Residents and federal officials in Indiana are opposing the merger of two rival hospitals in Terre Haute, which would create a hospital monopoly. Union Health and Terre Haute Regional Hospital are the two hospitals involved in the deal. While Union Health believes the merger would improve public health rankings, many residents are concerned about longer…
Two FDA committees voted to eliminate monitoring requirements in the REMS program for clozapine, a medication for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. The drug can cause severe neutropenia, but the committees felt that the monitoring requirements were not necessary for safe use. The vote was overwhelmingly against the requirements, with panel members citing the reduction of burden on…
President-elect Trump has chosen Dr. Mehmet Oz, a surgeon and television personality, to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This agency sets policies for payments to hospitals, doctors, and insurers, overseeing Medicare, Medicaid, and ACA health plans. Trump aims for Oz to address chronic diseases and work with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Senate…
A patient association has filed a complaint in the Paris criminal court alleging that the antiandrogen drug Androcur, manufactured by Bayer, has caused benign brain tumors in hundreds of women. In France, the drug is approved for treating hirsutism but has been prescribed off-label for conditions like endometriosis, acne, alopecia, and contraception. The charges against…
Experts are calling for a paradigm shift in the definition and care of cerebral palsy to address the needs of adults with the condition. Currently, there is a lack of knowledge and resources for adult patients, leading to gaps in care and health risks. Organizations are advocating for a new definition that recognizes cerebral palsy…
Between 2019 and 2023, antibiotic consumption in the EU increased by 1%, moving further away from the target of a 20% reduction by 2030. Although there have been reductions in certain infections, carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infections have increased by almost 60%. The ECDC has launched patient stories to highlight the impact of AMR. More interventions…
The routine use of spironolactone after a heart attack did not reduce primary outcomes in the CLEAR SYNERGY trial, but it may reduce heart failure. The trial had high drug discontinuation rates, impacting results. The study also investigated colchicine effects, which showed no benefit. Eplerenone was beneficial for heart failure after a heart attack in…
A recent study found that consuming hot cocoa or green tea rich in flavonoids can help counteract the negative effects of stress, specifically after eating fatty foods. The study involved 23 young, healthy participants who consumed a fatty breakfast followed by either a high-flavanol or low-flavanol cocoa drink. Participants then underwent a stressful mental math…
During the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, industries like sports, fashion, and automobiles shifted production to make PPE for healthcare workers in need. Companies such as Cascade Designs, Outdoor Research, Bauer, and New Balance repurposed their facilities to produce masks, face shields, and gowns. Many other companies, including Ralph Lauren and Gap, also contributed…
colleagues. They found that patients who received ICIs had lower overall survival rates compared to those in clinical trials. The study included a diverse group of nearly 12,000 cancer patients from the Veterans Affairs system. These findings suggest that the real-world response to ICIs may not be as positive as initially thought based on trial…
Sepsis is a life-threatening response to infection, affecting over 1.7 million adults in the US annually. With a high mortality rate, delayed detection and treatment in hospitals contribute to severe outcomes. Challenges include early detection, communication breakdowns, and financial constraints. Clinical collaboration platforms are being used to streamline communication and improve sepsis care workflows. These…
A plaque was unveiled in Dublin to honor physician and philanthropist Thomas Wrigley Grimshaw, recognizing his contributions to medicine, statistics, and public health in Ireland. The Lord Mayor of Dublin and other prominent figures attended the unveiling ceremony, praising Grimshaw for his progressive ideas and significant impact on healthcare. Meanwhile, as the election approaches, questions…
Medical waste includes items like sharps, radioactive materials, cytotoxic waste, pharmaceuticals, and pathological waste. Proper disposal methods are essential to prevent contamination. In a home setting, you can use sharps containers and follow state guidelines for proper disposal. In an office, having designated containers for medical waste and hiring a disposal company are common practices….
Physicians are testifying in a trial in Idaho arguing that the state’s strict abortion ban endangers women’s health by preventing necessary medical interventions. The trial involves four women, two physicians, and a group of medical professionals seeking to limit the ban to include medical exceptions. The state’s attorney general’s office has objected to the women’s…
The CDC celebrates U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week from Nov. 18 to Nov. 24 to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance and promote appropriate antibiotic and antifungal use. This initiative aligns with similar observances worldwide. Recent studies indicate that millions could die from antibiotic resistance by 2050, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Additionally, shorter antibiotic courses…
Scientists studying the genetic sequence of the H5N1 bird flu virus that infected a teenager in British Columbia found that the virus had mutations that made it easier to infect humans. Although the teenager remains in critical condition, there is no evidence of the virus spreading to others. The source of the infection remains unknown,…
Alessandro Liberati, a football-loving medical philosopher, founder of the Italian Cochrane Centre, and former member of the BMJ editorial board, passed away 12 years ago but is remembered fondly for his passion for evidence-based medicine and improving research quality. He believed in funding independent clinical trials and research and warned against poor and fake research…
A national study led by Oregon State University researchers found that in low-risk pregnancies, mothers and children are just as safe with a planned home birth as they are with a planned birth center birth. The study, published in Medical Care, challenges the long-held concerns of doctors regarding home birth. The data from two national…
A recent study explores the association between dietary niacin intake and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in the US adult population, highlighting the potential benefits of this essential nutrient in promoting better heart health and longevity. The findings reveal that individuals with higher niacin intake experienced lower risks of mortality, with a dose-response relationship observed between…
Ocular rosacea and meibomian gland dysfunction can present with symptoms like a dry, gritty sensation in the eye, burning, redness, and tearing, rather than just red or bloodshot eyes. Treatment options include warm compresses, eyelid massage, artificial tears, topical azithromycin and cyclosporine, oral doxycycline, and topical ivermectin. Topical ivermectin has shown promising results in treating…
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally. Researchers have identified several risk factors such as high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, and smoking that are linked to severe stroke. A study involving nearly 27,000 participants from 32 countries found that high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, and smoking significantly increased the risk of severe…
The KEYNOTE-177 trial showed that front-line therapy with pembrolizumab resulted in a significant increase in progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with MSI-H dMMR metastatic colorectal cancer compared to chemotherapy. The study involved 307 patients randomly assigned to receive either pembrolizumab or standard-of-care chemotherapy, with pembrolizumab demonstrating a median PFS of 16.5 months compared to 8.2…
The increasing cost of biological products for oncology supportive care highlights the importance of fostering competition and choice in the market. UDENYCA has been approved by the FDA as a biosimilar to Neulasta, offering similar benefits in terms of indication, dose, strength, formulation, and route of administration. This review discusses the advantages of UDENYCA, including…
Syndax Pharmaceuticals has received FDA approval for a new drug, Revuforj, to treat advanced cases of acute leukemia with a specific genetic signature. It is the first therapy in a new class of medicines for blood cancers and is approved for adults and children over the age of 1. Revuforj works by inhibiting a protein…
A long term position is available for a vocationally trained GP in Athlone, with 6-8 sessions per week at a training practice affiliated with Midlands Training Scheme. The practice has 7 GPs, 1 registrar, and offers bright, spacious, purpose-built premises with well-equipped minor surgery room. Full administrative support is provided, including a practice manager and…
Cold-pressed juice has gained popularity for its health benefits and convenience. It is made by crushing and pressing fruits and vegetables without heat, retaining more nutrients compared to traditional juicing. Cold-pressed juice offers accessibility, customization, easy absorption of nutrients, immune system support, improved digestion, detoxification, potential weight reduction, and overall well-being. Ingredients like ginger, turmeric,…
Martin O’Malley, the head of the Social Security Administration, criticized the agency for injustices in recovering alleged overpayments from beneficiaries, including those living in poverty. O’Malley promised to make changes, such as reducing the amount withheld from monthly benefits. Progress has been made in reducing full benefit withholdings and improving phone response times, but challenges…
A multistate outbreak of E. coli linked to organic carrots has sickened 39 people in 18 states, leading to one death and 15 hospitalizations. The CDC identified 18 brands of organic whole bagged carrots and baby carrots sold by Grimmway Farms as the source of the infections. Recalled products include baby organic carrots and whole…
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to become the next secretary of Health and Human Services if approved by the Senate. Despite lacking significant experience in public health or healthcare administration, Kennedy is known for spreading vaccine misinformation and promoting anti-vaccine views. His positions on vaccination, food, and FDA regulations have raised concerns among public…
The latest MBRRACE-UK report on maternal mortality reveals high levels of inequality and little progress in reducing maternal deaths, especially among migrant women and those known to social care. The report highlights increased maternal deaths among women known to social services and the ongoing issue of maternal suicides. The report also points out poor experiences…
A recent study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) developed an AI algorithm called TrialGPT to match potential volunteers with relevant clinical trials listed on ClinicalTrials.gov. The algorithm successfully identified eligible trials for patients and provided explanations for meeting enrollment criteria. TrialGPT streamlined the matching process, allowing clinicians to efficiently connect patients with suitable…
Sapio Sciences has partnered with Waters Corporation to enhance laboratory efficiency. This collaboration combines Sapio LIMS with Waters’ LC-MS software to improve data integrity, workflow efficiency, and productivity. The connectivity between the two systems streamlines operations, reduces data silos, ensures regulatory compliance, and eliminates manual errors. By establishing a file bridge, administrators can automate processes…
A study conducted in India found that three combination therapies for hypertension are equally effective in reducing blood pressure, with all three combinations having good safety profiles. The study, known as the TOPSPIN trial, involved almost 2000 adults who were randomly assigned to different treatment groups. All three combinations lowered blood pressure equally, with about…
A recent study suggests that increasing physical activity at age 40 can extend lifespan. Americans who match the activity level of the top 25 percent of the population could add five years to their lifespan, while the least active might gain nearly 11 years by reaching the activity levels of the most active. The study…
Patients with rectal cancer who have a complete clinical response (cCR) or major clinical response (mCR) after neoadjuvant therapy may be candidates for rectum-sparing management. A new study called reSARCh is investigating this approach, with promising initial results showing 85% organ preservation at 13.5 months. Patients who achieved cCR opted for watch and wait or…
The novel risk score utilizes preoperative characteristics to stratify patients with pulmonary metastases, identifying those who may benefit most from multimodal therapies. Lung metastasectomy, established in the 1970s, improves overall survival in patients with sarcoma lung metastases and is the standard of care. However, not all patients may benefit equally from this approach. By identifying…
While Donald Trump’s presidency was concerning for reproductive rights advocates, there were wins in 7 out of 10 states where voters chose to protect abortion rights through ballot measures. However, implementing these rights may not happen immediately due to the need to build up infrastructure and the workforce. States like Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Missouri, Montana,…
President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., could potentially advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water due to concerns about its health risks. While Kennedy has linked fluoride to various diseases and disorders, public health organizations support the practice of adding fluoride to drinking water to improve…
A study presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in November 2024 found that three different dual-medication polypills effectively lowered blood pressure for Indian adults with hypertension. The study, called TOPSPIN, included 1,981 participants and showed that all three combinations of antihypertensive drugs were equally effective in lowering blood pressure. The researchers found no…
Have exciting news about new hires, promotions, or solving hard-to-fill positions? Share with us and we’ll share it with others. Don’t be shy – everyone wants to know who is coming and going. This week, Wugen hired Cherry Thomas as their chief medical officer, previously holding the same role at Catamaran Bio. Before that, Thomas…
Dr. Balakrishnan explains the difference between heartburn and cardiovascular issues, highlighting the risks that increase with age. Heartburn is associated with gastrointestinal issues and can be triggered by large meals or lying down after eating. Preventative measures include identifying trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and staying upright after eating. Treatment options include antacids and prescription…
People with larger bodies face weight stigma, particularly during pregnancy and postpartum periods leading to discrimination in various social settings. Monash University researchers developed a model called SWIPE to eliminate weight stigma for pregnant and postpartum women. The program addresses societal norms, pressures to meet thinness ideals, and stigmatizing environments. Factors like race, socioeconomic status,…
New guidance on musculoskeletal ultrasound use in psoriatic arthritis was presented at the ACR 2024 meeting, highlighting advances in technology since 2012. The guidance emphasizes the role of MSUS in diagnosis, monitoring, and predicting disease progression, with a focus on shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers. Clinicians should consider patient characteristics when interpreting ultrasound…
Research has found that excessive screen time, particularly exposure to blue light from smartphones and tablets, may accelerate puberty and bone growth in children. A recent rat study showed that rats exposed to blue light experienced faster bone growth and earlier puberty. This raises concerns about the long-term impact on children’s development, as it can…
Dr. Doty has created an audio guide called Lessons from the Magic Shop, which consists of six sessions focused on teachings, meditations, and visualizations. The purpose of the program is to help individuals unify their heart and mind in order to unlock their highest potential. Through the lessons provided in this program, individuals can learn…
COVID-19-associated invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) is a serious new threat to critically ill COVID-19 patients. A small study at Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón in Madrid found a 100% mortality rate among patients with CAPA. The disease is not well understood but is proving to be severe for those with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Overall, CAPA has…
Breast cancer survivors often face the overlooked complication of lymphedema after treatment. Lymphedema, characterized by swelling in the affected limb, can impact quality of life and finances. Recent advancements in technology, like Bioimpedance Spectroscopy (BIS), allow for early detection and prevention of lymphedema, improving outcomes. Traditional methods for diagnosing lymphedema are limited, leading to delayed…
The My Heart Your Heart study compared reconditioned pacemakers with new pacemakers in low- and middle-income countries. The study found that reconditioned pacemakers were safe and effective, with a lower infection rate compared to new devices. Longer-term follow-up is needed to determine safety and effectiveness. The initiative aims to improve access to pacemaker therapy for…
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee for HHS secretary, has criticized laws protecting vaccine manufacturers from lawsuits. Experts say he could strip those protections if he takes office. Vaccine lawsuit protections have been in place for decades, but became controversial during the Covid-19 pandemic. Programs compensating severe side effects from vaccines were stretched, leading to…
As the holidays approach, bloating is a common side effect of overindulgence during meals. Baylor College of Medicine gastroenterologist Dr. David Szafron provides tips on triggers for bloating, including food, medications, gut bacteria imbalances, and more. Common food culprits for bloating include lactose, fructose, and artificial sugars. Keeping a food diary can help identify problematic…