#medicine

Singapore’s health system is praised for its universal coverage and mix of private services. In the US, Trump’s plans threaten civil service protections, with shock nominees for key positions such as attorney-general and director of national intelligence. Singapore’s success in areas like affordable housing, healthcare, and combating addiction can offer lessons for Western countries. The…

Lloyd Mills, a 32-year-old with autism, cerebral palsy, and kidney disease, was stuck in a hospital for eight months due to auditory hallucinations and suicidal thoughts. Georgia was sued in 2010 for segregating people with disabilities and mental illnesses, leading to a settlement to improve care services. While improvements have been made, many challenges remain,…

The American Medical Association (AMA) reported a slight decrease in drug overdose deaths in 2023, despite a historic high. Opioid prescriptions have decreased by 51.7% since 2012, but challenges remain in accessing medications for opioid use disorder. The AMA emphasizes the need to remove barriers to medication and enforce parity laws. Recommendations for policymakers include…

President-elect Donald Trump announced that medical doctor and former Fox News contributor Janette Nesheiwat will be nominated to be the next surgeon general. The surgeon general is responsible for providing Americans with scientific information to improve health and reduce illness. Nesheiwat, a family and emergency medicine doctor currently serving as medical director at CityMD, is…

Enhertu is a treatment for adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2 low breast cancer who have previously received chemotherapy. It was approved for use on the NHS in Scotland in December 2023 but has not been approved in England and Wales due to concerns about cost effectiveness. Clinical trial evidence shows that Enhertu increases…

A recent study by a team of researchers has uncovered key mechanisms by which nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep enhances cognitive performance. The research, published in Science, shows that NREM sleep fosters brain synchronization and enhances information encoding, potentially changing our understanding of how sleep boosts brainpower. The study involved monitoring neural activity in macaques…

A recent study challenges the idea that gene switches, or enhancers, have their own isolated location on DNA. Instead, the study suggests that regulatory sequences in the genome may be more complex than previously thought. Enhancers control gene expression, affecting when and where genes are active. The findings have implications for how traits change during…

Endo USA, Inc has expanded its recall of clonazepam orally disintegrating tablets due to a packaging error that could be life-threatening. The company has identified that certain product lots contain cartons printed with incorrect strength and National Drug Code due to an error by a third-party packager. Consuming a higher dose of clonazepam could lead…

Regular exercise is essential for preventing chronic conditions and slowing cognitive decline. Recent research indicates that cardiovascular fitness, the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to muscles during exercise, may also reduce the risk of dementia. A study on over 60,000 participants found that improved cardiorespiratory fitness is linked to better cognitive performance and a lower…

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. John Lantis oversaw a busy vascular surgery department in New York City, seeing 350 patients weekly with vascular issues and performing numerous procedures. When the pandemic hit, elective surgeries were halted, outpatient visits dropped significantly, and Dr. Lantis had to switch to telemedicine to continue caring for patients. Despite challenges,…

A recent study found that among cancer survivors with chronic musculoskeletal pain, auricular acupuncture was less effective than electroacupuncture at reducing pain. This type of acupuncture, also known as battlefield acupuncture, also had higher rates of discontinuation. Pain is a common and debilitating symptom in cancer survivors, with many patients being undertreated for their pain….

Twin brothers Xing and Yang Su started Seen Health, a company inspired by the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) model to provide senior care. The company, with $22 million in funding, focuses on the API community in Los Angeles. Seen Health offers in-center and at-home care, incorporating Eastern medicine and cultural activities….

New research from Ireland shows that people with lower education levels and those living in disadvantaged areas are more likely to smoke daily. Residents of the most deprived areas are four times more likely to smoke regularly compared to those in affluent regions. The study, analyzing data from over 52,000 adults, emphasizes the need for…

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, and if you suffer injuries, you may be wondering about recovering compensation. Steps to take after a slip and fall accident include reporting the accident, seeking immediate medical attention, and documenting the accident scene. It is important to save all paperwork related to the accident, such as medical…

Medicare Advantage health plans have come under scrutiny for potentially wasting billions of tax dollars through home visits that result in no medical services. A recent audit found that insurers pocketed $7.5 billion in 2023 from these visits, with $4.2 billion coming from health assessments done in patients’ homes. Despite the watchdog’s call to crack…

A systematic review published in eClinicalMedicine suggests that some diabetes medications, specifically GLP-1 receptor agonists, could help reduce alcohol consumption and related health problems, especially in individuals with obesity. Studies showed that exenatide reduced alcohol consumption in people with obesity, while dulaglutide increased the likelihood of reduced alcohol consumption. However, further research is needed to…

Sen. Rand Paul plans to use his position as chair of a committee to investigate the origins of Covid-19, with potential implications for the reorganization of the NIH. He is critical of scientists and science agencies, particularly the NIH and Dr. Anthony Fauci, accusing government officials of misleading the public about U.S. funding of research…

Health workers in Rome, including doctors and nurses, went on strike on 20 November to protest proposed changes in the government’s budget. The strike was organized by various trade unions representing different health sectors. The Italian government’s budget for 2025 includes an additional €1.3bn investment in healthcare, on top of the €1.2bn allocated last year….

A study published in the Annals of Neurology found that younger and middle-aged patients are disproportionately affected by neurologic manifestations of postacute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection (Neuro-PASC). The study included 200 posthospitalization Neuro-PASC patients and 1,100 nonhospitalized Neuro-PASC patients assessed at a Neuro-COVID-19 clinic. Older patients showed higher prevalence of…

A study funded by the CDC shows an increasing prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) among American children under 20, with rates among the highest globally. The study estimated that over 100,000 children in the U.S. are affected by IBD, with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis being the most common types. The prevalence varied by…

A multicenter randomized trial showed that adding linear ablation and ethanol infusion to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) led to better management of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) compared to PVI alone. The trial resulted in a 70.7% freedom from AF recurrences without anti-arrhythmia drugs in patients with the additional treatments, as opposed to 61.5% in the…

A recent study found that women with a history of endometriosis and uterine fibroids are at an increased risk of early death, particularly from gynecological cancers. Endometriosis affects 10% of women and causes symptoms like severe period pain and infertility, while fibroids are noncancerous growths on the uterine walls leading to heavy menstrual bleeding and…

In this installment of Journal Watch, Dr. Josh Herb discusses two articles on the antibiotic treatment of appendicitis, the timing of endovenous ablation for venous leg ulcers, and incisional hernia repair. The CODA trial compared antibiotics with surgery for appendicitis, finding that antibiotic treatment was noninferior. Another study compared narrow- and extended-spectrum antibiotics for appendicitis,…

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease have a higher risk of developing various types of cancer outside of the digestive tract, according to a recent meta-analysis. The study found that individuals with IBD are up to 45% more likely to develop malignancies such as bile duct, pulmonary, and hematologic cancers. This contradicts a previous meta-analysis that…

Wearable health technology has revolutionized healthcare by providing real-time data for chronic disease management. Wearable devices can monitor various health factors such as glucose levels, sleep quality, and heart rate, enabling patients to take control of their health. These devices also help reduce healthcare costs by preventing emergencies and improving overall health outcomes. Challenges with…

The next clinical update of the National Office for Traffic Medicine will cover topics such as obstructive sleep apnoea, off-road assessments, and alcohol use disorders. The event, taking place online on November 27, will feature speakers discussing recent developments in these areas. Additionally, the All-Island Medication Safety Conference will be held on November 28-29 in…

Various individuals wrote to the “Letters to the Editor” section, sharing personal experiences and opinions on topics related to healthcare, including caring for dementia patients, racial bias in medical technology, fluoride in water, paywalls in accessing health information, and challenges with Medicare plans. The letters expressed concerns about the complexity of caregiving, racial disparities in…

Two autoimmune diseases, Sjögren’s syndrome and ankylosing spondylitis, are undergoing name changes to better reflect their seriousness and complexity. Sjögren’s syndrome is now being called Sjögren’s disease to emphasize its systemic nature, while ankylosing spondylitis has been renamed axial spondyloarthritis. These changes aim to promote accurate diagnosis and treatment of patients. The shift in terminology…

After former President Donald Trump won reelection, Black autistic writer Morénike Giwa Onaiwu’s son asked if his autism diagnosis could be erased. The potential ascension of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for promoting the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism, into public office has sparked fear and concern within the autism community. The backlash against…

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis affecting 30% of patients with psoriasis. It involves various domains, comorbidities, and extra-musculoskeletal manifestations. Treatment usually starts with NSAIDs and csDMARDs. Biologic and targeted DMARDs are also used, targeting cytokines like TNFα, IL-17, IL-12/23, and IL-23. Non-pharmacologic interventions like education, exercise, and mindfulness are recommended. Clinical assessment tools and…

The film “Joy” released on Netflix highlights the challenges faced by the pioneers of IVF treatment in the UK in the late 1960s and 70s. The movie brings attention to the fragile state of fertility treatment today, with threats in the US and limited availability in the UK due to financial constraints. Despite over 10…

The Human Cell Atlas is a global initiative aiming to map human biology using cutting-edge genomics to enhance disease diagnosis and treatment. The project involves diverse scientists and community engagement to ensure equity, diversity, and inclusivity in research practices. The HCA prioritizes ethical sample collection, data sharing, and accountability through its Equity Working Group. The…

Interest is growing in the role of nutrition in slowing or preventing neurodegeneration in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). John Duda, MD, has highlighted the lack of effective drugs in managing PD symptoms and has emphasized the importance of nutrition, such as the Mediterranean and MIND diets, which have shown an inverse association with PD…

Scientists have discovered a new chemical byproduct in tap water treated with chloramine, raising health concerns for over 100 million Americans. This compound, named chloronitramide anion, was found in water systems across seven states. Researchers believe that this byproduct may be contributing to the chronic toxicity of drinking water, potentially increasing the risk of cancer….

In this content, the focus is on exploring the origins and meanings of words related to the abdomen in an entertaining and informative way. The author takes the reader on a linguistic journey, discussing terms such as stomach, intestine, and organ, tracing their roots back to Latin and Greek origins. Additionally, the content highlights the…

show that remdesivir may help hospitalized patients recover more quickly, but does not reduce mortality rates. The FDA has approved remdesivir as a treatment for COVID-19 based on the previous positive findings, despite the lack of mortality benefit in the latest data. The drug is now widely used as a treatment option for hospitalized COVID-19…

President-elect Donald Trump nominated Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Dr. Oz is a surgeon and former television host, known for his mixed views on healthcare. Healthcare leaders are unsure about his appointment, as he has promoted unproven treatments and endorsed questionable weight loss strategies in the past. Some…

A study on the effectiveness of the new obesity medication tirzepatide found that continued use can lead to significant weight loss and a reduction in diabetes. The medication, taken weekly by injection, has shown promising results over a three-year period, with weight loss stability and improved quality of life reported by patients. The medication is…

President-elect Donald Trump has chosen celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz to run the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which oversees coverage for over 160 million Americans. Oz’s previous investments in health care, tech, and food companies could pose conflicts of interest, with stakes in UnitedHealth Group, pharmaceutical firms, and tech companies like Amazon. It’s unclear…

Healio | OSN has appointed new board positions for Nicole R. Fram, MD, Kendall E. Donaldson, MD, MS, and Audrey R. Talley Rostov, MD. Fram is now the Associate Medical Editor, succeeding Elizabeth Yeu, MD. Donaldson is the new Technology Section Editor, focusing on keeping ophthalmologists updated on the latest tools and technologies. Rostov is…

This content discusses how technology is transforming the life sciences, specifically focusing on AI adoption in clinical care. FDA Commissioner Robert Califf highlights the challenges of regulating AI devices and emphasizes the need for ongoing evaluation of AI tools in clinical settings. Amazon introduces upfront pricing in telehealth, potentially competing with companies like Hims. The…

Despite promises to cut smoking rates and protect young people, big tobacco companies like Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco are aggressively expanding the market for fruit-flavored “click” or “capsule” cigarettes in Latin America. These products, which involve crushing a capsule for flavor, appeal to children and are being heavily marketed at music festivals…

New research published in The Lancet shows that life expectancy disparities in the US based on race and location have widened over the past two decades. The study divides the US population into ten groups, or “Americas,” based on various factors. Disparities in life expectancy have increased, with certain populations experiencing significant drops due to…

Julie Rovner is the host of KFF Health News podcast “What the Health?” and an expert on health policy. President-elect Trump’s choices for key health policy positions are controversial. The lame-duck Congress has limited time to address health priorities while the incoming Congress plans changes to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. Trump’s picks for…

The FDA has approved zanidatamab as a monotherapy for previously treated HER2-positive biliary tract cancer (BTC). The bispecific antibody is the first HER2-targeted treatment with this indication. Zanidatamab binds to HER2 proteins, blocking HER2 signaling and inducing immune responses. The approval was based on a phase 2 trial with a 52% response rate and a…

Tomball resident Marisa Christie gave birth to triplets after facing life-threatening complications, leading her to be clinically dead for about 45 minutes post-birth. Her husband, Dylan, made the call for her to have a hysterectomy, saving her life from a rare post-birth complication called amniotic fluid embolism. Marisa miraculously survived and woke up with no…

A study conducted at Cleveland Clinic found that IV acetaminophen did not reduce postoperative hypoxemia or pain in patients who underwent abdominal surgery. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, concluded that IV acetaminophen did not have a significant impact on opioid consumption or other secondary outcomes. As a result of…

Clinicians should consider reducing doses of gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel in older patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, as a large real-world study showed worse outcomes in patients receiving modified dosing. The traditional dosing schedule of days 1, 8 and 15 of a 28-day cycle is often altered for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. It is…

The FDA approved a new leukemia drug, ziftomenib, developed by Kura Oncology with the help of $330 million from a collaboration agreement with Kyowa Kirin. The drug is targeted for advanced cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) driven by mutations to the KMT2A gene. Ziftomenib is a menin inhibitor and is also being tested for…

Dr. Ray O’Connor discusses the disparity in life expectancy between men and women, along with the underrepresentation of men’s health issues. A study on men’s mental health following a breakup found that men seek help through self-help resources, social connections, and professional mental health care. Researchers propose the ‘5C Framework’ to design men’s health programs…