Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma patients who smoke face significant challenges when attempting to quit smoking. However, a recent multicenter trial conducted in Turkey has shed light on the effectiveness of linking these patients to smoking cessation clinics for immediate assistance. The study, presented at the annual European Respiratory Society (ERS) congress in
Health
The recent case of bird flu infection in a hospitalized patient in Missouri has raised concerns due to the lack of known contact with dairy cows or animals associated with the outbreak. This incident marks the 14th person in the U.S. affected by bird flu since its detection in cows earlier this year. While the
The recent scandal involving No. 1-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner has rocked the sports world, as he tested positive for a banned substance – clostebol. The substance was found in an over-the-counter spray that is available without a prescription in Italy, where Sinner’s physical trainer purchased it. This incident has raised questions about the accessibility
In a recent study led by Dr. Diya Surie from the CDC in Atlanta, the effectiveness of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination among older adults was evaluated. The study, published in JAMA, found that RSV vaccination in adults aged 60 and over during the period from October 2023 to March 2024 was associated with a
Patients with inflammatory arthritis face various challenges when it comes to choosing the right biologic therapy for their condition. A recent study conducted in Spain delved into the impact of biosimilars versus originator products on treatment continuation and identified some interesting findings. The study, published in the Journal of Rheumatology, revealed that patients starting biosimilar
The REC-CAGEFREE I randomized trial compared drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty with stenting as the initial strategy for de novo coronary artery stenoses. The results showed that DCB with rescue use of drug-eluting stents (DES) led to a significantly higher rate of adverse cardiovascular events compared to intended stenting. This study, presented by Ling Tao, MD,
The EPIC-CAD trial conducted by Gi-Byoung Nam, MD, at the Asan Medical Center in Seoul, South Korea, presented findings that showed promising results for patients with atrial fibrillation (Afib) and stable coronary artery disease (CAD). The study compared the efficacy of edoxaban monotherapy versus dual antithrombotic therapy in improving net outcomes by considering bleeding and
After years of widespread practice, a recent randomized clinical trial has debunked the myth that keeping potassium levels high after cardiac surgery can prevent post-surgical atrial fibrillation (Afib). The trial, known as the TIGHT K trial, showed that there was no significant difference in the occurrence of new-onset Afib in patients who were supplemented at
The recent consensus reached by a working group of senior investigators, led by the Alzheimer’s Disease Sequencing Project (ADSP), has shed new light on the role of the APOE4 gene in Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Jeffery Vance, from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, highlights the significance of this breakthrough in potentially revolutionizing Alzheimer’s
The FDA has recently implemented a final rule that will have a significant impact on tobacco retailers across the country. With the signing of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act in December 2019, the federal minimum age of sale of tobacco products was raised from 18 to 21. This means that retailers will now have to