Title: What Can Be Diagnosed From a Sleep Study?
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 7/7/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/7/2022 12:00:00 AM

Title: 6 Deaths Reported From Diabetes Drug Byetta
Category: Health News
Created: 8/28/2008 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/28/2008 12:00:00 AM

Title: Too Much Radiation From Medical Imaging?
Category: Health News
Created: 8/27/2009 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/27/2009 12:00:00 AM

Title: CDC Revises Death Estimates From Flu
Category: Health News
Created: 8/26/2010 2:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 8/27/2010 12:00:00 AM

Title: Kids Benefit From Doctors' Antismoking Counseling: Experts
Category: Health News
Created: 8/26/2013 9:35:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/26/2013 12:00:00 AM

Title: Brain May Recover From Concussion by Compensating
Category: Health News
Created: 8/23/2013 4:35:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 8/26/2013 12:00:00 AM

Title: Health Tip: Cleaning Up From a Flood
Category: Health News
Created: 8/29/2013 7:35:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/29/2013 12:00:00 AM

Title: Health Tip: Keep Battery-Powered Devices Away From Kids
Category: Health News
Created: 8/29/2013 7:35:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/29/2013 12:00:00 AM

Title: Scientists Grow 'Model Brain' From Stem Cells
Category: Health News
Created: 8/28/2013 2:35:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 8/29/2013 12:00:00 AM

Title: Toddlers Can Die From Swallowing Parents' Drug Detox Meds
Category: Health News
Created: 8/29/2013 12:35:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 8/30/2013 12:00:00 AM

Title: Liver Damage From Hepatitis C More Widespread Than Thought
Category: Health News
Created: 8/27/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/27/2015 12:00:00 AM

Title: Coffee Cravings May Spring From Your DNA
Category: Health News
Created: 8/25/2016 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/25/2016 12:00:00 AM

Title: New Hope From Old Drugs in Fight Against Parkinson's
Category: Health News
Created: 8/31/2017 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 9/1/2017 12:00:00 AM

Title: Senator John McCain Dies From Brain Tumor
Category: Health News
Created: 8/26/2018 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/27/2018 12:00:00 AM

Title: U.S. Deaths From Suicide, Drugs Surpass Diabetes
Category: Health News
Created: 8/27/2018 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/28/2018 12:00:00 AM

Title: Is Climate Change Draining Nutrients From Crops?
Category: Health News
Created: 8/27/2018 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/28/2018 12:00:00 AM

Title: China Withholding H7N9 Bird Flu Virus Samples From U.S.
Category: Health News
Created: 8/31/2018 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/31/2018 12:00:00 AM

Title: Strain of E. Coli Spread From Poultry to People, Study Suggests
Category: Health News
Created: 8/30/2018 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/31/2018 12:00:00 AM

Title: First Death Tied to Lung Injury From Vaping Reported in Illinois
Category: Health News
Created: 8/23/2019 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/26/2019 12:00:00 AM

Title: Whether From Diet or Surgery, Weight Loss Has Same Benefits: Study
Category: Health News
Created: 8/21/2020 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/24/2020 12:00:00 AM

Title: Quit Smoking to Cut Risk of Death From A-Fib
Category: Health News
Created: 8/25/2020 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/25/2020 12:00:00 AM

Title: More Evidence That Masks Help Shield You From Coronavirus
Category: Health News
Created: 8/26/2020 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/26/2020 12:00:00 AM

Title: AHA News: She Had a 20% Chance to Live First From a Stroke, Then From COVID-19
Category: Health News
Created: 8/27/2020 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/28/2020 12:00:00 AM

Title: As Classes Resume, Some Health Tips From the CDC
Category: Health News
Created: 8/27/2021 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/27/2021 12:00:00 AM

Title: Fatal ODs From Illicit Tranquilizers Jumped 6-Fold During Pandemic
Category: Health News
Created: 8/26/2021 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/27/2021 12:00:00 AM

Title: Regular Exercise Can Help Shield You From Severe COVID
Category: Health News
Created: 8/23/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/23/2022 12:00:00 AM

Title: How Do You Recover From a Retinal Migraine?
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 6/14/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2022 12:00:00 AM

Title: AHA News: Obstacles Didn't Stop This Heart Defect Survivor From Competing on 'American Ninja Warrior
Category: Health News
Created: 8/12/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/15/2022 12:00:00 AM

Title: Brain-Eating Amoeba From River May Have Caused Child's Death
Category: Health News
Created: 8/19/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/19/2022 12:00:00 AM

Title: Will Joint Pain From Menopause Go Away?
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 5/24/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/24/2022 12:00:00 AM

Title: Moving Away From Opioids to Treat Dental Pain
Category: Health News
Created: 8/19/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/19/2022 12:00:00 AM

Title: Picture of Nickel Contact Dermatitis from Necklace
Category: Images
Created: 2/22/2010 3:21:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 6/28/2022 12:00:00 AM

Title: Organ From Live Donor Best When Child Needs New Kidney
Category: Health News
Created: 8/17/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/18/2022 12:00:00 AM

The study of biological mechanisms, while crucial, cannot fully explain complex phenomena like the instinct to eat. The mind–body connection, as exemplified by the concept of "voodoo death," highlights the profound influence of belief and cultural context on physiology. Indigenous knowledge systems further emphasize the interconnectedness of humans with their environment. Recent discoveries in gut–brain communication reveal the intricate neural circuits that drive our visceral desires, but a holistic approach that integrates both physiological mechanisms and the subjective experience of life, informed by diverse cultural perspectives, will be essential to truly understand what it means to be alive.

ABSTRACTDespite global consensus on the importance of male involvement in family planning, disparities persist in low- and middle-income countries, where women continue to bear the responsibility for these initiatives. The Philippines, with a high fertility rate and unmet family planning needs, exemplifies this challenge. We present the experiences and lessons learned from implementing the no-scalpel vasectomy (NSV) program in Davao City, showcasing its potential for increasing male engagement in family planning decisions. Launched in 2008, the program aimed to address gender disparity by promoting NSV as a safe and effective contraceptive alternative to female-centric methods. Through the use of culturally sensitive information campaigns and couple-focused counseling, the program challenged traditional notions of masculinity and encouraged shared decision-making. Strong local government commitment and public-private partnerships played key roles in driving the program’s success. Results showed an average annual increase of 80% in NSV clients over the past 3 years compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring its effectiveness. The program presents a compelling intervention model for similar initiatives, highlighting how overcoming cultural barriers, infrastructure limitations, and budgetary constraints through policy advocacy, strategic partnerships, and tailored approaches can significantly boost male involvement in family planning and improve reproductive health outcomes within communities.

ABSTRACTWe document the effort over the last 30 years to respond to the call by women advocates at the International Conference on Population and Development for more woman-initiated single or dual-purpose contraceptive methods by developing the Caya contoured diaphragm, an innovative diaphragm designed to meet the needs of women and their partners and expand options for nonhormonal barrier contraception. We describe the complex and interrelated set of activities undertaken to develop the product using a human-centered design process and how we are working to create a corollary sustainable market. This review includes the evidence generated around improved acceptability among couples in low- and middle-income countries and depicts challenges and practical actions on how to dispel misconceptions about diaphragm use. Importantly, we share programmatic lessons learned on increasing universal access to this new sexual and reproductive health technology. Following our new model for increasing access to new and underutilized methods, Caya is now registered and being marketed in nearly 40 countries worldwide.

ABSTRACTThe private health care sector is an important source of service delivery in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Yet, the private sector remains fragmented, making it difficult for health system actors to support and ensure the availability of quality health care services. In global health programs, social franchising is one model used to engage and organize the private health care sector. Two social franchise networks, ProFam in West Africa and Tunza in East and Central Africa, provide health care through branded networks of facilities. However, these social franchise networks include a limited number of private health care facilities, and in fragile contexts, like Burundi and Mali, they have faced challenges in integrating with national health systems. The MOMENTUM Private Healthcare Delivery (MPHD) project in Burundi and Mali sought to expand the number of health facilities it engaged beyond the existing ProFam and Tunza networks. The expansion aimed to help improve service quality in more private facilities while advancing localization and reducing fragmentation for improved stewardship by health system actors. MPHD achieved this expansion by removing barriers for private health facilities to join inclusive, nonbranded networks and engaging local partners to build and maintain these networks. We share lessons learned regarding the growing role of local organizations as actors within mixed health systems and provide insights on strengthening stewardship of the increasingly heterogeneous private health care delivery sector in LMICs, particularly in fragile settings.

ABSTRACTIntroduction:Since the health information system (HIS) in public health care services in Serbia was introduced in 2009, it has gradually expanded. However, it is unclear how well the HIS components have developed and the whole system’s stage of maturity.Method:In June–September 2021, a maturity assessment of the Serbian HIS was conducted for the first time using the HIS Stages of Continuous Improvement (SOCI) toolkit. The toolkit measures HIS status across 5 HIS domains: leadership and governance, management and workforce, information and communication technology (ICT), standards and interoperability, and data quality and use. The domains were further divided into 13 components and 39 subcomponents whose maturity stage was assessed on a 5-point Likert scale, indicating the level of development: (1) emerging/ad hoc; (2) repeatable; (3) defined; (4) managed; and (5) optimized. The toolkit was applied in a working group of 32 professionals and experts who were engaged in developing the new national eHealth strategy and action plan.Results:The overall maturity score of the Serbian HIS was 1.6, which indicates a low level. The highest baseline score (2) was given to the standards and interoperability domain, and the lowest (1.1) was given to ICT infrastructure. The remaining 3 domains (leadership and governance, Management and Workforce, and Data Quality and Use) were similarly rated (1.7, 1.7, and 1.6, respectively).Conclusion:A baseline assessment of the maturity level of Serbian HIS indicates that the majority of components are between the emerging/ad hoc stage and repeatable, which represent isolated, ad hoc efforts, with some basic processes in place and existing and accessible policies. This exercise provided an opportunity to address identified weaknesses in the upcoming national eHealth strategy.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Nigeria has the highest number of children who have not received any vaccines in Africa. The training-of-trainers (TOT) model used to train program managers (PMs) and health care workers (HCWs) is ineffective for adult learning and limits immunization programs’ success. We incorporated adult learning principles (ALPs) in designing and delivering TOT for immunization PMs and HCWs to use data to engage communities for tailored immunization strategies.Methods: Our study was implemented in 3 local government areas (LGAs) of the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. A training curriculum was developed, integrating ALPs and technical and operational content based on best practices in delivering immunization training and the training needs assessment findings. State PMs (n=10), LGA PMs (n=30), and HCWs (n=42) were trained on the human-centered design for tailoring immunization programs (HCD-TIP) approaches using ALPs. We used interviews and surveys with purposively and conveniently sampled PMs and HCWs, respectively, and observations to assess participants’ satisfaction, knowledge and competence, behavior changes, and results. The interviews were analyzed thematically, and surveys were statistically.Results: There was a high level of satisfaction with the training among LGA PMs (100%), state PMs (91%), and HCWs (85%), with significant knowledge and competence improvements post-training (P<.001). The trained participants conducted 2 HCD sessions with 24 undervaccinated communities and co-designed 24 prototype solutions for testing. Results showed increased coverage of the pentavalent vaccine first dose (54%) and third dose (188%) across 12 participating communities. Improved community colaboration, communication skills, and data-driven approaches were the most cited behavior changes in practice.Conclusion: The application of ALPs in training, use of HCD-TIP approaches and tools, and supportive supervision enhanced PMs’ and HCWs’ capacity for tailored interventions. Countries should consider adopting a holistic approach that focuses on using these approaches in immunization programs to strengthen the health system for equitable vaccine coverage.

Chronic pain conditions affect nearly 20% of the population in the United States. Current medical interventions, such as opioid drugs, are effective at relieving pain but are accompanied by many undesirable side effects. This is one reason increased numbers of chronic pain patients have been turning to Cannabis for pain management. Cannabis contains many bioactive chemical compounds; however, current research looking into lesser-studied minor cannabinoids in Cannabis lacks uniformity between experimental groups and/or excludes female mice from investigation. This makes it challenging to draw conclusions between experiments done with different minor cannabinoid compounds between laboratories or parse out potential sex differences that could be present. We chose five minor cannabinoids found in lower quantities within Cannabis: cannabinol (CBN), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabigerol (CBG), 8-tetrahydrocannabinol (8-THC), and 9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). These compounds were then tested for their cannabimimetic and pain-relieving behaviors in a cannabinoid tetrad assay and a chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) pain model in male and female CD-1 mice. We found that the minor cannabinoids we tested differed in the cannabimimetic behaviors evoked, as well as the extent. We found that CBN, CBG, and high-dose 8-THC evoked some tetrad behaviors in both sexes, while THCV and low-dose 8-THC exhibited cannabimimetic tetrad behaviors only in females. Only CBN efficaciously relieved CIPN pain, which contrasts with reports from other researchers. Together these findings provide further clarity to the pharmacology of minor cannabinoids and suggest further investigation into their mechanism and therapeutic potential.

Recent studies have demonstrated promising results of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) inhibitor (FAPI) PET in prognosticating and monitoring interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). As a first step toward successful translation, our primary aim was to validate the FAPI PET uptake through immunohistochemistry in patients with advanced ILD who underwent lung transplantation after a FAPI PET scan. Methods: This is a preliminary analysis of a single-center, open-label, single-arm, prospective exploratory biodistribution study of ⁶⁸Ga-FAPI-46 PET imaging in patients with ILD (NCT05365802). Patients with ILD confirmed by high-resolution CT and scheduled for lung transplant were included. Tissue samples of explanted lungs were obtained from both the central and peripheral lung parenchyma of each lobe. Additional samples were obtained from areas of the lung corresponding to regions of FAPI PET activity. Immunohistochemical staining was performed with an anti-FAP antibody. Percentages of FAP immunohistochemistry-positive area were measured semiautomatically using QuPath software. SUVs in the areas of pathologic samples were measured on FAPI PET/CT by referencing the gross photomap of the explanted lung. A Spearman correlation coefficient test was used to assess the relationship between FAPI PET uptake and FAP immunohistochemical expression in each specimen. Results: Four patients with advanced ILD who underwent FAPI PET/CT before lung transplantation were included. The types of ILD were idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (n = 2), rheumatoid arthritis–associated ILD (n = 1), and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (n = 1). FAPI uptake was visualized mainly in the fibrotic area on CT. Twenty-nine surgical pathology samples from 3 patients were analyzed. FAP staining was predominantly positive in fibroblastic foci. FAPI PET SUV_max and SUV_mean showed a positive correlation with the immunohistochemical FAP expression score (SUV_max: r = 0.57, P = 0.001; SUV_mean: r = 0.54, P = 0.002). Conclusion: In this analysis conducted in patients who underwent lung transplantation after a FAPI PET scan, FAPI PET uptake was positively correlated with FAP immunohistochemistry. These findings provide a rationale for further investigation of FAPI PET as a potential imaging biomarker for ILD.

The phase 3 VISION trial demonstrated that [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 prolonged progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) in prostate-specific membrane antigen [PSMA]–positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients who progressed on taxane-based chemotherapy and androgen receptor–signaling inhibitors (ARSIs). The U.S. expanded-access program (EAP; NCT04825652) was opened to provide access to [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 for eligible patients until regulatory approval was obtained. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 within the EAP and compare the results with those from the VISION trial. Methods: Patients enrolled in the EAP at 4 institutions in the United States with available toxicity and outcome data were included. Outcome measures included OS, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response rate (RR) of at least 50%, and incidences of toxicity according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. Differences in baseline characteristics, outcome data, and toxicity between the EAP and VISION were evaluated using t testing of proportions and survival analyses. Results: In total, 117 patients with mCRPC who received [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 within the EAP between May 2021 and March 2022 were eligible and included in this analysis. Patients enrolled in the EAP were more heavily pretreated with ARSI (≥2 ARSI regimens: 70% vs. 46%; P < 0.001) and had worse performance status at baseline (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score ≥ 2: 19% vs. 7%; P < 0.001) than VISION patients. EAP and VISION patients had similar levels of grade 3 or higher anemia (18% vs. 13%; P = 0.15), thrombocytopenia (13% vs. 8%; P = 0.13), and neutropenia (3% vs. 3%; P = 0.85) and similar PSA RRs (42% vs. 46%; P = 0.50) and OS (median: 15.1 vs. 15.3 mo; P > 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with PSMA-positive mCRPC who received [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 within the EAP were later in their disease trajectory than VISION patients. Patients enrolled in the EAP achieved similar PSA RRs and OS and had a safety profile similar to that of the VISION trial patients.

This review explores the concept of synergy in pharmacology, emphasizing its importance in optimizing treatment outcomes through the combination of drugs with different mechanisms of action. Synergy, defined as an effect greater than the expected additive effect elicited by individual agents according to specific predictive models, offers a promising approach to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse events. The historical evolution of synergy research, from ancient civilizations to modern pharmacology, highlights the ongoing quest to understand and harness synergistic interactions. Key concepts, such as concentration-response curves, additive effects, and predictive models, are discussed in detail, emphasizing the need for accurate assessment methods throughout translational drug development. Although various mathematical models exist for synergy analysis, selecting the appropriate model and software tools remains a challenge, necessitating careful consideration of experimental design and data interpretation. Furthermore, this review addresses practical considerations in synergy assessment, including preclinical and clinical approaches, mechanism of action, and statistical analysis. Optimizing synergy requires attention to concentration/dose ratios, target site localization, and timing of drug administration, ensuring that the benefits of combination therapy detected bench-side are translatable into clinical practice. Overall, the review advocates for a systematic approach to synergy assessment, incorporating robust statistical analysis, effective and simplified predictive models, and collaborative efforts across pivotal sectors, such as academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory agencies. By overcoming critical challenges and maximizing therapeutic potential, effective synergy assessment in drug development holds promise for advancing patient care.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS), with a putative autoimmune origin and complex pathogenesis. Modification of the natural history of MS by reducing relapses and slowing disability accumulation was first attained in the 1990 s with the development of the first-generation disease-modifying therapies. Glatiramer acetate (GA), a copolymer of L-alanine, L-lysine, L-glutamic acid, and L-tyrosine, was discovered due to its ability to suppress the animal model of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Extensive clinical trials and long-term assessments established the efficacy and the safety of GA. Furthermore, studies of the therapeutic processes induced by GA in animal models and in MS patients indicate that GA affects various levels of the innate and the adaptive immune response, generating deviation from proinflammatory to anti-inflammatory pathways. This includes competition for binding to antigen presenting cells; driving dendritic cells, monocytes, and B-cells toward anti-inflammatory responses; and stimulating T-helper 2 and T-regulatory cells. The immune cells stimulated by GA reach the CNS and secrete in situ anti-inflammatory cytokines alleviating the pathological processes. Furthermore, cumulative findings reveal that in addition to its immunomodulatory effect, GA promotes neuroprotective repair processes such as neurotrophic factors secretion, remyelination, and neurogenesis. This review aims to provide an overview of MS pathology diagnosis and treatment as well as the diverse mechanism of action of GA.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Recently, artificial intelligence tools have been deployed with increasing speed in educational and clinical settings. However, the use of artificial intelligence by trainees across different levels of experience has not been well-studied. This study investigates the impact of artificial intelligence assistance on the diagnostic accuracy for intracranial hemorrhage and large-vessel occlusion by medical students and resident trainees.

Although the progressive histologic steps leading to endometrial cancer (EndoCA), the most common female reproductive tract malignancy, from endometrial hyperplasia are well-established, the molecular changes accompanying this malignant transformation in a single patient have never been described. We had the unique opportunity to investigate the paired histologic and molecular features associated with the 12-yr development of EndoCA in a postmenopausal female who could not undergo hysterectomy and instead underwent progesterone treatment. Using a specially designed 58-gene next-generation sequencing panel, we analyzed a total of 10 sequential biopsy samples collected over this time frame. A total of eight pathogenic/likely pathogenic mutations in seven genes, APC, ARID1A, CTNNB1, CDKN2A, KRAS, PTEN, and TP53, were identified. A PTEN nonsense mutation p.W111* was present in all samples analyzed except histologically normal endometrium. Apart from this PTEN mutation, the only other recurrent mutation was KRAS G12D, which was present in six biopsy samplings, including histologically normal tissue obtained at the patient's first visit but not detectable in the cancer. The PTEN p.W111* mutant allele fractions were lowest in benign, inactive endometrial glands (0.7%), highest in adenocarcinoma (36.9%), and, notably, were always markedly reduced following progesterone treatment. To our knowledge, this report provides the first molecular characterization of EndoCA development in a single patient. A single PTEN mutation was present throughout the 12 years of cancer development. Importantly, and with potential significance toward medical and nonsurgical management of EndoCA, progesterone treatments were consistently noted to markedly decrease PTEN mutant allele fractions to precancerous levels.

Sleep is a fundamental feature of life for virtually all multicellular animals, but many questions remain about how sleep is regulated and what biological functions it plays. Substantial headway has been made in the study of both circadian rhythms and sleep in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, much of it through studies of individual fly activity using beam break counts from Drosophila activity monitors (DAMs). The number of laboratories worldwide studying sleep in Drosophila has grown from only a few 20 years ago to hundreds today. The utility of these studies is limited by the quality of the metrics that can be extracted from the data. Many software options exist to help analyze DAM data; however, these are often expensive or have significant limitations. Therefore, we describe here a method for analyzing DAM-based data using the sleep and circadian analysis MATLAB program (SCAMP). This user-friendly software has an advantage of combining several analyses of both sleep and circadian rhythms in one package and produces graphical outputs as well as spreadsheets of the outputs for further statistical analysis. The version of SCAMP described here is also the first published software package that can analyze data from multibeam DAM5Ms, enabling determination of positional preference over time.