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…
