Black women in the U.S. have a three times higher risk of dying from pregnancy-related conditions compared to White women. While lack of access to healthcare is often cited as the main reason for this disparity, healthcare expert Bayo Curry-Winchell argues that access alone does not paint the full picture. Factors such as racial discrimination,…
The Southern Health and Social Care Trust is seeking to recruit a Consultant Physician Gastroenterologist to join the team at Craigavon Area Hospital. The role includes providing inpatient care, outpatient services, and endoscopy services across various hospital settings within the Trust. The successful candidate should have a Subspecialty interest in areas such as ERCP, IBD,…
Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is a live attenuated vaccine historically used to prevent tuberculosis, but it has been repurposed as an immunotherapy to treat bladder cancer. The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to recognize and destroy tuberculosis bacteria, and it has been found to have indirect anti-cancer properties. BCG is delivered directly into the…
HTC Vive is making strides in healthcare by developing virtual reality headsets and investing in medical extended reality (XR) technologies and companies. They have been active in the healthcare space since 2016, working on training simulation, 3D visualization, and therapeutics. Unlike other companies, HTC Vive prioritizes data privacy and security, having specific certifications for handling…
Trisha Byers moved from Massachusetts to North Carolina last year to be closer to family after suffering a brain injury. However, this move left her without crucial health insurance. In North Carolina, she did not qualify for Medicaid due to the state not expanding coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Byers accumulated thousands of dollars…
A study compared the satisfaction of patients with psoriasis using Cal/BDP combination cream vs. foam. The cream formulation had higher satisfaction ratings among patients, suggesting it may increase adherence to treatment. Patients preferred the cream over foam for factors such as skin shininess, stickiness, ease of application, moisturization, and overall satisfaction. Although not statistically significant,…
The D.C. Diagnosis newsletter discusses Trump’s vague stance on the abortion pill mifepristone, Democrats preparing to reveal Medicare-negotiated drug prices, FDA rejecting MDMA for PTSD treatment, regulators considering new alcohol labels, and a new advocacy group challenging food corporations. The newsletter also highlights a complaint in Texas regarding delayed care due to abortion laws endangering…
Three research papers on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy were retracted by the journal Psychopharmacology due to protocol violations and unethical conduct by researchers at a study site. The authors were aware of the violations when submitting the articles but failed to disclose or remove the affected data. The papers were related to phase 2 randomized controlled trials…
A study published in PLOS Climate found that exposure to extreme climate events is linked to negative impacts on mental health. Researchers from Maimonides Medical Center in New York analyzed data from the 2021 California Health Interview Survey and found that over half of respondents reported being affected by climate events, with more than one…
Mayo Clinic’s Heart Rhythm Clinic is utilizing pulsed field ablation (PFA) to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart arrhythmia that can lead to serious complications like stroke. Unlike traditional ablative therapies, PFA uses high-energy bursts to target heart tissue causing AFib, reducing the risk of injury to nearby structures. FDA-approved PFA technology has been…
A study showed that fecal immunochemical test (FIT) screening reduces colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality by 33% overall, with a notable 42% reduction in deaths from left colon and rectal cancers. The study compared 1103 adults who died of CRC with 9608 matched controls and found that those who completed one or more FIT screenings had…
Over 2 million people in the US suffer from osteoarthritis (OA), a common degenerative joint disease affecting weight-bearing joints. Glucosamine sulfate, a natural sugar found in cartilage, is used to manage OA, often in combination with chondroitin. Studies show glucosamine may provide pain relief and support cartilage health by maintaining glycosaminoglycans. Side effects are mild,…
The healthcare industry is moving towards accelerating data interoperability, with a common goal to “ax the fax.” While many healthcare stakeholders see fax as a barrier to seamless information exchange, it is essential for healthcare organizations like post-acute care facilities and substance use disorder clinics that don’t have access to electronic health records (EHRs). The…
The Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) has warned that the Government is likely to miss its target to reduce waiting lists by up to 18%. Hospital waiting lists could potentially increase by 74,700 patients this year, with projections showing a significant increase in patients waiting for outpatient appointments, inpatient and day case treatments, and GI…
Singapore-based startup Aevice Health has raised $7 million in an extended seed funding round led by Coronet Ventures, with participation from existing investors and SEEDS Capital. A spinoff from Nanyang Technological University, the company offers a smart wearable stethoscope, AeviceMD, for managing chronic respiratory conditions. The funding will be used for expansion in key markets…
Caren Blanzy, a patient in Grand Rapids, Michigan, saw a significant increase in the cost of her regular injections for a neurological disorder when her health system changed how they billed for the treatment. The change meant she owed more than $1,100 for one treatment, leading her to stop receiving the injections due to affordability….
Proton pump inhibitors with histamine 2 receptor antagonists have been shown to reduce all-cause mortality in patients with systemic sclerosis and interstitial lung disease. Combination therapy was found to be more effective than single-agent treatment in improving survival. A study conducted by Alannah Quinlivan and colleagues analyzed data from the Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study, including…
Researchers were excited to find that aspirin was just as effective as a more expensive injectable blood thinner in preventing life-threatening blood clots after surgery. However, the adoption of aspirin by doctors and hospitals has been slow, with many sticking to hospital policies, habits, and preferences instead of following the latest evidence. The study involved…
NHS England is conducting a two-year review of adult gender dysphoria clinics to address concerns raised by clinicians during the Cass review of gender identity services for under 18s. Concerns include limited time for assessments, pressure to prescribe hormones, and loose consent procedures. The review, which will begin in September, will be led by David…
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a simple blood test that can predict which individuals with atrial fibrillation are at higher risk of suffering a stroke. By analyzing the protein neurofilament in blood samples, the researchers found that individuals with higher neurofilament levels had a greater risk of experiencing a stroke. Combining neurofilament with standard…
A study published in Science Advances conducted virtual screens to identify potential TAAR1 agonists for neuropsychiatric conditions using AlphaFold and homology modeling techniques. AlphaFold models outperformed homology models in virtual screening, leading to the discovery of potent TAAR1 agonists. Compound 65 showed high potency, selectivity, and favorable pharmacokinetic properties. However, AlphaFold struggled with larger synthetic…
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will implement direct payment to physician associates in 2022, benefiting PAs who want to work independently. The American Academy of Physician Associates supports this change, as it aligns with Medicare standards and promotes healthcare access and equity. Many PAs are interested in owning their own practices, but billing…
The FDA approved the first epinephrine nasal spray, Neffy, for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. This needle-free alternative can be used in children and adults weighing at least 66 pounds. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Neffy provides a simpler alternative to traditional epinephrine injections, with comparable…
Ascendis Pharma has received FDA approval for its hypoparathyroidism therapy, Yorvipath, providing an alternative to the Takeda Pharmaceutical drug Natpara that is set to be discontinued. Yorvipath aims to bring parathyroid hormone levels within the normal range, addressing the deficiency that causes issues with calcium and phosphate regulation in the body. The drug, a once-daily…
Create Health Ventures, a new VC firm, has launched with a $21 million fund to invest in early-stage digital health startups focused on improving patient engagement and the healthcare journey, particularly in the areas of payer and pharma-facing platforms. The firm will prioritize investing in companies with founders who have experience in the healthcare industry….
Organizers of a large exercise program for Parkinson’s disease realized that most participants were white, leading to efforts to diversify through hiring instructors who speak Spanish or Mandarin. However, recruiting Black participants remains a challenge due to lack of awareness about the disease and potential bias in diagnosis. Exercise is vital for Parkinson’s treatment, with…
A study found that COVID-19 vaccination can lower the risk of heart attack and stroke by roughly 30% after the second and third doses, compared to a 10% reduction after the initial dose. The study analyzed data from 45.7 million people in the UK who received the vaccine and found that the incidence of arterial…
The FDA rejected MDMA as a treatment for PTSD, despite positive Phase 3 trial results, due to concerns about missing adverse event data and research bias. The agency requested another trial from Lykos Therapeutics to further study safety and efficacy. In a related development, the journal Psychopharmacology retracted three papers about MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. Many authors…
The FDA has approved Neffy, the first adrenaline nasal spray for treating allergic reactions in adults and children over 30 kg. It is a single dose administered into one nostril. Neffy offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional adrenaline injections for emergency situations, including life-threatening reactions. Source link
A study supported by the NIH found that routine lab tests may not be helpful in diagnosing long COVID. The study, part of the NIH RECOVER Initiative, highlights the challenges of diagnosing this condition with no validated biomarkers. Researchers recruited over 10,000 adults with and without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, finding minimal differences in lab results…
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have discovered that using light to control the appetite of immune cells known as macrophages can increase their effectiveness in combatting cancer. By activating these cells with light and triggering their Fc receptors at will, the researchers found that the macrophages consumed more cancer cells after being stimulated. This new…
The FDA has approved a new drug called palopegteriparatide (Yorvipath) for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism in adults. This condition occurs when there are insufficient levels of parathyroid hormone, leading to complications such as neuromuscular irritability and kidney issues. The drug is designed to provide stable PTH levels over a 24-hour period, unlike traditional treatments that…
Research suggests that diabetic remission is possible through a simple dietary intervention. Diabetic remission is achieved when blood sugar levels drop below diabetic thresholds and remain there for at least three months without medication. A study found that a “soups and shakes diet” involving nutritionally formulated products can lead to type 2 diabetes remission. The…
Create Health Ventures, a new venture firm focused on digital health startups, has launched with a $21 million fund. The firm, based in Austin and Chicago, invests in early stage startups that create technology for payers and pharmaceutical companies. With two managing partners, Amit Aysola and Emma Cartmell, who have extensive experience in the healthcare…
Beacon Hospital will host an Autumn GP Study Morning on September 28 at UCD’s O’Reilly Hall. The event starts at 8:30 am and will be available for in-person attendance or online streaming. Participants can earn 6 CPD points/1 Day GMS Study Leave. Registration is now open on the GP section of BeaconHospital.ie. Source link
Digital weight loss company Noom has partnered with dance fitness company Zumba to give Noom members access to Zumba fitness content and allow Zumba instructors to become “Mindset Coaches” at Noom. Members will have access to Zumba’s dance routines and targeted fitness sessions, while instructors will be trained in Noom’s coaching methodologies. This partnership aims…
The video by Hannah Norman discusses how the presidential candidates compare on issues such as abortion, Obamacare, medical debt, and in vitro fertilization. The KFF Health News is a national newsroom that focuses on health issues and operates as an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. The content can be republished for…
Researchers in China found that an AI model can accurately identify common eye diseases in children using cell phone photos. The study focused on myopia, strabismus, and ptosis, with the AI model performing best in diagnosing ptosis. The model demonstrated high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in identifying the diseases. Although the photos were taken in…
The FDA approved a new epinephrine nasal spray called neffy as an alternative to the EpiPen for treating anaphylaxis. The nasal spray is designed for adults and children over 30 kg, using a compound called Intravail to enhance absorption. It is expected to be more affordable than the EpiPen, with a two-pack priced at $199…
The article discusses the statutory public inquiry chaired by Kathryn Thirlwall into the murder and attempted murder of babies by former neonatal nurse Lucy Letby at the Countess of Chester Hospital Foundation Trust. It highlights the common themes in NHS inquiries, where concerns raised by staff are ignored, leading to inquiries years later. The article…
A recent study explores the connection between climate change, migration, and infectious diseases, highlighting the impact of these interrelated issues on global health and vulnerability. High-income countries contribute more to global emissions but have lower infectious disease burdens, while low- and middle-income countries in Africa and Asia face the greatest burden and vulnerability. The study…
Corewell Health and Michigan State University researchers conducted a study using de-identified electronic health records of 1.5 million patients in West Michigan to analyze mild cognitive impairment (MCI) incidence rates and risk factors. Results indicated potential underdiagnosis of MCI in rural areas. The study also found a significant number of patients who went directly from…
A study on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) found that the first year after diagnosis is crucial, with 20% of patients experiencing new organ damage. Cardiovascular issues were the second most common form of damage after musculoskeletal issues in both early and later stages of SLE. The research, involving 4219 SLE patients, highlighted the importance of…
Researchers have found that simply washing fruits and vegetables may not be enough to remove pesticides, as they can penetrate beyond the peel into the pulp layer of the fruits. A recent study using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) found that peeling is necessary to effectively eliminate pesticide residues. The study suggests that peeling can reduce…
A study by Brightside Health shows that large language models (LLMs) can accurately predict mental health crises like suicidal ideation. The study compared the accuracy of LLMs to clinicians and found that LLMs predicted with 61.5% accuracy while clinicians predicted with 55.2% to 67% accuracy. LLMs were also significantly faster at evaluating patient data, taking…
MiRus has received FDA breakthrough device designation for its Europa posterior cervical system, designed for patients undergoing cervical and upper thoracic spinal fusion. The system features a smaller-diameter alloy rod for minimally invasive surgery. This designation is aimed at reducing the rates of spine implant failures and revision surgeries. Jordan Bauman, vice president of quality…
The journal Psychopharmacology retracted three papers on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy due to ethical violations, including a case of sexual assault by an unlicensed therapist. Authors affiliated with MAPS and Lykos Therapeutics did not disclose these violations. The FDA rejected the treatment for PTSD, citing concerns about data integrity. Lykos disputes the retraction and has filed a…
A new study by the American Cancer Society has found that Generation X and millennials are at a higher risk of developing many types of cancer compared to previous generations. Data from almost 24 million cancer patients over a 20-year period showed an increase in cancer rates among younger cohorts, with lifestyle factors like obesity,…
A recent study published in Cell revealed that stress-sensitive neural circuits can alter the gut microbiome by influencing duodenal glands. The study showed that the brain’s impact on mucosal secretion plays a key role in regulating the gut microbiome, particularly by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacilli. The researchers found that stress-induced changes…
A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found distinct microbial signatures in mucosa-associated microbiota from ileal and colonic specimens that predict Crohn’s disease recurrence after surgery. Researchers analyzed biopsy samples from 262 patients with Crohn’s disease, finding lower diversity and specific microbial changes in patients who developed recurrence. By including microbiome data, the prediction…