A report by the King’s Fund suggests that placing GPs in memory clinics and care homes could lead to better dementia diagnosis rates. The report, commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Society, says that improving dementia care is a crucial test for integrated care systems. While there are pockets of innovative practice, more work is needed to…
Research shows that patients in the UK and EU are experiencing shortages of essential medicines like antibiotics and epilepsy medication. Brexit has worsened the situation, with issues stemming from global problems like disruptions in imports from Asia due to COVID-19 shutdowns and inflation. The UK’s departure from the EU has caused additional challenges, including difficulties…
Ed Rayner has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of Directors at Sphere Fluidics, a leading provider of microfluidics-based solutions for single-cell analysis and isolation. With a background in fundraising and investment in the life sciences and technology sectors, Ed will contribute to the company’s strategic vision for growth and commercial success….
If you’re worried about quitting smoking, don’t let those fears stop you. Yes, you may gain some weight, but the health benefits of quitting far outweigh that. Managing stress and cravings can be done through various methods, such as deep breathing, medications, and exercise. Withdrawal symptoms can be tough, but they typically peak within the…
A study comparing two minimally invasive procedures for managing benign prostatic hyperplasia found that urethral implants provided more durable symptom control than thermal therapy. The CLEAR RCT study included 68 men in the US and UK who underwent either UroLift or Rezūm. The UroLift procedure showed faster relief of symptoms, lower catheterization rates, and higher…
A recent study published in the journal Hypertension revealed that the benefits of quitting smoking during pregnancy outweigh the risks associated with weight gain and complications like hypertension. The study found that quitting smoking reduced the risk of stillbirth by more than 80% and also lowered the risk of preterm delivery. However, pregnant women who…
Prediabetes is a condition that requires proactive management in India due to the increasing prevalence of the disease in the country. Without proper management, prediabetes can progress to Type 2 diabetes, leading to serious health complications. Therefore, it is important for individuals with prediabetes to take proactive steps such as making lifestyle changes, monitoring blood…
The FDA has issued a Class 1 recall for the HeartMate II and HeartMate 3 heart devices, linking them to hundreds of injuries and at least 14 deaths. The recall comes years after issues were first noticed by surgeons. Abbott Laboratories, the manufacturer, has communicated the risk to customers. The devices are not being removed…
A recent report found that 73% of people in Ireland live within 300 meters of a liquor license, with off-licenses increasing while the number of pubs decreases. The report calls for a review of low-risk alcohol guidelines, citing the WHO’s advice on the dangers of alcohol. Alcohol sales in 2022 generated €1.23 billion in excise…
Brief behavioral therapy (BBT) is effective for pediatric patients with depression and anxiety, but does not outperform assisted referral to outpatient community care (ARC) for those with trauma exposure. Evidence-based psychotherapies have been developed to increase access to treatment for children with psychiatric disorders, but little is known about their effectiveness in those exposed to…
Stork Club, a family and reproductive benefits care company, has expanded to offer its services in 100 countries through employers with global coverage. They provide reproductive care benefits like fertility services, newborn care, maternity services, and menopause care as employee benefits. The company also offers dedicated Care Partners who are knowledgeable about local regulations and…
Katherine Goodlow, a 20-year-old member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, has experienced multiple deaths of friends and family members at young ages. Native Americans have a lower life expectancy compared to white Americans, with social and economic factors playing a significant role. Programs aimed at improving health outcomes for Indigenous communities, such as Family…
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry compared individuals with schizophrenia from the UK Biobank with those recruited from clinical settings. The UK Biobank participants showed less severe disease genotypes, higher education levels, and employment rates compared to clinically recruited participants. The study found that volunteer-based biobanks provide insights into less severe forms of illnesses like…
New results from the New Nets Project show that second-generation bed nets are more effective in reducing mosquito exposure and preventing malaria compared to traditional nets. These nets have helped prevent up to 13 million additional cases of malaria, saving close to 25,000 lives. While the new nets are more expensive, the cost is offset…
Jazz Sethi from India discusses the tangible consequences of stigma on people living with diabetes. In India, type 1 diabetes is viewed as a stain on society, leading to discrimination and misinformation. The stigma surrounding type 1 diabetes is rooted in cultural beliefs, superstitions, and societal pressure, impacting clinical outcomes and mental wellbeing. Stigma also…
Polypharmacy, or the use of five or more medications, is common among older adults and can lead to adverse drug interactions. Deprescribing unnecessary drugs can help, but the decision process is complex. Researchers tested ChatGPT, an AI chatbot, as a tool to manage polypharmacy and deprescription, finding it promising. ChatGPT recommended deprescribing for patients without…
Myocardial infarction, or heart attack, is a leading cause of death worldwide, with plasma metabolites playing a key role in physiological pathways. A study using bidirectional Mendelian randomization was conducted to understand the relationship between plasma metabolites and heart attack risk. Researchers analyzed data from 461,823 individuals of European descent, identifying 198 unique plasma metabolites…
After 15 years of smoking, Adrian Diaz Bulibasa decided to quit to improve his future child’s health. While quitting was hard due to his love for smoking and habits developed around it, he realized most of his urges were due to triggers related to certain situations, emotions, and routines. By identifying and managing these triggers,…
The FDA has approved a new biosimilar, ustekinumab-aekn (Selarsdi), for the treatment of plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in adults and children aged 6 and older. This is the second ustekinumab biosimilar approved in the US and was developed by Alvotech in partnership with Teva Pharmaceuticals. Ustekinumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-12 and…
Stress during adolescence may increase the risk of postpartum depression later in life, according to a recent study. Postpartum depression is a complex condition affecting 1 in 10 women after delivery, caused by various factors. The study, conducted on mice, found that social stress during adolescence led to prolonged high levels of the hormone cortisol…
A study suggests that time-restricted fasting can lead to weight loss and improve cardiometabolic function. The research found that this type of fasting may help in achieving better overall health outcomes. Time-restricted fasting involves limiting the time window in which one consumes food, typically within 8-12 hours each day. This approach could be effective in…
This week, the Federal Trade Commission fined virtual mental health startup Cerebral $7 million for mishandling sensitive health data and misleading consumers about cancellation policies. Cerebral agreed to the fine, along with new restrictions on using health data for advertising. The company has faced criticism for privacy concerns and legal issues, including a former executive…
The University of Galway is seeking a part-time consultant psychiatrist to work at the Student Health Unit. The successful candidate will provide expert clinical care to students, working alongside a team of healthcare professionals. The position requires a 5-session/week commitment during term time and 2-3 sessions/week outside of term. Experience as a consultant psychiatrist is…
A systematic review and network meta-analysis found that Mirtazapine, biperiden, and vitamin B6 are the most effective treatments for antipsychotic-induced akathisia (AIA). Vitamin B6 showed the best efficacy and tolerance profile. Antipsychotics are the first-line treatment for schizophrenia spectrum and psychotic disorders but can cause AIA, characterized by restlessness and excessive movement. Current recommendations involve…
A global study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes revealed that women are consistently receiving inferior heart attack treatment compared to men in various countries. Women were less likely to receive cardiac procedures to open blocked arteries and had higher mortality rates after severe heart attacks. Discrepancies in care persisted across countries, indicating deep-rooted…
NeuroX and ATP Partners are joining the CMS GUIDE Program to enhance care for dementia patients by providing virtual consultations with neurologists, psychiatrists, and sleep specialists. The program, launching on July 1, aims to offer care coordination, respite services, caregiver education, and support for dementia patients and their caregivers. Through the program, individuals will have…
Heiress Paris Hilton is advocating for federal oversight of the troubled teen industry, sharing her own experiences of abuse in residential facilities as a teenager. She testified in support of a bill in California ordering disclosure of the use of restraints or seclusion rooms in disciplining minors at these facilities. Hilton has already successfully advocated…
The author reflects on their experiences in medicine, particularly feeling pressured to be more outspoken and extroverted to fit in. They question the bias towards extroversion in the field and discuss the importance of introverts in leadership roles. They share personal stories of connecting with patients through listening and empathizing, highlighting the value of introverted…
Sign up for the biotech newsletter to stay updated on the latest developments in science and politics driving the biotech industry. Recent news includes Eli Lilly’s Zepbound showing efficacy in treating obstructive sleep apnea, Amylyx’s disappointing data leading to the withdrawal of their ALS drug, and potential market growth for psychedelics. Other updates include Sage…
A foundation year 2 doctor, a plastic surgery registrar, a fourth year medical student, and a consultant hand and plastic surgeon are calling for urgent action and legislation to address the issue of overseas bariatric and cosmetic tourism. They argue that there is a need to regulate these practices to ensure patient safety and quality…
Cornell scientists have discovered how intestinal smooth muscle forms, which is essential for absorbing dietary fats. The smooth muscle helps squeeze absorbed fats into the bloodstream to produce energy. The study, published in Developmental Cell, revealed that this muscle originates from specialized stem cells called fibroblasts and transitions into myofibroblasts before becoming smooth muscle. Understanding…
A study involving research at the University of Gothenburg found that women with triple-negative breast cancer and high levels of immune cells in tumors have a lower relapse risk after surgery, even without chemotherapy. Triple-negative breast cancer is more common in younger women of various ethnicities, and is faster growing and more likely to spread…
Baby burping or spitting up, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is a normal part of infancy due to the underdeveloped lower esophageal sphincter. Typically, babies outgrow this condition as they get older. However, if the symptoms include weight loss, projectile spitting up, bloody or abnormal-looking spit up, refusal to eat, bloody poop, trouble breathing,…
A panel of US government advisers unanimously supported the use of highly sensitive tests to detect minimal residual disease in multiple myeloma patients to speed up drug approvals. The FDA is not required to follow this recommendation but often does. Panelists emphasized the importance of confirmatory studies to validate findings based on MRD data. Researchers…
The CDC and FDA are investigating 19 cases of botched Botox injections in 9 states, involving women who reported sickness after receiving counterfeit Botox or injections from unlicensed individuals. The FDA issued a warning about counterfeit Botox found in several states and urged consumers to obtain it from authorized sources. While no link to the…
A former Medical Council member has filed a petition in the High Court seeking the discontinuation of the College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPS) courses due to the lack of infrastructure and teaching staff. The petitioner argues that these deficiencies compromise the quality of education provided to medical students. The petition highlights the importance of…
MedCity INVEST is an annual conference that brings together investors and startups in the healthcare industry. The conference will cover various topics such as healthcare transformation, government funding for startups, and networking opportunities. Speakers include industry experts from organizations such as GE Healthcare, Blue Shield of California, and the National Institutes of Health. The conference…
Rare Diseases Ireland is advocating for the expansion of newborn screening services in Ireland to save or improve the lives of 200 babies each year. Currently, babies in Ireland are screened for nine conditions, while the European average is 18. The organization is calling on government officials to take action and expand the screening program…
Two Chairs, a behavioral health company in California, raised $72 million in a Series C funding round led by Amplo Financing. The company matches patients with therapists through a 45-minute interview process with licensed experts. They offer therapy in person and virtually, with clinics in California, Washington, and Florida. Two Chairs is expanding to more…
Celebrity Paris Hilton is supporting California lawmakers in pushing for more transparency in teen therapeutic centers by requiring reporting on the use of restraints and seclusion rooms. Hilton, who has been an advocate against the troubled teen industry, testified in front of the Senate Human Services Committee. The proposed Accountability in Children’s Treatment Act aims…
The 2022 European Society of Cardiology risk assessment tool accurately predicts survival in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension. The tool, based on WHO functional class, serum NT-proBNP, and six-minute walk distance, stratifies patients into low, intermediate, and high-risk categories. The study included 260 patients and found that a higher risk score was associated…
Eli Lilly’s obesity drug Zepbound has shown positive results in treating obstructive sleep apnea, positioning it as a potential first approved treatment for the disorder. In a year-long Phase 3 study, patients with obesity not on PAP therapy experienced a significant reduction in breathing interruptions during sleep while taking Zepbound compared to those on a…
Morton M Warner highlights issues in the growing workforce of physician associates (PAs), as discussed by Mafi, Oliver, and Salisbury. The lack of a clear policy on the clinical needs PAs should address and where they should be situated is a concern. Warner suggests that the NHS should consider the principle of “form follows function”…
Nearly 1 in 5 adults with congenital heart disease in Israel experienced abnormal heart rhythms during a five-year study, leading to an increased risk of hospitalization and early death. The study involved over 11,000 adults with congenital heart disease and highlighted the importance of ongoing clinical follow-up for this population. Different types of abnormal heart…
Researchers in a recent review in Nature Aging discuss the potential of vaccine-based therapeutics for age-related disorders. Aging is a risk factor for chronic illnesses, and vaccines provide a method to target specific antigens and generate immune responses. Vaccines that target senescent cells, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes, vascular diseases, osteoarthritis, fibrosis, and kidney…
New parenthood can be full of uncertainty, especially when it comes to deciding whether to call the pediatrician when your baby is sick. Key symptoms to look out for include fever, dehydration signs, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, a fever in a baby under 2 months old may require an…
In a post-hoc analysis of the DISCOVER-2 trial, guselkumab showed significant long-term improvement in joint symptoms, spinal pain, and skin clearance in biologic-naive patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA). By week 100, patients receiving guselkumab every 4 or 8 weeks experienced reductions in joint counts, improvement in skin psoriasis symptoms, and resolution of enthesitis and…
A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Southern California has found that consuming a junk food diet during adolescence can have long-lasting effects on the brain, particularly affecting memory function. The study, conducted on rats, showed that those on a high-fat, high-sugar diet during their teenage years had significant memory issues that…
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Two Chairs, a San Francisco-based company, raised $72 million in a Series C funding round, bringing their total funding to $130 million. The startup offers virtual and in-person psychotherapy to adults with mental health issues. CEO Alex Katz emphasizes the importance of matching patients with the right therapist for better outcomes. Two Chairs focuses on…