In a Healio Video Perspective from the American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting, Dr. Randall F. White discusses the high prevalence of substance use disorders among patients with schizophrenia. He highlights the challenge of treating co-occurring stimulant use disorder and schizophrenia, as stimulants like methamphetamine can worsen psychosis. White stresses the importance of prioritizing treatment of…
Health tech startup funding in the first half of 2024 was lower compared to the levels seen during the pandemic, but there are signs of stability and a potential comeback. According to Rock Health, $5.7 billion was raised in the first half of the year, putting them on track to exceed the $10.7 billion raised…
Labour’s new health secretary, Wes Streeting, is prioritizing talks with junior doctors in England to resolve their ongoing pay dispute. Streeting, who was appointed to Keir Starmer’s Cabinet on July 5 after Labour’s general election victory, aims to end the industrial action quickly. He announced immediate negotiations with the BMA Junior Doctors Committee, fulfilling a…
A study led by Joaquin Mateo at Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology found that circulating extracellular vesicles in the blood stream of patients with metastatic prostate cancer contain DNA/RNA material that captures cancer genomics and transcriptomic evolution. This discovery could lead to the development of biomarkers for therapy response and drug resistance in individual patients….
A new potential breakthrough drug is being tested by Shigemi Matsuyama at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine with a grant from the Foundation Fighting Blindness. The grant aims to develop an oral medicine for retinitis pigmentosa (RP) that can prevent blindness regardless of the genetic mutation. RP causes blindness by killing light-responsive cells…
Positive results from a phase 3 trial of vutrisiran, a new drug from Alnylam for transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy, have been reported. The HELIOS-B study showed a significant reduction in all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events with vutrisiran compared to placebo. The study included 655 adults with the condition, and vutrisiran demonstrated improvements in disease progression…
Air pollution has a significant impact on human health, with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases being common outcomes. However, new research shows that air pollution can also affect fertility, specifically reducing the odds of live births after in vitro fertilization. Exposure to fine particulate matter before egg retrieval was found to decrease live birth odds by…
The complex nature of medical device recalls, particularly involving multiple manufacturers as seen in recent syringe recalls, highlights the need for clear and efficient communication to protect patient safety. The timeline of the syringe recall process illustrates the challenges faced by hospital staff, including staying informed, managing inventory, and avoiding delays in patient care. The…
More than a dozen states are considering abortion-related ballot measures that would protect abortion rights if passed. KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner and Rachana Pradhan discuss the importance of these measures in the upcoming 2024 election at both the national and state levels. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that covers health issues in-depth…
The debate on whether ECG screening should be included in pre-participation exams for young athletes is ongoing in the sports cardiology field. While ECG screening can help identify underlying cardiac conditions and provide athletes with important health information, there is no strong evidence that it prevents sudden cardiac death. The benefits and risks of ECG…
In a post-9/11 scenario, a prominent nonprofit organization, EcoHealth Alliance, is facing backlash and threats due to conspiracy theories surrounding its research on viral epidemics. The organization has a long history of tracking and predicting viral outbreaks, including providing valuable information on diseases like H5N1 bird flu and SARS. Despite its contributions to public health…
Ken Stein was a public health doctor and academic who passed away at 60. He made significant contributions to evidence synthesis and health technology assessment, helping services use evidence to improve health. In the 1990s, he played a crucial role in making evidence-based practice a reality for patients, clinicians, and policy makers, revolutionizing healthcare. Ken,…
Researchers at the UNC School of Medicine have identified a small molecule that could potentially treat Angelman syndrome, a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the UBE3A gene. This small molecule, (S)-PHA533533, was found to activate the dormant paternal allele of UBE3A in neurons, leading to proper protein and cell function. The compound has shown…
A study published in the American Heart Association’s journal explored using non-imaging data to identify individuals with coronary atherosclerosis. The research aimed to develop tools that could predict the risk of ischemic heart disease without the need for costly and risky imaging techniques. The study used data from the Swedish CardioPulmonary BioImage Study, focusing on…
Nonphysician operators (NPOs) using laser and energy-based devices are increasingly involved in malpractice lawsuits in dermatology. Dermatologists can be held liable for NPOs’ actions in their practices or medical spas. Preventive measures, such as ensuring adequate training and informed consent processes for NPOs, can help mitigate liability risks. Studies have shown a rise in malpractice…
A recent study led by UCL researchers found that smoking is the most important lifestyle factor influencing the rate of cognitive decline in older adults. The study involved 32,000 adults over 50 from 14 European countries and evaluated their cognitive function in relation to smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and social contact. The results showed…
In a recent episode of MedCity FemFwd, Rabia Muqaddam, senior staff attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights, discusses the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold access to the abortion pill mifepristone. The court ruled that the plaintiffs did not have legal standing to sue. Muqaddam talks about what still needs to be done to support…
A Consultant Cardiologist Interventional position is available at Altnagelvin Area Hospital in Londonderry with a salary range of £94,127 – £126,907. The closing date for applications is Friday 26th July at 3.30pm. Successful candidates may be placed on a waiting list for future vacancies. Applicants must demonstrate how they meet the criteria outlined in the…
Patients with psoriasis treated with higher doses of oral zasocitinib showed significant improvement compared to those treated with a placebo in a phase 2b study. The study included patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who received daily doses of 15 mg and 30 mg of zasocitinib. Results showed greater changes in mean PASI scores…
In November 2018, the author fell and was diagnosed with ALS, a fatal disease that left him unable to work. He faced challenges accessing experimental therapies for ALS. Legislation was passed to provide public funding for expanded access programs for ALS treatments, but bureaucratic hurdles delayed the availability of these therapies. Meanwhile, many people with…
Nick Hopkinson, Sarah Woolnough, Jeanette Dickson, Mike Richards, Carol Black, Mark Rowland, and others are calling for the reintroduction of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill by the New Labour government in the next parliamentary session. This call is outlined in a BMJ article from 2024. The authors believe that addressing tobacco and vaping issues through…
New research has shown the effectiveness of OXO-001, a first-in-class oral drug, in increasing embryo implantation, pregnancy, and live birth rates in infertile women undergoing IVF or ICSI. The study, presented at the ESHRE 40th Annual Meeting, marks a significant advancement in improving success rates in assisted reproduction. The drug acts directly on the endometrium…
A study published in Translational Psychiatry suggests that vitamin D supplementation in individuals with a deficiency may reduce the risk of major depression. The study used Mendelian randomization analysis to determine the causal effect of vitamin D levels on chronic pain and depression outcomes. The analysis found an association between genetically predicted vitamin D levels…
Quitting smoking at any age increases life expectancy, with the greatest benefits seen in younger individuals. A study analyzed data on smoking-related deaths and the impact of quitting on life expectancy in individuals aged 35-75. Smokers at different ages lose varying years of life compared to nonsmokers, but those who quit can gain back years…
A study published in the Journal of Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that 35% of tattoo and permanent makeup inks sold in the U.S. are contaminated with bacteria. The researchers evaluated 75 tattoo inks from 14 different manufacturers and found potentially pathogenic bacterial strains. Both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were detected in the inks, suggesting…
A new regulatory decision in Europe has approved the drug Dupixent for adults with uncontrolled chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) characterized by elevated levels of eosinophils. The drug, developed by Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, targets type 2 inflammation in COPD without suppressing the immune system. The European approval was based on positive results from two…
Enacting NIAC vaccine recommendations in Ireland would result in significant health and economic benefits. A new report reveals that implementing vaccination programs recommended by NIAC could prevent 73,731 hospital admissions, save 1,429 lives, and create 16,555 life years. These programs would also prevent an estimated 375,807 disease cases. The report commissioned by GSK found that…
In a Healio Video Perspective from Clinical Trials at the Summit, Carolyn Sasse of Astellas discusses the company’s ophthalmology pipeline. She provides updates on post-marketing safety data for Izervay and a phase 1 trial recruiting patients with age-related macular degeneration. Astellas has developed an early-stage pipeline for treating diseases like geographic atrophy, glaucoma, Stargardt, and…
A recent observational study found a potential link between Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 drugs Ozempic and Wegovy and an eye condition called NAION, which can cause vision loss. The study reported a 4.28 times greater risk of developing NAION in patients prescribed semaglutide, the ingredient in both drugs. In other news, a Connecticut federal judge upheld…
Rajan Madhok, a retired public health doctor from Ruthin, UK, believes there needs to be a new public conversation on improving the NHS. He acknowledges that engaging in serious discussion will be challenging and emphasizes the need for clarity on what to discuss and how. Madhok questions if the public fully understands the reality of…
Cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS) is a condition characterized by persistent daydreaming, sluggishness, and difficulty staying focused on tasks. While not officially recognized as an attention disorder, CDS can significantly impact daily life, academic performance, and social interactions. Diagnosis is challenging due to the lack of official criteria, but symptoms include mental fogginess, slow processing speed,…
Researchers have long dismissed curious DNA elements, known as selfish genetic elements, as having no role in survival. However, a study from the University of California San Diego reveals that these elements, specifically mobile introns in bacteriophages, actually provide a competitive advantage to the host organism. By weaponizing mobile introns to disrupt competing viruses, phages…
GPT-4 outperformed GPT-3.5 in generating highly accurate pancreatic cancer synoptic reports from original reports, aiding surgeons in assessing tumor resectability for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The AI-generated reports saved time for surgeons and improved the categorization of resectability compared to original reports. However, some clinically significant errors were noted, indicating the need for supervision…
The FDA has approved Donanemab, marketed as Kisunla, as a new treatment for individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Manufactured by Eli Lilly, Kisunla has shown to slow cognitive decline in clinical trials. It targets amyloid plaque buildup in the brain, reducing the risk of progressing to the next stage of the disease….
Highmark is teaming up with Laguna Health, an AI company, to help care managers with administrative tasks. Highmark has about 7 million members in the Northeast and offers various healthcare plans. Laguna’s AI technology will transcribe conversations between care managers and patients, provide summaries of issues discussed, and offer suggestions for addressing those issues. This…
International experts have proposed a new framework for diagnosing and managing obesity, moving away from relying solely on body mass index (BMI). The new system takes into account factors such as body fat distribution and abdominal fat accumulation, which have been found to be more accurate indicators of health risks associated with obesity. The framework…
Providence Medical Technology has received FDA clearance for the Corus navigation access system, designed to work with the Corus spinal system and the StealthStation navigation system from Medtronic. This system aims to improve accuracy and visualization during posterior spinal fusion surgeries. Jeff Smith, CEO of Providence Medical Technology, stated that this clearance is a significant…
Four drugmakers in the U.K. – Novartis, Pfizer, Novo Nordisk, and Otsuka Pharmaceutical – were criticized for violating a voluntary code meant to improve marketing practices. Novo Nordisk was publicly reprimanded for not disclosing around $10 million given to over 150 organizations, including healthcare providers and patient groups, between 2020 and 2022. The company admitted…
Dr. Om Prakash, a professor of psychiatry from New Delhi, emphasizes the importance of health literacy in improving public health. Research demonstrates that higher levels of health literacy lead to better health outcomes and more efficient use of healthcare services. In countries like India, where access to healthcare can be uneven, enhancing health literacy can…
Heart experts from the American Heart Association warn that heart patients need to take extra precautions during the hot summer months to prevent heat-related illnesses. More than 1,200 people in the U.S. die each year from extreme heat, with cardiovascular disease deaths expected to double in the next two decades. Recommendations include avoiding the outdoors…
A new study led by UCL researchers suggests that smoking may be one of the most important lifestyle factors affecting cognitive decline in older adults. The study analyzed data from 32,000 adults aged 50 or over from 14 European countries over 10 years and found that cognitive decline was faster for smokers compared to non-smokers….
A study found that tampons contain toxic metals such as arsenic and lead, with concentrations varying based on factors like purchase location and organic vs non-organic. Exposure to these metals through tampons could have health risks, including dementia, infertility, and cancer. Despite the potential health concerns, there is limited research on this topic. Metals may…
Abbott has launched the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor, a discreet device to monitor glucose levels for diabetic patients. The sensor, which is the size of two stacked pennies, can be worn on the upper arm for up to 15 days and sends glucose data to a mobile app or handheld reader every minute. Abbott…
The Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee criticized a 20-month delay and €40 million budget increase for a major HSE financial management project. The committee made 16 recommendations in areas including mental health and public dental services. The delayed implementation of an integrated financial management system was a key concern, with an original budget of €82 million…
The Australian government has granted $20 million to 10 AI projects at major universities to improve healthcare access, including early melanoma detection and addressing mental health issues among young people. In New Zealand, The Doctors Medical Centres discovered a fake app posing as theirs and took action to have it removed from the Play Store….
The recent Supreme Court decision overturning deference to federal agencies will have significant consequences for the healthcare system in the United States. The decision will lead to a flood of litigation challenging regulations, resulting in a patchwork of health regulations across the country. This will create uncertainty and instability in the system, with potential disruptions…
OrthoXel has received FDA 510(k) clearance for the Vertex hip fracture nail, which is indicated for hip fracture fixation procedures for various fracture types and patient anatomies. Douglas R. Dirschl, MD, a professor and chair of orthopedic surgery, expressed excitement about the innovative nail providing benefits to his patients and other fracture surgeons. Dirschl was…
Pharmaceutical company AbbVie spent $145.7 million last year to promote its drugs through payments to healthcare providers. This includes compensation for consulting, speaking fees, lodging, travel, and meals. The company’s spending on marketing to doctors is the highest since 2017, following the loss of its monopoly on the drug Humira. The payments, disclosed by the…
A record high 80.8% of health professionals who have worked with industry are now listed on the ABPI’s Disclosure UK database, showing an increase in transparency. The database lists payments and benefits in kind provided to healthcare professionals and organizations by pharmaceutical companies, including payments for meetings, speaker fees, consultancy, advisory boards, and grants. This…
Physiological synchrony between individuals contributes to romantic bonding and attractiveness. A study by researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that greater synchrony with a partner can boost perceived attractiveness. The study measured both social physiological synchrony during dates and sensorimotor synchrony in a finger tapping task. Results showed that greater synchrony between individuals…