Immunology

Microwave ablation has been identified as a promising treatment alternative for patients with multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma, according to a recent study. Researchers have found this method to be effective in treating this particular type of cancer. By using cookies for analytics and advertising, the website aims to improve user experience. By continuing to use…

The U.S. healthcare system is facing a crisis as millions of people with mental illness are not receiving treatment due to various barriers such as cost, stigma, and lack of access. The solution lies in integrating mental health services into primary care settings to provide convenience and continuity of care. This collaborative care approach can…

Tallaght University Hospital is introducing GaitKeeper, a new smartphone app powered by artificial intelligence that can assess gait and help diagnose conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. The app is being rolled out among doctors and patients at the hospital and is able to detect early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. GaitKeeper…

Coffee enemas are not safe and can cause rectal burns and other negative side effects. Despite claims that they can cure various illnesses, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Research has shown that coffee enemas do not have clinical benefits, and there are risks associated with their use. The detailed instructions provided…

New Zealand-based virtual reality and cognitive behavioral therapy company oVRcome signed a contract with the U.K.’s National Health Service (NHS) to help autistic individuals navigate hospital environments and social interactions. The company utilizes exposure therapy to help patients with phobias, social anxiety, and panic disorder. The pilot program aims to reduce appointment cancellations by immersing…

A recent survey found that nearly a quarter of adults disenrolled from Medicaid are now uninsured, with many struggling to retain coverage after pandemic-era protections expired. The survey showed that almost half of those who lost coverage ended up signing back up weeks or months later. Many found other coverage options, but going without insurance…

A study found that transgender adults in more transgender-friendly states are less likely to avoid healthcare. Adolescents who received gender-confirming care had lower rates of severe depression. Data from the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey showed that those who received puberty blockers, hormone therapy, or surgical transition during adolescence had better psychological outcomes. Healthcare avoidance among…

Following a nine-month investigation, European regulators have found no evidence that GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy cause suicidal thoughts or actions. This announcement by the European Medicines Agency aligns with the findings of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The review was conducted after anecdotal reports of patients experiencing thoughts of self-harm while on…

Barbados is facing a health crisis with high numbers of diabetic foot amputations, earning it the nickname “amputation capital of the world.” The majority of hospital admissions for diabetes in Barbados involve foot complications, primarily due to poorly managed type 2 diabetes. Industry influence, particularly from the fast food and beverage industries, has played a…

A recent study at the University of California, Los Angeles found that dopamine projections to the basolateral amygdala play a crucial role in encoding identity-specific reward memories. Through experiments on rats, researchers discovered that dopamine released in the amygdala during cue-reward learning is necessary for forming associations between external cues and specific rewards. These findings…

Cells contain specialized structures called organelles, crucial for cell function and linked to diseases if dysfunctional. Researchers at the University of Geneva used high-resolution microscopy and kinematic techniques to visualize the genesis of the centriole, important for cell organization. This study, published in Cell, sheds light on centriole assembly complexities and offers new avenues for…

Finding out your child has ADHD can be overwhelming, but it’s important to focus on the positives. Knowing the diagnosis allows you to understand and help your child better. Medication may be part of the treatment plan, and it’s essential to explain it to your child in a positive light. Encourage and praise your child…

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) are at a high risk for serious and fatal infections, with age, inflammation, and corticosteroid therapy further increasing this risk. A study conducted in Spain followed 148 patients with RA-ILD and found that almost all patients experienced at least one infection during the follow-up period, with respiratory…

A recent study found that not only underweight but also overweight or obese children and young adults are at a high risk of iron deficiency. Researchers from the University of Leeds analyzed thousands of medical studies from 44 countries involving participants under 25 years old. They found that iron deficiency was associated with both underweight…

The seat matrix for six specialities at AIIMS Mangalagiri and AIIMS Rishikesh has been revised for July 2024. Details on the changes can be checked on the respective websites. Cookies are used for analytics, advertising, and site improvement, with users agreeing to their use by continuing to browse the site. For more information, see the…

Grow Therapy, a mental health technology company, has secured $88 million in Series C funding to expand its reach to more patients. The company assists independent therapists in setting up in-person and virtual private practices, handling administrative tasks like billing and insurance claims. Patients can then book appointments with therapists who specialize in their needs…

The Altnagelvin Area Hospital in Londonderry is seeking candidates for a position with a salary range of £88,799 to £119,723 per annum. The closing date for applications is Friday 26 April 2024 at 3:30pm. Interested applicants can find the full criteria, job description, and application form on jobs.hscni.net. A waiting list may be established for…

Oncology nurses in Arabic nations, specifically Lebanon, play a critical role in delivering spiritual care to cancer patients. A study conducted with 20 oncology nurses identified key themes related to spirituality, recognition of patient needs, and barriers to providing spiritual care. The nurses included religious interventions such as suggesting Quran readings and facilitating prayers, although…

Flexibility is essential for optimal health and performance, reducing injury risk and enhancing movement efficiency. Improving flexibility involves a comprehensive approach, including tailored physical therapy techniques. Dynamic warm-ups are crucial before flexibility exercises, such as forward lunges with a twist, cat-cow stretch, butterfly stretch, trunk rotation, and pike stretch. Consistent practice is key to reaping…

Augmedix, an AI-enabled automation platform based in San Francisco, will be fully integrated into Andor Health’s ThinkAndor platform for virtual care and communication. The partnership aims to enable physician notes to be created directly within the platform, allowing for AI-generated notes to be available seconds after a virtual visit. Augmedix has raised significant funding over…

In Arkansas, sixth-grade students are measured for height, weight, and BMI in schools as part of an anti-obesity initiative. These measurements are sent home to parents in a letter, categorizing students as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. However, studies have shown that these letters have no effect on weight loss and can lead to weight…

A study published in Nutrients showed that higher consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs), particularly sweets, is associated with an increased risk of glaucoma. Researchers analyzed data from 19,225 participants and found that those consuming more than four UPF servings per day had a higher risk of glaucoma. The association between glaucoma and UPFs was significant…

The Federal Trade Commission took action against Monument, an alcohol addiction telehealth company, for allegedly revealing users’ health information to third parties without their consent. The FTC accused Monument of misleading users into thinking their health data was kept confidential. A proposed order would ban the company from disclosing sensitive data for advertising purposes. This…

Long term outcomes of PSA screening were reviewed, with a study showing a small difference in prostate cancer mortality after 15 years for those who were offered screening compared to those who were not. A new trial in Finland focused on improving the accuracy of prostate cancer screening by reducing overdiagnosis and identifying high-grade cancers….

A study led by Stanford Medicine reveals that two key brain systems are dysfunctional in individuals with psychosis: a “filter” that directs attention and a “predictor” linked to anticipating rewards. This dysfunction causes difficulties in distinguishing reality, leading to hallucinations and delusions. The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, used brain scan data from people with…

The Mediterranean diet is known for its health benefits, including preventing cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, and cancers. A recent study analyzed the impact of the Mediterranean diet on perinatal health during pregnancy. The study reviewed 23 articles and found that following the Mediterranean diet reduced the risk of gestational diabetes and small for gestational age…

Parenting strategies are the recommended first line of treatment for children with ADHD, instead of medication or therapy. While no parenting style causes ADHD, using positive and consistent disciplinary strategies can help manage symptoms. ADHD parenting techniques include setting clear expectations, providing visual reminders, spending quality time with your child, offering positive attention, implementing a…

Benralizumab, marketed as Fasenra, has been approved by the US FDA for treating asthma in children aged 6 years and older with severe eosinophilic asthma. Originally approved in 2017 for patients aged 12 and older, the drug has shown consistent safety and tolerability in younger patients. AstraZeneca announced the expanded indication on April 11, with…

Maintaining optimal oral health is crucial for overall well-being due to the connection between oral health and general health conditions. Unhealthy diets, tobacco, and alcohol contribute to shared risk factors for diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancers, diabetes, and respiratory diseases. Ameo Life Natural Mint Mouthrinse, TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse, Listerine Ultraclean Tartar Control…

Brepocitinib, a potential treatment for uveitis, showed promising results in a Phase 2 clinical trial. The drug demonstrated positive outcomes in treating the inflammatory eye condition, offering hope for patients with uveitis. By continuing to use the site, users agree to the use of cookies for analytics, advertising, and site improvement. For more information on…

The American Hospital Association is calling for the U.S. Department of Labor to investigate the business practices of MultiPlan, a data analytics firm accused of negotiating reduced reimbursements for out-of-network medical providers. The New York Times investigation revealed that the company works with major insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and Aetna to save billions of…

The South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen is hiring for a position with a salary range of £88,799 to £119,723 per annum. The closing date for applications is Friday 26 April 2024 at 3:30pm. Interested candidates can find the full criteria, job description, and application form on jobs.hscni.net and apply online. A waiting list may…

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy is safer than not getting vaccinated, according to a study published in JAMA. Research done in Sweden and Norway showed that babies born to vaccinated mothers had fewer complications and were healthier overall. The study looked at nearly 200,000 newborns and found that those exposed to the vaccine in…

Osso VR has launched Osso Health, a surgical training app using Apple Vision Pro for orthopedic procedures. The app allows users to practice surgical techniques in a 3D interface. Osso VR secured funding and expanded its capabilities, including a multimodal assessment tool. In 2022, Osso received $66 million in Series C funding to hire new…

The Arizona Supreme Court upheld a ban on abortion, sparking debate on the issue. Former President Trump expressed support for states’ rights on abortion while criticizing the ruling. The panelists discussed Trump’s shifting views on abortion and the potential impact of the Arizona ruling. Another court in Indiana ruled against an abortion ban that violated…

The FDA has approved the use of Fasenra (benralizumab) for the treatment of severe asthma in children aged 6 to 11 years, following positive results from the TATE trial. A new 10 mg dose will be available for children who weigh less than 35 kg. Fasenra is administered by subcutaneous injection every 4 weeks for…

“The Readout LOUD” podcast from STAT covers various topics in biotech, including a multibillion-dollar deal from Vertex Pharmaceuticals and the impact of gas prices on the industry. They also discuss the question of whether biotech is stale and make a surprise announcement. The podcast provides information on where to find related news and episodes, as…

Hilary Cass’s review of gender identity services in the NHS emphasizes the importance of providing high-quality care for children and young people experiencing gender dysphoria. The evidence base for interventions in gender medicine is found to be lacking, with low methodological rigor in studies on puberty blockers and hormone treatment. Cass recommends confining prescription of…

A new personalized mathematical model called the Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarker Cascade (ADBC) has been developed using real-world data from over 800 people with varying cognitive abilities. The model incorporates individual biological markers to predict disease progression and response to treatment. It analyzes cerebrospinal fluid, brain scans, and memory tests to identify unique patterns in each…

A recent study examined the economic benefits of annual COVID-19 vaccination for adults in the United States. With decreasing government support and lower disease severity, researchers analyzed individual benefits from getting the vaccine annually. Using a computational simulation model, they found that vaccinated adults aged 18-49 could save $30-$603 without insurance and $4-$437 with insurance….

Penny Williams, a parenting coach and author, recalls the struggles of parenting her son with ADHD. She emphasizes the importance of resources, support, and understanding for parents with neurodiverse children. Strategies for managing ADHD include a mix of medication, lifestyle changes, parent mindset, and coping mechanisms. Practical tips include using Point of Performance reminders, motivation…

A study on people with type 1 diabetes found that breaking up long sitting periods with short, frequent walks can reduce postprandial vascular inflammatory biomarkers. The SIT-LESS trial involved 32 inactive individuals who either sat for 7 hours or took light walks every 30 minutes after meals. Those who walked had lower levels of inflammatory…

Meal replacement shakes are ideal for those on the go or on a wellness journey, replacing a meal with fewer calories but packed with nutrients and proteins. Choosing the right brand can be challenging, considering your nutritional needs and protein content. Some top picks include Almased, which aids in weight loss and overall well-being; Ka’Chava,…

A study published in JAMA found that the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in children. The study concluded that there is no significant link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and these developmental disorders. This information is important for pregnant women who may…

Consultants are facing challenges in various areas such as chronic conditions, behavioral health, and healthcare navigation. A survey is being conducted to gather information on the specific needs of clients in the healthcare industry. The findings will be compiled in a report to be released later in the year. Participants in the survey have the…

In the latest episode of Irish Medical Lives, Dr. Chris Luke interviews Professor Garry Courtney, a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Clinical Director at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny. Prof. Courtney holds various leadership roles in the medical field and discusses his background in medicine, including his time as a medical student at Trinity College in Dublin….

Corsano Health has received FDA clearance for their CardioWatch System, a multi-sensor bracelet for real-time continuous remote health monitoring. The system, already certified in Europe, collects vital signs data such as pulse rate and blood pressure, transmitting it to a secure health cloud for analysis. The FDA clearance marks a milestone for Corsano in providing…

American Advanced Management, a Modesto-based company, made a bid to take over the bankrupt Madera Community Hospital after other suitors backed out. Despite concerns about AAM’s commitment and allegations of dishonesty, the state approved their plan and provided a $57 million loan to help reopen the hospital. AAM plans to pay creditors and reopen the…

A study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that living in low socioeconomic status neighborhoods increased the likelihood of 30-day mortality and readmission for hospitalized patients with pulmonary conditions. The study, based on U.S. Medicare data, adjusted for various factors and found that access to healthcare resources did not fully explain…

The European Parliament has voted on legislation that aims to change the way medicines are brought to market and accessed in Europe. The pharmaceutical industry and consumer groups have mixed reactions towards the legislation, particularly regarding data protection. The debate revolves around the length of time generic companies are prohibited from using study data from…