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Showing posts from January, 2023

It's 'Telehealth vs No Care': Patients Could Be Left Vulnerable

Congress' $1.7 trillion omnibus spending package included a 2-year extension of pandemic-era funding that helped telehealth services grow nationwide during the pandemic. But will that become permanent? Kaiser Health News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987720?src=rss

Healthy Habits Lower T2D Microvascular Risks: Cohort Study

A cohort study confirmed that adopting healthy habits before or after a diabetes diagnosis significantly lowered microvascular complication risks. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987718?src=rss

Autism Found Detrimental to Cardiovascular Health

A new study added to the picture of autism’s health risks and called for clinicians to be more mindful of its cardiometabolic toll. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987714?src=rss

'Depression Circuit' Identified in MS Patients

The common coexistence of depression and multiple sclerosis may be explained in part by the involvement of a particular brain circuit, new research suggests. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987710?src=rss

TMS Tied to Antidepressant, Anxiolytic Effects in Anxious Depression

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is associated with reductions in both anxiety and depression scores in patients with both disorders, a large new analysis shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987708?src=rss

Chemo in Afternoon Works Better Than in Morning, but Only in Women

For women with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma undergoing chemotherapy, survival was better with less toxicity when the drugs were administered in the afternoon than in the morning. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987701?src=rss

Surgeon General Says 13-Year-Olds Shouldn't Be on Social Media

"[T]he skewed and often distorted environment of social media often does a disservice to many of those children." WebMD Health News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987665?src=rss

Many Patients Don't Receive Indicated Targeted NSCLC Therapy

The rates of use of targeted therapy among patients with EGFR- and ALK-mutations also varied across the US, dropping below 20% in some states. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987655?src=rss

Difficulty Fitting Family Into Career: Female Oncologists

In a survey of over 1000 female oncologists, one third reported they faced difficult career choices and discriminatory practices during family planning. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987651?src=rss

Many People Don't Get Colonoscopy Even After Positive Stool Test

A new study shows that almost half of people with a positive stool test don't follow-up with a colonoscopy. WebMD Health News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987646?src=rss

VP Harris Hosts White House Summit to Replace Lead Pipes

US Vice President Kamala Harris will host a summit at the White House on Friday to speed up the removal of lead pipes across America, an issue she has previously called a public health crisis. Reuters Health Information source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987584?src=rss

Integrating AI into family medicine education and practice

In a 2021 editorial , Drs. Winston Liaw, Ioannis Kakadiaris, and Zhou Yang asserted that embracing artificial intelligence (AI) is “the key to reclaiming relationships in primary care.” For example, AI tools can efficiently identify patients at high risk for poor outcomes, perform triage, provide clinical decision support, and assist with visit documentation. On the other hand, AI “could just as easily make things worse by leading to endless alerts, nonsensical notes, misdiagnoses, and data breaches.” To avoid having AI reenact the cautionary tale of electronic health records and cause more problems than it solves, Dr. Liaw and colleagues encouraged family physicians to partner with researchers, participate on health information technology committees, and lend their primary care expertise to computer scientists developing AI tools. In the future, medical students, residents, and practicing clinicians will need to meet basic competencies for the effective deployment of AI-based tools

Novavax Needs 6 Months to Produce Annual COVID Shots That Match New Variants

Novavax said on Thursday it would require 6 months to produce a COVID-19 vaccine designed to match whichever coronavirus variants are circulating for an annual immunization program each fall season in the US. Reuters Health Information source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987592?src=rss

California Law Aiming to Curb COVID Misinformation Blocked by Judge

A US judge has blocked a California law that sought to penalize doctors who spread 'misinformation or disinformation' about COVID-19 while he considers a pair lawsuits challenging it on free speech grounds. Reuters Health Information source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987553?src=rss

Income Could Plunge for Out-of-Network Doctors

It has become increasingly difficult for doctors to boost their earnings by dropping insurance contracts. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987599?src=rss

'Smart' Skin Patch the Future of Alzheimer's Diagnosis?

A new skin patch that incorporates microneedles can detect the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 in the lab, suggesting it may have the potential to diagnose preclinical Alzheimer's and other diseases. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987593?src=rss

Even by Adapting, Wild Dogs Are Threatened by Climate Change

African wild dogs are adapting to climate change by giving birth later, and that is threatening their survival. Quick Take source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987589?src=rss

Florida Gov. Falsely Claims Bivalent Booster Boosts Odds of COVID

Fewer than 11% of eligible Floridians have received an updated booster vaccine, according to the CDC. Research into the efficacy of the bivalent booster in preventing infection continues. Kaiser Health News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987546?src=rss

Workers' Compensation Claims Point to Long COVID's Toll

The dollar figures are just part of an emerging picture of how the illness is impacting not just patients, but their employers and the wider labor market. WebMD Health News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987548?src=rss

Off Their Pricey CML Meds, Many Thrive

Over the last few years, physicians have experimented with taking patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) off their drugs entirely, and the results are promising. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987544?src=rss

Trudeau to Hold Health Care Meeting With Premiers of Canadian Provinces

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Wednesday he had invited the premiers from all provinces to meet in Ottawa on February 7 to discuss a plan to provide health care funding for provinces, as hospitals remain strained by long wait times made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. Reuters Health Information source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987472?src=rss

More Type 2 Diabetes Deaths From Cancer Than Heart Disease

In people with type 2 diabetes, cancer screening should get at least as much attention as CVD prevention. Greater efforts should be focused on smokers, socioeconomically deprived, and older people. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987534?src=rss

Novartis Changes Direct-to-Consumer Ads for Kisqali

Novartis was forced to change some of the claims it was making in its direct-to consumer advertising about the breast cancer drug Kisqali (ribociclib) after a challenge from Lilly. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987533?src=rss

Thyroid Hormone Reference Range May Not Apply for Cancer Patients

Normal reference ranges of blood levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone and free thyroxine may not be suitable to determine thyroid function in patients with various types of cancer. First Look source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987477?src=rss

Routine Tests for Hearing Loss in All Cisplatin-Treated Patients

More than half of patients treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy develop hearing loss or tinnitus, which can be devastating, say researchers who urge that all patients should be tested routinely. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987469?src=rss

The FDA Wants an Annual COVID Vaccine: What You Need to Know

Is pivoting to an annual COVID-19 shot a smart move? WebMD Health News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987475?src=rss

Q&A With Long COVID Patient, Researcher: Treatments Lagging

The co-author of a new study on long COVID is also a long COVID patient. She shares her story as a patient and of her work to study its origins, what we know, and what we need to do. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987470?src=rss

Severe Health Diagnoses Drive Suicide Risk

An increase in suicide risk among individuals diagnosed with a severe physical health condition was highest in the first 6 months after diagnosis or initial treatment. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987473?src=rss

FDA Proposes Limits on Lead in Processed Baby Food

The US Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday proposed significant limits on levels of lead in processed baby food that could reduce exposure to the contaminant by as much as 27%. Reuters Health Information source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987417?src=rss

Mastocytosis: Rare, Underdiagnosed, Potentially Fatal

Systemic mastocytosis is widely underdiagnosed, and many more hematologic oncologists should be looking for it, say experts. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987465?src=rss

Eye Check Important Before Starting Semaglutide for Diabetes

Meta-analysis finds small increased risk of retinopathy worsening after starting injectable semaglutide. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987418?src=rss

FDA Wants Annual COVID Boosters, Just Like Annual Flu Shots

US health officials want to simplify the recommended COVID-19 vaccine protocol. WebMD Health News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987414?src=rss

French Artificial Heart Maker Carmat Targets Breakeven in 2027

French artificial heart maker Carmat expects to breakeven in 2027, it said on Monday, as it gradually resumes implants and faces strong demand in Europe ahead of its commercial launch in the United States. Reuters Health Information source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987346?src=rss

Why Many Nurse Practitioners Are Reluctant to Get Mental Health Care

NPs care for everyone else but when it comes to their own mental health, they may be skimping due to stigma, fear of repercussions, and licensing concerns. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987412?src=rss

WHO Seeks $2.5 Billion to Battle Health Emergencies

The World Health Organization on Monday launched a funding appeal for $2.54 billion to help people facing health emergencies across the world including in conflicts in Yemen, Syria, and Ukraine. Reuters Health Information source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987322?src=rss

Concern Grows Over 'Medical Aid in Dying for Mental Illness' Law

Amid growing concern by mental health professionals, the Canadian government is seeking to delay legalized medical assistance in dying for mental illness, a controversial law slated to pass mid-March. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987350?src=rss

US Judge Grants Preliminary Approval to Juul Consumer Settlement

Juul Labs on Friday secured preliminary court approval of a $255 million settlement resolving claims by consumers that it deceptively marketed e-cigarettes, as the company seeks to resolve thousands of lawsuits. Reuters Health Information source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987310?src=rss

Military Probing Whether Cancers Linked to Nuclear Silo Work

“There are indications of a possible association between cancer and missile combat crew service at Malmstrom AFB.” Associated Press source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987340?src=rss

What’s Happening in France in Diet Drug Mediator Scandal?

The manufacturer of this antidiabetic drug was found guilty of aggravated deceit and involuntary manslaughter but acquitted of fraud and improperly obtained marketing authorization. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987335?src=rss

Adding SBRT to Sorafenib Boosts Survival in Liver Cancer

Adding stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to treatment with sorafenib improved overall survival and progression-free survival as well as quality of life. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987324?src=rss

New 'Reference Regimen' in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer?

Liposomal irinotecan plus chemo in the new NALIRIFOX regimen significantly improved overall survival compared with standard therapy in metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987317?src=rss

AHA Scientific Statement on Rapid Evaluation for Suspected TIA

AHA offers a standardized approach to rapidly evaluate patients with suspected transient ischemic attack in the emergency department, keeping in mind challenges faced by centers with limited resources. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987264?src=rss

Expert Panel Urges US to Strengthen Wastewater Surveillance

An expert panel gave recommendations on how the CDC could build upon the success of wastewater detection of pathogens causing COVID, mpox, and polio. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987266?src=rss

New Smell Tech Could Make VR Therapies More Powerful

Medical research on the benefits of smell in VR may start to move faster, thanks to breakthroughs in the entertainment industry. WebMD Health News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987256?src=rss

Combo of Previous COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination Gives Best Protection

It’s called “hybrid immunity” and it offers better protection from COVID reinfection. WebMD Health News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987254?src=rss

Rite Aid to Dispense Abortion Pill in a Limited Number of Stores

Rite Aid plans to dispense abortion medication in a limited number of its pharmacies and will serve customers either in person or through mail delivery, the drugstore chain said on Thursday. Reuters Health Information source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987216?src=rss

Tucatinib Plus Trastuzumab Approved for HER2+ CRC

The combination of HER2-targeted agents is already approved for use in breast cancer and is now is the first treatment approved for HER2-positive colorectal cancer. FDA Approvals source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987242?src=rss

Flavored Cannabis Marketing Is Criticized for Targeting Kids

Inside the store run by the nonprofit Housing Works, shelves brimmed with vape cartridges suggesting flavors of pineapple, grapefruit, and “cereal milk," written in rainbow bubble letter print. Associated Press source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987191?src=rss

Money Mistakes Med Students Make and How to Avoid Them: Poll

Docs in training know they will see earnings rise in the future, but are often confused about debt and finances, a Medscape poll finds. Financial advisers offer tips to help them manage their money. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987181?src=rss

FIT Could Cut Colonoscopies in Those at Above-Average Risk

The findings suggest that multiple negative FITs could potentially identify individuals in high-risk surveillance who aren’t truly high risk. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987179?src=rss

Not All White Coats Are Doctors

Most patients tend to call everyone who walks into the exam room to treat them 'doctor.' But if you're an NP or a PA, correcting it can become tiresome. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987166?src=rss

Physician Sues AMA for Defamation Over 2022 Election Controversy

When Baltimore internist and AMA trustee Willarda Edwards ran for AMA president, the organization accused her of vote trading. She has sued for defamation and conspiracy. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987165?src=rss

Some People Are Mosquito Magnets

The amount of fatty acid your body emits can determine whether mosquitos are drawn to you. Quick Take source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987163?src=rss

Paxlovid Prescribing Concerns Seen in Practitioner Survey

Evidence suggests Paxlovid can improve COVID-related outcomes, so why aren't more physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and pharmacists prescribing the antiviral combination. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987121?src=rss

Evolocumab's LDL Lowering Surpassed Inclisiran's in ORION-3

Results from a crossover subgroup of 92 patients in ORION-3 documented evolocumab's greater LDL-lowering efficacy compared with inclisiran. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987120?src=rss

Fewer Patients With Diabetes Meeting Treatment Targets

Target achievement was lower among younger patients, particularly those under age 40 years. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987103?src=rss

Ultralow Dose of Nivolumab Offers Huge Cost Savings

A clinical trial from India raises the possibility of huge cost savings by using ultralow immunotherapy doses in the treatment of head and neck cancer. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987096?src=rss

Reversing Abortion Drug's Approval Would Harm Public Interest, FDA Says

President Joe Biden's administration is urging a judge to reject a request by abortion opponents for a court order withdrawing federal approval for the drug used in medication abortions. Reuters Health Information source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987020?src=rss

India Set to Overtake China as World's Most Populous Nation

India is expected to overtake China as the world's most populous country this year even though its population growth has been slowing down, United Nations says. Reuters Health Information source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987014?src=rss

Dietary Zinc Linked to Reduced Migraine Risk

Individuals with higher dietary zinc intake have a nearly one-third lower risk for developing migraine than those who get little zinc in their diets, new research suggests. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987025?src=rss

BPD Tied to Longer Time to Depression Remission

Patients with borderline personality disorder and major depressive episodes have a longer time to depression remission than those with major depressive disorder (MDD) or bipolar disorder plus MDD. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987021?src=rss

Simulation-Based Training Effective for Transesophageal Echo

Cardiology fellows who learned transesophageal echocardiography using simulations scored higher on both theoretical and practical tests than those who received traditional training in a randomized trial. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987011?src=rss

Listening to Birds Helps Your Mental Health

Everyday encounters with birdlife can have long-lasting, positive effects on mental health. Quick Take source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987010?src=rss

China Reports 59,938 COVID-Related Hospital Deaths Since December 8

China said nearly 60,000 people with COVID-19 had died in hospital since it abruptly dismantled its zero-COVID policy in early December, a big increase from previously reported figures. Reuters Health Information source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986983?src=rss

Rapid Uptake of Immunotherapy, but Slower in Rural Practices

Overall, immunotherapy was adopted pretty rapidly after it was approved for the treatment of several cancers, but smaller and rural oncologic practices were slower on the uptake. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987008?src=rss

Metformin Monotherapy Not Always Best Start in Type 2 Diabetes

Findings suggest that at time of type 2 diabetes diagnosis some might not benefit from metformin as first-line treatment. Dual or other therapy may be preferable. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986994?src=rss

Test Predicts Which CRC Patients Benefit from Adjuvant Chemo

Testing for molecular residual disease was able to identify patients with early-stage colorectal cancer who are most likely to benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986992?src=rss

Atrial Failure or Insufficiency: A New Syndrome

The syndrome may explain heart failure in patients with preserved pump function, according to researchers. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986950?src=rss

California Latest to Sue Drug Companies Over Insulin Prices

The lawsuit is the latest in a parade of legal actions which have accused the corporate giants of abusing their power to quash competition and boost their profits by keeping the price of insulin high. Associated Press source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986947?src=rss

CDC Frets Over Further Dip in Kindergarten Vaccination Rates

MMR vaccination coverage for kindergartners is at the lowest level in over a decade, according to a new report. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986946?src=rss

German 'Island' Aids Children and Adolescents With Addiction

At "Teen Spirit Island," children and adolescents receive help in ending their addictions and addressing their comorbidities. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986944?src=rss

AD Outcomes Improved With Lebrikizumab and Topical Steroids

The ADhere study compared responses at 16 weeks to the investigational biologic and topical corticosteroids vs topical corticosteroids alone in adults and adolescents with moderate to severe AD. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986934?src=rss

Screen for Suicide Risk in Cancer Patients Undergoing Surgery?

SEER data show a significantly increased risk for suicide among some patients who undergo cancer surgery, highlighting the need for distress screening and treatment. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986935?src=rss

The Decision of Where to Seek Emergency Care Is Complicated

The proliferation of care options — particularly urgent care centers and free-standing emergency departments — can make the head spin. For patients, the wrong choice may mean big bills and poor health outcomes. Kaiser Health News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986890?src=rss

Biden Administration Extends COVID-19 State of Emergency

Becerra issued a statement saying the decision was “a result of the continued consequences of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.” WebMD Health News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986885?src=rss

White House: Jill Biden Has Two Cancerous Lesions Removed

Surgeons removed a cancerous lesion above First Lady Jill Biden 's right eye and one on her chest. Associated Press source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986879?src=rss

Primary Care Screening Cost-Effective for Catching Amblyopia

The additional health benefits of universal school screening and mandated optometric examinations do not justify the expense entailed, according to researchers. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986876?src=rss

Uptick in Prostate Cancer Diagnoses Prompts ACS 'Call to Arms'

The latest American Cancer Society annual report highlights an increase in late-stage prostate cancer diagnoses, but also a dramatic fall in cervical cancer in young women. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986870?src=rss

Eating Family Meals Together Can Reduce Stress

Eating dinner together could help ease stress among family members. Quick Take source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986871?src=rss

Treatments Help Long-term Outcomes of Critical COVID Illness

Use of interleukin 6 receptor antagonists and antiplatelet agents was associated with better survival rates and higher quality of life at 6 months. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986848?src=rss

Why Doesn't the US Have At-Home Tests for the Flu?

Americans are now accustomed to buying at-home COVID test kits, swabbing, waiting, and interpreting the results themselves. But what about at-home tests for the flu? WebMD Health News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986845?src=rss

Sen. Sanders Asks Moderna Not to Hike COVID Vaccine Price

Senator Bernie Sanders sent Moderna a letter asking the drug company to halt planned US price increases on its COVID vaccine, saying price hikes could make the shot unaffordable for millions of Americans. Reuters Health Information source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986764?src=rss

Pediatric Melanoma: Clinicopathologic Features, Survival Studied

"Better understanding of melanoma occurring in the first two decades of life is ... warranted," the study authors wrote. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986827?src=rss

Baby Oysters Love Sea Sounds

Oysters can hear, and baby oysters will swim to areas that emit habitat-friendly sounds to plant themselves. Quick Take source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986821?src=rss

Nivolumab or Pembrolizumab Combos in Advanced Kidney Cancer?

Immunotherapy combinations based on nivolumab entail lower costs for grade 3/4 adverse events than those using pembrolizumab, a finding that could inform treatment decisions. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986820?src=rss

Cancer Clinics See Patients Demanding New Cancer Detection Tests

Multicancer early detection tests are finally a reality and could be a potential game changer because may be able to screen for up to 50 different cancers in asymptomatic individuals with one blood draw. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986779?src=rss

Warfarin Best for Thrombotic Antiphospholipid Syndrome?

Patients with thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome appear better treated with a vitamin K antagonist such as warfarin, rather than a direct oral anticoagulant, a new meta-analysis suggests. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986776?src=rss

Novel 'Cure' May Avert Lead Extraction in CIED Pocket Infections

Most pacemaker pocket infections, without lead involvement, responded completely to antibiotics given locally at high concentrations in a case-control study. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986762?src=rss

Vigorous Physical Outbursts Can Help You Live Longer

Outbursts of just 2 minutes of vigorous activity, totaling 15 minutes a week, can be enough to help reduce the risk of death. Quick Take source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986756?src=rss

Treat Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Pregnant Women: Study

Pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism and no thyroid peroxidase antibodies who received levothyroxine had similar gestational diabetes and preeclampsia rates as others with normal thyroid. First Look source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986752?src=rss

China in Talks With Pfizer for Generic COVID Drug: Sources

China is in talks with Pfizer Inc to secure a licence that will allow domestic drugmakers to manufacture and distribute a generic version of the US firm's COVID-19 antiviral drug Paxlovid in China. Reuters Health Information source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986604?src=rss

Advanced Primary Care Program Boosts COVID-19 Results

Participation in the first 2 years of Maryland's Advanced Primary Care Program (MDPCP) was associated with better COVID-19 outcomes, new data indicate. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986703?src=rss

A Stroke Occurs Every 5 Minutes in Canada

Findings from a recent study highlight the need for appropriate resource planning to maintain high-quality stroke care and optimize patient outcomes, said one of the researchers. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986701?src=rss

Obesity Impacts Peripheral Airway Reactivity, Asthma

Obese individuals with asthma and obese controls showed similar changes in response to methacholine. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986697?src=rss

New Trials in Leukemia and Lymphoma: Could Your Patient Benefit?

Could one of your patients benefit from the latest clinical trials enrolling patients with leukemia or lymphoma? Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986687?src=rss

A "hot take" on screening colonoscopy

Screening for colorectal cancer is an important preventive health practice that saves lives. But is colonoscopy really the "gold standard" for colorectal cancer screening? In Episode 172 of the American Family Physician podcast , I provided my "hot take" on a recent randomized trial that was designed to inform the answer to this question. You can listen to it in the embedded player starting at 22:50 or read the transcript below. Health care professionals may also be interested in a more in-depth discussion that I participated in for Medscape. Hi, I’m Kenny Lin, deputy editor of AFP and an expert in cancer screening guidelines. In 2002, the US Preventive Services Task Force first recommended colonoscopy as a primary screening test for colorectal cancer (CRC) in adults. This was an uncharacteristic decision, since the first randomized trial of colonoscopy would not be published for another 20 years. Since then, flexible sigmoidoscopy has virtually disappear

Modified Atkins Diet Beneficial in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Adding a modified Atkins diet to antiseizure drugs offers significant benefits over medication alone, and cuts seizure activity in half in many patients with epilepsy, new research shows. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986609?src=rss

Atezolizumab (Tecentriq) Tops Chemo for Platinum-ineligible NSCLC

The checkpoint inhibitor was associated with better survival and adverse events vs single-agent chemo for advanced NSCLC. The study was published as a preprint and has not yet been peer reviewed. First Look source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986602?src=rss

Latest Steps Toward Reducing US Insulin Cost Begin in 2023

Co-pay caps for Medicare beneficiaries begin in 2023, while new federal legislation, state laws, and new insulin manufacturers all eyed as more possible solutions. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986596?src=rss

Physical Activity Eases Depressive Symptoms in Young People

"There is an urgent need to explore novel treatment approaches that can be safely, feasibly, and widely implemented in the daily routine of depressed children and adolescents." MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986600?src=rss

Extensive Resection Boosts Survival in Low-Grade Brain Tumor

Patients with diffuse low-grade glioma should undergo early, extensive resection, urge researchers reporting survival benefits from this intervention. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986595?src=rss

A Physician-Chef Promotes Health Through Food in His Business

A doctor trained in integrative and culinary medicine talks with Medscape about his business ventures and mission to make healthy food widely available. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986577?src=rss

Frail ADHF Patients Benefit More From Early Rehab

Patients with acute decompensated heart failure who were frail at baseline benefited more from early targeted physical rehabilitation than those who were prefrail in a REHAB-HF secondary analysis. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986549?src=rss

One in Four Cardiologists Report Mental Health Issues

Such mental health concerns were more common among female than male cardiologists, in this new survey, and closely linked to the pressures of hostile work environments. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986545?src=rss

Novel Antipsychotic 'Encouraging' for Resistant Schizophrenia

Topline results from an exploratory study suggest clinically meaningful benefits when evenamide is added to existing antipsychotic medication in adults with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986543?src=rss

Neutrophil Test Found Useful for Predicting Survival in IPF

An observational study reported that the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio test may help predict survival in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986540?src=rss

Walgreens, CVS Plan to Start Offering Abortion Pills

Walgreens Boot Alliance and CVS Health said on Wednesday they plan to offer abortion pills following the FDA decision to allow retail pharmacies to offer the drug in the country for the first time. Reuters Health Information source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986515?src=rss

New Consensus on Thyroid Eye Disease Prompts Some Debate

The joint statement from the American Thyroid Association and European Thyroid Association offers appraisal of recent thyroid eye disease management for endocrinologists, with some debate on treatment. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986480?src=rss

Public Health Agencies Try to Restore Trust, Fight Misinformation

As public health departments work on improving their message, the mistrust often reserved for COVID-19 vaccines now threatens other public health priorities, including flu shots and childhood vaccines. Kaiser Health News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986478?src=rss

Children and COVID: New Cases Fell As the Old Year Ended

The end of 2022 saw a drop in new COVID-19 cases in children, even as rates of emergency department visits continued upward trends that began in late October. MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986477?src=rss

EU Offers China Free Vaccines as COVID-19 Infections Surge

The European Union has offered free COVID-19 vaccines to China, the EU executive said on Tuesday, as infections there surged following Beijing's relaxation of its 'zero-COVID' policies. Reuters Health Information source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986401?src=rss

Cochrane Review Bolsters Case That Emollients Don’t Prevent AD

"Based on low‐ to moderate-certainty evidence,” the review concludes, “skin care interventions such as emollients during the first year of life … are probably not effective for preventing eczema.” MDedge News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986475?src=rss

DOACs vs Heparin in Cancer-Associated Thrombosis

As compared with low-molecular-weight heparin, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) were more clinically effective and more cost-effective for treating cancer-associated thrombosis. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986464?src=rss

Comorbidities and the Prognosis of COPD

At a recent conference, experts discussed the benefits that strict control of comorbidities can have for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986420?src=rss

Abortion Restrictions Linked to Increased Suicide Rates: Study

"Stress is a key contributor to mental health burden and a major driver of increased suicide risk," researcher and psychiatrist Ran Barzilay, MD, PhD, said. WebMD Health News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986416?src=rss

DOAC or VKA for Elderly Patients With Recent Stroke and AF?

Until recently, clinicians had little evidence to guide their decisions about the most effective and safe treatment for the oldest patients with atrial fibrillation and recent stroke. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986415?src=rss

How to Detect Myocarditis From Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Myocarditis is the most severe complication that can develop during use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, as patients present late and with at least a 50% chance of death. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986406?src=rss

FDA Approves Wegovy (Semaglutide) for Obesity in Teens 12 and Up

FDA approves semaglutide 2.4mg (Wegovy), a once-weekly subcutaneous injection, for treating obesity in adolescents aged 12 years and older. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986403?src=rss

Nearly 1400% Rise in Young Kids Ingesting Cannabis Edibles

The number of young children unintentionally exposed to edible cannabis products in the United States has soared as more states legalize the drug, new research found. Medscape Medical News source https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/986404?src=rss