An investigational drug developed to treat a rare, inherited form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) reduced molecular signs of the fatal, paralyzing disease and curbed neurodegeneration — but at the six-month mark, the drug did not improve motor control and muscle strength, according to results from a phase 3 clinical trial led by researchers at […]

KHN correspondent Aneri Pattani discussed social media criticism of the new 988 mental health hotline on NPR’s “Weekend Edition Saturday” on Aug. 13 and on WAMU’s “1A” on Aug. 16. Click here to hear Pattani on “Weekend Edition” Click here to hear Pattani on “1A” Read Pattani’s “Social Media Posts Criticize the 988 Suicide Hotline […]

Can’t see the audio player? Click here to listen on Acast. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Pocket Casts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. The Supreme Court’s decision overturning the federal constitutional right to abortion has left confusion in its wake. State abortion laws are in constant flux, patients and providers […]

IntroductionHistoryCause and typesSymptomsEpidemiologyAtaxia with oculomotor apraxiaDiagnosis and treatmentReferencesFurther reading Ocular motor apraxia (OMA) is a neurological condition resulting in an inability to turn the eyes voluntarily in a horizontal manner. Ocular Motor Apraxia is known by a variety of terms. OMA is sometimes referred to as Cogan's Ocular Motor Apraxia (COMA) or Saccadic Initiation Failure […]

What are hot tumors?What are cold tumors?The importance of distinguishing between the two typesApplication for medical practiceTaking age into considerationIgniting the cold heartReferences Further reading  According to modern scientific concepts, tumor types are now categorized into separate groups based on their response rate to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). In practical terms, which can be understood more […]

Congress should crack down on Medicare Advantage health plans for seniors that sometimes deny patients vital medical care while overcharging the government billions of dollars every year, government watchdogs told a House panel Tuesday. Witnesses sharply criticized the fast-growing health plans at a hearing held by the Energy and Commerce subcommittee on oversight and investigations. […]

IntroductionThe global monkeypox outbreak of 2022Transmission of monkeypox virus to humansCross immunity and protectionClinical featuresDifferential diagnosisTreatmentPreventionReferencesFurther reading The human monkeypox virus, which belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus of the family Poxviridae, is a double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) virus. As of June 9, 2022, over 1,000 people have been confirmed to be infected with the monkeypox […]

Investigators at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis conduct many clinical trials and translational research studies each year to develop and evaluate new ways of treating and diagnosing myriad types of diseases. Such research holds promise for improving the health of people living in St. Louis, across the state of Missouri and around […]

IntroductionWhat is deep breathing?What is relaxation response?How to perform breathing exercisesReferencesFurther Reading Deep abdominal breathing helps reduce stress, control emotions, increase attention, and improve overall wellbeing. Deep breathing controls heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. By diverting attention from distracting thoughts, it reduces stress and anxiety. Image Credit: […]

Variegate porphyria (VP) is an autosomal dominant condition that results from the deficiency of protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPOX, EC 1.3). The build-up of porphyrin precursors delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), and porphobilinogen (PBG) is observed in patients with VP. Photosensitivity and acute neurovisceral episodes are some common symptoms. Adult-onset cutaneous blistering lesions of sun-exposed skin, notably the hands […]