Study finds genetic markers may predict severity of COVID-19 infection

Scientists at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, along with colleagues at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, have discovered specific genetic biomarkers that not only show who is infected with COVID-19, but offer insights into how severe the disease might be, filling a major diagnostic gap. “I think this study is a tremendous proof-of-concept in the realm of COVID-19 […]

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Colorado violating Medicaid mandate by not providing mental health services to children, lawsuit alleges

Colorado is violating a Medicaid Act mandate by not providing certain mental health services to eligible children at home or in their community, which in some cases has led to teenagers experiencing “unnecessary institutionalization,” a federal lawsuit filed Friday alleges. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court of Colorado against Kim Bimestefer, the head of the state Department of […]

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Denver courts reimpose mask mandate amid concerns about delta variant – The Denver Post

Masks are back in Denver’s courtrooms. Second Judicial District Chief Judge Michael Martinez on Sunday ordered anyone attending court, conducting business in court buildings or going into probation offices to wear masks until further notice. The new rule, which starts Monday, was prompted by the surging delta variant of the coronavirus, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and […]

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New risk calculator to save many more lives from heart attack and stroke

A new risk calculator will better predict people at high risk of heart and circulatory diseases years before they strike, and is ready for use across the UK and Europe, according to research published today in the journal European Heart Journal. The risk calculator, SCORE2, will be adopted by the upcoming European Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Clinical Practice, […]

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Peptide could allow medical marijuana to relieve pain without side effects

Many people live with chronic pain, and in some cases, cannabis can provide relief. But the drug also can significantly impact memory and other cognitive functions. Now, researchers reporting in ACS’ Journal of Medicinal Chemistry have developed a peptide that, in mice, allowed ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main component of Cannabis sativa, to fight pain without the side effects. According to […]

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NSHA quietly changes medically assisted dying policy at Catholic hospital

Under the threat of a possible court challenge, Nova Scotia has quietly changed its policy on medically assisted dying at a Catholic hospital in the province. In a statement to Global News, the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) says: “Assessments and provision of MAiD [medical assistance in dying] will be available in a section of St. Martha’s Regional Hospital complex […]

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New Hope for African Children With Sickle-Cell Disease

A drug that protects children in wealthy countries against painful and sometimes lethal bouts of sickle-cell disease has been proven safe for use in Africa, where the condition is far more common, scientists reported on Saturday. More research remains to be done, experts said, but knowing that hydroxyurea — a cheap, effective and easy-to-take pill — can safely be given […]

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