Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the esophagus, with symptoms ranging from dysphagia to vomiting, and occurs in both children and adults. EoE incidence rates are increasing globally, with the highest rates in the US, Western Europe and Australia, and certain environmental and food exposures may contribute to its development. Diagnosis involves…
An elderly man has died from a severe case of the Alaskapox virus, the first human fatality linked to this rare virus, which was previously associated with mild illness in animals and humans. The virus belongs to the family of viruses that causes smallpox and was first detected in an adult near Fairbanks in 2015….
Lymphocytosis, a condition characterized by an increased level of lymphocytes in the blood, has been found to be associated with a higher prevalence of hypothyroidism in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. This suggests a potential link between these two conditions. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the relationship between lymphocytosis and hypothyroidism,…
In 2023, the pharmaceutical marketing landscape underwent significant changes due to the rise of artificial intelligence, digitalization of health data, and the integration of marketing automation tools. As the industry moves into 2024, the focus will be on digital transformation and personalized marketing, patient-centric strategies, targeted messaging using clinical data, innovative content marketing, and global…
The HSE’s 2024 National Service Plan includes a range of measures such as a three-year urgent and emergency care plan, expanding the disability service workforce, and adding 22 critical care beds. With a budget of €23.5 billion, the plan aims to cut costs associated with agency staff, invest in new service developments, and allocate once-off…
A study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that a short-duration antibiotic course for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) was just as effective as usual care with respect to mortality and pneumonia recurrences. The REGARD-VAP trial included 461 adults from 6 hospitals in Nepal, Singapore, and Thailand. Participants were randomly assigned to either a short-duration antibiotic…
A survey by Atomik Research and Ernst & Young found that 96% of healthcare executives believe investing in healthcare technology is worthwhile, but 71% said overall hospital expenses have not decreased. 90% of executives reported that digital tools have freed up time to care for providers’ needs and have improved operational efficiency. 86% see potential…
The No Surprises Act was intended to protect patients from surprise out-of-network medical bills, but it has also come with some challenges. The law has successfully protected millions of patients from surprise bills, limiting the amount patients can be billed for out-of-network services. However, the law has also created chaos in the system, with a…
confidence in utilizing this drug to not only help improve patient quality of life, but also to help treat psoriasis in patients with different skin tones,” Chovatiya said. These findings are important as they demonstrate the effectiveness of guselkumab in diverse patient populations, providing further evidence of its potential as a treatment option for psoriasis….
A new biotech startup called Latigo Biotherapeutics has launched with $135 million in funding after being incubated by California VC Westlake Village BioPartners for three years. The startup is developing a non-opioid pain medicine called LTG-001, currently in Phase 1 trial, that aims to block pain-signaling neurons by targeting a sodium channel called NaV 1.8….
Physician and postdoctoral researcher Amani Meaidi emphasizes the importance of further research on the safety of vaginal estrogen therapy for genitourinary syndrome of menopause as demand for the treatment increases. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause affects over 50% of women transitioning to menopause, causing symptoms such as pain during intercourse, vaginal irritation, and urinary tract infections….
A university research paper published in Nature Cancer provides new insights into the role of efferocytosis in pancreatic cancer metastasis to the liver. University of Liverpool researchers found high levels of immunosuppressive macrophages in PDAC metastases and were able to block this pathway, which improved T cell activation and reduced tumor burden. The study used…
Researchers assessed acupuncture’s effects on ischemic stroke in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in a nationwide study. RA involves severe joint inflammation and increases stroke risk. Traditional treatment has side effects. Acupuncture provides a potential alternative due to its anti-inflammatory effects. The study involved data from Taiwan’s health insurance research database and analyzed newly diagnosed RA…
Modest weight loss of just 2% to 5% of your total body weight can lead to significant health improvements. Research shows that losing this amount of weight can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, ease joint pain, improve cardiovascular health, and benefit triglyceride levels. Even a 5 to 10-pound…
A new study suggests that neurologic damage following acute viral infections may be attributed to the body’s excessive immune response to the infection. Researchers identified a specific population of T cells called CD8+ T cells that became overactivated during viral infection and likely caused the damage. The research was conducted using a mouse model of…
A recent study found that familiar scents could be more powerful than words in helping depressed individuals recover. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, revealed that familiar scents facilitated the recall of specific autobiographical memories in people with depression. In the study, participants with clinical depression were given…
A study published in JAMA found that infusing glutamate during cardiac surgery can reduce kidney injury. The study involved 1,000 patients undergoing cardiac surgery, with half receiving a glutamate infusion and half receiving a placebo. The results showed that the group receiving the glutamate infusion had a lower incidence of kidney injury. The researchers suggested…
Chronic pain is a growing issue in the workplace, affecting up to 40% of the workforce and leading to significant economic costs. The impact of chronic pain includes lost workdays, reduced productivity, and negative effects on employee well-being. Employers are not fully aware or equipped to address this problem, and the healthcare industry has not…
The South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen is recruiting for a position with a salary range of £88,799 to £119,723 per annum. The reference number for the position is 52875520 and the closing date for applications is Friday 8th March at 3.30pm. For full criteria, job description, and application form, applicants can visit jobs.hscni.net and…
A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who use gabapentinoids for epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and other chronic pain have an increased risk for severe COPD exacerbations. The study involved a population-based cohort and used a time-conditional propensity score-matched, new-user design to assess the risk….
Zocdoc has introduced a new Guided Search tool to help patients find the right in-network healthcare provider based on their symptoms and treatment needs. Quest Diagnostics launched the MelaNodal Predict test to personalize treatment decisions for patients with melanoma. WellSpan Health partnered with KeyCare to expand virtual primary care and behavioral health services, allowing patients…
Lawmakers and regulators in Washington are considering how to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) in health care, but industry experts believe there is a risk of overregulation. The impact of AI on health care is significant, with the FDA approving over 692 AI products. Government policymakers are already behind and struggling to keep up. There is…
The risk for ipsilateral periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) within 5 years of the index infection in patients with total hip or knee arthroplasty is low, with only 1% to 2% of patients experiencing this complication. No ipsilateral infections occurred within 1 year of the index infection. These findings were presented at the American Academy of…
Lawmakers are considering increasing doctors’ Medicare pay to offset a 3.4% Medicare pay cut that went into effect on Jan 1. The cut resulted from the expiration of pandemic-era bonuses lawmakers chose to give the industry. The pay increase was discussed in negotiations over a stopgap funding bill earlier this year, but a fix hasn’t…
James N Hayward, a consultant in intensive care and chief clinical information officer at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust in the UK, discusses the potential benefits of using WhatsApp for medical communication. He acknowledges its advantages for rapid updates on the evolving covid-19 situation, but also raises concerns about the potential for spreading misinformation…
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), affects one in 100 children, according to the World Health Organization. However, the specific causes of autism, including whether there is a link between preterm birth and autism, remains controversial. Researchers from the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine have presented a new study finding no significant association between preterm birth…
A study from the Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai indicates that emergency medical service (EMS) systems in the United States are not consistently providing optimal care to patients who call 911, particularly in rural communities. The study, which reviewed over 26 million 911 responses from 2019, examined specific quality measures outlined by the…
Nina Beaty, a former smoker, was diagnosed with small-cell lung cancer after an unexpected finding in a low-dose CT scan in 2014. Despite the grim prognosis for metastatic small-cell lung cancer, she enrolled in a clinical trial, and after receiving immunotherapy treatment, she is now in remission. Emotions related to the diagnosis are difficult, but…
The article discusses the impact of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery on the remission of type 2 diabetes (T2D) 5 years after the operation. The study found that RYGB was more effective in preventing T2D recurrence compared to sleeve gastrectomy (SG), even after patients regained weight. The research was a retrospective review of patients with…
New research shows that exercise can reduce, but not fully eliminate, the adverse effects of sugary drinks on cardiovascular health. Even meeting recommended levels of physical activity may not be enough to protect against the risks of consuming sugary beverages, which have been linked to weight gain, obesity, and health problems like diabetes, heart disease,…
A study found that melatonin can greatly improve the effectiveness of full-mouth scaling and root planing in diabetic patients with periodontitis. This suggests that melatonin could be a valuable addition to treatment for this patient population. Additionally, the website uses cookies for analytics, advertising, and site improvement, and users agree to their use by continuing…
Takeda Pharmaceutical has obtained FDA approval for a drug to treat eosinophilic esophagitis, a condition where white blood cells build up in the esophagus, causing inflammation and difficulty swallowing. The drug, Eohilia, is a twice-daily oral corticosteroid suspension and is the first FDA-approved oral treatment option for the condition. This approval comes after the FDA…
Dr. Chris Luke highlights the lessons healthcare organizations should learn from the UK Post Office scandal. He discusses the flaws of IT systems in healthcare, citing examples of failed software systems in the UK and US health services, and the impact of a cyberattack on the HSE’s IT systems in Ireland. He also addresses the…
Patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) and their caregivers experience significant shifts in identity during and after the transplant process. These shifts can be tangible, such as hair loss and weight changes, or intangible, such as a loss of sense of self and self-worth. Patients and caregivers may also experience emotional and relationship shifts, leading…
United Imaging Healthcare is a leading manufacturer of high quality medical imaging equipment, bringing innovative systems to hospitals, clinics and doctors’ offices. Their equipment offers high image quality, improved patient comfort, and efficiency through the use of artificial intelligence and advanced algorithms. UIH offers a wide range of diagnostic imaging equipment, including MR, CT, DR,…
Neurophet has partnered with ReadyCure to integrate its AI solution, Neurophet AQUA, into the Helaxon dementia treatment system, enabling analysis of white matter degeneration in Alzheimer’s patients. SELVAS Healthcare will introduce an AI-based heart ultrasound technology from UltraSight to South Korea, with plans to enter other Asian markets. Verida and Partisia Blockchain have teamed up…
GoFundMe was originally used to fund small ideas and dreams by individuals, but has become a platform for people seeking funding for huge medical expenses in the United States. More campaigns related to medical needs have grown 25 times since 2011 and this has become normalized. GoFundMe’s reliance on medical expenses to sustain its growth…
Jesal Haribhakti discusses the recent advancements in the management of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), focusing on new treatment interventions and innovations. These include newer anti-VEGF intravitreal injections and the development of intravitreal therapies for slowing geographic atrophy. These advancements have allowed for an enhanced level of care for patients with AMD. Haribhakti also emphasizes the…
Pfizer invested millions on a Super Bowl ad featuring a song about science featuring historical scientists and a child cancer patient leaving the hospital. This was an attempt to re-engage the public and celebrate Pfizer’s 175th anniversary. The ad cost around $15 million, aimed to showcase optimism, and promote their new cancer initiative. The ad…
Consultant forensic psychiatrist Russell D Lutchman in Hull, UK, has researched the Online Safety Act 2023 and related legislation to understand its aims in controlling messaging applications. According to the act, platforms such as WhatsApp, Signal, and MS Teams are subject to regulation. Lutchman’s expertise in forensic psychiatry likely informs his interest in the legal…
A study by the Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) Better Care program showed that the use of digital remote monitoring technology in care homes resulted in an 11% reduction in hospital A&E attendances and a 25% decrease in emergency admissions. The Health Call app was developed by the NHS to help care home staff…
Two new studies by UCL researchers reveal that almost half of teenagers are concerned about having children and lack knowledge about reproductive health. Published in the Human Fertility and Health Education Journal, the studies surveyed 931 students in England aged 16 to 18. They found that while most students want children in the future, 45%…
The cosmetics and skin care industry is booming with products marketed as “clean” and “natural”. However, the FDA does not have defined standards for these terms, leaving consumers to navigate the market at their own risk. Many ingredients in these products can be hazardous to health, and advocacy organizations are working to have these removed….
The FDA has approved budesonide oral suspension (Eohilia, Takeda) as the first oral treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in adults and children as young as 11 years. The medication will be available in single-dose stick packs and is designed to address esophageal inflammation and EoE dysphagia symptoms. The approval is based on efficacy and safety…
A Harvard study found that workout supplements come in various forms and are a billion-dollar industry. To choose the right supplement, it’s important to understand the ingredients and their effects. In this review, Huge Supplements is spotlighted, including Wrecked Enraged, a high-stimulant pre-workout, Pump Serum, a caffeine-free alternative, and Wrecked Pre-Workout, known for its strong…
Surgery for Dupuytren contracture has a higher long-term success rate compared to needle and enzyme injection treatments. This finding suggests that surgical intervention may be a more effective option for managing this condition. The use of cookies is mentioned, and users are encouraged to see the Cookie Policy and Cookie Settings for more information. By…
The California Office of Healthcare Affordability (OHCA) has approved new cost and market impact review (CMIR) regulations for healthcare entities. The new law under the California Healthcare Transactions Law requires healthcare entities to inform OHCA of “material change transactions” expected to close on or after April 1. The regulations aim to provide oversight of healthcare…
Prof Trevor Duffy, a Consultant Rheumatologist, discusses the significance of mentors and professional relationships in the latest episode of ‘Irish Medical Lives.’ He talks about his career, from his early years in Ireland and Iran to his role as President of the Irish Medical Organisation. Duffy emphasizes the importance of teamwork and the value of…
Researchers from the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica discovered that blocking a protein called DRAK2 can protect insulin-producing cells in the pancreas from toxic fatty acids. Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease resulting from a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors. The disease leads to damage and death of pancreas cells, which produce insulin….
Syra Health secured its third contract in Virginia to supply healthcare workforce services to Fairfax County. The company offers workforce management and analytics tools. It will provide licensed nurses and temporary healthcare staff for 24-hour nursing care. The agreement is set to expire in 2028 but may be renewed. This marks the third agreement in…