Scientists link genes to diet in inflammatory bowel disease: A study in mice identifies candidate genes associated with bowel inflammation caused by a high-fat diet
A study of the genetic variation that makes mice more susceptible to bowel inflammation after a high-fat diet has identified candidate genes which may drive inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in humans. The findings are published as a Reviewed Preprint in eLife. Described by the editors as a fundamental study, the work provides a framework for […]
COVID Infection May Impair Semen Quality, Even After Mild Cases
Semen quality remained impaired more than 3 months after a mild COVID-19 infection, according to a small study from Spain involving unvaccinated men. Testing performed a median 100 days after infection among existing patients at one of six reproductive centers showed lower sperm counts, slower motility, and lower overall sperm quality compared with pre-infection tests […]
Xeljanz Edges Humira Just a Bit for Real-World RA Patients, Study Suggests
Tofacitinib (Xeljanz) appeared ever-so-slightly more effective than adalimumab (Humira) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a study that used real-world patient data to simulate a randomized head-to-head trial. Leaders of Australia’s OPAL network of rheumatologists reported that, among 699 RA patients starting their first biologic or targeted therapy for the disease, the mean 28-joint Disease Activity […]
Mirikizumab Benefit in UC Extends Into Maintenance Phase
The investigational monoclonal antibody mirikizumab was more effective in inducing and maintaining clinical remission in patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) compared with placebo, according to two phase III randomized trials. Among over 1,200 patients in the LUCENT-1 induction trial, 24.2% of those who received mirikizumab experienced clinical remission at week 12 compared […]
Here’s Why Your Wellness Routine Isn’t Complete Without An HIV Screening
The era of prioritizing self-care is here, and the importance of personal wellness has become more apparent than ever. While self-care looks different for everyone —from getting your steps in, to journaling, to practicing yoga—making choices that support your physical and mental well-being is key to helping you live a healthier life. Prioritizing your sexual […]
Should Hospitals Get Paid More Than Physician Practices for the Same Service?
WASHINGTON — Should hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs) get paid more by Medicare than independent physician practices for providing the same care? Yes, they absolutely should, panelists said at a briefing here Monday sponsored by the American Hospital Association (AHA). Ashley Thompson, senior vice president for public policy analysis and development at the AHA, outlined several […]
All the immunity, none of the symptoms
Worldwide, more than a million deaths occur each year due to diarrheal diseases that lead to dehydration and malnutrition. Yet, no vaccine exists to fight or prevent these diseases, which are caused by bacteria like certain strains of E. coli. Instead, people withbacterial infections must rely on the body taking one of two defense strategies: […]
Across Borders, Worse COVID Outcomes Seen in Polluted Areas
During the pandemic, people exposed to more air pollution were at greater risk of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death, a nationwide study from Denmark showed. Based on the country’s COVID-19 surveillance system covering over 3.7 million residents, there were significant associations between local levels of inhalable particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and incident […]
Omega-3 fatty acids linked to slower decline in ALS
People with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who eat more foods high in certain omega-3 fatty acids like flaxseed oil, walnuts, canola oil and pumpkin seeds may have a slower physical decline from the disease and may have a slightly extended survival. The study, which looked at the survival of people with ALS over the course […]
More Transparency Needed in Healthcare, House Members Told
The U.S. healthcare system would be greatly improved by more transparency from all players, including hospitals, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and insurers, members of Congress and witnesses agreed Wednesday at a House hearing. “For too long medical prices have been shrouded in mystery and patients have lived in fear of how much their medical bills […]