Tag: Healthcare

GVN Announces Two New Executive Appointments

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Newswise — Baltimore, MD, USA (May 18, 2023) – The Global Virus Network (GVN) recently appointed Andrea Ridenour as Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships & Development and Robert Frederick as Chief Content Officer.

“Two of the GVN’s most important strategic priorities are enhancing financial development by expanding our Corporate Partnership Program and optimizing awareness and visibility through content dissemination and thought leadership,” said Mathew L. Evins, GVN Board of Directors Executive Chairman and Treasurer. “Through the appointment of Robert and Andrea, we now have two exceptional and outstanding professionals to substantially enhance the organization’s consequence and impact, helping the GVN fulfill the vision of its cofounders: Robert Gallo, MD of the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, William Hall, MD, PhD of University College Dublin and the late Reinhard Kurth, MD, PhD, of the Robert Koch Institute.”

As Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships & Development, Ms. Ridenour leads both GVN’s Corporate Partnerships Program and the solicitation of leadership gifts to ensure GVN’s long-term viability. To achieve this goal, she will work in collaboration with GVN leadership, engaging its Board of Directors and partners in fundraising activities.

Robert Frederick steers the creation, coordination, continuity, and implementation of GVN’s content and communications as its first Chief Content Officer. In his editorially independent role, Mr. Frederick will explore new ideas, platforms, and technologies to support GVN’s mission to produce authoritative science-driven information and policy perspectives within the ever-changing media content and distribution landscape. As viral threats emerge, Mr. Frederick will also highlight GVN members with relevant expertise and insights, increasing GVN’s visibility and impact among the scientific community, policymakers, and the public.

Ms. Ridenour brings years of experience in the development space, with a targeted focus on implementing large-scale partnerships between nonprofits, corporations, government entities and foundations. In her most recent roles with Susan G. Komen and the Colorectal Cancer Foundation, Ms. Ridenour focused predominantly on building strong corporate relationships with key players the cancer space, including top-tier pharmaceutical companies. She has also held leadership positions with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and the Conquer Cancer Foundation.

Ms. Ridenour holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Journalism from the University of Iowa, a Nonprofit Leadership Certification from North Park University and a Master of Public Administration from American University in Washington, DC.

Mr. Frederick brings two decades of experience in science communication to GVN. Previously, he was Digital Managing Editor of American Scientist, where he also contributed as a columnist, interviewer, editor, producer, and podcaster. Prior to that, he served as Science’s Associate Online Editor and later, Web Editor, where he also produced videos and ran the magazine’s weekly podcast. He was also St. Louis Public Radio’s first Science Reporter, contributing to the Associated Press and NPR’s national broadcasts. Throughout his career, Mr. Frederick has freelanced for a wide variety of outlets in multiple media, and he is a contributor to The Science Writers’ Handbook (Da Capo, 2013).

Mr. Frederick holds a masters in applied mathematics from the University of Michigan and a triple major in mathematics, philosophy, and statistics from The University of Chicago. He is an AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellow as well as a Fellow with the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard and teaches in the university’s journalism program.

“Partnerships with industry, science writers and advocates are at the heart of GVN activities,” said Christian Bréchot, MD, PhD, President of the GVN, Associate Vice President for International Partnerships and Innovation at University of South Florida (USF), and Professor, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, the GVN Southeast U.S. Regional Headquarters. “The recruitment of Andrea and Robert is a significant step towards fully supporting the major growth and success of GVN worldwide.”

About the Global Virus Network (GVN)

The GVN is essential and critical in the preparedness, defense, and first research response to emerging, exiting, and unidentified viruses that pose a clear and present threat to public health. Working in close coordination with established national and international institutions, the GVN is a coalition comprised of eminent human and animal virologists from 71 Centers of Excellence and 9 Affiliates in 40 countries, working collaboratively to train the next generation, advance knowledge about how to identify and diagnose pandemic viruses, mitigate and control how such viruses spread and make us sick, as well as develop drugs, vaccines, and treatments to combat them. No single institution in the world has expertise in all viral areas other than the GVN, which brings together the finest medical virologists to leverage their individual expertise and coalesce global teams of specialists on the scientific challenges, issues, and problems posed by pandemic viruses. The GVN is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, please visit https://gvn.org/. Follow us on Twitter at @GlobalVirusNews.

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Global Virus Network

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May 18, 2023
Novel Antibiotic Succeeds in Trial Against Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia

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Newswise — A Rutgers researcher leading a trial found that the novel combination antibiotic sulbactam-durlobactam combats dangerous pneumonia at least as well as the best currently approved treatment.

The findings have led a unanimous expert committee to recommend that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approve the new drug, which could be available this summer to combat the often-fatal pneumonia strain known as carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii–calcoaceticus complex (ABC), typically acquired in hospitals.

“Antibiotic-resistant infections are a serious and persistent problem at healthcare facilities, and the [Centers for Disease Control] ranks ABC at the highest level on its threat list,” said Keith Kaye, chief of the Division of Allergy, Immunology and Infectious Disease at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and first author of the trial report in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. “An estimated 8,500 hospital-acquired cases killed 700 patients and cost $280 million in 2019, so we greatly needed a breakthrough treatment like sulbactam-durlobactam.”

The trial gave imipenem–cilastatin to 181 patients with laboratory-confirmed ABC and then randomized them to additional treatment with either sulbactam–durlobactam or the best existing treatment, an antibiotic called colistin. Mortality due to multiple causes after 28 days was 12 of 63 (19 percent) in the sulbactam–durlobactam group and 20 of 62 (32 percent) in the colistin group.

The trial was large enough to prove that sulbactam-durlobactam prevents at least as many fatalities as colistin but not large enough to prove its superiority in this trial will persist in real-world use, though it may.

The trial results did prove that sulbactam-durlobactam beats colistin in one crucial respect: tolerability. Kidney injury, serious adverse events and all treatment-related adverse events were significantly lower for patients who received sulbactam-durlobactam than for patients who received colistin.

Another advantage of the novel antibiotic is dosing. All patients receive the same injectable dose of sulbactam–durlobactam. Doses of colistin in the study, on the other hand, varied with patient weight, so it’s considerably easier for providers to prescribe or administer the wrong amount.

As its name implies, sulbactam-durlobactam combines two drugs. Sulbactam has been approved for use since 1986, but durlobactam is new and has yet to win approval. That could change soon, however. The FDA’s Antimicrobial Drugs Advisory Committee reviewed advance results of the new trial, along with earlier studies, and recommended on April 17 that the FDA approve the new combination for ABC treatment.

FDA officials are free to reject such recommendations but almost always follow recommendations from advisory committees, which comprise independent experts on particular classes of disease and medication.

“If all moves quickly, infected patients could begin receiving sulbactam-durlobactam as part of normal clinical care the second half of this year,” Kaye said. “Unfortunately, sulbactam-durlobactam isn’t the sort of wide-spectrum antibiotic that could prove effective in treating a wide variety of antibiotic-resistant infections, but it’s very good at treating this particularly dangerous one, and that’s a significant win.”

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Rutgers University-New Brunswick

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May 16, 2023
خبير من مايو كلينك: 3 تطورات تؤدي إلى مزيد من عمليات زراعة الأعضاء المنقذة للحياة

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مدينة روتشستر، ولاية مينيسوتا – في كثير من الأحيان، لا يمكن لمن ينتظرون عمليات زراعة الأعضاء المنقذة للحياة الحصول عليها. من أكبر التحديات التي تواجههم: الافتقار إلى الأعضاء الصالحة المُتبرع بها. يقول ماوريسيو فيلافيسينسيو، دكتور الطب، مدير جراحات زراعة القلب والرئة في مايو كلينك في مدينة روتشستر: إن التطورات الطبية الواعدة تفتح الأبواب لمزيد من عمليات زراعة الأعضاء ولإنقاذ المزيد من الأرواح.

“فشل القلب أمرٌ شائع للغاية في الولايات المتحدة وحول العالم. وزراعة القلب هي المعيار الذهبي لعلاج فشل القلب المتقدم. فضلًا عن أن أعداد من يموتون على قائمة الانتظار آخذة في الارتفاع. ونأمل في تغيير ذلك عبر الاستفادة من هذه التطورات الطبية” – حسبما يقول دكتور فيلافيسينسيو.

فيما يلي ثلاث طرق يتم من خلالها توسيع نطاق التبرع بالأعضاء لإنقاذ المزيد من الأروح:

1. المزيد من عمليات التبرع عقب موت القلب وتوقف الدورة الدموية:

جرت العادة بأن يأتي التبرع بالأعضاء بصفة رئيسية من المتبرعين الذين يموتون إثر الموت الدماغي وما تزال قلوبهم تنبض. وثمة المزيد من الأعضاء المُتبرع بها تأتي ممن يموتون عقب توقف قلوبهم عن النبض، بشكل متزايد. في الماضي، كانت القلوب والرئتين من حالات الوفيات تلك غير مستخدمة في الغالب. إلا إن التطورات الطبية باتت الآن تسمح لخبراء زراعة الأعضاء باستخدام هذه الأعضاء. حيث يمكن لخبراء زراعة الأعضاء إنعاش القلب على جهاز المجازة القلبية الرئوية أو جهاز التروية خارج الجسم ليتم التبرع بهذا القلب. قرابة 20 إلى 30 في المئة من جميع عمليات التبرع بالأعضاء تأتي من أولئك المتبرعين.

.2 أنظمة التروية الدموية للأعضاء:

لقد أدى إنشاء أنظمة التروية الدموية للأعضاء إلى تغيير عمليات زراعة الأعضاء – وهي أجهزة ميكانيكية تساعد الأعضاء على أن تبقى حية خارج الجسم. من الأمثلة على ذلك تقنية “القلب في الصندوق”، وهو جهاز محمول ينعش القلب المتوقف ويُبقي نبضه مستمرًا حتى يمكن زراعته.

“إن تقنية القلب في الصندوق تسمح بنقل القلب لزراعته من مسافات طويلة. فعندما يُوضع القلب في خزان التبريد، يجب زراعته في غضون أربع ساعات. أما تقنية القلب في الصندوق فتضاعف هذا الوقت ليصل إلى ثماني ساعات على الأقل” – حسبما يقول دكتور فيلافيسينسيو.

يتوفر للرئتين نظام مماثل لتروية الأعضاء، يسمى تروية الرئتين خارج الجسم الحي. إنه نظام يحافظ على الرئة المُتبرع بها في جهاز خارج الجسم. أيضًا، يمكن إعادة الرئتين إلى حالة تكون فيها مناسبة للزراعة.

.3 أعضاء من متبرعين مصابين بالتهاب الكبد C:

يمكن الآن نقل أعضاء متبرعين مصابين بالتهاب الكبد C بأمان إلى المرضى المدرجين في قوائم الانتظار. لقد صار هذا التغيير ممكنًا بفضل الجيل الجديد من الأدوية المضادة للفيروسات عالية الفعالية. يقول الدكتور فيلافيسينسيو: إنه بعد زراعة الأعضاء، يبدأ المرضى العلاج بالمضادات الفيروسية والذي يقضي في العادة على الفيروس من داخل الجسم في غضون سبعة أيام. في الماضي، كان يتم إهدار أعضاء مثل هؤلاء المتبرعين المحتملين..

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نبذة عن مايو كلينك
مايو كلينك هي مؤسسة غير ربحية تلتزم بالابتكار في الممارسات السريرية والتعليم والبحث وتوفير التعاطف والخبرة لكل مَن يحتاج إلى الاستشفاء والرد على استفساراته. لمعرفة المزيد من أخبار مايو كلينك، تفضَّل بزيارة شبكة مايو كلينك الإخبارية.

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Mayo Clinic

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May 16, 2023
Q&A: Update on mifepristone, federal court actions

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Newswise — Dr. Sarah Prager, a UW Medicine OB-GYN, offers context to the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, which ordered that mifepristone remain available in the United States while legal challenges work their way through the federal courts. Here is that discussion.

Q: What is mifepristone and how does it work?

Prager: Mifepristone works as a progesterone blocker. Without progesterone, the lining of the uterus breaks down and the pregnancy doesn’t continue. The second medicine, misoprostol, makes the uterus contract.

Q: Can I still get mifepristone in Washington state?

Prager: Yes, as of right now, there is access to mifepristone for patients in need of this drug for abortion or miscarriage care.

Q: Can I get it via telehealth? Or do I have to see a doctor in person?

Prager: There are some clinical sites locally which are supplying telehealth, such as Planned Parenthood clinics in Washington, as well as the Cedar River Clinics in Renton. UW Medicine does not offer telehealth visits for medication abortions yet, but we hope to provide these services starting in June of this year. But for now, you have to go to a clinic and see a doctor or nurse at UW Medicine sites.

Q: Can a faculty member or UW clinician dispense an abortion-inducing medication across state lines to a patient in a state that makes abortion illegal?

Prager:  No. If a state prohibits abortion by medication, faculty and UW employees must abide by the laws of that state when treating a patient who is physically present in that state.

Q: Can a faculty member or UW clinician dispense an abortion-inducing medication to a patient located in Washington, or who came to Washington to receive abortion services?

Prager:  Yes. Washington law allows Washington clinicians to provide abortion services to patients who are located in Washington, regardless of what state they live in. A patient presenting in Washington for services may be treated in Washington, consistent with the laws of Washington. Faculty must dispense abortion inducing medication in Washington and only issue the prescriptions to pharmacies located in Washington.

Our recommendation to patients is that the drugs should be taken in Washington before returning to their home state. If there is a complication, it is preferable for them to still be in a state where abortion is legal.

Q: What do we need to know about post-abortion care?

Prager:  While complications from abortion or miscarriage are rare, conditions such as retained pregnancy tissue in the uterus, bleeding and infection can occur. It is critical for patients seeking post-abortion care services to be treated with care and dignity and to have their medical issues addressed upon presentation.

Post-abortion care may happen in a clinic or an emergency department setting and includes: managing residual side effects or complications of abortion, emotional support, and providing comprehensive birth control services without discrimination or coercion.

UW Medicine provides confidential post-abortion care; patient information remains private for post-abortion care services in the same way other services remain private. It is generally not necessary for patients to disclose that they have had an abortion. Moreover, healthcare professionals are unable to determine whether the complications occur from abortion or miscarriage.

The real take-home for me, is that post-abortion care hasn’t changed. We still need to be providing comprehensive care for miscarriage or an abortion. There is no way for clinicians to know the difference, so let’s treat patients with respect in providing this care.

Q: How available is the second drug in the regimen, misoprostol, if mifepristone is banned?

Prager:  Misoprostol is widely available and will likely stay that way. Part of reason why mifepristone is targeted for court challenges and bans is that its only FDA [Food and Drug Administration] approval is for use in medication abortion. Misoprostol was approved by the FDA for treating stomach ulcers, and is used off-label for other medical treatments including abortion. Therefore it’s much more difficult to attack misoprostol in the courts or with the FDA.

Q: What is the difference between the two-drug regimen and taking only misoprostol? Is the efficacy different? How does the patient experience differ?

Prager: There are two main differences if you switch from the two-drug regimen to the one-drug regimen using only misoprostol.

When you use mifepristone prior to using the misoprostol, there are exceptionally good success rates, and it helps to minimize side effects. The success rates with mifepristone/misoprostol regimen are about 95% to 98%, and about 78% with a single dose of misoprostol. With multiple doses of misoprostol, the success rate increases to approximately 95%.

When you just use misoprostol, patients have to take more doses of the misoprostol, which increases the side effects such as cramping, gastrointestinal distress, vomiting and diarrhea. Repeated doses of misoprostol mean prolonging the amount of time that somebody is potentially experiencing these side effects.The patient may worry and wonder if they have to go to an emergency department, whether or not they clinically need to do so. It also could potentially increase their need for more pain medications. You might see more patients requesting narcotic medications, and we don’t typically need pain meds for medication abortion. So it really just punishes pregnant people for having a miscarriage or an abortion.

A misoprostol-only regimen is eliminating an evidence-based best practice tool for healthcare providers. Mifepristone has been approved by the FDA for 23 years and has been shown in numerous clinical studies to be both safe and effective.

Q: What advice would you give to pregnant women traveling in the U.S. at this time?

Prager: For anyone who is pregnant, I would be cautious traveling to states where abortion is illegal. In these states, there are a number of pregnancy complications that may not be managed in an evidence-based way that supports the health of the pregnant person. Most people will not experience pregnancy complications while traveling, however this can be something factored into travel decisions.

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University of Washington School of Medicine and UW Medicine

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May 15, 2023
Patients favor telehealth for medication abortion consults

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Newswise — Patients seeking medication abortion care through telehealth services are just as satisfied, if not more so, with the service they received as patients who visited a clinical facility to receive care, according to a study published this month in Obstetrics & Gynecology.

The study involved 30 patients who sought medication abortion in Washington state from September 2021 to January 2022. Researchers found that the 20 patients who used telehealth to receive the pills for a medication abortion reported feeling more relaxed during their clinical encounters.

Even though they reported overall satisfaction with their care, the 10 who received care in a clinic facility portrayed their consultations as lengthy, chaotic and lacking comfort, the published paper said.

“I listened to all the interviews, and telehealth patients felt very positive about the care,” said lead author Dr. Emily Godfrey, a UW Medicine OB-GYN and family medicine doctor. “That’s because they didn’t have to struggle with transportation, which is a huge benefit. They could have the appointment, live with videos during their lunch hour or in their car, or in a private space at a friend’s home.”

Both groups reported high satisfaction reported with their clinical experiences. In-person patients reported that they relied heavily on printed material for guidance, while online patients relied more on advice during the visit and online information about medication abortion.

This study focused on the patients’ view of their interactions with providers, without distinguishing whether the care professional was a doctor or nurse practitioner. Patient-provider interactions are important to evaluate because they are associated with patient trust, treatment adherence, patient experience, healthcare efficiency and cost, the study noted.

Interviewees were 20 to 38 years old. Average gestational age at time of the visit was about seven weeks, according to the study.

In the United States, more than more than half of all abortions are now medication abortion; in Washington state, that figure is just under 60%.

The rate of telemedicine visits for medication abortion increased in 2019 when the Food and Drug Administration rolled back the in-clinic rules because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade in the Dobbs decision last June, the use of telemedicine for medication abortion services has increased by 137%, according to the Society of Family Planning WeCount study.

Patients who participated in the study were from the Cedar River Clinic in Renton, as well as sites in Yakima and Tacoma. More patients seeking telemedicine consults had undergone a prior abortion and tended to live outside the metro areas, compared with in-person patients, Godfrey said.

Soon, an expanded study with data from almost 2,000 patients will more fully illustrate the sociodemographics of patients receiving telemedicine versus in-person medication abortion care, Godfrey noted. Another forthcoming study will examine the decision-making process of why patients chose to travel to the clinic or pursue a telemedicine visit.

“Generally those who were younger or may have had a medical condition were more likely to choose an in-clinic visit,” Godfrey said. She added that patients, during an initial interview, who did not know the date of their last period or who might have been experiencing conditions like an ectopic pregnancy were booked for an in-clinic visit and not included in this study.

Next week, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will consider a reinstatement of the in-person clinic requirement for patients to obtain abortion pills, among other restrictions.

“Such a move would be harmful for patients in light of previous evidence about travel to clinics being a barrier to medical access — and now, coupled with this study suggesting that patients can receive quality, patient-centered care via telemedicine,” Godfrey said.

In general, the study shows that telemedicine abortion can be provided using high-quality patient-provider communication, considered a critical element of patient-centered care.

“Patient-centered care is essential to improving healthcare delivery and helping the nation achieve its goals of providing the best possible care to everyone, and especially those populations in rural settings or with difficulties reaching medical clinics,” she said.

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University of Washington School of Medicine and UW Medicine

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May 15, 2023
Annual UCLA Nursing Science and Innovation Conference

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Wed, May 31, 2023

8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

UCLA Covel Commons

Directions and Parking

Newswise — UCLA Health Nursing and School of Nursing will host its 19th Annual Nursing Science and Innovation Conference on May 31 at the UCLA Covel Commons. This day-long conference will showcase science-based discoveries, best practices and processes, and policy development. This year’s conference theme is “Translating Research into Practice and Policy” – and will include addresses from two nationally recognized nurse scientists.

For more information on the conference and how to register, visit the website.

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UCLA School of Nursing

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May 15, 2023
University of Kentucky physicians push for standard-of-care opioid treatment for incarcerated patients

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Newswise — In a recently published commentary, UK HealthCare physicians call for standard-of-care treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) among patients who are incarcerated.

The viewpoint article by Anna-Maria South, M.D., Laura Fanucchi, M.D., and Michelle Lofwall, M.D., published in JAMA April 24 highlights the barriers to initiating medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) among people who are incarcerated.

For patients with opioid use disorder, medications such as buprenorphine and methadone are considered by the medical community as standard of care treatments, as they alleviate withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings and pain, decrease infections, and lower the risk of mortality. However, the use of these medications is often restricted in U.S. prisons and jails, with only a few states mandating their use in the carceral system.

The physicians’ article draws attention to the significant moral distress experienced by doctors when patients who are incarcerated need to be hospitalized due to serious medical complications resulting from untreated opioid use disorder, but they are unable to provide them with the best treatment.

The article also highlights the fact that denying patients standard-of-care treatments because they are incarcerated violates medical ethics, constitutional amendments and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and emphasizes the need for physician advocacy.

“Incarcerated people with opioid use disorder are among the most vulnerable patient populations that also have the least ability to advocate for themselves,” said South, an assistant professor in UK College of Medicine’s Division of Hospital Medicine and an attending physician on the Addiction Consult and Education Services. “We as physicians have a powerful voice for advocacy to make substantial change. We need to educate ourselves on the rights that our patients have and where we can go to advocate for them.”

South is the paper’s first author and UK’s 2022 Bell Addiction Medicine Scholar. South’s work on this article was supported by the Bell Alcohol and Addictions Scholar Program.

Read the full JAMA article here.

UK HealthCare is the hospitals and clinics of the University of Kentucky. But it is so much more. It is more than 10,000 dedicated health care professionals committed to providing advanced subspecialty care for the most critically injured and ill patients from the Commonwealth and beyond. It also is the home of the state’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center, a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that cares for the tiniest and sickest newborns, the region’s only Level 1 trauma center and Kentucky’s top hospital ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

As an academic research institution, we are continuously pursuing the next generation of cures, treatments, protocols and policies. Our discoveries have the potential to change what’s medically possible within our lifetimes. Our educators and thought leaders are transforming the health care landscape as our six health professions colleges teach the next generation of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals, spreading the highest standards of care. UK HealthCare is the power of advanced medicine committed to creating a healthier Kentucky, now and for generations to come.

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University of Kentucky

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May 12, 2023
Immigration experts on Title 42, analysis of immigration policies, and other migrant news in the Immigration Channel

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Title 42, the United States pandemic rule that had been used to immediately deport hundreds of thousands of migrants who crossed the border illegally over the last three years, has expired. Those migrants will have the opportunity to apply for asylum. President Biden’s new rules to replace Title 42 are facing legal challenges. The US Homeland Security Department announced a rule to make it extremely difficult for anyone who travels through another country, like Mexico, to qualify for asylum. Border crossings have already risen sharply, as many migrants attempted to cross before the measure expired on Thursday night. Some have said they worry about tighter controls and uncertainty ahead. Immigration is once again a major focus of the media as we examine the humanitarian, political, and public health issues migrants must face.

Below are some of the latest headlines in the Immigration channel on Newswise.

Expert Commentary

Experts Available on Ending of Title 42

George Washington University Experts on End of Title 42

‘No one wins when immigrants cannot readily access healthcare’

URI professor discusses worsening child labor in the United States

Biden ‘between a rock and a hard place’ on immigration

University of Notre Dame Expert Available to Comment on House Bill Regarding Immigration Legislation, Border Safety and Security Act

American University Experts Available to Discuss President Biden’s Visit to U.S.-Mexico Border

Title 42 termination ‘overdue’, not ‘effective’ to manage migration

Research and Features

Study: Survey Methodology Should Be Calibrated to Account for Negative Attitudes About Immigrants and Asylum-Seekers

A study analyses racial discrimination in job recruitment in Europe

DACA has not had a negative impact on the U.S. job market

ASBMB cautions against drastic immigration fee increases

Study compares NGO communication around migration

Collaboration, support structures needed to address ‘polycrisis’ in the Americas

TTUHSC El Paso Faculty Teach Students While Caring for Migrants

Immigrants Report Declining Alcohol Use during First Two Years after Arriving in U.S.

How asylum seeker credibility is assessed by authorities

Speeding up and simplifying immigration claims urgently needed to help with dire situation for migrants experiencing homelessness

Training Individuals to Work in their Communities to Reduce Health Disparities

‘Regulation by reputation’: Rating program can help combat migrant abuse in the Gulf

Migration of academics: Economic development does not necessarily lead to brain drain

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected immigration?

Immigrants with Darker Skin Tones Perceive More Discrimination

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Newswise

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May 12, 2023
Accelerated delivery of transcranial magnetic stimulation is safe and effective

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Newswise — May 12, 2023 — Accelerated schedules for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can be offered to patients experiencing treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (MDD), a group of clinician–researchers and neuroscientists have concluded. The group cautions that such treatment should be proposed only after detailed discussion with patients about acceleration being an alternate form of rTMS scheduling, with documentation of informed consent.

The recommendations are published in a special issue of Harvard Review of Psychiatry (HRP), “Interventional Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation: An Emerging Subspecialty in Brain Medicine.” HRP is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer.

Repetitive TMS is a noninvasive therapy in which an electromagnet delivers repeated low-intensity pulses to stimulate the brain. It has been proven safe and effective in numerous clinical trials involving patients whose MDD does not respond to antidepressant medication. Conventionally, rTMS is given once daily 20 to 30 days over four to six weeks. That places great time demands on both patients and clinicians.

Theta burst stimulation treats MDD

The next step in development of rTMS is accelerated schedules in which patients undergo two or more sessions per day, each approximately 30 minutes long, separated by one hour or more. Although this change was just as effective in treating depression as once-daily rTMS, it created a different kind of impracticality and clinical inefficiency, according to Leo Chen, MBBS, MPsych, PhD, FRANZCP, of Monash University/Alfred Health in Melbourne, Australia, and colleagues. “These schedules required patients to attend treatment settings for long periods on each treatment day, limiting patient capacity at treatment clinics,” they note.

The time burden can be alleviated, at least in part, with a novel approach called theta-burst stimulation (TBS). The most commonly used conventional rTMS protocol delivers electromagnetic pulses at a frequency of 10 Hz, whereas TBS refers to three pulses applied at 50 Hz (gamma frequency), repeated at 5 Hz (theta frequency) intervals. Two or more TBS sessions can be delivered within an hour.

Dr. Chen and his colleagues recently published results from a multicenter randomized, controlled trial in which 10 days of TBS was compared head-to-head with a four week course of conventional rTMS. The two approaches were similar in antidepressant effect and safety. This was the largest study of accelerated TBS in depression to date.

Standardization needed

Accelerated delivery doesn’t necessarily mean accelerated response, the authors caution. Some retrospective studies have shown twice-daily rTMS induces antidepressant effects faster than once-daily administration, but the evidence is mixed. One barrier is that studies have varied widely in factors such as the stimulation target, frequency and intensity of stimulation, the duration of breaks between sessions, and the number of pulses applied per session and over a treatment course.

Importantly, though, “accelerated rTMS’s antidepressant efficacy appears comparable to conventional, once-daily rTMS protocols,” Dr. Chen’s group writes. In addition, “studies show that accelerated rTMS protocols are well-tolerated and not associated with serious adverse effects.”

“As with all therapies, the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of protocols that deviate from those investigated in clinical trials are unknown and should be cautioned against,” the researchers continue. “The durability and depression relapse patterns following accelerated rTMS remain a recognized knowledge gap.”

Read [Accelerated Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Treat Major Depression: The Past, Present, and Future]

Wolters Kluwer provides trusted clinical technology and evidence-based solutions that engage clinicians, patients, researchers and students in effective decision-making and outcomes across healthcare. We support clinical effectiveness, learning and research, clinical surveillance and compliance, as well as data solutions. For more information about our solutions, visit https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/health and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @WKHealth.

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About HRP

Harvard Review of Psychiatry is the authoritative source for scholarly reviews and perspectives on a diverse range of important topics in psychiatry. Founded by the Harvard Medical School Department of Psychiatry, the journal is peer-reviewed and not industry sponsored. It is the property of President and Fellows of Harvard College and is affiliated with all of the Departments of Psychiatry at the Harvard teaching hospitals.

Articles encompass all major issues in contemporary psychiatry, including (but not limited to) neuroscience, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, history of psychiatry, and ethics. In addition to scholarly reviews, perspectives articles, and columns, the journal includes a Clinical Challenge section that presents a case followed by discussion and debate from a panel of experts.

About Wolters Kluwer

Wolters Kluwer (EURONEXT: WKL) is a global leader in professional information, software solutions, and services for the healthcare, tax and accounting, financial and corporate compliance, legal and regulatory, and corporate performance and ESG sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with specialized technology and services.

Wolters Kluwer reported 2022 annual revenues of €5.5 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 20,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands.

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May 12, 2023
Blood bank director welcomes FDA blood donation change that will affect members of LGBTQ community

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The announcement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that it has finalized risk-based guidelines for blood donation related to sexual activity is being welcomed by the longtime director of the Blood Bank at Michigan Medicine, the University of Michigan’s academic medical center.

“The FDA guidance on individualized risk assessment of blood donors is an important step forward in assuring availability of blood for our patients while maintaining the highest level of safety,” said Robertson Davenport, M.D., director of transfusion medicine and professor of pathology.

“The FDA is making changes to how blood donors are screened based on high quality scientific evidence. Since the first implementation of indefinite deferral of men who have sex with men (MSM) there have been great strides made in donor testing and in the understanding of epidemiology of HIV. We now know that there are many MSM who are very low risk. Alternatively, we know that there are other donors who are at increased risk of HIV who were no covered under the previous deferral, such as heterosexuals with a new sexual partner and those who engage is certain sexual activities. The new individualized risk assessment more clearly focuses on potential donor who are at risk and allow for donation by low risk individuals regardless of sexual orientation. This is an important step forward in increasing blood donations.”

Learn more about the Michigan Medicine Blood Bank, which recently moved to a new state-of-the-art space in University Hospital.

Davenport encourages all would-be blood donors who previously had been ineligible to donate under the former guidelines to monitor sites such as the American Red Cross page for the LGBTQ community for updates on when they may begin donating under the new guidelines.

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Michigan Medicine – University of Michigan

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May 12, 2023
Eli Lilly nears J&J market cap

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Eli Lilly & Co.’s market cap neared Johnson & Johnson’s market cap on Friday, as the stock has benefited from a slew of positive data in trials for key treatments.

Earlier Friday, Lilly stock
LLY,
+0.00%
was on track to close with a greater market capitalization than J&J
JNJ,
-0.13%,
which would have marked the first time since 1997. Lilly stock ended flat, however, for the session at $434.43.

The stock has been steadily rising since the release of positive data from a trial of a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease in early May, showing significant slowing of cognitive and function decline in patients with early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease.

Nearly half, or 7% of participants, had no clinical progression at one year, compared to 29% on placebo. The drug, called donanemab slowed clinical decline by 35% compared to a placebo and resulted in 40% less decline in the ability to perform activities of daily living, including managing finances, driving, engaging in hobbies and conversing about current events, the company said.

The company is planning to proceed with global regulatory submissions as quickly as possible and expects to make a submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration this quarter.

For more, see: Eli Lilly stock jumps 5% after Alzheimer’s treatment slows disease progression in major trial

That’s not all. In April, Eli Lilly released data on its new obesity drug tirzepatide that showed patients in a trial losing up to 15.7% of their body weight, or about 34.4 pounds.

More than 80% of people taking tirzepatide lost at least 5% of their body weight, the company said, compared with about 30% of those taking a placebo.

The degree of average weight reduction seen in the trial “has not been previously achieved” in similar Phase 3 trials, Dr. Jeff Emmick, senior vice president for product development at Lilly, said in a statement.

Source: FactSet, Dow Jones Market Data

The company is planning regulatory submissions for that drug later this year. Tirzepatide was approved by the FDA last year as Mounjaro, a treatment for Type 2 diabetes.

Lilly has several other pipeline prospects, including lebrikizumab, a treatment for atopic dermatitis; mirikizumab for ulcerative colitis; empagliflozin, a treatment for chronic kidney disease; and pirtobrutinib for relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma.

Lilly’s stock is up about 20% in the year to date and up 50% in the past 12 months.

Johnson & Johnson’s stock, meanwhile, has fallen 9% in the year to date and is down roughly the same over the past 12 months.

The company swung to a first-quarter loss as it booked a multibillion-dollar charge to settle lawsuits stemming from its talc-containing powders.

J&J booked a $6.9 billion one-time litigation charge relating to lawsuits filed by people alleging the company’s talc-containing powders caused cancers, asbestos poisoning and other illnesses. The company has offered to pay at least $8.9 billion to settle the suits, and remove an overhang on the stock.

Read more: J&J’s proposal to settle talc lawsuits for $8.9 billion sends stock up the most in more than a year

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May 12, 2023
First Solar Stock Surges on Deal for European Solar Tech Firm
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Updated May 12, 2023 10:53 am ET / Original May 12, 2023 9:32 am ET

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stock rose sharply Friday as the company disclosed a deal it said would bolster its technological position in the solar energy space.
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May 12, 2023
فهم سرعة اتصال الدماغ

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Newswise — مدينة روتشستر، ولاية مينيسوتا — في الغالب كان يُعتقد أن سرعة المعلومات المنقولة ما بين مناطق الدماغ تستقر في بداية المراهقة. لقد وجدت دراسة جديدة في مجلة نيتشر نيوروسينس أجراها باحثو مايو كلينك وزملاؤهم من هولندا أن سرعات نقل المعلومات تستمر في الزيادة حتى بداية البلوغ.

نظرًا لأن مشاكل مثل: القلق والاكتئاب واضطرابات ثنائي القطب، يمكن أن تظهر في أواخر مرحلة المراهقة وبداية مرحلة البلوغ، فإن تحسين فهمنا لنمو الدماغ قد يساعد الأطباء على تقديم علاجات لهذه الاضطرابات.

تقول دورا هيرميس، الحاصلة على الدكتوراه، مهندسة الطب الحيوي في مايو كلينك وكبيرة مؤلفي الدراسة: “قد يساعد الفهم الأساسي لمسار تطور دوائر الدماغ في تحديد فترات النمو الحساسة حيث يمكن للأطباء تقديم علاجات لمرضاهم”.

يتطور النظام الهيكلي للمسارات العصبية في الدماغ أو الجهاز العصبي، الذي يُسمى الشبكة العصبية البشرية، مع تقدم الناس في السن. لكننا لا نملك وصفًا جيدًا لكيف تُؤثر التغييرات الهيكلية على سرعة الإشارات العصبية.

توضح الدكتورة هيرميس قائلةً: “مثلما يعتمد وقت عبور الشاحنة على هيكل الطريق، فإن سرعة إرسال الإشارات بين مناطق الدماغ تعتمد على بنية المسارات العصبية. تنضج الشبكة العصبية البشرية خلال النمو والتقدم في العمر، ويمكن أن تتأثر بالمرض. قد تؤثر كل هذه العمليات على سرعة تدفق المعلومات إلى الدماغ. “في الدراسة، قامت الدكتورة هيرميس وزملاؤها بتحفيز أزواج من الأقطاب الكهربائية بنبضة كهربائية قصيرة لقياس الوقت الذي تستغرقه الإشارات للانتقال بين مناطق الدماغ لدى 74 مشاركًا في البحث تتراوح أعمارهم ما بين 4 و51 عامًا. تم إجراء قياسات داخل الجمجمة على مجموعة صغيرة من المرضى الذين لديهم مسارات كهربائية مزروعة لمراقبة الصرع في المركز الطبي الجامعي أوترخت، هولندا.

أظهرت فترات تأخر الاستجابة في مناطق الدماغ المتصلة أن سرعات نقل المعلومات في الدماغ البشري تزداد طوال فترة الطفولة وحتى في بداية مرحلة البلوغ. وتكون الذروة في العمر من 30 إلى 40 عامًا تقريبًا.

تشير بيانات الفريق إلى أن سرعات نقل البيانات لدى البالغين كانت أسرع مرتين تقريبًا مقارنة بالتي لدى الأطفال عادةً. كانت سرعات نقل المعلومات عادةً أسرع لدى الأشخاص ما بين 30 أو 40 عامًا مقارنةً بالمراهقين.

تُقاس سرعة نقل المعلومات في الدماغ بالميلي ثانية، وهي وحدة زمنية تساوي واحدًا من الألف من الثانية. على سبيل المثال، وجد الباحثون أن قياس السرعة العصبية لمريض يبلغ من العمر 4 سنوات هو 45 مللي ثانية لإشارة واحدة لتنتقل من المناطق الأمامية إلى المناطق الجدارية في الدماغ. ولدى مريض يبلغ من العمر 38 عامًا، تم قياس نفس المسار فبلغ القياس 20 مللي ثانية. فقط للمقارنة، فإن طرفة العين تستغرق حوالي 100 إلى 400 مللي ثانية.

ويعمل الباحثون على توصيف الاتصال الذي يبدؤه التحفيز الكهربائي في دماغ الإنسان. من الخطوات التالية هي فهم كيفية تغير سرعات نتقل الملعومات مع الأمراض العصبية بشكل أفضل. يتعاون الفريق مع جراحي أعصاب الأطفال وأطباء الأعصاب لفهم كيف تغيّر الأمراض من سرعات نتقل المعلومات بالمقارنة مع ما يمكن اعتباره ضمن النطاق الطبيعي لفئة عمرية معينة.

تلقى البحث الدعم من المعهد الوطني للصحة العقلية التابع للمعاهد الوطنية للصحة (R01MH122258). لم يذكر الكاتبون أي إفصاحات ذات صلة. توجد قائمة كاملة بالمؤلفين والمؤسسات التي ينتمون إليها في مقال البحث.

لمزيد من المعلومات، يرجى زيارة ديسكافريز إيدج.

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نبذة عن مايو كلينك
مايو كلينك هي مؤسسة غير ربحية تلتزم بالابتكار في الممارسات السريرية والتعليم والبحث وتوفير التعاطف والخبرة لكل مَن يحتاج إلى الاستشفاء والرد على استفساراته. لمعرفة المزيد من أخبار مايو كلينك، تفضَّل بزيارة شبكة مايو كلينك الإخبارية.

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Mayo Clinic

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May 11, 2023
New mammogram guidelines are a move in the right direction but not perfect, according to leading breast cancer radiologist

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Linda Hovanessian Larsen, MD, a breast cancer radiologist with Keck Medicine of USC and the director of the Division of Breast Imaging at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, is available to talk about the new guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommending mammography starting at age 40 rather than 50.

According to Larsen:

“The new guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommending mammography starting at age 40 rather than 50 are a significant benefit to patients and physicians that will help better address the disparities in breast cancer screening and treatment among Black, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American and Alaskan Native women.

“However, as a breast cancer radiologist, I strongly believe, in accordance with the American College of Radiology, that mammography should be performed annually rather than every other year in women of average risk to detect breast cancer earlier.

“In addition, breast imaging physicians with Keck Medicine often provide supplemental screenings using ultrasounds or MRIs in addition to mammograms for women with dense breasts because they are at a higher risk for developing cancer.

“Nevertheless, these new guidelines are moving in the right direction.”

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Keck Medicine of USC

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May 10, 2023
During Osteoporosis Awareness Month, Those at Risk Urged to Bone Up on Silent Disease

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BYLINE: Robin Frank

Newswise — Osteoporosis is often called a “silent” disease because people typically have no symptoms and often don’t know they have it until they break a bone in an unexpected way, according to experts at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). Osteoporosis develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decrease, leading to weakened bones and an increased risk of a fracture. The hips, spine and wrist are most susceptible.

The chance of developing the disease increases as you get older, and women are at greater risk. Osteoporosis or its precursor, osteopenia, affects more than half of adults ages 50 and older in the United States. Osteopenia is a loss of bone density that is not as advanced as osteoporosis.

National Osteoporosis Awareness Month in May is an opportune time to discuss ways to promote good bone health and take action if at risk, say HSS experts.

Bones As Living Tissue

We often think of our bones as if they were Legos that support our body, but they are much more than that. A bone is living tissue that is affected by our hormones and by the nutrients, vitamins and minerals we consume. Peak bone mass occurs at the time of puberty and into our 20s and early 30s. However, even as we age, our body constantly creates new bone.

It’s normal for women to start experiencing a decrease in bone density when they enter menopause, according to Jessica Starr, MD, an endocrinologist at HSS. This happens due to hormonal changes and is generally a slow process. “Breaking a bone after falling while in a standing position could be a sign of osteoporosis,” she says. “Any fracture should prompt a discussion of bone health with one’s doctor.”

Osteoporosis is diagnosed with a bone density test, a quick and painless type of x-ray that provides information about bone strength and the risk of a future fracture. Recommended screenings and appropriate treatment are important, Dr. Starr says. Healthy women are advised to have an initial bone density screening at age 65. For men, it’s age 70.

Earlier screening is recommended for women with certain risk factors for bone loss, such as a family history of fractures or the use of certain medications such as steroids. Those who consumed very little calcium in younger years, had an eating disorder, smoke or consume excessive amounts of alcohol may also be vulnerable to accelerated bone loss, Dr. Starr notes.

Anyone with a diagnosis of either osteoporosis or osteopenia should talk to her doctor to develop a strategy to prevent further bone loss, she says. The plan may include lifestyle changes and possibly medication. “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treating osteoporosis,” Dr. Starr explains. “Different medications are available, and treatment should be tailored to the needs of each individual.”

Lifestyle Changes to Promote Bone Health

A healthy lifestyle is important to maintain good bone health or prevent further bone loss if one has osteoporosis or osteopenia, Dr. Starr explains. Getting adequate calcium and vitamin D; consuming a nutrient-rich diet that includes all the major food groups; not smoking; and engaging in weight-bearing and resistance exercises can help build and preserve bone mass. Excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to decreased bone density.

“It’s best to get calcium and vitamin D from our diet. Individuals should try to get at least half of their daily calcium from foods such as dairy products, dark, green leafy vegetables and high-calcium fish like salmon and sardines,” Dr. Starr says. For information on recommendations for daily calcium and vitamin D intake, visit bones.nih.gov.

Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking and dancing, are excellent. Muscle strength training is also important for bone health and balance. It’s not only important to exercise, but to move safely when lifting a package or engaging in other activities.

Prevent a Fall, Prevent a Fracture

Taking measures for fall prevention is good for everyone, and even more so in a household of older adults, HSS experts note. This includes securing rugs to the floor; making sure there’s good lighting; having a nonslip surface in the bathtub or shower and installing a grab bar, if needed. Adults should wear supportive shoes with nonslip soles and be careful to keep floors clear of objects that could cause a tripping hazard.

It may take some effort, but it’s important to lead a healthy lifestyle today to maintain bone health in the future.

# # #

About HSS

HSS is the world’s leading academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health. At its core is Hospital for Special Surgery, nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics (for the 13th consecutive year), No. 3 in rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report (2022-2023), and the best pediatric orthopedic hospital in NY, NJ and CT by U.S. News & World Report “Best Children’s Hospitals” list (2022-2023). In a survey of medical professionals in more than 20 countries by Newsweek, HSS is ranked world #1 in orthopedics for a third consecutive year (2023). Founded in 1863, the Hospital has the lowest complication and readmission rates in the nation for orthopedics, and among the lowest infection rates. HSS was the first in New York State to receive Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service from the American Nurses Credentialing Center five consecutive times. An affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College, HSS has a main campus in New York City and facilities in New Jersey, Connecticut and in the Long Island and Westchester County regions of New York State, as well as in Florida. In addition to patient care, HSS leads the field in research, innovation and education. The HSS Research Institute comprises 20 laboratories and 300 staff members focused on leading the advancement of musculoskeletal health through prevention of degeneration, tissue repair and tissue regeneration. The HSS Innovation Institute works to realize the potential of new drugs, therapeutics and devices. The HSS Education Institute is a trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal knowledge and research for physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, academic trainees, and consumers in more than 145 countries. The institution is collaborating with medical centers and other organizations to advance the quality and value of musculoskeletal care and to make world-class HSS care more widely accessible nationally and internationally. www.hss.edu.

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Hospital for Special Surgery

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May 10, 2023
Even as experts recommend #mammograms for women starting at 40, a federal court case could remove free coverage for most women: Expert available

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A new draft recommendation about mammograms to screen for breast cancer in women, lowering the minimum age to 40, was just issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. If it becomes final, that means screening mammograms will be available without cost to even more women, under a provision of the Affordable Care Act that uses USPSTF as a key guide for preventive care.

But a court case currently winding its way to the Supreme Court, called Braidwood v. Becerra, could upend this free access for many women as well as no-cost access to many other preventive health services for women, men and children.

Dr. Mark Fendrick, who heads the University of Michigan Center for Value-Based Insurance Design and is a general internist at Michigan Medicine, is following this case closely, as is his colleague Nicholas Bagley of the U-M Law School.

They are available to comment on the background and potential impacts of the Braidwood case and a potential path to changing health policy so that the eventual verdict in the Braidwood case would not affect services recommended by USPSTF.

Learn more: https://vbidcenter.org/05-23-newsletter/

The Association of Health Care Journalists is featuring Dr. Fendrick in a free webinar on May 10, and a recording will be available afterward: https://healthjournalism.org/calendar-details.php?id=2592&EventType=0&EventSubType=0&Topic=calendar

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Michigan Medicine – University of Michigan

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May 9, 2023
Surgical resection is associated with superior 5-year survival compared to stereotactic body radiotherapy for early-stage lung cancer in healthy patients

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Newswise — Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is being used increasingly in early-stage lung cancer. Between 2012 and 2018, the proportion of otherwise healthy patients treated with SBRT increased from 15 to 26%.

A study at the Yale University School of Medicine looked at data from the National Cancer Database for this six-year period and compared the 5-year survival rates for patients who had surgical resection and patients who elected to have SBRT. Overall, 30,658 patients were identified, including 24,729 (80.7%) who underwent surgery and 5,929 (19.3%) treated with SBRT.

In propensity-matched patients, survival favored SBRT for the first several months, but reversed after one year and long-term significantly favored surgical management (5-year survival 71.0% for surgery vs. 41.8% for SBRT). When the propensity-matched analysis was repeated to only include SBRT patients who had documented refusal of a recommended surgery, surgical management again had a superior 5-year survival with (71.4% vs. 55.9%).

The increasing usage of SBRT in otherwise healthy individuals represents a potential loss in life years for patients with early-stage NSCLC. Among patients that are eligible for either treatment, long-term survival favors surgical management, particularly for patients with a health-related life expectancy exceeding two years.

Brooks Udelsman, MD, will present this study looking at some of the reasons patients opt for SBRT, Monday, May 8, at the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) 103rd Annual Meeting in Los Angeles.

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Attribution to the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) 103rd Annual Meeting is requested in all coverage.

ABOUT AATS

The American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) is an international organization that encourages, promotes, and stimulates the scientific investigation of cardiothoracic surgery. Founded in 1917 by a respected group of the earliest pioneers in the field, its original mission was to “foster the evolution of an interest in surgery of the Thorax.” Today, the AATS is the premier association for cardiothoracic surgeons in the world and works to continually enhance the ability of cardiothoracic surgeons to provide the highest quality of patient care. Its more than 1,500 members have a proven record of distinction within the specialty and have made significant contributions to the care and treatment of cardiothoracic disease. Visit aats.org to learn more.

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American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS)

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May 8, 2023
Hackers Target Hospitals, Disrupt Ability To Offer Patient Care | Entrepreneur

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Hospitals have become an increasingly common target for cybercriminals in recent years, and the aftermath can be costly and life-threatening for patients.

Annual ransomware attacks on hospitals more than doubled from 2016 to 2021, according to a new report published on the JAMA Network. The number of incidences jumped from 43 in 2016 to 91 in 2021. Of the targeted hospitals, 44% said their ability to deliver healthcare was impacted by the breach.

John Riggi, a senior adviser for cybersecurity and risk at the American Hospital Association, wrote in a report that “a ransomware attack on a hospital crosses the line from an economic crime to a threat-to-life crime.”

“Not only are cybercriminals more organized than they were in the past, they are often more skilled and sophisticated,” he wrote.

One affected hospital, Johnson Memorial Health in Franklin, Indiana was targeted by the ransomware group “Hive,” and the hackers demanded $3 million in Bitcoin in October 2021, NPR reported.

After consulting with cybersecurity experts at the FBI, Johnson Memorial did not pay the ransom and instead disconnected its servers following the attack.

However, the hospital had to revert to more old-fashioned ways to carry out healthcare — including physically guarding the obstetrics unit where newborns are typically protected from unauthorized parties by security bracelets and nurses using Google translate to communicate with patients after remote translation technology was shut off after the attack.

The hospital’s chief operating officer, Rick Kester, told NPR that it took nearly six months to “resume normal operations.”

Related: The Jaw-Dropping Range of Cybercrimes is Due to the Gap in the Cybersecurity Workforce

According to the Department of Justice, the Hive is responsible for over 1,500 cyberattacks since 2021 and has received more than $100 million in ransom payments. One of the affected hospitals also had to resort to analog methods to treat patients (similar to Johnson Memorial) and was unable to accept new patients immediately following the attack, the Department of Justice added.

For hospitals, the fear of being hacked isn’t just monetary — it puts patients’ lives at risk by derailing the technology necessary to carry out patient care.

“You ask many CEOs across the country, ‘What keeps you up at night?’ Of course, [they’re] talking about workforce, financial pressures, and they say, ‘The possibility of a cyberattack,’ Riggi told NPR.

Related: This Type of Cyber Attack Preys on Your Weakness. Here’s How to Avoid Being a Victim.

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Madeline Garfinkle

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May 8, 2023
Screen Time and Mental Health: How to Protect Your Children | Entrepreneur

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Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

As a business owner and parent, I understand the struggle of balancing the benefits of technology with its potential negative impact on mental health. In this digital age, finding the right balance between screen time and other activities is crucial for the well-being of both children and adults. Join me on this journey as we explore how to prioritize mental health while navigating the digital landscape.

The balancing act

When it comes to digital devices, finding the sweet spot between too much and too little is vital for a healthy relationship with technology. Screen time can be beneficial for children’s mental development, allowing them to learn new skills, connect with others and discover new interests. However, too much screen time can have negative consequences, such as sleep disruption, decreased physical activity, and a higher risk of depression and anxiety.

Striking the right balance between screen time and other activities can help children reap the benefits of technology without harming their mental well-being. Encourage your children to partake in outdoor play, creative endeavors and social interactions as a counterbalance to their digital diets. You may be pleasantly surprised to discover that their new off-screen hobbies bring about laughter, a surge of creativity and unbridled joy.

Related: Are Digital Gadgets Good For Your Children?

Sleep vs. screen time: The eternal struggle

A good night’s sleep is essential for children’s mental health, but bedtime tantrums are real, especially when a digital device is lying around. The blue light from screens can deceive their brains into thinking it’s daytime, making it harder for them to drift off to dreamland. To avoid tossing and turning and the dreaded cranky mornings, establish a screen-free bedtime routine with calming activities such as reading, puzzles or meditation. And who knows? You might just score some much-needed peace and quiet…maybe.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, children between the ages of 6 and 13 need between 9 and 11 hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep can affect children’s cognitive abilities, behavior, and emotional well-being. Therefore, it’s important to establish healthy sleep habits that include a screen-free bedtime routine.

The social scene: Fostering connections in the digital age

Technology is a double-edged sword – while it allows our kids to connect with friends and family near and far, it can also inadvertently lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. A study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found that people who spend more time on social media experience higher levels of anxiety and depression.

To combat the negative effects of social media, encourage your children to maintain in-person connections and engage in group activities to boost their mental well-being. By finding a balance between online and offline social interactions, you’ll help them forge strong relationships and cultivate a sense of belonging. You can also set boundaries around screen time, such as limiting the use of devices during meal times or family outings.

Screen time 2.0: Mindfulness in the digital world

Not all screen time is equal. While aimlessly scrolling social media or binge-watching YouTube videos might not be a mental health booster, engaging in educational, creative or interactive content can yield positive results. Prod your kids to use their screen time wisely by exploring educational apps, acquiring new skills or joining virtual clubs and organizations. Mindfulness is the secret sauce that makes a world of difference.

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and aware of one’s thoughts and feelings. It can help children and adults develop emotional regulation, reduce stress and anxiety and improve focus and attention. Encouraging children to practice mindfulness while using digital devices can help them develop a positive relationship with technology.

Related: How Leaders Can Create a Company Culture that Prioritizes Mental Health

The holy grail: Quality time with your kiddos

In this digital era, the importance of quality time with your children cannot be overstated. By setting aside regular screen-free family time, you’ll strengthen your bond and support their mental health. Whether it’s a family game night, a shared meal or a weekend escapade, these moments of connection are invaluable in creating a nurturing and supportive environment for your offspring.

Research has shown that quality family time can lead to better mental health outcomes for children, including improved social skills, self-esteem, and resilience. It can also help reduce the negative effects of screen time and strengthen the parent-child relationship.

Related: How to Raise Entrepreneurial Minded Kids

The role of parents

As parents, it’s our responsibility to model healthy screen habits and establish guidelines for our children’s digital use. This includes setting limits on screen time, monitoring their online activities, and promoting the use of technology for educational and creative purposes.

It’s also important to have open and honest conversations with our children about the potential negative effects of screen time on mental health and the importance of finding balance in all aspects of life. By working together as a family, we can create a positive relationship with technology while prioritizing mental health and well-being.

Navigating the digital landscape while prioritizing mental health for children and adults can be thrilling and challenging. By embracing the quirks and complexities of life in a tech-saturated world while remaining vigilant about promoting healthy screen habits for all ages, we can raise resilient beings who can thrive both online and offline. As parents and individuals in this new tech epoch, we’re doing our best. So let’s cut ourselves some slack and continue on this journey with a focus on creating a positive relationship with technology. By prioritizing mental health and well-being, we can ensure a bright and healthy future for ourselves and our children (and more sleep?…maybe, maybe not).

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Ron Sheth

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May 8, 2023
Poststroke Recovery Hinges on Physical Activity, Study Finds

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Newswise — After a stroke, physical activity can be pivotal to successful recovery. People who spend four hours a week exercising after their stroke achieve better functional recovery within six months than those who do not, a University of Gothenburg study shows.

The study, now published in the scientific journal JAMA Network Open, is based on data concerning 1,500 stroke patients in 35 Swedish hospitals. The participants were grouped according to their poststroke patterns of physical activity.

The results show that increased or maintained physical activity, with four hours’ exercise weekly, doubled the patients’ chances of recovering well by six months after a stroke. Men and people with normal cognition kept up an active life relatively more often, with better recovery as a result.

Positive programming from exercise

The researchers have previously succeeded in demonstrating a clear inverse association between physical activity and the severity of stroke symptoms at the actual onset of the condition. These new findings highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle after a stroke.

The first and corresponding author of the study, Dongni Buvarp, is a researcher in clinical neuroscience at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg. Besides her research internship, she is a resident doctor at an initial stage of specialist training at Sahlgrenska University Hospital.

“Physical activity reprograms both the brain and the body favorably after a stroke. Exercise improves the body’s recovery at the cellular level, boosts muscle strength and well-being, and reduces the risk of falls, depression, and cardiovascular disease. Regardless of how severe the stroke has been, those affected can derive benefits from exercising more,” she says.

Knowledge and support vital

“Being physically active is hugely important, especially after a stroke. That’s a message that health professionals, stroke victims and their loved ones should all know. Women and people with impaired cognition seem to become less active after stroke. The study results indicate that these groups need more support to get going with physical activity,” Buvarp says.

One weakness of the study is that, with a few exceptions, the researchers were unable to study the participants’ degree of activity before the stroke. The patients included were treated in Sweden in the period from 2014 to 2019.

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University of Gothenburg

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May 8, 2023