Researchers have identified the redox protein peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) as a critical regulator of ferroptosis, a form of oxidative cell death with potential therapeutic applications in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. PRDX6 acts as a selenium carrier protein, impacting cellular defense against oxidative stress and sensitizing cancer cells to ferroptosis while potentially protecting neurons from neurodegenerative…
Reconditioned pacemakers are shown to be as safe and effective as new ones, according to preliminary results from the My Heart Your Heart trial. This could help address the significant lack of access to lifesaving devices in low- and middle-income countries. The reuse of pacemakers from deceased individuals with enough battery life remaining was found…
A 68-year-old woman from the UK, Sheila Tooth, is thankful for AI technology that detected cancerous cells in her breast tissue that were missed by doctors during a mammogram. Despite reassurances from radiologists that there were no signs of cancer, AI technology at University Hospitals Sussex found the cancerous cells. This technology, part of a…
A study presented at a recent medical conference found that there was no difference in mortality between patients who underwent early amputation versus those treated with the intention of limb salvage for mangled extremities. Early amputation was associated with a shorter hospital stay and fewer complications, but limb salvage was linked to a longer hospital…
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on cancer patients, resulting in a higher risk of infection and severe illness, as well as a decrease in screening and surveillance efforts. Patients with cancer have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, with negative outcomes being observed on a population level. Ziad Bakouny, MD, of Dana-Farber…
Vesalius Therapeutics is changing the approach to drug research for common diseases by treating each disease as multiple diseases with different biology. Their technology creates a molecular human avatar and digital human avatar to analyze differences within diseases and match treatments to patients. The startup recently secured a $80 million deal with GSK for a…
Patients with polymyalgia rheumatica were more likely to discontinue steroids after treatment with sarilumab compared to methotrexate, according to data presented at ACR Convergence 2024. A study analyzed commercial claims data from Komodo HealthMap and found that 59% of patients using sarilumab were able to discontinue glucocorticoids within 6 months, compared to 35% for methotrexate….
Federal officials have extended the temporary rules allowing health providers to prescribe controlled substances for opioid addiction and ADHD over telehealth until the end of 2025. The extension comes after months of debate among policymakers and aims to address the urgent public health need for continued access to buprenorphine for opioid use disorder. While proponents…
In 2023, inadequate vaccination coverage led to an estimated 10.3 million cases of measles worldwide. The World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasized the need for at least 95% coverage of two doses of the measles vaccine to prevent outbreaks. Over 22 million children missed the first dose of…
A study found that adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have an increased risk of mortality associated with low income, particularly in those aged 20 to 39. The research included over 600,000 adults with T2D and over 600,000 controls without diabetes. The study showed that the risk of mortality was higher in T2D patients with…
An international research team discovered a new mechanism crucial for the production of cellular proteins that, when disrupted, causes inaccuracies in protein production through splicing. Led by Goethe University Frankfurt, the study sheds light on how mutations may lead to retinal disease and potential treatments for various diseases, including cancers, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. The mechanism…
The BPROAD trial in China showed that lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 120 mm Hg in patients with type 2 diabetes reduced the risk of cardiovascular events compared to standard treatment. The study confirmed that patients with diabetes responded similarly to those without diabetes in terms of benefit from aggressive blood pressure lowering….
A recent study has found that children born to mothers who experience psychological distress during pregnancy have a significantly higher risk of developing epilepsy in early childhood. The study showed a 70% increased risk of epilepsy among children aged 1 to 3 when their mothers experienced continuous psychological distress during pregnancy. Epilepsy is a chronic…
Calls for increased diversity in US general surgery residency programs have grown in recent years, but it is time to move beyond talk and take action. Enhancing the diversity of surgical residents is essential to create future leaders in the field, as a diverse workforce is more creative and productive. The lack of diversity in…
A study published in the Lancet shows that a combination treatment of selinexor and bortezomib once weekly, along with twice-weekly dexamethasone, is effective for patients with multiple myeloma who have been previously treated. The ongoing phase 3 Boston trial included 402 patients from 123 sites in 21 countries, randomly assigned to receive this combination treatment….
Accessing healthcare can be challenging due to mobility issues and transportation barriers, especially for those with disabilities or who are homebound. Home-based care offers a solution by providing comfort and convenience for patients and their families. However, there is a shortage of qualified caregivers to meet the growing demand. Collaboration between technology companies and caregivers…
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) recently launched its inaugural Student Nurse Ambassador Forum in Dublin, providing undergraduate student nurses with the opportunity to meet with NMBI representatives and learn about the regulator’s role in supporting them throughout their careers. The event included the presence of NMBI officials such as Carolyn Donohoe and…
Pediatrician Mona Hanna is spearheading the Rx Kids program in Flint, Michigan, offering cash aid to families to combat child poverty. The program has been successful in helping families with expenses and has sparked interest in expanding child cash benefits nationwide. However, funding challenges in rural areas like Michigan’s Upper Peninsula pose obstacles to program…
A study presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions found that elevated ambient temperature is associated with a higher likelihood of experiencing an episode of atrial fibrillation (AF) among individuals with implanted cardiac devices. The research included 2,313 patients and found that AF events were less likely in the early morning hours and on…
Intellia Therapeutics CEO John Leonard has been experiencing a repeating cycle of positive trial data announcements followed by stock price declines. The market’s skepticism towards gene-editing companies like Intellia has raised doubts about the effectiveness of their CRISPR-based drugs compared to traditional medications. However, Intellia attempted to address these concerns by releasing new data from…
Vinit was born in Mumbai, India and graduated from the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences in 1981 before moving to the UK in 1989. He worked in various hospitals before settling in north Wales and Chester, where he was known for his expertise in anaesthesia and dedication to teaching. Vinit was a respected mentor to…
A study conducted by UC Davis Health has revealed how Salmonella bacteria can invade the gut even in the presence of protective bacteria, causing food poisoning. The research explains how Salmonella manipulates the gut environment to escape the body’s natural defenses by altering the nutrient balance. This pathogen causes inflammation in the gut lining, disrupting…
Researchers have found that children born to mothers who take antiseizure medications during pregnancy may face increased risks of neurodevelopmental conditions. A study involving over three million children from the UK and Sweden has shown that exposure to certain antiseizure drugs like valproate, topiramate, and carbamazepine can lead to specific neurodevelopmental issues. However, the absolute…
Joe Cari, a physician associate in dermatology, shared a personal experience of receiving a negative online review that affected him deeply. He emphasized the importance of building emotional resilience to handle criticism and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Drawing inspiration from Stoicism, Cari encouraged clinicians to practice mindfulness, develop a support network, engage in self-care…
The WHO and CDC are warning of a resurgence of measles, with 10.3 million cases reported in 2023, a 20% increase from the previous year. Concerns are raised due to declining vaccination rates, with more than 22 million children missing their first dose. Only 74% received the recommended second dose, leading to outbreaks in 57…
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services proposed a new Physician Fee Schedule for 2021 that includes significant cuts to surgical reimbursement to fund other medical specialties. This has sparked backlash from surgical associations, concerned about the impact on surgical education and training. The decline in general surgeons in the U.S. over the past few…
study” said the researchers. The new study involved a larger sample size and multi-center collaboration, which strengthens the evidence supporting rectum-sparing management for patients with rectal cancer who have a complete or major clinical response to neoadjuvant therapy. This approach can help avoid unnecessary surgery and its associated risks and complications, while still providing effective…
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) is a game-changer in healthcare, allowing providers to monitor patients continuously and empowering patients to take control of their health. Benefits include improved blood pressure and overall health metrics. Despite these advantages, adoption of RPM is slow due to challenges in integration with existing systems, billing uncertainties, and lack of perceived…
The 2023 Annual Report of the Medical Council revealed that it received the highest number of complaints in the last five years, with a total of 353 complaints about doctors. The Council conducted 32 investigations into unregistered medical practitioners working as doctors, reporting one individual to Gardai and the Minister for Health. The report also…
California public health officials are distributing personal protective equipment to farmworkers to prevent the spread of bird flu, with at least 21 human cases confirmed in the state. Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic are being applied, such as coordinating emergency response with local health officials and tracking infectious diseases. The state has increased its…
The OPTION trial compared left atrial appendage closure with Watchman FLX device to oral anticoagulation after ablation for atrial fibrillation. The trial included 1,600 patients at moderate-high risk for stroke. Results showed similar thromboembolic protection but superior bleeding outcomes with LAA closure compared to oral anticoagulation. At 36 months, LAA closure had lower rates of…
California has identified the first case of a new mpox strain that is spreading from person to person, with the infected individual having traveled from Eastern Africa. The CDC stated that the infected person is in isolation and not currently receiving anti-mpox medication, suggesting a mild infection. This version of the virus, known as clade…
Godfrey Ripley, born in 1930, was a British psychotherapist who trained at the Tavistock Clinic in London. After interning at Hackney Hospital, he joined his father’s general practice in northwest London. He was known for his innovative approach to psychotherapy and for his work in child and adolescent mental health, particularly in the field of…
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a new microfluidic platform called ReSCUE that allows for precise control and manipulation of tumor shapes. This platform offers insights into how tumor shape can predict cancer cell behavior and opens new pathways for personalized cancer care. The ability to recover and release tumoroids from this platform…
Researchers at UC San Francisco, UC Santa Cruz, and UC Berkeley used pulses of light to prevent seizure-like activity in neurons in brain tissue from epilepsy patients. This method, called optogenetics, could potentially replace surgery for epilepsy treatment by targeting specific neurons in the brain. The study, published in Nature Neuroscience, demonstrated the effectiveness of…
A study presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2024 showed that tirzepatide, a drug used for diabetes treatment and weight management, can reduce major heart failure outcomes in patients with heart failure and obesity. The trial, called SUMMIT, demonstrated a 38% reduction in cardiovascular death or worsening heart failure events in patients who…
Officials in Winter Haven City, Florida, voted to remove fluoride from the water supply, following a national campaign by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and his stance on the issue. The decision was influenced by the belief that the government should not dictate healthcare decisions, with concerns raised about the potential health effects of fluoride. The…
In patients with unstable pelvic fractures, resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) can be a life-saving measure, acting as a bridge for resuscitation and pelvic packing. A study presented at the 2020 virtual annual meeting of the American Society for the Surgery of Trauma found no deaths from acute pelvic hemorrhage in severely…
conduct the study after noticing an increasing number of physicians facing legal consequences related to opioid prescribing. The study found that physicians from specialties such as anesthesiology, emergency medicine, and primary care were most commonly charged with offenses related to opioids. Li and Berman emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of opioid misuse…
NationsBenefits, a fintech benefits platform, has acquired food-as-medicine company Good Measures. NationsBenefits offers healthy food support and partners with managed care organizations. Good Measures offers coaching and personalized food prescriptions. The acquisition aims to provide comprehensive solutions for healthcare members. Good Measures’ expertise in Food as Medicine will be integrated into NationsBenefits’ platform. This partnership…
Gerard Fitzmaurice, a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at St James’s Hospital, has been appointed to the Staging and Prognostic Factors Group of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). This marks the first time Ireland will contribute to the international lung cancer staging project, highlighting the country’s growing role in global cancer care….
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The FDA has accepted the resubmission of the supplemental biologics license application for Dupixent, a drug used to treat chronic spontaneous urticaria in adults and children. The resubmission included data from a phase 3 program showing that Dupixent reduced itchiness and hives. The FDA has set a target action date for April 18, 2025. The…
President-elect Trump plans to nominate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, sparking both applause and alarm. If confirmed, RFK Jr. could reshape public health agencies and bring changes to vaccines and medicines. He aims to eliminate corporate influence, restructure agencies, and prioritize evidence-based science. Kennedy also plans to…
David was born in Sale, attended Calday Grange Grammar School and Sale County Grammar School. After medical school in Manchester, he spent two years in national service with attachments to the 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment and the Special Air Service. He gained valuable experience during this time in north Africa, Cyprus, Kuwait, and other locations….
A study conducted in Guatemala among Indigenous Mayan families revealed that family interactions have shifted with rapid globalization, yet families have maintained a unique level of harmony. The research found that traditional collaborative practices among family members are changing, with current families collaborating less compared to 30 years ago. The decline in collaboration is attributed…
A study published in Nature Microbiology shows that dietary zinc deficiency can increase the risk of lung infection by Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria, a common cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found a link between zinc deficiency, IL-13 cytokine, and A. baumannii infection, with blocking IL-13 preventing infection-related deaths in animal models….
The European Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use has recommended refusal of marketing authorizations for Cinainu, an herbal medicine for alopecia in children, and Kizfizo, a treatment for neuroblastoma in children. Cinainu contains herbal extracts of onion, lemon, guarana, and cocoa but did not prove effective in treating alopecia in a study. Kizfizo, a…
Fitness belts are valuable tools for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to enhance core stability, improve posture, and support injury prevention during workouts. They create intra-abdominal pressure, stabilize the spine, and engage the core muscles for better lifting form. Fitness belts come in different styles and materials, such as leather or nylon, suited for different types…
Recent studies have connected obesity and prescription opioid use, with back and joint pain believed to be the link between the two conditions. The studies found that living in an environment not conducive to maintaining a healthy weight can lead to chronic pain and opioid use. The research showed a strong association between obesity and…