New data published today suggest that several commonly used machine learning algorithms (MLAs) can effectively predict which hospitalized patients will become infected with Clostridiodes difficile (C. diff). The findings, which appear in the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC), the journal of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), could support infection prevention and early diagnosis, as […]

The use of balanced multielectrolyte solution or saline had no significant impact on the risk of acute kidney injury or death in critically ill hospitalized patients, based on data from more than 5037 individuals. A 0.9% sodium chloride solution has long been the first-line fluid for patients in intensive care units worldwide; however, recent concerns that saline may increase the […]

Antibiotic-resistant superbugs killed 1.2MILLION people in 2019 — more than HIV or malaria, major study finds Antibiotic resistant  bacteria have killed 1.2million people in 2019, according to a new US and UK lead study The ‘superbugs’ were also estimated to have contributed to the deaths of almost 5million people globally Bacteria which have grown resistant to medication are considered to be […]

New research suggests serial coronary CT angiography (CCTA) can provide novel insights into the association between lipoprotein(a) and plaque progression over time in patients with advanced coronary artery disease. Researchers examined data from 191 individuals with multivessel coronary disease receiving preventive statin (95%) and antiplatelet (100%) therapy in the single-center Scottish DIAMOND trial, and compared CCTA at baseline and 12 […]

Most children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome related to COVID-19 infection show recovery of cardiac function by 3 months, but longer term follow-up is still needed, suggests a new retrospective longitudinal cohort study. While 80%-85% of children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome have cardiovascular involvement, “lack of knowledge about the short-term consequences of MIS-C has led to uncertainty among physicians in making […]

When it comes to exercising at the gym, getting your technique right is crucial. In this series, physiotherapist Luke Pickett takes us step-by-step through the big three movements: the squat, the deadlift and the bench press. Trending both online and in the gym, deadlifts are an exercise with ties to the ancient Roman times, rumoured to have gained their name […]

New research suggests manufacturers of newly developed antidepressant drugs have become more forthcoming about clinical trials that don’t pan out. A new review and meta-analysis, published today in the journal PLOS Medicine, indicates that drug companies conducting clinical trials on new antidepressants have increased disclosure of clinical trials with negative outcomes, that is, trials that fail to show the drug […]

Pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) technology, developed by experts at University of the West of Scotland (UWS), is capable of accurately diagnosing COVID-19 in just a few minutes. The groundbreaking programme is able to detect the virus far more quickly than a PCR test; which typically takes around 2-hours. It is hoped that the technology can eventually be used to help […]

A new analysis of data from a major US trial comparing antibiotics to surgery for appendicitis yielded more information that can help patients weigh options for treatment. The presence of mineralized stool, known as appendicolith, was associated with a nearly twofold increased risk of undergoing appendectomy within 30 days of initiating antibiotics, write David Flum, MD, of the University of […]

As an actor and TV writer, it seems John Owen Lowe, the youngest son of Rob Lowe and his wife, Sheryl Berkoff, has learned plenty of lessons from dear old dad. The 26-year-old opened up to People about how his dad has helped support him through his battle with addiction, and why his ongoing love and encouragement has helped him […]