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The article discusses a new medical condition called retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction, also known as "abelchia" or "no-burp syndrome," which causes an inability to belch. The condition has gained attention through Reddit, with over 31,000 members in a subreddit dedicated to it. Doctors have been offering a procedure involving Botox injections to help patients with this condition, with successful outcomes reported. The article also highlights the historical context of this issue, dating back to ancient times, and the role of online platforms like Reddit in raising awareness about rare medical conditions. [Extracted from the article]

The University of Oradea in Romania and the Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology (QUEST) in Nawabshah, Pakistan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on scientific research, academic mobility, and knowledge sharing. The agreement includes activities such as scientific research, educational activities, mobility of academic staff and students, exchange of information and materials, and participation in seminars and academic meetings. The MoU also outlines the implementation process, selection criteria, coordination and monitoring, intellectual property rights, dispute resolution, and the duration of the agreement. The collaboration aims to promote academic cooperation and advance technical-scientific knowledge. [Extracted from the article]

10/ 24/ 24, 2: 54 PM The New York Timeshttps:// nytimes. pressreader. com/ the- new- york- times 1/ 54 10/ 24/ 24, 2: 54 PM The New York Times https:// nytimes. pressreader. com/ the- new- york- times 14/ 54 10/ 24/ 24, 2: 54 PM The New York Times https:// nytimes. pressreader. com/ the- new- york- times 15/ 54 [Extracted from the article]

Primary care physicians in a large integrated health system are required to track an average of 57 different quality measures across multiple insurers under value-based contracts, according to a new analysis. Medicare contracts had the highest number of quality measures at 13.42, followed by commercial insurer contracts at 10.07, and Medicaid contracts at 5.37. The study found that the high number of quality measures can be overwhelming for physicians and their practices. The researchers suggest that there needs to be more coordination and consensus on which measures should be included in value-based contracts. [Extracted from the article]

Topical timolol has shown promise as a noninvasive treatment option for pyogenic granuloma (PG) in children, potentially avoiding the need for surgical procedures, particularly for small PGs on the face. Dr. Julie Dhossche presented evidence at a dermatology conference, highlighting successful outcomes with timolol monotherapy in children under 5 years old. While surgery may still be necessary in some cases, Dr. Dhossche emphasizes the importance of language and comfort positioning to minimize discomfort and anxiety during procedures. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study published in Family Practice News highlights the wide variation in performance among different fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) used for colorectal cancer screening. Researchers found significant differences in positivity rates, sensitivity, and specificity among five commonly used FITs. The study, led by Dr. Barcey T. Levy from the University of Iowa, emphasized the practical implications of these findings for FIT-based screening programs, including the need for repeated testing and the impact on diagnostic colonoscopies. The study also identified factors such as the location of neoplasia and patient characteristics that influenced test sensitivity. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the field of neuronal electrophysiology, which involves studying the electrical characteristics of biological tissues and cells in the nervous system. This field allows medical professionals to examine brain activity and understand how neurological diseases develop. The article explains different techniques used in electrophysiological recording, such as intracellular recording and extracellular field potentials. It also introduces a new technique called planar patch clamp for high throughput electrophysiology. Overall, this article provides valuable information for researchers interested in studying the electrical properties of the nervous system. [Extracted from the article]

A study has found that the top-selling liver health supplements on Amazon do not contain ingredients recommended by major groups of doctors who treat liver issues in the United States or Europe. These popular online liver products are unregulated and do not have to meet the same safety and effectiveness standards as prescription medications. The study also revealed that many of the claims made by manufacturers about the supplements are not backed up by rigorous clinical research. The researchers emphasize the need for scientific investigation into the actual health benefits of liver detox supplements and for patient education about the potential risks and unknowns of these products. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health - Europe suggests that occupational physical activity (PA) may not provide the same health benefits as leisure-time PA. The study followed over 7,000 adults in Norway for 44 years and found that consistently working in an occupation with intermediate or high occupational PA was linked to an increased risk of cognitive impairment. Other studies have also shown that high occupational PA is associated with a greater risk of developing dementia and cardiovascular disease. The researchers suggest that lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking and getting proper sleep, may help mitigate the risks associated with occupational PA. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of occupational and leisure-time PA and to address conflicting findings. Additionally, the toll that occupational PA takes on the brain and body in lower-income workers is an important health equity issue. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania has found a potential link between low serotonin levels and long COVID, offering a new explanation for the condition. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in various bodily functions, including sleep, mood, and digestion. The study found that long COVID patients had lower serotonin levels compared to those who fully recovered from acute COVID-19. While the study does not provide treatment recommendations, it opens the door to new ideas for clinical trials and potential treatments. However, it is important to note that long COVID is a complex disease with multiple mechanisms, and serotonin levels may not be the sole factor contributing to the condition. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between serotonin and long COVID and to identify effective treatments. [Extracted from the article]

The purpose of the conference was to promote gender equality while fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration among women professionals, researchers, and innovators. A 2-day international conference was held at the U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water (USPCAS-W), Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro. Networking Opportunities: The conference provided ample networking opportunities to the attendees and they had the pleasure of connecting with fellow professionals, sharing experiences, and building potential collaborations. [Extracted from the article]

The New York Times article discusses how technology, particularly social media and messaging apps, has led to increased feelings of isolation and loneliness among individuals. Research shows that excessive social media use, text messaging, and binge-watching can contribute to these negative emotions. Scholars recommend shifting to richer forms of communication, such as video calls, and taking breaks from technology to combat loneliness. The article highlights the importance of authentic interactions and genuine connections to alleviate feelings of isolation in today's digital age. [Extracted from the article]

The New York Times article explores how Russia, China, and Iran are engaging in online disinformation campaigns to influence the U.S. election, posing a threat to American democracy. The tactics employed by these countries have evolved to be more sophisticated and difficult to detect, targeting specific audiences to create chaos and undermine trust in the democratic process. Additionally, the document delves into legal proceedings and claims, detailing the process, requirements, and potential outcomes for claimants, as well as addressing the impact of bankruptcy on those seeking compensation. [Extracted from the article]

The article attributes the decision of Suchir Balaji, a former artificial intelligence (AI) researcher at OpenAI, to resign from the company to the potential harm of AI technologies like the ChatGPT chat bot to the society. It raises the arguments of Balaji that ChatGPT and OpenAI's use of copyrighted data violates the law and that AI technologies replace existing Internet services and generate false and made-up information.

10/ 24/ 24, 2: 54 PM The New York Timeshttps:// nytimes. pressreader. com/ the- new- york- times 1/ 54 10/ 24/ 24, 2: 54 PM The New York Times https:// nytimes. pressreader. com/ the- new- york- times 23/ 54 [Extracted from the article]

The Tennessee Tribune article discusses the higher risk of death from all types of breast cancer for Black women. The study found that Black women are about 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than White women, with disparities in death rates across all types of the disease. Factors contributing to this disparity include systemic racism, socioeconomic inequality, delays in diagnosis, and inadequate access to quality cancer treatment. Researchers analyzed data from 18 studies published between 2009 and 2022, totaling 228,885 breast cancer cases, with 34,262 in Black women. The findings highlight the need for interventions at multiple levels to achieve equity in breast cancer outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

The Telecom Industry Snapshot discusses the Department of Telecommunications seeking exemptions from environmental regulations to expand coverage in remote areas. MediaTek has surpassed Qualcomm in India's 5G market, with 64% of 5G handsets under Rs 30,000 powered by MediaTek. Additionally, Xiaomi lost its top position to Vivo in the Indian smartphone market in Q3 2024, which saw a 9% growth in shipments. [Extracted from the article]

A recent survey found that 42% of primary care providers (PCPs) are unfamiliar with biologics, which have greatly improved asthma treatment options. The survey also revealed that 77% of PCPs only refer patients to specialists after multiple exacerbations, despite the fact that these patients should be managed by specialists. The researchers administered the survey to primary care attending and resident physicians, with 85 respondents. The study highlights the need for better communication between PCPs and asthma care specialists, as well as increased awareness of the available biologic therapies. [Extracted from the article]

Strength training has been found to lower the risk of knee pain and osteoarthritis, contrary to previous assumptions. Researchers reviewed data from 2,607 adults and found that strength training at any point in life was associated with a lower incidence of knee pain and osteoarthritis. The study also found a dose-response relationship, with the highest exposure to strength training resulting in the lowest odds of knee pain and osteoarthritis. The researchers suggest that the medical community should encourage more people to participate in strength training to reduce their risk of chronic conditions. However, the study's observational design and self-selected study population may have biased the results, and further research is needed to explore the associations between strength training and knee osteoarthritis. [Extracted from the article]

A comprehensive research study of 138,000 veterans has found that people who are infected with COVID-19 multiple times are more likely to develop long COVID, and most individuals never fully recover from the condition. The lead researcher, Ziyad Al-Aly, explains that long COVID is a chronic disease with a heterogeneous health trajectory, meaning there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. While some symptoms may decline over time, long COVID can last for many years and individuals may only experience partial recovery. It is important for doctors to recognize and understand the multisystemic nature of long COVID and manage the symptoms, as there is currently no cure or specific treatment. The emergence of long COVID has highlighted the connection between infections and chronic disease, challenging the belief that most infections only have acute effects. [Extracted from the article]

A systematic literature review and meta-analysis found that short-term use of JAK inhibitors for dermatologic indications does not appear to be associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), or venous thromboembolic events (VTE). The review included 35 randomized clinical trials with a total of 20,651 patients, and no significant differences were found between JAK inhibitors and placebo/active comparator in terms of MACE, all-cause mortality, or VTE. The study's findings provide reassurance to dermatologists who may have concerns about the safety of JAK inhibitors. However, the researchers noted limitations in the review, such as the lack of access to patient-level data and the short-term follow-up in most trials. Continued long-term data generation is needed to fully understand the risk of these events. [Extracted from the article]

A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that approximately 2% of prescriptions given to older patients are inappropriate, with no significant difference between physicians and nurse practitioners. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to adverse drug events due to comorbidities and physiological changes associated with aging. The study suggests that the focus should be on the prescribing performance of individual clinicians rather than whether nurse practitioners have prescriptive authority. The researchers analyzed data from primary care nurse practitioners and physicians over a 7-year period and found that rates of potentially inappropriate prescribing were virtually identical. The study also highlights the importance of using criteria such as the Beers Criteria and STOPP/START Criteria to guide decision-making and avoid prescribing cascades. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a novel blood-based assay that can differentiate between patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and those without the condition, as well as those with other inflammatory diseases or osteoarthritis. The test has a mean sensitivity of 90.8% and a mean specificity of 96.1%, making it a potentially valuable tool for accurate and faster diagnosis of RA. The assay focuses on specific gene expression and unique patterns of cell-free DNA in the blood plasma of patients with RA. Further research is needed to determine the performance of these biomarkers in different settings. [Extracted from the article]

A mathematical model created by researchers at the Cleveland Clinic predicts a 23% increase in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) among U.S. adults from 2020 to 2050. MASLD, formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is the most common form of liver disease. The model also predicts an increase in liver cancer cases, the need for liver transplants, and liver-related deaths. The researchers suggest that raising awareness of MASLD and improving collaboration among liver specialists and general practitioners could help mitigate the burden of the disease. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study published in JAMA Surgery found that laser epilation (LE) can significantly reduce the recurrence of pilonidal disease when used in addition to standard care. The study enrolled 302 patients aged 11-21 with pilonidal disease and assigned half of them to receive LE plus standard treatment, while the other half received standard care alone. After one year, only 10.4% of the patients who received LE experienced a recurrence, compared to 33.6% in the standard care group. The researchers concluded that LE is a safe and effective treatment option for eligible patients. Pilonidal disease is a common condition that often causes psychosocial stress and can lead to missed school or social activities. The use of LE as an adjunct to standard care may help avoid surgery and improve patient outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

A large observational study of almost 100,000 eyes found that the diabetes drug semaglutide, a GLP-1 agonist, does not worsen the progression of diabetic retinopathy in the long term. However, the researchers emphasized the need for healthcare providers to discuss the potential risks to vision with patients taking the drug. The study evaluated eyes with different levels of retinopathy and found low rates of complications. The findings highlight the importance of counseling patients about potential vision outcomes when taking semaglutide. [Extracted from the article]

The Spondyloarthritis Research and Treatment Network (SPARTAN) has developed the first referral recommendations for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), an inflammatory arthritis that affects the central skeleton and has genetic links to skin psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and inflammatory eye disease. Patients with axSpA often wait up to 10 years for a diagnosis, and there are currently no guidelines for when to refer patients to a rheumatologist. To address this issue, researchers conducted a literature review and identified 10 features associated with axSpA, including pain sites, family history, blood markers, genetic testing, and imaging findings. These features were assigned points, and a score of 3 points qualifies for a referral for adults aged 45 years or younger with chronic pain in the back, hip, or buttock. The researchers expect that these referral criteria will result in about one in three referred adults being diagnosed with axSpA. However, further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these recommendations. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Sweden found that women who receive false-positive mammography results have an elevated risk of developing and dying from breast cancer up to 20 years later. The study analyzed data from over 45,000 women with false-positive results and compared them to a control group. The researchers found that women with false-positive results had a 61% higher risk of developing breast cancer and an 84% higher risk of dying from breast cancer compared to those without false-positive results. The risk varied based on individual characteristics such as age and breast density. The study suggests that these findings can be used to develop personalized breast cancer screening strategies. It is important for clinicians to emphasize the importance of continued screening for women with false-positive results, especially within the first few years after the result. The study also highlights the need for radiology facilities to find ways to reduce false-positive results and the associated anxiety. [Extracted from the article]

A new study from the United Kingdom has found that an artificial intelligence (AI) model can detect the deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma, with 100% accuracy. The AI also detected over 99% of all skin cancers. The researchers tested the AI by integrating it into the clinical diagnosis process, envisioning a future where AI can help doctors catch skin cancer faster and prioritize patients. While there are concerns about the shortage of dermatologists, the AI system in this study saved over 1,000 face-to-face consultations, allowing dermatologists to catch more cancers and serve more patients. However, the study's limitations include a small sample size and the need for the AI to improve in ruling out benign lesions. Overall, if AI software proves accurate in larger and more diverse sample sizes, it could be a valuable tool for triage in dermatology. [Extracted from the article]

Stanford University researchers have developed an app called OpenCap that uses artificial intelligence and computational biomechanical modeling to analyze human movement. The app, which is currently available for free for research and educational use, can quantify movement by analyzing smartphone videos of human movement. This technology has the potential to improve interventions for mobility problems, aid in research on human mobility, and democratize human movement analysis by making it more accessible and cost-effective. The app has already been used by thousands of researchers worldwide and has the potential to revolutionize the study of biomechanics. [Extracted from the article]

24/ 09/ 2024, 14: 00 The New York Timeshttps:// nytimes. pressreader. com/ the- new- york- times/ 20240924 1/ 50 24/ 09/ 2024, 14: 00 The New York Times https:// nytimes. pressreader. com/ the- new- york- times/ 20240924 16/ 50 [Extracted from the article]

9/ 13/ 24, 3: 53 PM The New York Timeshttps:// nytimes. pressreader. com/ the- new- york- times 25/ 44 9/ 13/ 24, 3: 53 PM The New York Times https:// nytimes. pressreader. com/ the- new- york- times 29/ 44 [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the view that China can not rely on usual tools to address its economic crisis. Topics discussed include the Chinese government's practice of borrowing money to develop projects which resulted to the growth of its debt, the weak consumer spending which is a major driver of economic growth, and the underperformance of Chinese stocks and decline in real estate prices.

The article reports that artificial intelligence (AI) company OpenAI, developer of the ChatGPT chatbot, is making changes to its management team and organization. Topics discussed include OpenAI's hiring of disinformation experts, AI safety researchers and other executives, the removal and reinstatement of chief executive officer Sam Altman, and the view that money and technologies that worry many AI researchers are driving OpenAI's push for growth.

9/ 13/ 24, 4: 38 AM The New York Timeshttps:// nytimes. pressreader. com/ the- new- york- times/ 20240903 21/ 44 9/ 13/ 24, 4: 38 AM The New York Times https:// nytimes. pressreader. com/ the- new- york- times/ 20240903 22/ 44 [Extracted from the article]

The University of Virginia (UVA) is facing criticism as 128 faculty members from the medical school and UVA Physicians Group have called for the removal of K. Craig Kent, CEO of UVA Health, and Melina Kibbe, dean of the medical school. The letter alleges compromised patient safety, pressure to withhold safety concerns, and concerns regarding integrity and quality in hiring practices. UVA President Jim Ryan has defended Kent and Kibbe, stating that some accusations have already been addressed and promising to investigate others. A member of the UVA Health System Board has also defended Kent and Kibbe, citing positive ratings for safety and successful recruitment efforts. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto aimed to define a patient-centered definition of atopic dermatitis (AD) flares. The study used a modified eDelphi method, involving a focus group and survey, to reach a consensus on key aspects of an AD flare. Participants identified six key concepts for a patient-centered definition of flare, and consensus was reached on 12 statements defining an AD flare. The study found that most participants did not resonate with prior definitions of AD flare and believed that a patient-centered definition would be useful for communication with healthcare providers and self-management. However, it is important to note that the study's findings may not be generalizable to all people with AD, as participants had higher-than-average knowledge about the condition and the study included a higher proportion of moderate to severe AD cases. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study suggests that mobile images may be a reliable tool for assessing cutaneous neurofibroma (cNF) features in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). The study found correlations between cNF burden and quality of life (QoL), with facial severity having a significant impact on emotional well-being. The researchers enrolled over 1,000 individuals with NF1 and collected demographic data, photographs, and saliva samples for genetic sequencing. The study found that the agreement between mobile and whole-body images was substantial for evaluating cNF features. The results highlight the importance of defining meaningful clinical outcomes to improve QoL for individuals with NF1. However, the study had limitations in terms of the representation of racial and ethnic minority groups. The study was led by Michelle Jade Lin from Stanford University School of Medicine and was published in JAMA Dermatology. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study suggests that biomarkers found in cord blood may be able to predict the onset of atopic dermatitis (AD) in newborns. The study, conducted in Italy, analyzed cord blood from 40 full-term newborns and found that those who went on to develop AD had higher levels of certain biomarkers. Additionally, these infants had higher levels of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and experienced symptoms such as dry skin and eczematous lesions. The authors of the study believe that these findings could lead to more targeted approaches for AD prevention and management in infants. However, it is important to note that the study had limitations, including a small sample size and an observational design. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the challenges faced by physician assistants (PAs) in their profession. Many PAs feel overwhelmed by the expectations placed on them, including seeing complex and numerous patients with little support, oversight, respect, and pay. However, some PAs have found ways to thrive by finding the right practice environment, seeking peer support, setting boundaries, and advocating for themselves. The article emphasizes the importance of promoting growth and resilience early in a PA's career to prevent burnout and save healthcare organizations time and money. [Extracted from the article]

An AI-powered clinical documentation tool has been found to reduce the time spent on electronic health records (EHR) for physicians. In a study conducted with 112 clinicians in North Carolina and Georgia, it was discovered that almost 48% of physicians reported spending less time on EHR at home, and nearly 45% reported spending less time on EHR tasks outside of normal work hours. The study also found that physicians using the AI tool reported less frustration and time spent on documentation after visits. However, it is important to note that not all clinicians experienced these benefits, and further research is needed to assess the effects on different clinician groups and health systems. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a study on the effectiveness of an app called SNapp in increasing daily step counts for users who believe in its benefits. The study found that the app's impact on step counts was influenced by users' perceptions of its usefulness. While the intervention group showed slightly higher app usage, the app did not significantly affect step counts on average over time. The study highlights the importance of perceived usefulness in influencing behavioral effects and suggests that apps must be perceived as useful to effectively improve users' activity levels. [Extracted from the article]

A study published in Family Practice News in September 2024 found that patients with early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) living in rural and impoverished areas have a higher risk of dying from CRC. Researchers analyzed data from 58,200 patients with early-onset CRC and found that those living in poverty-stricken and rural areas had lower cancer-specific survival rates compared to those in nonrural areas. The study suggests the need for increased investment in cancer diagnosis and treatment resources in rural and impoverished areas for younger CRC patients. [Extracted from the article]

A study published in Family Practice News in September 2024 found that women who received false-positive mammography results were less likely to return for future screenings. The research analyzed over three million screening mammograms from more than one million women aged 40-73, showing that women with false-positive results were less likely to return for routine screenings compared to those with true-negative results. The study, led by Diana L. Miglioretti, PhD, highlights the importance of educating patients about the need for continued screening after false-positive results to mitigate future risks of breast cancer. [Extracted from the article]

A study published in Family Practice News in September 2024 found that older cannabis users undergoing surgery required higher doses of inhalational anesthetics compared to nonusers. The research, led by Ruba Sajdeya, MD, PhD, from the University of Florida, analyzed electronic health records of 22,476 patients aged 65 years or older. While cannabis users had significantly higher average minimum alveolar concentrations of anesthesia, the clinical relevance of this difference remains uncertain. The study highlighted the importance of cautious screening for cannabinoids before surgery to avoid unnecessary higher doses of anesthesia. [Extracted from the article]