The TRANSFORM-HF study found no significant difference in outcomes between torsemide and furosemide treatments for heart failure. However, patients with de novo heart failure had better outcomes compared to those with worsening chronic heart failure after hospitalization. The study analyzed patients from 60 US hospitals and found that de novo heart failure was associated with…
Harbor Health, a primary care clinic in Texas, secured $95.5 million in funding to expand its services and specialty care offerings. The funds will also be used to create patient-cocreated care plans and support Texas employers in lowering their costs. AI-enabled dental practice technology Peerlogic received $5.65 million in funding to scale its company and…
Congress is working on a bipartisan agreement to fund the government for the rest of the 2024 fiscal year. Jesse Ehrenfeld, president of the American Medical Association, discussed the organization’s priorities with Julie Rovner. They discussed issues such as Medicare pay cuts for physicians, the impact of Supreme Court decisions on medical practice, the legislative…
A study found that dialysis clinics treating patients with high social risk faced higher financial penalties in the ESRD Treatment Choices model. CMS levied fines for poor performance in the first year of its ESRD Treatment Choices model against dialysis clinics with higher proportions of patients at social risk. The model includes dialysis facilities and…
The content is about the latest in the biotech industry, discussed in a podcast called “The Readout LOUD” from STAT. The podcast covers the recent turnaround in the biotech industry, with deals and positive developments at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference. It also delves into topics such as the Sarepta Therapeutics saga, Nvidia’s potential impact…
Labour has unveiled a child action plan aimed at creating the healthiest and happiest generation in Britain. The plan includes reducing paediatric waiting times, improving child mental health support, addressing junk food advertising, and implementing supervised toothbrushing in schools. A Labour government would establish a mission delivery board focusing on child health and inequalities. Keir…
Researchers from Osaka University have found that subtle changes in specific immune cell populations in the blood may signal the presence of an autoimmune disease. The study utilized single-cell RNA sequencing and found that characteristic changes in CD4+ T cells were associated with specific autoimmune diseases. These findings could potentially allow for the detection of…
The American Heart Association is celebrating 100 years by awarding its prestigious Merit Award to three researchers. Joseph Loscalzo will study natural food chemicals and their impact on heart disease. Daniel J. Rader will investigate lipid metabolism and cardiovascular diseases, while Philip S. Tsao will focus on the effects of vaping on abdominal aortic aneurysms….
Diabetes management with insulin involves learning to give yourself injections. Kathy Bostrom emphasizes the rapid changes in syringes and pens which have made the process easier. Syringes are prone to errors, while pens are more user-friendly. An alcohol wipe is essential while also having a sharps container. Different insulins require different times for their administration…
A new study published in JAMA Cardiology suggests that people who have experienced the death of a sibling may be at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular illnesses. The study, which analyzed data from over 2 million people in Denmark, found that individuals who lost a sibling had a 17% higher risk for overall cardiovascular…
Blood sugar levels need to be kept within the range of 80 to 130 mg/dL before a meal and less than 180 mg/dL two hours after a meal to avoid serious health issues. Hypoglycemia, when the blood sugar level drops to below 70 mg/dL, requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, fatigue, sweating, and…
The article discusses the approval of Bayer Eylea 8 mg in the European Union for the treatment of two major retinal diseases. This medication is used to treat neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration and visual impairment due to diabetic macular edema. The approval allows for the use of a higher dose of Eylea, providing potential…
Elevance Health has partnered with Samsung, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile to provide Medicaid members with smartphones and unlimited data, talk, and text at no cost. The program aims to improve access to virtual healthcare tools and bridge the digital divide for low-income individuals. The initiative is funded by the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program…
A Dublin-based GP practice on the north side of the city is looking for a GP to join their team. The practice focuses on providing high-quality patient care in a sustainable work environment, serving approximately 5,200 patients. They are open to integrating new skills and have the support of the local hospital to develop skills…
A study published in the European Journal of Heart Failure found that the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization due to heart failure is reduced in patients with low systolic blood pressure (SBP) when they are receiving higher doses of heart failure medications. The study used data from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry, and results…
Connecticut-based Vita Health has raised $22.5 million in Series A funding, with participation from various investors. The telehealth platform connects individuals contemplating suicide with providers and offers teletherapy and psychiatry services. The funding will support the company’s expansion to help address the increasing rate of suicides in the U.S. Vita Health aims to tackle the…
Bria Peacock from Georgia seeks to provide maternal healthcare in her community, with a focus on abortion care. Since the Roe v. Wade decision was overturned, Peacock has sought comprehensive abortion training in California, while her home state of Georgia has banned abortions after six weeks. Lack of training opportunities in some states has affected…
Surgeons should consider the 3D orientation of tibial plateau fractures before fixation. Understanding the fracture pathology and components is crucial in treatment, including the size and orientation of the fracture, which dictates the location of the medial plate. Methods of articular elevation depend on the degree of comminution and depression, and reducing varus medial column…
The UK’s 100,000 Genomes Project has revealed that certain tumors are more likely to carry mutations that can inform patient care, steering treatment choices or indicating a potential familial risk. The findings from over 13,800 solid tumors in adults are already influencing clinical practice in the UK’s National Health Service, with patients diagnosed with certain…
Adam Holland, Thomas D Brothers, Dan Lewer, Olivia M Maynard, and Mat Southwell address the urgent need for action to reduce drug-related deaths. They discuss the prescription of safer supply interventions in response to opioid toxicity and the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Despite controversy and concerns about limited evidence, observational studies show that opioid dispensation…
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that people using medical cannabis for chronic pain have a slightly increased risk of experiencing arrhythmia, which is when the heart beats too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly. The research, done in Denmark, looked at 5,391 patients who had been prescribed cannabis for chronic pain and…
A study published in Scientific Reports suggests that pangolins are highly susceptible to coronavirus infection due to the pseudogenization of key immune system genes in their genome. Researchers analyzed pangolin skin and found that the host immune response pathways were not upregulated in response to infection. They also discovered that the coronavirus suppresses endogenous retrovirus…
The average American consumes about 17 teaspoons of added sugar each day, and sugary drinks, candy, baked goods, and sweetened dairy are the main sources of added sugar. Excess sugar intake can lead to various health issues, including mood changes, joint pain, skin aging, liver damage, heart disease, diabetes, kidney damage, weight gain, and erectile…
The FDA has rejected approval of the cancer drug zolbetuximab due to manufacturing issues. The drug, developed by Astellas, was intended for treating a specific type of gastric cancer. The FDA’s decision was related to unresolved deficiencies in the manufacturing process at a third-party facility. The company is working to resolve the issues and clarified…
To stay healthy as temperatures drop and flu season lingers, focus on maintaining a nutritious diet. Nutrition expert Bonnie Taub-Dix recommends incorporating immunity-boosting foods rich in vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and lean protein, including garlic, ginger, colorful fruits and veggies, seafood, and yogurt. Warm soups and herbal teas with immune-supporting properties like elderberry, echinacea,…
Bipolar disorder is associated with a higher risk of premature death compared to smoking. Researchers have found that individuals with bipolar disorder have a reduced life expectancy by an average of 9-20 years, primarily due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The study highlights the urgent need for better management and treatment of bipolar disorder to…
Healthcare startups in health tech, diagnostics, medtech, and biotech are invited to apply for the MedCity News startup pitch contest at the INVEST conference in Chicago on May 21-22. The contest has four tracks focusing on oncology, cardiology, women’s health, and addressing burnout and operational efficiency. Six finalists will be chosen for each track to…
In 2023, there was an 11 per cent reduction in patients waiting longer than 10/12 weeks for a hospital procedure, but the overall waiting lists fell by just three per cent, which is below the ten per cent target set by the Government. Department of Health figures revealed a 32 per cent reduction in patients…
A meta-analysis supports the use of oral selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs) for patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer. The analysis showed a significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) with oral SERDs over standard endocrine therapy in patients who had previously received at least 1 line of endocrine therapy. Oral SERDs significantly…
Japanese pharmaceutical company Eisai and Oita University have developed an AI model that uses data from wearable devices to predict Alzheimer’s disease. The study collected data from 122 individuals aged 65 and older, including physical activity, sleep, heart rate, and lifestyle information. Participants also underwent annual amyloid PET examinations to detect the accumulation of amyloid-beta…
Some radiology clinics in the U.S. are offering AI analysis of mammograms for an extra $40, which isn’t covered by insurance. The analysis uses AI to detect abnormalities that human radiologists might miss and has the potential to improve the detection of suspicious breast masses and lead to earlier diagnoses of breast cancer. While studies…
The phase 2 clinical trial of Verrica’s peptide-based immunotherapy for basal cell carcinoma has enrolled and dosed its final patient. VP-315, an oncolytic peptide, is injected directly into tumors to induce immunogenic cell death. The trial includes 80 patients with biopsy-proven BCC. Verrica’s VP-315 program aims to provide an alternative to surgery for BCC treatment,…
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to consider the legality of Idaho’s abortion law, reinstating its highly restrictive ban in the meantime. This is expected to lead to similar measures in other states, with politicians in Idaho and Texas already asking courts to allow them to jail doctors for providing emergency abortions. The American Civil…
Scarlett McNally, a professor and orthopaedic surgeon, highlights several issues in the healthcare system, particularly in the NHS. These issues include backlogs, overworked staff, lack of time, and administrative burdens on doctors. She argues that introducing administrative roles like doctors’ assistants could help doctors use their time more productively. McNally suggests that more support staff…
Scientists at Rice University have developed a noninvasive method to monitor gene expression in the brain using a simple blood test. The research team engineered a unique class of molecules known as “released markers of activity” (RMAs), which can be used to measure gene expression through a blood test, allowing scientists to study brain development,…
A recent study published in Nature Mental Health investigates whether nicotine-related beliefs influence brain processes in a dose-dependent manner. Researchers examine the influence of perceived nicotine dose on the human brain, using nicotine as a test case. The study finds that beliefs about nicotine strength can elicit dose-dependent responses in specific areas of the brain,…
Advocating for yourself when diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer is crucial. Janet Shomaker’s experience with the diagnosis and treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer highlights the importance of being “responsibly selfish” and taking control of your treatment plan, while allowing friends and family to support you. Cancer experts emphasize the need to learn from trusted sources,…
New data from Mayo Clinic shows a low rate of pulmonary aspiration during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists. Researchers analyzed 4134 procedures and found only two definite cases of pulmonary aspiration, resulting in a cumulative incidence of 4.8 per 10,000 procedures. Both cases occurred under monitored anesthesia care and the patients…
A study published in the journal BMJ Nutrition Prevention and Health found that people on a predominantly plant-based or vegetarian diet have a 39% lower risk of getting COVID-19 infection compared to omnivores. The severity of the infection was also less in those on a vegetarian diet. The study included 702 adult volunteers and showed…
1800 hospitals in Uttar Pradesh have received notices for violating fire safety norms. These notices come as part of efforts to ensure that all healthcare facilities in the state follow proper fire safety measures. The state government is taking this issue seriously and has initiated actions to address the violations. This is important for the…
GSK has committed $270 million to gain access to early-stage assets in the cancer therapy class of antibody drug conjugates. After divesting its oncology business in 2015, the company has decided to re-enter the field, focusing on therapeutic modalities like immuno-oncology, synthetic lethality, and tumor cell targeting. They are prioritizing hematological malignancies, gynecological cancers, lung…
Click on the image to register for the GP Paediatric Study Evening, focusing on children’s health in Ireland. The event is featured on the Irish Medical Times website. Source link
A small trial has shown positive results in reducing depression symptoms in cancer patients using psilocybin in combination with psychotherapy. Patients experienced a rapid decrease in depressive symptoms, and almost half achieved full remission after the treatment. Psilocybin did not produce any serious adverse side effects, and most patients had a positive perception of the…
At the JPM Healthcare Conference, Amazon announced the launch of its new Health Condition Programs, allowing customers to access digital health benefits through their employer or insurance carrier. Chronic care management company Omada Health is the launch partner, offering services for conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Omada focuses on data-driven behavior change…
Doctors and patients in the US are frustrated with the prior authorization process required by health insurance companies. Medicare Advantage insurers had to process an average of 1.5 prior authorization requests per patient in 2021. Legislation to regulate prior authorization has strong support from lawmakers, but a bill has not yet passed Congress. The Centers…
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that infants and toddlers experienced socio-emotional development delays during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study included 60,171 families enrolled in the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) between 2015 and 2021. The researchers examined the impact of COVID-19 on children’s socioemotional development, finding that all pandemic cohorts had higher odds of positive…
The Food and Drug Administration’s top regulator of gene therapies, Peter Marks, suggested granting some form of full approval to Elevidys, the Sarepta Therapeutics gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, based on his comments in a STAT event. He did not comment specifically on the ongoing FDA review of Elevidys. However, Marks described a hypothetical…
Victoria Atkins, the health and social care secretary, has urged BMA officials to come up with a reasonable pay offer for junior doctors in England. Atkins stated that the BMA’s demand for a 35% pay rise is unaffordable for taxpayers and called for the Junior Doctors Committee to show seriousness in negotiating. This comes after…
The average maternal age in Canada has increased, with 25% of all mothers at childbirth being aged 35 and older in 2021, a significant rise from 16% in 2001 according to data from Statistics Canada. Pregnant women over 35 face higher risks for maternal and fetal complications. Aging affects women’s fertility with gradual decline from…
A study from örebro University suggests that exposure to PFAS chemicals affects the metabolism of unborn children and may lead to an increased risk of certain diseases later in life, such as cancer and diabetes. These “forever chemicals” are commonly used in everyday products and have been found in the livers of fetuses, causing changes…