…

A recent study explored the potential of urinary pentosidine as a biomarker for muscle strength and physical fitness in young adult men. The study found that higher urinary pentosidine levels were associated with lower muscle mass and grip strength. However, there was no correlation with body fat percentage. Additionally, urinary pentosidine levels were marginally related…

Rates of overweight and obesity in the United States have doubled in the last 30 years. The rise of obesity has been deemed a crisis requiring urgent action. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are now being used for weight loss, showing significant efficacy. Different obesity phenotypes have been identified to determine the best…