President Obama established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in 2010 to prioritize consumer protection over the interests of big banks. The CFPB has shifted its focus to addressing medical debt issues, penalizing collectors, warning providers, and developing rules to remove medical debt from credit reports. This move has faced opposition from collectors and legal challenges….
The Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections is highlighting emerging research in HIV, as well as other infectious diseases, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. Researchers are presenting new data on COVID-19 vaccines, tuberculosis treatments, and STI prophylaxis, with a focus on HIV treatment options. The conference, running from March 3 to 6, is…
Alternative pharmacies like Costco, Amazon, and Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs are gaining popularity in the US. However, a recent analysis showed that many expensive generic medicines are unavailable, prices vary greatly, and savings are minimal. Out of 100 expensive generics, 20% were not available at some of these pharmacies. Among the available expensive generics,…
Raymond M Agius, a professor emeritus of occupational and environmental medicine in the UK, highlights the similarities and differences in the shortcomings of protection for workers in the UK and US during the COVID-19 pandemic. UK law should have provided adequate protection for workers, but many employers opted for public health guidance instead of fulfilling…
New research published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that Long COVID could potentially trigger declines in thinking and cognitive abilities. The study involved cognitive testing on 113,000 people in England, showing that those with Long COVID scored lower on IQ tests compared to those who had never been infected. Even those who…
A global analysis published in The Lancet reveals that the number of people worldwide living with obesity has exceeded one billion, making it the most common form of malnutrition globally. The study, conducted by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration, shows a significant increase in obesity rates among children, adolescents, and adults since 1990. The rise…
Doctors and scientists have made significant progress in treating multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. While advancements have helped people live longer and healthier lives, there are disparities in care among different racial and ethnic groups. Multiple myeloma is more common in Hispanic and Black populations, who also tend to have a less serious…
A study found that a history of herpes simplex virus (HSV) doubles the risk of dementia in older adults. The study followed 1002 individuals aged 70 over 15 years and found that 7% developed dementia. Anti-HSV IgG positivity was associated with a higher risk of dementia, but not Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment for herpes virus did…
Researchers conducted an extensive review linking ultra-processed food to 32 health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, mental health problems, cancer, and premature death. These foods undergo industrial processes and contain additives like sugar, fat, and salt. They make up a significant portion of daily energy intake in high-income countries and have become more common in…
A gastroenterologist at Fortis Hospital was found guilty of negligence and deficiency in service during the treatment of a patient with Choledocholithiasis, leading to a slap of Rs 5 lakh compensation. The incident highlights the importance of proper medical care and the consequences of medical malpractice. This case serves as a reminder of the need…
FogPharma, a biotech company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has secured $145 million in funding for the clinical development of their novel therapeutic candidate for solid tumors. The drug, FOG-001, targets the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway, which is linked to various types of cancer. The company’s unique peptide drugs, called Helicon therapeutics, are designed to penetrate cells…
A Key Trends report for Ireland shows a 57% increase in the number of hospital doctors employed in the public health service by 2022, with over 11,800 doctors working in public hospitals. The report also reveals a decrease in mortality rates for diseases such as cancer, circulatory system diseases, ischaemic heart diseases, and respiratory system…
A study in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that fexuprazan has noninferior efficacy to esomeprazole in patients with erosive esophagitis (EE). The study compared the healing rates of EE between the two medications over an 8-week period. Both fexuprazan and esomeprazole showed similar rates of EE healing at 8 weeks, with no significant…
The California initiative CA Bridge, aimed at helping patients with substance use disorder through long-term treatment after being discharged from emergency rooms, is facing challenges with unstable funding. The program relies on one-time funding, making it difficult for hospitals to retain navigators amidst the growing drug crisis. State officials are exploring options such as expanding…
In 2016, researchers reported the simultaneous emergence of Candida auris on three continents between 2011 and 2013. This new pathogenic fungus was first isolated from a patient’s ear in Japan in 2009. The mystery surrounding its emergence on three continents at the same time led scientists to propose that global warming may have played a…
CVS Health and Walgreens are set to dispense the abortion pill, mifepristone, in select states within a few weeks. CVS Health will start in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, while Walgreens will begin in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, California, and Illinois. The move comes after the FDA broadened availability of abortion pills to more pharmacies. Mifepristone…
This article discusses the evolving treatment trajectories for patients with incurable solid cancers, focusing on the impact of newer systemic anticancer treatments, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy. The updated trajectories now include major temporary improvement, long term ongoing response, rapid decline due to adverse events, and the traditional trajectory. The importance of discussing patients’…
Bifidobacterium breve, a species of gut bacteria, is important for infant gut health. During childbirth, these beneficial bacteria are transferred from the mother to the baby, especially through vaginal birth. B breve plays a key role in breaking down carbohydrates, boosting the immune system, and protecting against pathogens. Breast milk, with its human milk oligosaccharides,…
Researchers have identified specific strains of bacteria in the microbiome that are linked to a positive response to combination immunotherapy in various cancers, including rare gynecological and biliary tract cancers. A study published in Nature Medicine details how understanding the microbiome at a strain-level can help predict who will benefit from immunotherapy. The research used…
Fires are becoming a worsening global crisis, with the U.S. experiencing an 8% increase in fires in 2020 compared to 2019. Survivors face long-term physical and mental health challenges, including scarring, chronic pain, PTSD, and respiratory issues. Climate change has contributed to longer and more intense wildfire seasons. The COVID-19 pandemic may have also increased…
Vector control strategies have led to a decrease in vector-borne transmission of Chagas disease in many regions, but oral ingestion of Trypanosoma cruzi through contaminated food and beverages is on the rise. This method of transmission is highly lethal, especially in pediatric and adult populations. There is a lack of awareness about oral transmission in…
People aged 65 and older are advised to get an additional COVID shot this spring by the CDC. The recommended booster dose corresponds to the latest version of Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Novavax vaccines and is meant for older adults at least four months after a previous dose. People with compromised immune systems may need extra…
A fake drugs racket was busted in Uttarakhand, where counterfeit medicines were being manufactured and sold. Authorities conducted a raid and seized a large quantity of fake drugs. The operation was a result of ongoing efforts to combat the illegal trade of counterfeit medications. Investigations are underway to identify the individuals involved in the racket…
The evolution of cloud services has changed the way organizations manage data, with multi-cloud environments becoming common for flexibility and efficiency. However, challenges in data security, especially for Protected Health Information (PHI), are increasing with cloud adoption. Safeguards are crucial to prevent misconfigurations and data breaches, especially in healthcare. Cloud Reference Architectures (CRAs) provide a…
The content is about the RCPI Faculty of Pathology’s 43rd Annual Symposium and AGM, featuring key figures such as Prof Brendan Doyle, Prof David Gonzales de Castro, Prof Ian Cree, Prof Mary Keogan, Prof Siobhan Glavey, and Dr Ennna McCann. The event included discussions and presentations on various topics related to pathology. The image shows…
A study found that false-positive findings were common in cardiovascular imaging using dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in patients with gout. Researchers compared non-electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated DECT pulmonary angiograms in patients with and without gout, finding artifacts that could be mistaken for vascular monosodium urate (MSU) deposits. Factors such as motion, foreign bodies, and contrast medium mixing…
KFF Health News reporters discussed various health topics on different media platforms. Aneri Pattani talked about using opioid settlement funds in Mobile, Alabama on NPR’s “Morning Edition” on Feb. 27. Daniel Chang discussed Medicaid and CHIP on PBS News’ “PBS NewsHour” on Feb. 25. Paula Andalo talked about connecting agricultural workers with mental health resources…
Dr. Daniel Zhu presented findings on the outcomes of chandelier-assisted scleral buckling in rhegmatogenous retinal detachments at Retina 2024. The use of a chandelier light helps improve detection of retinal breaks, leading to a success rate of around 91.7% in 30 studies. A meta-analysis showed no significant difference in outcomes between chandelier-assisted scleral buckling and…
Organ transplant surgeon receives offer of declined kidney from the same deceased donor due to surgeon’s preference, contemplates taking a chance on it for a patient in need. Discusses high discard rates of organs in the US, logistical challenges in organ allocation, and congressional hearings on organ procurement failures. Proposes a system where high-risk organs…
Scott A. Murray and colleagues discuss the importance of using illness trajectories to inform person-centered advance care planning. They emphasize the need for healthcare professionals to understand the unique experiences and preferences of each individual in order to provide effective and compassionate end-of-life care. By considering how a particular illness may progress over time, clinicians…
In Argentina, the soaring inflation rate has made health care a luxury for many, forcing people to choose between buying food or medicine. The prices of medication have risen significantly, leading to a drop in sales and shortages in the public health system. Many patients, especially retirees and informal workers, are struggling to afford essential…
Mendelian randomization is a crucial tool in medical research for understanding disease causation. It uses genetic variations as “natural experiments” to determine cause-and-effect relationships. The choice of genetic variations is vital for accurate results, with a focus on biologically motivated approaches to select genes directly related to the exposure. Genome-wide analyses, while tempting due to…
Multiple myeloma is more deadly for Black people, who are not adequately represented in clinical trials. There are reasons for this, including lack of information, distrust of the medical system, financial barriers, and strict inclusion criteria. The FDA has issued new guidance to increase minority participation in trials, including broadening eligibility criteria, appointing diversity officers,…
A study found that women with hyperthyroidism have a lower risk of developing gynecologic cancers compared to those without thyroid disorders. The study used data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database and followed women diagnosed with thyroid disease between 2000 and 2018. Women with hyperthyroidism had a significantly lower risk of gynecologic cancers,…
The author is an experienced acupressure specialist with over a decade of expertise in natural wellness. They have created AcupressureGuide.com and have helped countless individuals overcome stress, chronic pain, and sleeplessness through daily acupressure practice. The content explores the importance of lowering cortisol levels for overall well-being and provides 5 quick and effective ways to…
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WebMD has acquired Healthwise, an Idaho-based nonprofit provider of health education content and patient engagement tools. The deal, announced on Thursday, did not disclose financial details. Healthwise’s assets will be integrated into WebMD Ignite, providing engagement tools to over 650 customers, such as Providence and Trinity Health. The acquisition follows WebMD’s 2020 purchase of The…
The NCHD Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists position is a temporary full-time post from July 2024 to July 2025. Applicants must have current Irish Medical Council Registration. Interested individuals can inquire with Sarah Foley or Caitlyn McGoldrick and submit their CVs via email or post. The closing date for applications is Friday, March 22, 2024, with…
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has updated their guidelines for managing hip osteoarthritis (OA), with modifications to 14 of the 23 recommendations for nonoperative treatment. Strong recommendations include the use of Tranexamic Acid for individuals undergoing hip replacement, while the use of intra-articular hyaluronic acid is strongly not recommended. Other recommendations cover oral…
Every first Friday in March, people wear blue to raise awareness for colorectal cancer. The campaign aims to remember those affected by the disease and promote early diagnosis for better survival rates. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the US, with rates increasing in adults under 50. Symptoms include rectal…
Walgreens’ VillageMD clinics in Florida and Illinois are closing as the company strives to increase profitability. Dr. Sashi Moodley, Walgreens’ Chief Medical Officer, discussed the company’s healthcare initiatives, including a new virtual care program available in nine states. The program offers direct-to-consumer services, aiming to provide a seamless experience for patients. Walgreens is focused on…
Patients and clinicians are encouraged to share their experiences regarding care at Catholic hospitals and any constraints they may have experienced due to the “Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services.” The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued these directives, which may impact the care provided at these hospitals. Patients and clinicians can…
CommonSpirit Health is hosting an educational event featuring RaDonda Vaught, the nurse who accidentally killed a patient by injecting the wrong medication. The event, taking place on March 12 during National Patient Safety Week, will focus on human factors and system issues that led to the fatal error. Vaught will discuss medical error prevention and…
Tanuseputro, Webber, and Downar discuss how advanced analytics can help shift from population-based predictions to personalized predictions in healthcare. They highlight traditional trajectories of health decline at the end of life, including sudden death, terminal illness, organ failure, and frailty. Two BMJ articles by Murray et al and Geijteman et al explore new dimensions of…
Smoking affects gene expression, leading to the development of lung cancer and other diseases. Understanding the epigenetic signatures of smoking, especially across different racial and ethnic groups, could help predict the risk for smoking-related illnesses. A study by researchers at Keck School of Medicine analyzed 2,728 individuals from six racial and ethnic groups, identifying 408…
Cleveland Clinic researchers have discovered how Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) induces cancer by manipulating human enzymes CDK6 and CAD. This finding has significant implications as viruses cause 10-20% of cancers globally. The study showed that inhibiting the virus’s manipulation of these enzymes with existing drugs could reduce replication, block progression, and shrink tumors in preclinical…
Multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that affects plasma cells, disproportionately affects Black people compared to white people. Some possible reasons for this disparity include genetic factors, such as variations in genes that may make Black individuals more susceptible to the disease. Additionally, health care disparities, such as lack of access to quality medical care…
The FDA has approved Boston Scientific’s Agent Drug-Coated Balloon (DCB) for the treatment of coronary in-stent restenosis in patients with coronary artery disease. The DCB transfers a therapeutic dose of the antiproliferative drug paclitaxel to the vessel wall to prevent restenosis. The approval was based on positive results from the AGENT IDE trial, which showed…
A recent study has found that the timing of COVID-19 vaccination can lead to slight, temporary changes in the length of the menstrual cycle. Researchers discovered that individuals who receive the vaccine during the first half of their cycle are more likely to experience changes in cycle length compared to those vaccinated in the latter…
The EAGLE-1 phase III trial demonstrated that gepotidacin has the potential to be a novel oral treatment option for uncomplicated gonorrhoea. This new medication could offer an effective and convenient alternative for patients with this sexually transmitted infection. The study results suggest that gepotidacin may be a promising solution to combat the rising rates of…