Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a prion disease that primarily affects cervids, but there have been concerns about its potential to infect humans. Recent data from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and Rocky Mountain Laboratories provide new insights into the species barrier that prevents the transmission of CWD to humans. The
Health
The recently conducted INTERACT 4 trial in China has sparked debates and discussions within the medical community regarding the efficacy of bringing blood pressure under control in the ambulance for stroke patients. The trial, led by Gang Li, MD, PhD, of Shanghai East Hospital at Tongji University, aimed to determine whether reducing systolic blood pressure
The most recent provisional CDC data shows a 3% decrease in U.S. overdose deaths in 2023 compared to the previous year. This marks the first decrease in overdose deaths since 2018, signaling a potential turning point in the opioid crisis that has plagued the country for years. The decrease in overdose deaths is a positive
Recently, Washington state physician Wei-Hsung Lin, MD, faced disciplinary action by the state’s medical board for prescribing ivermectin during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lin, who practices at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, Washington, was fined $5,000 and required to take continuing medical education classes on COVID and the patient-physician relationship. The Washington Medical Commission cited
As a Black physician, I have witnessed firsthand the cultural tendencies within my community to avoid discussing health issues, even with family members. This lack of open communication can lead to delayed diagnosis and management strategies for diseases such as autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), particularly among patients of color. Patients of color may
A recent study of national data has revealed alarming disparities in mortality rates between patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and type 1 diabetes (T1D) who are hospitalized for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The study, conducted by Dr. Shellsea Portillo Canales of St. Louis University Hospital, found that the mortality rate for T2D patients with DKA
A recent cyberattack on the Ascension health system operating in 19 states across the U.S. highlighted the vulnerabilities of healthcare systems to ransomware attacks. This attack forced some of its 140 hospitals to divert ambulances, delayed medical tests for patients, and blocked online access to patient records. The disruption caused by such attacks can have
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a hot topic in the health space, particularly in the field of neurology. It is essential for physicians not to fear the adoption of AI technologies but instead embrace them. The adoption of AI should prioritize enhancing clinician efficiency while focusing on improving patient experience and accessibility. AI is not
Receiving stem cell injections for various medical conditions has become an increasingly popular treatment option in recent years. However, with this rise in popularity comes a number of risks and potential complications, as highlighted in a recent case study involving three patients who developed difficult-to-treat Mycobacterium abscessus infections after receiving embryonic stem cell injections in
The investigative reporting by the Wall Street Journal shed light on the troubling practices of Steward Health Care System. The decision to secure a $400 million cash infusion from Steward’s landlord, Medical Properties Trust, instead of investing directly in the struggling health system raises serious ethical questions. The involvement of Cerberus Capital Management in selling