World Kidney Day on March 14, 2024, highlights the rising global prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) as a cause of death. CKD, characterized by kidney abnormalities lasting three months or more, leads to health complications such as protein or blood in urine, decreased kidney function, and electrolyte imbalances. CKD’s impact on patients includes symptom…
A study found that most adolescents aged 13 to 18 years reported using substances to feel calm, have fun, or relieve anxiety and depression. 50% used substances alone. Motivations for use included feeling relaxed, having fun, improving sleep, and coping with stress. Marijuana was the most frequently used substance, followed by alcohol, prescription medication, and…
GE HealthCare’s partner Ionic Health has received FDA 510(k) clearance for its nCommand Lite, allowing diagnostic imaging centers to operate MRI, CT, and PET scans remotely with real-time scanning and guidance. The technology aims to increase access to expert technologists for complex care. GE HealthCare will distribute the nCommand Lite solution in the US as…
Christian Espinoza, director de operaciones de Tarzana Treatment Centers en California, está utilizando un algoritmo de inteligencia artificial para realizar exámenes de la vista sin la presencia de un médico. Este sistema detecta retinopatía diabética, una enfermedad que puede causar ceguera en personas con diabetes. La tecnología de IA en la atención médica está ganando…
Consumption of uncooked or undercooked morel mushrooms led to a gastrointestinal illness outbreak in spring 2023, resulting in two deaths. The outbreak occurred after individuals ate a special sushi roll containing morel mushrooms at a restaurant in Bozeman, Montana. A total of 51 people reported gastrointestinal symptoms after dining at the restaurant, with most experiencing…
President Biden’s health report raised questions about cognitive assessments, sparking a debate on mental fitness. Alzheimer’s disease, characterized by memory loss and mood changes, lacks a cure but has new drugs targeting brain pathology. Access to these drugs is crucial, yet many face challenges due to a shortage of primary care physicians (PCPs) who play…
Portraits of NHS staff in Stockport capturing their experiences working through the pandemic have been created by local artists. The portraits include both clinical and non-clinical staff who worked at Stepping Hill Hospital and in community services run by Stockport NHS Foundation Trust. This project highlights the dedication and hard work of the healthcare workers…
A study published in Nature Communications examined the genetic and modifiable factors affecting vulnerable brain regions in over 40,000 UK Biobank participants over 45 years old. Researchers identified a network of brain regions that degenerate earlier and are susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease. They studied 161 risk factors for dementia and categorized them into 15 groups,…
A study published in the journal Vaccine investigated whether the MMR vaccine given to children under two years old after three doses of the DTaP vaccine reduced antibiotic treatments. The study was conducted in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden and found an 11% overall reduction in antibiotic use with the MMR vaccine. Results varied by…
As toddlers grow and become more active, their nutritional needs change, even though their growth rate slows down. Toddlers need between 1,000 and 1,400 calories a day and should consume a variety of foods from each food group. Dairy products are important for bone health, and milk is particularly beneficial for providing calcium and vitamin…
Starting an exercise regimen with others can be a powerful fitness motivator, particularly for older adults. Research shows that talking with peers about exercise can help increase and sustain physical activity levels better than self-focused strategies. This study highlights the importance of interpersonal strategies in promoting exercise among older adults, who often struggle to meet…
Eating food deep-fried in oil can increase calories and pose health risks. Research shows that reusing frying oil, a common practice, can raise the risk of neurodegeneration and brain damage. A study on rats found that diets with reheated cooking oils led to increased neurodegeneration. The rats consuming reheated oils had liver inflammation, colon damage,…
The Delhi Government has directed medical colleges to ensure the safety of female medical students by installing CCTV cameras to record viva exams. This decision aims to prevent any incidents of harassment or misconduct during examinations. By recording the exams, authorities can better monitor the process and take action if any issues arise. The use…
Ekso Bionics has been developing products for people with neuromuscular conditions to walk for about 20 years. The company has FDA approved products and is striving for financial success. In the final episode of Season 1, CEO Scott Davis discusses the history of Ekso Bionics and the innovative devices they have created to help individuals…
A General Practitioner position is available in Cork City under the General Medical Services Scheme, with a patient panel of approximately 502. The scheme provides medical care for medical card patients. Participating doctors work under a formal contract for service with the Health Service Executive. Enquiries can be made to Norah Heffernan, Primary Care Unit…
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that cardiorespiratory fitness is lower in children with type 2 diabetes compared to those without diabetes. Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 55 studies, which showed that children with type 2 diabetes had lower cardiorespiratory fitness levels compared to those without diabetes. Children with type…
Novosound, a Scottish sensor technology startup, has secured a patent for its ultrasound system, the Slanj digital platform, aimed at medical and wearables markets. The system uses gel-free, high-resolution sensors in a wearable, Wi-Fi-enabled device. The patent grants Novosound exclusive rights to sell its technology in the US and UK. The company, founded in 2018,…
Fire Capt. Jesse Blaire in Ocala, Florida, is leading an effort to address the opioid crisis by bringing addiction medication to those in need, meeting them where they are, whether it’s on the street or at their homes. Blaire’s team, part of the Coordinated Opioid Recovery Network, provides free services to connect individuals with needed…
A study showed that the 2016 CDC guidelines for prescribing opioids for chronic pain inadvertently led to a decrease in opioid prescriptions for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Researchers found that opioid dispensing rates and dosages decreased among SCD patients following the release of the guidelines. This population, predominantly African American, experienced a rise…
Steward Health Care, facing financial issues at its Massachusetts hospitals, is selling its nationwide physician network to UnitedHealth’s Optum Care unit. The sale of Stewardship Health is part of a strategy to strengthen the company’s system of 33 hospitals after falling behind in payments. Optum subsidiary Collaborative Care Holdings filed notice with the state Health…
David Lindsay Maxwell, born in Scotland, was a responsible eldest son after his father’s death at a young age. He excelled academically and athletically, becoming Captain of Boats at Eton College and winning national rowing championships at Cambridge. He studied natural sciences and social and political sciences, showing a strong commitment to his education. Throughout…
Regular exercise 2-3 times a week is associated with a lower risk of insomnia and better sleep duration, according to a 10-year study. The research, including 4,399 middle-aged adults from nine European countries, found that persistently active individuals were less likely to have insomnia symptoms, more likely to have normal sleep duration, and less likely…
A new analysis of over 13,000 people found changes in blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk of stroke and dementia in those with heart conditions, regardless of stroke history. The research, the most comprehensive to date, revealed common hidden brain changes in individuals with heart conditions. Brain imaging is essential for detecting these…
LaShawn Wiltz struggled with chronic sleep-maintenance insomnia, but after hearing about the “sleepy girl mocktail” on TikTok made with magnesium glycinate, she decided to try it to improve her sleep quality. Magnesium helps relax muscles and calm the nervous system, potentially aiding in better sleep. While more research is needed on the specific effects of…
Two classes of chemicals found in common household products could hinder the development of oligodendrocytes, crucial brain cells, according to a study led by Paul Tesar, PhD. Quaternary ammonium compounds and organophosphate flame retardants were found to have harmful effects on non-nerve cells in the brain. Research is ongoing but experts suggest more investigation is…
Cigarette smoking, including prenatal exposure, has been identified as a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Researchers studied almost half a million adults and found that early-life tobacco exposure significantly increases the risk of developing diabetes, particularly for those with a genetic predisposition. Prenatal exposure to tobacco increases the risk by 22%, while starting smoking…
A study suggests that MRI and lumbar puncture may not be necessary for managing complications of CAR T-cell therapy. The study found that these procedures may not always provide additional information that would change clinical management. This could potentially reduce the burden on patients and healthcare resources. The findings indicate that other diagnostic tools and…
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are gaining attention for their potential to tackle obesity, but lifestyle changes like food should also be a focus. Dr. Robert Graham emphasized the importance of food-as-medicine and therapeutic lifestyle changes. He believes that the food-as-medicine movement, along with GLP-1s, could revolutionize healthcare in the next few years. However,…
The Cavan Community Healthcare in Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, and Monaghan is seeking applicants for a position at the Cavan Town Centre. The application form can be obtained from Fiona Monahan, GP Services Manager, or Olivia Coyne, Administrative Officer. The closing date for applications is 12/04/2024 at 17.00 hrs. For more information on the post and…
A novel prognostic model has been developed to help determine the timing of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM). The model aims to predict early relapse to CAR-T therapy, which is associated with increased mortality risk. The model, called Myeloma CAR-T Relapse (MyCARe), considers factors such…
The field of immunization has made significant progress in recent years, with advancements in vaccine development, particularly through viral vector manufacturing. This technique has accelerated the production of vaccines for diseases like measles and HPV. The development of vaccines has drastically reduced the incidence of infectious diseases and led to eradication in some cases. The…
Amazon Pharmacy has expanded its same-day medication delivery services to New York City and Los Angeles, offering quick access to prescription drugs for common conditions. The company uses small facilities near major metropolitan areas to store medications and employs AI tools for accurate processing. Delivery methods are eco-friendly, with bikes in Manhattan and electric vehicles…
The federal government is negotiating with drugmakers to lower the price of expensive drugs for Medicare patients. Colorado is going a step further with a new Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board, setting an “upper payment limit” for unaffordable drugs. Enbrel and Stelara are the first drugs under review. Colorado’s plan covers all patients and aims…
New FDA-approved biologics have changed the treatment landscape for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), a devastating autoimmune disorder. Monoclonal antibodies like ravulizumab have shown promise in preventing recurrence of optic neuritis and myelitis. Eculizumab, satralizumab, and inebilizumab have also been approved for NMOSD treatment, with eculizumab demonstrating a significant reduction in relapse risk. The challenge…
The new headquarters of Foundation Medicine is located in a 16-story building at 400 Summer St, Boston. The building features contemporary paintings by artists who have overcome homelessness or disabilities in the lobby. Employees can order lunches from local restaurants in the cafeteria, like barbecued pulled pork sandwiches from Pennypacker’s. The top floor offers a…
Marcus Munafò, a professor at the University of Bristol, notes that there is a well-established link between consuming ultra-processed food and negative health effects. However, it is important to determine if this association is causal. To do so, Munafò suggests that researchers need to move beyond just conducting larger studies and instead focus on interventions…
Nonbinary individuals have unmet medical needs due to fitting into a binary medical system. They often face discrimination leading to higher rates of depression and suicide compared to other gender identities. Nonbinary identities are broad, with specific labels like genderqueer, genderfluid, and agender falling under the umbrella term. Many nonbinary Australians seek hormone therapy and…
A new study reveals a significant connection between oral bacteria, particularly Porphyromonas gingivalis, and the development of pancreatic cancer in mice. Prof. Gabriel Nussbaum and his team at Hebrew University uncover how P. gingivalis accelerates pancreatic cancer progression by translocating from the oral cavity to the pancreas, impacting the microbial balance. The research highlights that…
George Galioto struggled with chronic insomnia for over a decade due to his erratic work schedule and ADHD medication. He often slept only 4 hours per night and tried various over-the-counter sleep aids without success. Eventually diagnosed with chronic insomnia, he began taking medication and undergoing light therapy. The diagnosis provided relief and allowed him…
Viking Therapeutics’ experimental weight loss tablet VK2735 showed potential in reducing weight by up to 3.3% in a small early-stage trial, meeting market expectations and boosting the company’s shares by 15%. The drug, given orally, is seen as a more convenient alternative to under-the-skin injections from competitors like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. Viking plans…
Researchers at Penn State found that daily avocado consumption can improve overall diet quality, which is important for reducing the risk of diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The study involved 1,008 participants with abdominal obesity who either restricted avocado intake or added one avocado to their diet daily for 26 weeks. Those…
A study published in JAMA suggests that low exposure to antibiotics in newborns may not necessarily increase the risk of early-onset sepsis. The research indicates that some newborns may not require antibiotics as a preventive measure. The findings may help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use in newborns, potentially lowering the risk of antibiotic resistance. However, further…
The famous quote “perfection is the enemy of the good” is rarely applied to artificial intelligence in the life sciences industry. Despite concerns and hesitancy, organizations are turning to automation and generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to address data management challenges and improve efficiency. However, hesitancy remains due to risks such as bias, lack of reliability,…
Ireland’s workplace smoking ban, implemented 20 years ago, saved more than 3,700 lives in the first three-and-a-half years. Tánaiste Micheál Martin, who introduced the legislation, highlighted its impact on public health. Despite its success, there is still work to be done in the fight against smoking and vaping. The Irish Heart Foundation advocates for raising…
Treatment with brexpiprazole has shown significant reductions in agitation among patients with dementia due to Alzheimer’s Disease. Agitation is difficult to manage and often indicates disease progression. Brexpiprazole was evaluated in two 12-week trials and showed improvement in agitation and psychosis symptoms compared to placebo. The drug was found to be effective regardless of dementia…
Digital ultrasound company Butterfly Network has obtained EU MDR certification for its Butterfly IQ+ ultrasound system, allowing it to enter the European market. The system includes AI-enabled software like Auto B-Line Counter and Pulse Wave Doppler. Auto B-Line Counter uses AI to identify abnormalities by measuring B-lines, while Pulse Wave Doppler displays blood flow velocity….
Carol Rosen, a 70-year-old retired schoolteacher, died in excruciating pain three weeks after taking chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer. She suffered severe side effects from the drug, including kidney and liver failure, due to a genetic deficiency that causes the drug to stay in the body longer than usual. Despite the availability of tests to…
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that fasted patients taking once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) before elective procedures under anesthesia had a higher prevalence of increased residual gastric content, increasing their risk for aspiration. The study included 124 adult patients, with 62 taking GLP-1RAs. Results showed a 30.5% higher prevalence of increased residual…
The law requiring a 30-day waiting period for Medicaid recipients seeking sterilization was put in place to protect against coerced sterilization, stemming from a history of unethical and nonconsensual procedures on marginalized populations. However, this waiting period now presents a barrier to access to permanent fertility control. Eliminating this waiting period, or at least reducing…
Scarlett McNally, a professor and consultant orthopaedic surgeon, emphasizes the importance of education and empowerment in the NHS. Drawing parallels between karate and surgery, she highlights the need for retaining experienced clinicians and managers. McNally stresses the importance of bite-sized education, shared resources, and promoting diversity in leadership positions. She also addresses the challenges faced…