A 59-year-old man in Mexico has died from a strain of bird flu infection, the first time it has been detected in humans. The man was hospitalized on April 24 and had multiple underlying conditions. The virus, influenza A(H5N2), had been previously seen in poultry in Mexico. There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission, and…
Healthcare professionals are experiencing burnout due to overwhelming administrative tasks, with more than 45% feeling burned out often. The use of AI in healthcare is helping to alleviate this burden by streamlining paperwork and improving workflow. Implementing AI tools that comply with privacy regulations like HIPAA can save time, increase earning potential, and improve work-life…
The Irish Healthcare Awards 2024 is offering an Early Bird Discount for entries submitted before June 10. Even if your entry is not complete, you can still submit it and make changes later. Early Bird entries will receive feedback from judges after the event, giving valuable insight into strengths and areas for improvement. This feedback…
Scientists have developed the world’s first drug, muvalaplin, to treat high levels of lipoprotein(a), a type of “bad cholesterol” linked to increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. The drug successfully lowered lipoprotein(a) levels by up to 65% in a phase I clinical trial, proving to be safe with minimal side effects. People of African…
Ada Health, an AI-powered symptom assessment and care navigation platform, has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of Nick Altebrando as chief product officer and Yury Rozenman as senior vice president of business development. The company has reported a 260% increase in revenue year over year and reached profitability. Ada’s AI-powered symptom checker can…
The Biden administration is seeking support from the healthcare sector, specifically doctors, to combat gun violence in the United States. This includes collecting more data on gunshot injuries, counseling patients on safe firearm use, and promoting public health solutions. Gun violence is seen as a public health crisis, with Biden aiming to address it through…
Husni discussed updates in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis at a medical dermatology conference in May 2024. He disclosed that he is a consultant for several pharmaceutical companies, a codeveloper of the PASE tool, and involved with various foundations related to psoriasis and arthritis. This information was presented at the conference in Cleveland. Source link
Scientists at the FDA are concerned about Eli Lilly’s Alzheimer’s drug donanemab, questioning the use of PET scans to limit patient eligibility and weighing the risks against benefits. An analysis suggests a higher risk of death for patients taking the drug. The FDA is convening experts to address these issues. Source link
France’s medicine regulator has banned the production, sale, and use of two new families of cannabinoid derivatives due to serious side effects and potential addiction. The ban, effective June 3, applies to semi-synthetic and synthetic substances sold online and in shops. Semi-synthetic molecules like H4-CBD and H2-CBD, as well as certain derivatives with a chemical…
Researchers at the National University of Singapore have developed a new method of delivering chemotherapy drugs directly to tumor sites using engineered bacteria. The bacteria bind specifically to cancer cells, carrying a prodrug that converts to an active drug at the tumor site. In preclinical models, this method reduced tumor growth by 67% and increased…
Researchers at the University of Kentucky Sanders-Brown Center on Aging are developing a pre-symptomatic disease diagnostic tool for Alzheimer’s disease. They are using cutting-edge long-read sequencing technology to analyze RNA isoforms from the human genome in aged frontal cortex brain tissue. The study identified 99 RNA isoforms associated with Alzheimer’s disease and discovered five new,…
Research funded by the National MS Society found that a quarter of the US population live in MS care deserts with limited access to neurologic care. Deloitte Consulting presented data on neurologist density and travel times at the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers Annual Meeting, showing disparities in access to care based on location. The…
High salt intake has negative effects on health, such as raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of heart attacks and kidney diseases. New research suggests that it could also worsen the signs of atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema. Eczema causes dry, itchy, and bumpy skin and affects more than 31 million Americans. Cutting…
CoraVie Medical is a startup aiming to transform blood pressure monitoring with an implantable continuous blood pressure monitor. Founded in 2020, the company’s device provides real-time data to physicians and patients, improving monitoring and management of high blood pressure. The device can be implanted in a simple office procedure, allowing for continuous monitoring throughout the…
The High Court ruled in a recent case that the HSE’s delays in processing complaints relating to the assessment of need under the Disability Act were unlawful. The case involved a child whose assessment was not completed within the required timeframe, leading to a complaint that was not processed for over eleven months. The HSE…
Despite a constitutional amendment passing to protect abortion rights in Ohio, many laws restricting abortions in the state remain in effect, hindering straightforward access to abortions. Other states are also considering abortion-related ballot measures, with Michigan recently passing an amendment to protect abortion rights. Laws governing abortion access vary widely across states, with some facing…
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a reduced risk for all-cause mortality among women. The study followed 25,315 initially healthy women for about 25 years, assessing their adherence to the diet and mortality risks. Higher adherence scores were linked to a lower risk…
When a person stops taking their antidepressant, they may experience a wide range of symptoms, including nausea, headache, insomnia, irritability, and even suicidal ideation. A systematic review published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that about 15% of patients experience withdrawal symptoms after weaning from antidepressants, with severe symptoms occurring in 2 to 3% of cases….
The BMA has clarified that medical associate professionals (MAPs), including physician associates, must have a named supervisor available in all healthcare settings. The supervisor should have allocated time for discussions with MAPs and reviewing patients. This guidance aims to clarify responsibilities and build confidence. Meanwhile, NHS England has launched a scheme to increase participation in…
A review of research shows that only around half of individuals disclose or believe they should reveal having a sexually transmitted infection (STI) to a partner before sexual engagement. The study highlights the need for comprehensive sex education throughout life to prevent the spread of STIs. Fear, lack of knowledge, and relationship dynamics all play…
A study published in Radiology analyzed the impact of implementing AI-based screening systems in mammography for breast cancer detection. The AI system significantly reduced radiologists’ workload by improving the screening performance. The AI-based screening resulted in increased breast cancer diagnoses and decreased false positives compared to traditional methods. The positive predictive value was higher, and…
Studies have shown that antidepressant discontinuation symptoms are less common than previously believed, with only 15% of patients experiencing true symptoms. Severe symptoms occurred in about 2% of patients. These findings aim to calm the debate around antidepressant discontinuation symptoms and highlight the importance of being aware of the placebo effect. The study involved a…
Dr. Susan Heitler is a respected figure in the field of psychotherapy, known for her innovative approaches to conflict resolution and couples therapy. With a career spanning over four decades, she has made significant contributions to the field through research, writing, and teaching. Her work emphasizes the importance of practical skills and effective communication in…
Retailers have been making moves in healthcare for years, with CVS Health, Walgreens-backed VillageMD, Amazon, and Dollar General all investing in various healthcare initiatives. However, Walmart recently announced the closure of its healthcare division, while VillageMD and Dollar General have also faced setbacks in their clinics. Experts suggest that the complexity of the healthcare industry,…
Dr. Ray O’Connor discusses the latest clinical studies on dementia, highlighting that dementia affects over 55 million people worldwide and is the seventh leading cause of death. Antipsychotics are commonly prescribed for managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, but they are associated with increased risks of adverse outcomes. However, antidepressant use does not appear…
AcuityMD, a health data tool for the medical technology industry, secured $45 million in funding, bringing its total raise to over $83 million. The funding round was led by ICONIQ Growth, with participation from other groups. The platform combines medical device data to help manufacturers track product performance. The company plans to expand its product’s…
Myrna Broncho broke her leg and realized the importance of internet access for managing medical appointments and communicating with medical staff. She benefited from the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provided subsidies for internet bills. However, the program ran out of funding, leaving many families, especially in rural and tribal areas, without affordable internet access. Lawmakers…
In a study presented at Digestive Disease Week, researchers found that GLP-1 receptor agonists significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase levels in pediatric patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This improvement was more pronounced in patients with type 2 diabetes compared to obesity. Despite stable BMI scores, patients showed improvement in ALT levels after treatment…
A federal judge has denied the Federal Trade Commission’s request for an injunction to block Novant Health’s plan to buy two North Carolina hospitals. The FTC argued that the acquisition would give Novant control of over 65% of the region’s inpatient market. The deal involves Novant purchasing two hospitals in the same county from Community…
There was an error in figure 4 of a paper by Simms-Williams and colleagues published in BMJ. The correct title for table 3 should be “Mean (SD) duration of SGLT-2 inhibitor use, years” instead of GLP-1 receptor agonist use. The correction was made to accurately reflect the data presented in the paper. Source link
A new study compares HIV risk behaviors and service use among rural and urban adolescent sexual minority males in the United States. Despite most new HIV diagnoses occurring in cities, about 20% of new cases are found in rural areas, with sexual minority males being the majority. The research found that rural and urban ASMM…
A study from UCSF suggests that changes in daily salt intake can lead to eczema flares. The research found that consuming just one extra gram of sodium per day, equivalent to the sodium in a Big Mac, increased the likelihood of eczema flares by 22%. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, affects around 31 million…
Clazakizumab was found to be well tolerated, with potential safety concerns related to serious infections and elevated cholesterol levels. Patients experienced significant increases in albumin levels, which is a positive indicator for improved outcomes in individuals receiving dialysis. This treatment shows promise in reducing inflammatory markers and potentially reducing cardiovascular risk in dialysis patients. Additionally,…
Researchers have found that internet addiction in teenagers can impact their brains and disrupt neural networks, affecting decision-making, attention, memory, and mental health. While internet addiction is not classified as a mental disorder, it can increase the risk of psychiatric issues. A study examined how internet addiction affects adolescent brain connectivity, finding disruptions in regions…
Healthcare data makes up 30% of the world’s data and is projected to increase to 36% by next year. However, only 57% of this data is used to make informed business decisions due to concerns about accuracy. Healthcare leaders face challenges with data reliability, fragmentation, and management. Issues with patient identity matching hinder access to…
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare in Ireland is being discussed by a Citizens’ Jury to develop recommendations for the government by the end of the year. AI has the potential to improve clinical care but also raises questions about accountability and patient safety. The MSD report on healthcare shows that pharmacists are…
Oxford University researchers, with support from Serac Healthcare, are developing a non-invasive diagnostic test for endometriosis. This scan-based test aims to provide faster answers for women suffering from this painful condition. Currently, the only way to diagnose endometriosis is through laparoscopy, a surgical procedure. The new test uses a molecular label called Maraciclatide to detect…
Mayo Clinic is collaborating with Israeli company UltraSight, which uses AI to improve point-of-care ultrasound for cardiac care. The goal is to develop algorithms to analyze ultrasound images, addressing barriers to widespread adoption of point-of-care ultrasound. Point-of-care ultrasound allows for immediate imaging at the patient’s bedside, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment decisions. UltraSight’s real-time guidance…
California’s Office of Health Care Affordability is tasked with slowing the state’s rising healthcare costs while improving access and outcomes. The agency faces challenges in getting industry players to collaborate and contain costs. Massachusetts, the first state to set annual health spending targets, has had mixed results. Neighboring states like Rhode Island have also struggled….
The American College of Cardiology Scientific Session discussed return-to-play considerations and cardiovascular risks for tactical athletes, such as firefighters and military personnel. Key takeaways include the need for individualized approaches in decision-making and risk stratification for athletes with heart conditions. Sessions also delved into the parameters of myocardial work to differentiate between exercise-induced adaptations and…
In a recent development, a scientific advisory panel rejected the use of MDMA for treating PTSD, casting doubt on its approval by the FDA. The panel voted against the effectiveness of MDMA in treating PTSD after critiquing the methodology of clinical trials. Gilead Sciences also agreed to pay $40 million to AIDS patients for allegedly…
Saarah Khalid, a foundation year 2 trainee, Libby Kelsey, a public health placement intern, Stephen Gunther, director of public health, and Padmanabhan Badrinath, an interim consultant in public health medicine, co-authored a BMJ article on the food industry’s extensive influence and the need for immediate action. The article emphasizes the importance of addressing the impact…
A groundbreaking gene therapy successfully restored hearing function in five children with inherited deafness by treating both ears simultaneously. The children also showed improved speech perception, sound localization, and the ability to appreciate music. This bilateral gene therapy, the first of its kind for this type of deafness, was administered by injecting a functioning OTOF…
Researchers studied the use of eye-tracking biomarkers in diagnosing autism in community-based settings. They combined these biomarkers with primary care physician diagnoses to improve accuracy. The study included 146 children referred by Early Autism Evaluation (EAE) Hub centers. Results showed the biomarkers, combined with PCP diagnoses, had 87% specificity and 91% sensitivity in identifying autism….
Florence Nightingale was one of the first clinicians to acknowledge the importance of hospital design in patient care. Today, a group of physician-designers are focusing on details like windows in patient rooms to enhance patient and clinician well-being. Research has shown that ICU design can impact mortality rates, while design in childbirth facilities can affect…
A recent report by the American Heart Association warns that over half of U.S. adults will develop some form of cardiovascular disease in the next thirty years. The increased risk is attributed to an aging and diverse population, along with a rise in risk factors like high blood pressure and obesity. The total costs related…
Novo Nordisk’s global head of business development, John McDonald, is seeking partnerships in biotech companies focusing on diabetes and obesity. The company’s dealmaking activity is driven by the need to replace revenue from expiring patents, with a focus on acquiring assets in therapeutic areas like diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Novo Nordisk is willing to…
Starting from July 1, all women aged 17 to 35 will be covered under the free contraception scheme in Ireland. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly announced the expansion, which will also include women aged 32 to 35. This extension is supported by an additional €4 million in funding, bringing the total allocation to €48 million for…
Local officials in the San Francisco Bay Area, backed by activists concerned about smoking rates in the LGBTQ+ community, are working to further restrict tobacco sales and smoking. Efforts include cracking down on smoke shops in Vallejo, extending smoking bans in Oakland, and advocating for outdoor smoking bans at bars in San Francisco and Oakland….
The FDA advisory committee rejected MDMA-assisted therapy as a treatment for PTSD due to insufficient evidence, despite its promising potential. The drug application for MDMA was submitted by Lykos Therapeutics, but committee members raised concerns about gaps in data, alleged misconduct, and the diversity of the study population. While some members acknowledged the potential benefits…