Physician Tips: Taking the Complexity Out of Liver Test Interpretation

Patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and advanced liver fibrosis are at the highest risk for progressing to end‐stage liver disease. Consequently the degree of liver fibrosis is one of the most important diagnostic and prognostic assessments in chronic liver disease.1

Yet the standard diagnostic tests for early liver disease, short of biopsy, remain less than ideal. (published site)

Physician Tips: The silent epidemic of fatty liver disease

For Fibronostics

A growing number of Americans are dying from liver disease and the age at which people are developing it is declining with the greatest increase in people dying of alcoholic cirrhosis and liver cancer since 2009 is among young people aged 25-34.

That’s the findings of a new study published in the July 2018 British Medical Journal. (published site)

What is Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)?

For Fibronostics

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is part of a group of conditions called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which damages the liver due to a buildup of fat. NASH differs from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and is characterized by a type of liver cell injury, called hepatocellular ballooning, and inflammation. (published site)

Physician Tips: A practical guide for screening patients for excessive alcohol use

For Fibronostics

Primary care and specialists are always being reminded to screen for risky or abusive behaviors ranging from tobacco, alcohol and drugs, domestic abuse, sexual behaviors and on and on.

As a practical matter, however, primary care physicians have only 15 minutes allotted for any given office visit, most often not enough time to address the problem the patient made the appoint for in the first place. (published site)

What is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)?

For Fibronostics

The liver performs a multitude of functions including digesting food, processing nutrients, and eliminating toxic byproducts in the blood.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of more than two dozen diseases of the liver. NAFLD is a condition in which too much fat is stored in the liver not accumulated as a result of alcohol consumption. The related disease of alcoholic liver disease is caused by a buildup of fat due to heavy alcohol use. (published site)

FDA lists proposed guidance publications for 2019

For Kapstone Medical

The FDA issued its list of proposed guidance publications for 2019 on Oct. 5 as part of its agreement to speed approvals of medical devices in exchange for additional funding from industry.

The Agency actually posted three lists: the “A list” includes guidance documents it intends to publish in the next 12 months; the “B list” includes documents the agency intends to publish as resources permit; a third list includes past documents that are due for retrospective review. (published site)

Emerging AI Applications in Medical Devices

For Kapstone Medical

In April, the U.S. FDA issued its first marketing permit for a medical device using artificial intelligence to detect greater than mild diabetic retinopathy. While it was the first such AI approval, it promises to be just the beginning of AI medical devices. (published site)

Shared responsibility for cybersecurity of medical devices widely recognized

For Kapstone Medical

The FDA issued a warning about vulnerabilities of medical devices to cybersecurity threats in a press release on Oct. 1, 2018 and is taking steps to help organizations improve cybersecurity of their medical devices.

While the agency said it has received no reports of incidents of unauthorized exploitation of medical device vulnerabilities, it is taking action to increase awareness among health IT executives and has launched a cybersecurity “playbook” in collaboration with MITRE for organizations focusing on cybersecurity readiness. (published site)

Playbook sets framework for dealing with medical device cybersecurity attacks

For Kapstone Medical

Citing the increasing number of cyber attacks in healthcare and concern about the potential for targeting medical devices, the FDA announced in an October 1, 2018 press release the publication of its Medical Device Cybersecurity Regional Incident Preparedness and Response Playbook.

The playbook was prepared in collaboration with MITRE, a non-profit, government-funded research and development organization that explores new uses of technologies to assist government agencies in solving problems. (published site)

$10 chip changes standard ultrasound into 3D

For Kapstone Medical 

In a novel adaptation of the chip in your smartphone that tracks how your phone is oriented can turn a $50,000 2D ultrasound machine into an ultrasound with 3D capabilities rivaling that of $250,000 counterparts. And here is the wow factor, the chip costs $10.

Researchers and engineers at Duke University and Stanford demonstrated their device last year at the American College of Emergency Physicians Research Forum in Washington, D.C. (published site)

On the Rise: Liver Disease-Related Deaths in Millennials

For Fibronostics

A growing number of Americans are dying from liver disease and the age range is lower than you may think. The surprising correlation between the increased mortality rate and decrease in age range has sparked concern and interest for researchers. 

The age at which people are developing liver disease is declining with the greatest increase in people dying of alcoholic cirrhosis and liver cancer since 2009 is among young people aged 25-34. That’s the findings of a new study published in the July 2018 British Medical Journal.  (published site)

The 5 Best and 4 Worst Hot Drinks for your Liver

For Fibronostics

As Autumn marches in and the days get cooler, we tend to switch from ice teas and coolers to hot drinks like coffee, cocoa and mulled beverages warming on the back of the stove. 

If you are among the growing millions with concerns about liver health, however, there is a lot of conflicting advice about coffee, caffeine, cocoa, lemon, and hot toddies. Here are the 5 best and 4 worst hot drinks for your liver health: (published site)

Physician Tips: How to make patients care about liver health

For Fibronostics

Despite the numbers showing liver disease as a significant and growing health problem, a large proportion of your patients likely know little about what the liver does or what if anything they should do to care for it.

The problem for hepatologists, gastroenterologists, and primary care physicians really is not that different than getting patients to make lifestyle changes to improve their heart, or lung health. Getting patients to lose weight, stop smoking or cut their consumption of sugar, salt, and alcohol often feels like a fools errand.

October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month

For Fibronostics

It’s time to think about your liver!

For the fifth year in a row the American Liver Foundation  has partnered with Bayer Healthcare to raise public awareness about the risk of liver cancer and to encourage those at risk to follow up with their doctors and get proper ongoing screening for one of the deadliest forms of cancer. 

Get Out and Get Active for Family Health & Fitness Day

For Fibronostics

Thousands of families are expected to get out and get active for the 20 Annual Health & Fitness Day on Sept. 29 at hundreds of locations throughout the country. 

Events will be held at community sites, hospitals, health clubs, YMCAs and community centers across the country ranging from health and fitness demonstrations to health fairs and family walks and runs. 

National Women's Health & Fitness Day

For Fibronostics

Sept. 26, 2018 marks the 17 Annual National Women’s Health & Fitness Day and more than 500 groups across the country will host an estimated 50,000 to 70,000 women participating in women’s health and fitness events at senior centers, hospitals, health clubs, retirement communities, community centers and service organizations. 

World Pharmacists Day is September 25th, 2018

From research to health care: Your pharmacist is at your service. 

Pharmacists worldwide mark September 25 as World Pharmacist Day as designated by the International Pharmaceutical Federation. It’s a chance to appreciate the role your pharmacist serves as your medicines expert. 

What You Need to Know about FDA’s Draft Guidance on Writing Test Reports

For Kapstone Medical

The FDA issued updated draft guidance for submission of test reports and non-clinical bench test performance in premarket submissions in May 2018. As a draft guidance, the FDA is seeking comment from the industry prior to finalization. (published site)

Leveraging 3D Printing For Small Hospitals and Device Developers

For Kapstone Medical

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers’ (SME) 2018 Annual Report took a deep dive look at medical additive manufacturing, more commonly referred to as 3D printing. 

The organization sees significant growth for 3D printing industry noting a 21 percent compound annual growth rate in 2017 for an overall 3D printing market size of $7.3 billion with 11 percent of that coming from the medical and dental segment.

Pump, Pen, Injection? Which Way Should You Take Insulin?

For Healthcare Associates, Texas

If you have diabetes and your doctor recommends insulin to help control your blood sugar, you will want to discuss all the options for insulin delivery. Figuring out which delivery method is best for you may depend on a variety of factors, such as which type of diabetes you have, the type of insulin your doctor recommends, and how often you may need it. (published site)

What Is Causing My Leg and Foot Pain? Radicular Pain and Sciatica

For Healthcare Associates of Texas

Ever had a pain in the buttock that runs down the back of your leg? A pain that makes it uncomfortable to drive or sit for long periods? Chances are, you may be experiencing what is commonly called sciatica. While it is a very common ailment, the causes and treatments vary for each individual

British researchers report first 3D printed human corneas

For Kapstone Medical

Dr Steve Swioklo, co-author with Prof Che Connon 
(right) as cornea is printed - Image courtesy 
Newcastle University

With little fanfare in the media, researchers announced that they have successfully used 3D printing to produce the first human corneas for transplant.

In a report in the journal Experimental Eye, the research team led by Abigail Isaacson at the Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, UK demonstrated the use of collagen-based bio-ink containing encapsulated corneal keratocytes, the primary cells that form the cornea, to produce a cornea that could be transplanted into a human eye. The study was a proof of concept trial and did not actually use the printed cornea for transplantation. (published site)

Liver Disease: 5 things you can do to prevent it

For Fibronostics

If you are like most people you probably rarely think about liver disease. With all the attention on cancer and heart disease it is little wonder few people know that there more than 100 diseases of the liver.

One of them, hepatitis B, is 100 times more infectious than HIV and is the second leading cause of cancer worldwide according to the World Health Organization. (published site)

ACA tax has $665 million impact on medical device industry

For Kapstone Medical

A new study has found the excise tax on medical devices enacted as part of the Affordable Care Act had a $665 million impact on the medical device industry, according to an Iowa State University researcher.

Daeyong Lee, assistant professor of human development, at Iowa State University studies how different aspects of the Affordable Care Act have affected families and companies. In the study published in the June 2018 journal Research Policy Lee analyzed the 2.3 percent excise tax imposed on medical devices in 2013.

NSF International offers online learning for MDSAP program

For Kapstone Medical

The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) has produced a series of online training courses for regulatory compliance officers and auditors involved with regulatory processes working in the medical device industry in the five countries participating in Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP). (published site)

Managing Type 2 Diabetes: Go for a Double Over the Grand Slam for Breakfast

For Healthcare Associates of Texas

It’s summer and millions of Texans like to hit the road for their vacations. Often one of the first stops is breakfast at a roadside favorite like Waffle House, Denny’s, or Cracker Barrel. 

If you have type 2 diabetes, however, making smart choices for breakfast can be a tasty shortcut to managing your A1c for the rest of the day. (published site)

If I participate in a clinical trial how will my data be used?

For ObvioHealth

When you participate in a clinical trial, researchers track medical and personal data gathered from each participant. You may naturally want to know what researchers do with your personal information. (published site)

13 questions to ask before participating in a clinical research trial

For ObvioHealth

There are more than 270,000 clinical research trials going on in the U.S. and other countries currently listed on ClinicalTrials.gov.

These trials are helping to advance medial research for better treatments of diseases and conditions. However, before decided to participate in one, there are a number of items to consider first. (published site)

Exercise after disc surgery for sciatic nerve pain

For Dr. Gomez

Lower back surgery to relieve pain along the sciatic nerve caused by a herniated disc is becoming more common with minimally invasive microdiscectomy. With the shorter recovery, less pain and increased success rates, the recommendations for post-surgery recovery have changed, particularly with regard to exercise. (published site)

10 steps to improve sleep quality that may reduce back pain

for Dr. Gomez
If you ever wondered if your back pain is keeping you from sleeping well, or whether your trouble sleeping is making your back ache, you are probably right.

While there isn’t a lot of solid research data to say that sleep problems and back pain are linked, many experts do believe that people with sleep problems experience more back pain. (published site)

Joint replacement can reduce pain and help you move better

For Healthcare Associates of Texas

If your knee or hip pain has gotten so severe that you can’t get up and down stairs or get out bed, and you’ve tried all the things your doctor has recommended, it may be time for you and your doctor to discuss joint replacement. (published site)

FDA’s Strategic Policy Roadmap for 2018

For Kapstone Medical

FDA Commissioner aims to streamline review and beef up technical support

FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD laid out an 18-page "roadmap" for achieving the FDA’s 2018 goals and objectives. The broad sweep of initiatives addresses four main objectives: reducing opiod and other addictions, leveraging innovation and competition, empowering consumers and strengthening FDA’s scientific workforce.

New Hope for Migraine Sufferers

For Healthcare Associates of Texas

Anyone who suffers from migraines knows they aren’t just bad headaches. Migraines can have symptoms that include severe throbbing pain on one side of the head, flashes of light, blind spots and even tingling on one side of the face. These symptoms can last for hours, and they’re the results of a little-understood neurological disease. (published site)

Fast 3D Printing of Living Cells While Maintaining Viability

POSTED FOR KAPSTONE MEDICAL

A major challenge to 3D printing living tissues is that many 3D printing techniques are based on using heat or ultraviolet light, which can damage or kill living cells.

To address this challenge, researchers at the University of Twente (UT) in Enschede, Netherlands are taking a page from biochip technology that adapted microfluidics for a variety of biocompatible applications.

Is mpMRI the Key to Making Smarter Use of Ablative Technologies?

For Sonacare Medical on Apr 3, 2018 

Focal therapies for cancer have been around for more than two decades and have been accepted treatment options for breast and renal cancers. Gaining acceptance for prostate cancer, however, has been a long-winding road. (published site)

FDA Announces Updates to “Refuse to Accept Policy”

For Kapstone Medical

7 questions to ask before submitting 501(k)

The FDA recently issued updates to its guidance for its “Refuse to Accept Policy for 510(k)s” for Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research-regulated (CBER) devices and for “Acceptance and Filing Reviews for Premarket Approval Applications (PMAs).” (published site)

Making Efficient Use of mpMRI Data

With the growing acceptance of the value of multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI) the detection, diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer is undergoing a paradigm shift away from biomarkers and standard 12-core biopsies to imaging-based strategies with targeted biopsies.

In a 2015 Korean Journal of Urology review of mpMRI, the authors concluded that, “mpMRI, which is composed of T2WI and several functional sequences, is regarded as the single most accurate imaging modality for characterizing prostate cancer.” (published site)

Healthcare cybersecurity gains, but room for improvement remains

For Hexagon Technology

Efforts to cut cybersecurity breaches appear to be working as healthcare organizations reported 4.5 million healthcare records compromised in 270 breaches in 2017, according to the Office of Civil Rights. (published site)

Has MRI-Based Diagnosis for Prostate Cancer Overtaken TRUS Biopsy?

Posted by Sonacare Medical on Mar 20, 2018 3:00:00 PM

Since the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) gave prostate cancer screening a “D” grade in 2012, researchers have been looking for better ways to detect, diagnose and treat prostate cancer. Blood tests such as the PSA and imaging and biopsy tests, however, have lacked specificity, identifying cancer only about half the time, while missing clinically significant cancer.(published site)

Using 3D Printed Parts To Make Low-cost Live-cell Imaging Microscope

For Kapstone Medical

3D printing doesn’t always have to be used for new, high-tech applications such as printing tailor-made medical devices. Researchers at Uppsala University have used 3D printing to create an inexpensive tool to make live image videos of living cells.

In a paper published in the journal PLOS, the researchers used 3D printed parts and off-the shelf electronics and smartphones to convert standard inverted microscopes to produce high-resolution imaging studies of living cells.

NSAIDS, DMARDs, Corticosteroids: What’s the Difference?

For Healthcare Associates

If you’ve experienced stiffness or pain in your hands, knees or other joints, you may have wondered whether you have arthritis — if so, you’re not alone. The Arthritis Foundation estimates that 54 million adults in the United States suffer from arthritis.

If you have pain and stiffness in your joints, you owe it to yourself to see a doctor before you reach for an over-the-counter arthritis drug. Early treatment with the appropriate type of arthritis medication can help preserve joints and halt progression of the condition. (published site)

5 Questions Inventor’s Need To Ask Before Developing Their Inventions

for KAPSTONE MEDICAL

Busy clinicians often find themselves identifying a clinical need that a new product or new technology would fill. If you think you have a marketable idea, you need to know there is a long and winding road to bringing an invention to market.

FDA Reconfirms Continued Acceptance of Single Audits

For KAPSTONE MEDICAL

In an update to its review of the International Medical Device Regulators Forum report the FDA in December reconfirmed that it will continue to accept results of the Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP) for medical device regulatory approval.

How is Artificial Intelligence Changing Medicine?

For Club Staffing

Michael O’Leary | February 01, 2018

Artificial intelligence in healthcare is expected to dramatically change healthcare delivery in the future, which will impact not only patients, but the people who provide healthcare. Allied healthcare providers, nurses, and doctors will all be impacted as AI in medicine takes on current human tasks, such as assisting in diagnosis and treatment decisions. (published site)

NASW resources for understanding new social worker code of ethics

For Club Staffing

Michael O’Leary | February 01, 2018

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) adopted an updated code of ethics at the Delegate Assembly last year, which took effect Jan. 1, 2018. It is the first update to the NASW code of ethics since 2008 and the first major revision since 1996. Many practicing professionals have asked what prompted the new social worker code ethics, and why now? (published site)

How Much Do Clinical Laboratory Scientists Make?

For Club StaffingFebruary 1,  2018

The unsung critical members of the healthcare team are the clinical laboratory scientists (CLS) that physicians, surgeons, and other providers depend on to test and analyze blood, body fluids, tissues, or other substances. (published site)

Club Staffing is recruiting CLSs and other allied healthcare professionals for jobs across the U.S. CONSIDER your career options for clinical laboratory scientist with a travel position through Club Staffing. Our experienced recruiters are here to help guide you as you build your career.

Physical Therapists and the Rising Cases of Sexual Harassment

For Club Staffing

Michael O’Leary | February 01, 2018

A new study in the Nov. 1, 2017 journal Physical Therapy shows that sexual harassment of physical therapists by patients is widespread and common.

More than 80 percent of physical therapists report that patients are touching them inappropriately. Here's what a new study says. (published site)

The Physical Therapy Compact: What You Need to Know

Allied News Blog

Michael O’Leary | February 01, 2018

If you are a physical therapist practicing in a state that has adopted the physical therapy compact, you will soon be able to be licensed in 15 other states. That’s a big deal if you live in states like Washington and Oregon, or in cities like Louisville or Nashville. However, if you live in Kansas City, Missouri, you won’t be able to practice across the river in Kansas without going through an additional licensing process. (published site)

How Allied Travel Jobs Can Enhance Your Resume

For Club Staffing
Michael O’Leary | February 01, 2018

 By Michael O’Leary, Contributor

Let’s face it, you worked hard to earn your degree and land your first allied health job. You know the potential for career growth and advancement is great, but knowing how to start can be daunting. (published site)

How to Make Friends When You are on Allied Travel Jobs in a New City

Allied Hot Spots

Michael O’Leary | February 01, 2018

While allied healthcare travel jobs offer incredible opportunities to meet and work with professionals in your field all over the country, keeping those friends can be a challenge. (published site)

Is Minimally Invasive Surgery Right for You?

For Healthcare Associates, Texas

You may have seen the ads — a dad is playing basketball with his small son in the driveway of their home and the man lifts his son over his head, while the narrator encourages viewers to stop putting off surgery for back pain. (published site)

How Useful Are Pre-sub Meetings With the FDA?

For Kapstone Medical

Making the most of your Q-submissions

How important is the FDA Pre-sub meeting? If saving time and money is important, then taking advantage of the FDA Pre-submission meeting program is key. (published site)