The Practitioner Health Matters Programme (PHMP) has seen a significant increase in senior clinicians presenting with burnout, stress, and anxiety, with 107 new presentations in 2023, a 48% increase from 2018. The majority of those presenting were doctors aged 26-49, with issues including anxiety, depression, burnout, and substance use. The programme continues to expand its…
A study by neuroscientists at Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands and the ENIGMA consortium found that individuals with ADHD have smaller brains on average than neurotypical individuals. The study involved pooling brain imaging data from ADHD patients and healthy controls across various age groups. The researchers discovered that individuals with ADHD had smaller…
Midlife women’s health clinic Midi Health is collaborating with Keck Medicine of USC to provide personalized care plans for individuals in perimenopause and menopause. The California-based company offers virtual care with nurse practitioners specializing in menopause, overseen by physicians and researchers. Keck-affiliated physicians can connect patients to Midi’s platform for expert midlife care. Midi Health…
Julie Rovner is the chief Washington correspondent and host of KFF Health News’ podcast “What the Health?”. In a special episode, she discussed health-related cases at the Supreme Court. The court dealt with various issues, including abortion cases, opioid epidemic, and banning homeless people from sleeping in public. They also overturned a ruling that could…
Researchers reviewed 2-year data from two phase 3 studies on the efficacy of ravulizumab in pediatric and adult patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). Ravulizumab was found to improve blood health, kidney function, and quality of life while maintaining eGFR in patients with aHUS. This rare genetic disease is caused by unregulated complement system…
In the aftermath of President Biden’s poor debate performance against former President Trump, supporters are offering explanations and proposing ways to regain confidence in his ability to win reelection. Questions about Biden’s mental and physical health have been raised, with suggestions ranging from jet lag to cold medication side effects. The need for additional medical…
A public debate is needed to address the systemic issues in the National Health Service (NHS), as the current proposals from political parties are not enough to fix the crisis. The demand for healthcare in the UK exceeds its capacity and funding, leading to rationing of care and worsening health outcomes. The increasing cost of…
A study published in Scientific Reports explores biases in humans and animals, such as right-handedness and left visual field bias. These biases develop in early childhood and may have survival benefits. Researchers found that individuals who align with the general population have social advantages, while those with alternative biases may have competitive advantages. The study…
Yokogawa has been a leader in developing high-speed confocal microscopes for real-time imaging of living cells since the 1990s. Their products, such as the CSU10, CellVoyager™, CQ1, and CellPathfinder software, have revolutionized live cell imaging technologies and drug discovery support systems. Challenges faced during development included technical paradigms and justifying costs. The company focuses on…
The OPTIC trial studied the combination of IVIg and corticosteroids in patients with CIDP, showing improved disability compared to IVIg alone. While the trial was terminated early due to thromboembolic events in the combination arm, positive results were seen in multiple domains of improvement. The study’s findings suggest potential benefits of combination therapy in CIDP…
A new study presented at NUTRITION 2024 suggests that maintaining a healthy diet in midlife can lead to a high-quality life at 70. Individuals on a healthy diet in their 40s have a higher likelihood of experiencing robust physical and mental functioning at age 70 compared to those who did not prioritize their diet. The…
The Supreme Court made significant decisions with implications for healthcare, including overturning the Chevron deference, allowing the abortion pill mifepristone to remain available via telehealth, and ruling that hospitals in Idaho must allow emergency abortions to stabilize patients. The Chevron deference was overturned in a 6-3 ruling, impacting how executive agencies can implement laws passed…
In this week’s issue of The Week in Medicine, the decline of the NHS in the UK is discussed by comedian Peter Flanagan, highlighting the trend towards more privatization. The need for 9,000 more doctors by 2042 in Ireland is also mentioned, with questions raised about future forecasting and technological advancements. Additionally, a documentary film…
Wegovy is a weight loss medication containing semaglutide, which mimics the GLP-1 hormone to help regulate appetite and food intake. It has shown superior efficacy in clinical trials compared to other weight loss medications, resulting in an average weight loss of around 15% over 68 weeks. Wegovy not only helps with weight loss but also…
Fujifilm and Juntendo Hospital in Japan developed an AI using hospital data to accurately predict the risk of falls among outpatients. Over 500 features associated with falls were collected from Fujifilm’s CITA Clinical Finder platform. The AI was trained on these features and tested on data from approximately 70,000 outpatients at Juntendo Hospital, achieving 96%…
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting “988.” Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a debilitating condition that affects some individuals before their menstrual period, causing severe symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Women’s health research and…
A study presented at the annual NUTRITION meeting found that consuming more isoflavones from soy foods, such as tofu, tempeh, and roasted edamame, was associated with better attention and faster information processing in school-aged children. Researchers evaluated data from 128 children aged 7-13 and found that those who consumed more soy foods exhibited quicker processing…
The FDA approved Eli Lilly’s Alzheimer’s treatment, donanemab, under the brand name Kisunla, making it the second drug in the U.S. market aimed at slowing the progression of the disease. It will compete with Eisai and Biogen’s Leqembi. Both treatments are monoclonal antibodies designed to clear amyloid in the brain. Despite facing regulatory hurdles, Kisunla’s…
Clinicians should consider discussing peer support with patients during times of significant change or heightened needs. Peer support can provide problem-solving, practical tips, and reassessing of illness experiences. Different types of peer support, such as online, group, or one-on-one interactions, should be highlighted to patients, as well as resources for finding peer support groups. An…
Platelets are critical for stopping bleeding in trauma patients, but they are difficult to store and transport. To address this issue, researchers have developed synthetic platelets that are long-lasting, adaptable to different storage conditions, and have a reduced risk of contamination. These platelets use a homing mechanism to target injury sites, enhance clot formation, and…
Liver diseases are commonly diagnosed using serum enzyme assays, including AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, and 5′-NT. While elevated levels of these enzymes indicate liver injuries, subnormal levels can also signify various pathologies. Subnormal aminotransferase levels can result from vitamin B6 deficiency, alcoholic liver disease, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and chronic kidney disease. Hypophosphatasia, Wilson’s disease,…
Research compared the use of labetalol and nifedipine for treating chronic hypertension during pregnancy and found no significant differences in maternal or neonatal outcomes. The study included 2292 participants with mild chronic hypertension and compared the occurrence of adverse events and the effectiveness of both medications. Results showed that both labetalol and nifedipine were similarly…
Angelina Fabian is an expert in the Human Design System (HDS), focusing on the nine centers of addiction and their solutions. Through her research, she has discovered the profound influence these centers have on daily decisions, emotions, and life paths. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the open Root, Sacral, Spleen, Emotional, Ego/Heart, G, Throat,…
The FDA approved Eli Lilly’s Alzheimer’s disease drug Kisunla, which targets amyloid beta plaques in the brain. The drug showed a significant slowdown in cognitive decline and clearance of amyloid plaques in clinical trials. The approval was delayed due to regulatory setbacks related to trial design and data collection. Kisunla comes with a black box…
Dr Ray O’Connor discusses recent studies on cardiac disease. One study looked at beta-blocker treatment after a heart attack in patients with preserved ejection fraction, finding that it did not reduce the risk of death or new heart attacks. Another study found an association between anticholinergic drugs and increased risk of acute cardiovascular events in…
The popularity of energy drinks among young consumers has led to a billion-dollar industry in the US. However, concerns over the health risks associated with these beverages have increased due to a rise in emergency room visits, particularly among children. The combination of energy drinks with alcohol or other drugs has led to serious health…
OMNY Health has launched an AI-powered platform for health technology companies to leverage its operational data on over 75 million patients. Two companies, QuantHealth and ArisGlobal, are the first to utilize this data. QuantHealth will use the data to improve clinical trial design and predict outcomes, while ArisGlobal will focus on drug development and safety…
An impostor posing as an online therapist, with the help of her wife impersonating her, treated patients for up to two years before being discovered after the wife’s death. Peggy A. Randolph, a licensed social worker, allowed her untrained wife, Tammy G. Heath-Randolph, to conduct therapy sessions in her name. The deception was uncovered by…
The FDA has reduced its Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy reporting requirements for providers of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies. This revision applies to six autologous CAR T-cell therapies, including four CD19-directed and two B-cell maturation antigen-directed agents. The FDA determined that the approved REMS for these products must be modified to minimize the burden…
The CDC is increasing testing capacity for the H5N1 bird flu virus in people as the outbreak continues in dairy cows. The agency is distributing tests to local public health labs and working with commercial labs to build additional tests. Testing among farmworkers has been slow, with only 53 people tested and three positive cases….
The author reflects on their final afternoon in the house where they spent their early 20s, as well as saying goodbye to friends and colleagues at The BMJ offices in London. They mention that many of their friends from medical school are graduating and becoming doctors. The author reflects on their gap year and how…
A review by Xia & He Publishing Inc. focuses on the diseases linked with subnormal levels of serum liver enzymes, such as AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, and 5′-NT. The study highlights conditions like vitamin B6 deficiency, chronic kidney disease, and genetic disorders that can lead to low enzyme levels. Additionally, it discusses various pathophysiologies behind…
A study found that school-aged children who consumed more soy foods with isoflavones showed better cognitive abilities and attention. This highlights the potential benefits of soy foods on children’s cognitive development. Although research has suggested benefits in adults, this study focuses on children. The study included 128 children aged 7 to 13 and found that…
An observational study ranked eight commonly used antidepressants based on their potential to cause weight gain. Bupropion was associated with the lowest weight gain, while escitalopram, paroxetine, and duloxetine were linked to the greatest weight gain. Users of escitalopram, paroxetine, and duloxetine were more likely to gain at least 5% of their baseline weight compared…
Obesity in teenagers has significant health impacts, including physical and mental well-being and an increased risk of chronic diseases. A recent study published in the Jama Network found that obesity in adolescence can also affect the risk of future generations. Researchers discovered that children born to parents who were obese at age 17 had a…
Health systems are facing challenges in overcoming nursing workforce shortages, with projections showing that many nurses will leave the profession by 2027. This is leading to increased pressure on hospital margins and limiting their ability to invest in new services. Nurse burnout is also a key driver in the staffing crisis, with many nurses seeking…
Dr. Catherine Conlon discusses the potential threat of a bird flu pandemic, with virologist Robert Redfield predicting a high mortality rate of 25-50%. The flu strain H5N1 has caused deaths worldwide, primarily through direct contact with infected birds. The virus has been detected in cattle herds in the US, raising concerns about human-to-human transmission. Researchers…
Indian ICU technology solutions provider Cloudphysician has secured $10.5 million in funding led by Peak XV Partners, with participation from Panthera Peak and Elevar Equity. Established in 2017, Cloudphysician offers the RADAR smart ICU and emergency department system, which includes AI-powered assistants for clinical documentation. The company plans to use the funds for market expansion…
El artículo discute cómo la escala del 0 al 10 para medir el dolor es inadecuada y limitada. Se argumenta que el dolor es un concepto complejo y subjetivo que no puede reducirse a un solo número. Además, se menciona la historia de cómo el manejo del dolor ha evolucionado, desde la excesiva prescripción de…
AI in diabetes care is gaining popularity with potential benefits for patients and clinicians, but also challenges. Key takeaways include the need for clinician involvement in supervising AI to avoid disparities. Diabetes experts Edward C. Chao and James R. Gavin III discussed the potential of AI in diabetes care, highlighting opportunities for diagnosis prediction and…
The FTC is investigating Teva Pharmaceuticals for not removing patents from a federal registry. A judge refused to block a Mississippi law requiring drugmakers to offer discounts on medicines. There are similar lawsuits challenging state laws in Maryland and West Virginia. The article is exclusively available to STAT+ subscribers. The day is busy but beautiful,…
Emails obtained by The BMJ show that the US Food and Drug Administration allows departing employees to work “behind the scenes” to influence the agency despite restrictions on post-employment lobbying. This loophole in US revolving door policy allows former employees to engage in indirect lobbying activities. Recent bills seek to amend laws regulating departing employees’…
Mayo Clinic researchers found that drugs targeting senescent cells, also known as “zombie cells,” may benefit healthy older women with a high number of these cells, linked to chronic inflammation and aging-related diseases. Specifically, the combination of dasatinib and quercetin increased bone formation in women with a high number of senescent cells in a 20-week…
Cellular Origins, a TTP Company, has acquired the ACTIA Platform IP, developed by Geoff Hodge, to accelerate the development of their robotic solution for automated cell therapy manufacturing, Constellation™. The platform integrates with existing bioprocessing equipment, allowing for increased capacity and flexibility in manufacturing autologous cell therapies. This acquisition is part of Cellular Origin’s commitment…
As primary care physicians increasingly transition to concierge medicine, patients like Terri Marroquin of Midland, Texas are being faced with the choice of paying a membership fee or seeking care elsewhere. This trend is driven by a national shortage of primary care physicians and has significant implications for access to care and health outcomes. While…
Children have milder cases of COVID-19 due to their heightened exposure to other infections, boosting their immune responses. Researchers found that children have a more active innate immune system in their nasal passages compared to adults. They studied over 600 nasal swabs from pediatric patients and found that children with higher levels of respiratory pathogens…
K Health, a NYC-based startup founded in 2016, recently closed a $50 million funding round, bringing their total raised amount to $380 million and valuing the company at $900 million. The company uses AI to educate patients about symptoms and connect them to primary care. K Health partnered with health systems like Cedars-Sinai to offer…
Limerick artist Donald Teskey wins the RCSI Art Award 2024 for his oil on canvas piece. Johnson & Johnson named the world’s most valuable pharmaceutical brand. A woman in Scotland can smell Parkinson’s Disease and has the potential to predict it in others. These stories and more featured in this week’s issue of The Week…
Californian-based GenAI radiology workflow company Rad AI has partnered with pharmaceutical and biotechnology giant Bayer to bring its AI technology to Calantic Digital Solution customers. Rad AI offers tools to streamline radiologists’ workflows, such as physician dictation and follow-up care management. Their Rad AI Omni Impressions platform creates AI-generated report impressions based on raw findings,…
La llegada de miles de millones de cigarras puede resultar molesta para las personas con autismo y tinnitus, así como para aquellos que son sensibles al ruido. Las cigarras emiten un sonido potente que puede llegar a ser estresante, especialmente para aquellos con diferentes sensibilidades sensoriales. A pesar de que el canto de las cigarras…