A triplet regimen was found to extend overall survival (OS) compared to the standard of care for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma in the phase 3 DREAMM-7 trial. The regimen consisted of belantamab mafodotin (Blenrep) plus bortezomib and dexamethasone (BVd). Results showed improved progression-free survival (PFS) and longer duration of response in the…
Good morning health tech readers! The new Republican-led Congress is shaping up, with a focus on telehealth policies. Senate majority leader John Thune supports making pandemic-expanded telehealth services permanent for Medicare recipients. However, there is uncertainty as the lame duck policy agenda is unsure. Amazon has partnered with mental health company Rula Health, offering advanced…
A Canadian adolescent is in critical condition in a British Columbia hospital after being infected with a new genotype of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza. The patient initially developed conjunctivitis, fever, and coughing, before rapidly progressing to acute respiratory distress syndrome. The diagnosis was confirmed on 13 November. The teenager had no underlying health conditions…
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences are studying how the human brain predicts upcoming melodies in music based on uncertainty and entropy. They recruited participants to listen to piano melodies while recording brain activity with EEG. The study found that entropy plays a crucial role in melody prediction, with…
A recent study published in eClinicalMedicine evaluated a noninvasive urinary miRNA assay for detecting pancreatic cancer across all stages. Pancreatic cancer has a low survival rate due to late-stage diagnosis and limited screening tools. The study collected urine samples from pancreatic cancer patients and controls, isolating extracellular vesicles for miRNA analysis. A machine-learning model achieved…
California has passed a new law that puts limitations on the use of algorithms by insurers to make decisions on coverage and prior authorization in healthcare. The Physicians Make Decisions Act requires AI-generated decisions to be based on a patient’s medical history and clinical situation, approved by a human physician, and fairly applied. The law…
Researchers have found that full-body cryostimulation, exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures, can improve sleep quality. A recent study showed that daily sessions in a chamber cooled to -90°C led to better sleep after just five sessions. The therapy benefited women more than men, with an increase in slow-wave sleep noted. The therapy needed…
The December 2020 Digital Edition of General Surgery News features a wide range of topics relevant to the field of general surgery. Articles cover updates on COVID-19 guidelines for surgery, the impact of the pandemic on surgical training programs, advancements in robotic surgery techniques, and new research on minimally invasive procedures. The edition also includes…
timeline to vaccinate all Americans who want it by the second quarter of 2021,” Azar said. This indicates that the distribution and availability of the COVID-19 vaccine in the United States is expected to ramp up significantly in the coming months, allowing for widespread vaccination of the population. Azar emphasized the importance of continuing to…
Hospitals’ finances have remained stable, but high labor costs are still a major threat to their bottom lines. Data from Kaufman Hall shows a slight decrease in operating margins, with inpatient revenue increasing. Hospitals are treating more high-acuity patients, resulting in higher expenses for drugs and supplies. Physicians are facing financial instability due to low…
Nurse practitioner Samantha Marsee in rural Maryland recently received training in abortion care as part of a new program offered by the University of Maryland. The training program aims to expand the pool of healthcare providers with reproductive health care skills, particularly in rural areas. The program is vital in providing safe and accessible abortion…
Researchers used a computerized mental health screening program called KCAT to test children for preoperative anxiety and depression. The study found that more than half of the patients experienced preoperative anxiety, while one-third had depression. The tool was developed to screen children and adolescents for mental health disorders quickly and without the need for an…
Moderate Republican senators are hesitant to criticize Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is being considered for a Senate-confirmed health care leadership role in the next Trump administration. Kennedy, known for promoting unfounded theories that vaccines cause autism, has attempted to distance himself from anti-vaccine rhetoric by stating he wants more data. Despite founding a nonprofit…
A global analysis has estimated that more than 800 million adults worldwide have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, which is four times more than in 1990. The study found that almost 60% of adults over 30 with diabetes did not receive treatment in 2022, a significant increase from 1990. While treatment rates have improved…
A global study published in The Lancet found that the number of adults living with diabetes worldwide has exceeded 800 million, with over half not receiving treatment. The analysis showed a significant increase in diabetes rates since 1990, with most cases being type 2 diabetes. The study highlighted widening global inequalities, especially in low- and…
MaxCyte, a cell-engineering company, celebrates its 25th anniversary, focusing on providing enabling technologies for cell therapeutics development. The company offers Flow Electroporation technology, part of their proprietary ExPERT platform, to support biomedical innovations in human health. MaxCyte has signed 29 Strategic Platform License agreements with cell therapy developers, including the development of the FDA-approved CASGEVY®…
A case series identified severe necrotic skin wounds associated with xylazine exposure in hospitalized adults, with 9% involving deep structures like bone or tendon. Researchers studied 29 patients with xylazine exposure and wound-related complaints, finding that 90% of wounds were on the arms and legs, with devitalized tissue in 60% of cases. They discovered that…
Metformin, a common diabetes medication prescribed to pregnant women, can cross the placenta and may lead to fetal growth restrictions, obesity, and insulin resistance in children. Research found that the drug accumulates in various fetal organs, causing lower body weight. The drug’s levels in the fetus are almost as high as in the mother, regardless…
UnitedHealthcare and Optum are experiencing a surge in digital solutions, with a focus on ensuring effectiveness. Dr. Debra Nussbaum, senior director of behavioral health at Optum, discussed these challenges at a recent conference. She highlighted the need to slow down innovation to prevent loss of effectiveness. Nussbaum emphasized the importance of measuring engagement and health…
Dr Bartholomew Mosse founded the first iteration of the Rotunda Hospital over 200 years ago in Dublin City to improve healthcare for expectant mothers. The hospital opened on March 15, 1745, delivering its first baby on March 20, 1745, operating from a three-story house on South Great George’s street until 1757. The Lord Mayor of…
Holden Karau, a software engineer, created an AI tool called Fight Health Insurance to help people appeal insurance denials. She drew on her tech expertise and personal experience fighting insurance for herself and her dog. The tool generates draft appeal letters based on denial letters and benefit documents. While still in the early stages, it…
Dr. Nancy S. Reau discussed findings from a study comparing the efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil and azathioprine for autoimmune hepatitis at the ACG Annual Scientific Meeting. The study emphasized that azathioprine remains an effective treatment for many patients despite the results showing potential benefits of mycophenolate mofetil. The data were presented at the meeting in…
A Canadian teenager is in critical condition after contracting H5N1 bird flu, caused by a genotype found in wild birds, not dairy cattle as in the U.S. Genetic sequencing confirms the virus, but the source of the infection remains unknown. The teenager had no known exposure to infected poultry but had contact with pets. This…
The National Audit Office has found that the current system for delivering NHS cardiovascular disease (CVD) health checks is not reaching those with the highest risk effectively, with only 8.8% of eligible people attending a health check in 2023-24. This equates to a five-year coverage of just 44%. The health checks were introduced in 2009…
Recent data from the CDC shows a 14% decrease in U.S. drug overdose deaths, with about 97,000 deaths in the 12-month period ending June 30. Experts are hopeful that this decline indicates a sustained improvement in the ongoing overdose epidemic, despite previous fluctuations. Factors contributing to the decline may include increased availability of naloxone and…
In an interview from SfN 2024, Professor Nancy Ip discusses her pioneering neuroscience research, focusing on neurotrophic factors, Alzheimer’s disease treatment, and immune modulation. She shares insights into her journey and work on synaptic connections and brain signaling pathways. Professor Ip emphasizes the potential of traditional Chinese medicine in combating neurodegeneration and the importance of…
A recent study found that Emergency Department (ED) visits related to hallucinogen use can increase the risk of schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) by 21 times. The study included nearly a million people without a history of psychosis and found a significant risk of developing SSD after an ED visit involving hallucinogen use. Hallucinogen use is…
Maintaining healthy blood pressure levels is crucial for reducing the risk of complications, especially in older adults. For those with obesity, controlling blood pressure is even more important to prevent heart attacks and strokes. A study suggests that vitamin D supplementation may help lower blood pressure in elderly adults with obesity. Research has shown that…
The GLP-1 industry is expected to reach $71 billion by 2031, driven by the high rates of overweight and obese Americans. Compounded GLP-1 medications are being offered online at discounted prices compared to branded medications. There is a surge in interest in GLP-1 medications for weight loss, with many companies investing in start-ups and telehealth…
A survey commissioned by the Irish Cancer Society found that more than one-in-four people in Ireland postponed medical care in the three months leading up to August. Three-in-ten said they couldn’t afford healthcare appointments, and 25% felt they had to prioritize food and heating expenses over their health. The survey revealed that 27% of respondents…
An ongoing syphilis outbreak is devastating Native American communities in the Great Plains, with 649 cases documented this year and 546 diagnosed among Native Americans in South Dakota alone. The Great Plains Tribal Leaders’ Health Board has requested a public health emergency declaration from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to access more…
Intuitive eating, a philosophy focused on developing a healthy relationship with food, can benefit individuals with diabetes by helping them understand how different foods affect blood sugar levels. By listening to hunger and fullness cues, incorporating mindful eating practices, and being flexible with food choices, those with diabetes can embrace intuitive eating to manage their…
An analyst at Cantor Fitzgerald found concerning data about potential side effects of Amgen’s obesity drug MariTide, causing a $12 billion loss in market value. Despite Amgen denying a link between the drug and bone density loss, concerns remain. FDA Commissioner Robert Califf expresses uncertainty about the agency’s future under the incoming Trump administration, highlighting…
In eastern Spain, devastating flash floods have caused over 200 deaths and left around 100 people missing. The floods were caused by rivers and dry canals overflowing due to heavy rain. Medical sites have been severely affected, with towns setting up temporary clinics in sports centers to provide essential services. Roads have been closed, making…
Youths in Europe, Canada, and Central Asia are experiencing less family support and increased school pressure, according to the World Health Organization. The percentage of adolescents reporting high levels of family support has decreased, with a larger drop observed among girls. Additionally, more teens are feeling pressured by schoolwork, especially girls. Decreases in peer support…
A recent study from the University of Michigan found that teens are not using electronic nicotine vapes to help quit smoking, despite marketing claims. Instead, reasons for vaping among adolescents include curiosity, boredom, and stress relief. The most common reason reported by students was relaxation, with less than 10% of high school seniors saying vaping…
Dr. Vincent de Parades discussed the management of hemorrhoidal disease at a conference in France. For edematous hemorrhoidal thrombosis, NSAIDs and analgesics are recommended. Topical treatments are not proven effective for hemorrhoids, but may be prescribed for hemorrhoidal thrombosis. For abscesses, NSAIDs should not be used. If medical management fails, minimally invasive surgery is recommended,…
A recent study warns that pregnant women and nursing mothers should limit their use of makeup products due to the presence of harmful chemicals, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Researchers at Brown University found higher levels of PFAS in the blood plasma and breast milk of individuals who used common personal care products…
The new administration is expected to support Medicare Advantage, but CMS and Congress are still demanding more accountability and continuous improvement. The industry has failed to deliver on these demands, leading to stricter measures being imposed on Medicare Advantage plans. Despite challenges such as increased regulatory scrutiny and operational hurdles, opportunities for innovation and profitability…
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) launched its inaugural Student Nurse Ambassador Forum in Dublin, providing undergraduate student nurses with the opportunity to meet with NMBI representatives. The event featured Carolyn Donohoe, Triona Brennan, Louise McBride, and Fritz Juales, discussing the role of the regulator in supporting student nurses throughout their careers. It…
Establishing health and fitness habits can support mental well-being by improving mood, reducing stress, and enhancing resilience. Regular exercise releases endorphins, boosting mood and reducing anxiety and depression. Sauna sessions promote relaxation and reduce stress. Prioritizing quality sleep enhances cognitive function and emotional resilience. Spending time outdoors for fresh air and sunlight can improve mood…
KFF Health News has sued the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General to release Medicare Advantage health plan audits and financial records. The suit, filed under the FOIA, seeks correspondence between HHS and Medicare Advantage organizations regarding audit findings and policies for recovering overpayments. The suit also requests records of contracts…
are making progress and must continue efforts to ensure the successful elimination of the virus.” Kwo highlights the effectiveness of direct-acting antiviral agents in treating HCV and emphasizes the importance of screening and treatment for patients. Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, Kwo remains optimistic about the future of HCV elimination and calls for ongoing…
On Tuesday, Amgen’s lead obesity candidate, MariTide, faced concerns about potential side effects after hidden data showing loss of bone mineral density in study participants was uncovered. An analyst at Cantor Fitzgerald found the data, which led to a $12 billion drop in market value for Amgen as the news spread. This incident highlighted the…
NHS Providers has expressed concerns about the NHS’s ability to meet performance targets this winter, with survey results showing significant pressure on hospitals, ambulance services, and mental health teams. Over 90% of trust leaders are worried about the impact of winter pressures on their organization and local community, citing financial constraints and staffing shortages as…
A study conducted at the University of Cambridge showed that teenagers experience increased sensitivity to threats after spending a few hours alone, even when connected online. This heightened alertness to potential dangers could lead to feelings of anxiety and unease, potentially contributing to anxiety disorders among young people. The study found that even with smartphone…
Researchers conducted a study on the genetic blueprint of cerebrospinal fluid proteins, identifying new markers and therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s disease. The study analyzed the proteome of the cerebrospinal fluid in individuals with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. They discovered 3,885 significant genetic associations for 1,883 proteins, highlighting specific genomic regions and potential…
A new stent design called the DynamX Coronary Bioadaptor has shown promise in reducing stent-related adverse events. A trial comparing the Bioadaptor to a traditional drug-eluting stent found significantly lower rates of adverse events after 12 months with the Bioadaptor. The Bioadaptor consists of three strands coated with a resorbable polymer. The unique design allows…
Certain classes of weight loss and diabetes medications like GLP-1 and SGLT2 inhibitors have been found to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death in stroke survivors. A study evaluated 7,044 adults admitted for acute ischemic stroke and found that those taking these medications had a 74% lower risk of death and an…
Former President Donald Trump’s return to the White House will bring changes to the healthcare sector, affecting reproductive care, insurance programs, and prescription drugs. Tariffs proposed by Trump could raise drug development costs and consumer prices, impacting pharmaceutical companies. Experts predict increased mergers and acquisitions in the pharmaceutical industry under the Trump administration. Changes to…