The whole genome sequencing data from a wide range of Americans aims to address the historical lack of diversity in existing genomic datasets by focusing on previously under-represented groups. The U.S. National Institutes of Health-funded "All of Us" study turned up 1 billion genetic variants in total.

"Sequencing diverse populations can lead to new drug targets that are relevant to everyone," said Dr. Josh Denny, a study author and its chief executive. "It can also help uncover disparities that lead to specific treatments for people that are experiencing higher burdens of disease or different disease."

NEW STUDY FINDS DYSLEXIA IS LINKED TO 42 GENETIC VARIANTS

Although many genetic variants have no impact on health, nearly 4 million of the newly discovered differences in the genetic code are located in areas that may be tied to disease risk, the researchers reported in a series of papers published in Nature and related journals.

"This is huge," said Denny. The study aims to eventually collect DNA and other health data on 1 million people in hopes of better understanding genetic influences on health and disease.

Nearly 90% of genomic studies to date have been done in people of European ancestry, which has led to a narrow understanding of the biology of diseases and slowed the development of drugs and prevention strategies effective in diverse populations, the leaders of several NIH departments wrote in a related commentary.

"It's a huge gap, obviously, because most of the world's population is not of European ancestry," Denny said.

Recent studies have already shown how genetic diversity can impact disease risk. Variants in the APOL1 gene discovered in 2010 help account for 70% of the increased risk for chronic kidney disease and dialysis seen in people in the U.S. with sub-Saharan African ancestry.

Likewise, a class of drugs called PCSK9 inhibitors that dramatically lower very high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - the so-called bad cholesterol - were discovered by sequencing the genetic code of 5,000 people in Dallas of African ancestry.

Much more work is needed to understand how the new trove of genetic variants contributes to various health conditions, but the scientists believe they could be used to refine tools used to calculate a person's risk for disease.

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The Shaw Centre for Paediatric Excellence has made its first donation of equipment to the Paediatrics Department at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. 

The 24 pieces of equipment valued at approximately $170,000 were officially handed over on Thursday by SCPE Barbados Director, Dr Clyde Cave to Consultant and Head of the QEH Pediatrics Department, Dr Angela Jennings. 

The QEH says this support from the Shaw Centre will assist efforts to improve the level of care provided for young patients and is another step in the partnership where the hospital is the recipient of medical support on several levels. 

Dr Cave, an honorary consultant and leading pediatrician said, “the journey is one toward excellence and the actual physical equipment is only one station along the way”. 

Giving her take on the donation, Dr Jennings explains the new equipment is a significant advancement and improvement and will go a long way to improving the level of care offered to children on the Pediatric ward. 

She’s also appealing to corporate Barbados to initiate more public-private sector partnerships to help address some of the hospital’s other critical needs. 

The donation includes infant scales, digital health-o-meters, measuring mats, medical carts, patient monitors and examination tables. 

Some of the successes of the SCPE programme to date include: 

• Specialist training of some 40 local nurses to be redeployed at the QEH and across Barbados’ health-care system.

• Four physicians trained in targeted, high-need paediatric subspecialties.

• The completion of six international observerships in quality improvement.

This donation is the first of many expected in the coming months, as the Shaw Centre for Paediatric Excellence continues to partner with provide support to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

(PR)

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On Monday, February 19, the team from the Vector Control Unit will visit a number of districts in St Andrew. They are Corbin’s Road, Lakes Road, Farrell Road, Isolation Road, Jordan Road, Franklin Doughlin Road, Babylon Road, Walkers, Bawden’s Road, and environs.

The following areas in St Peter will be fogged on Tuesday, February 20: French Village, Mount Brevitor, West Ring Road, Vuemont, Bow Drive, Inner Circle, Mile- and- a- Quarter, and surrounding districts.

On Wednesday, February 21, the St Peter districts of Maynard’s Road, Maynard’s Housing Area, Leslie Gardens, Carpenter’s Circle, Rose Hill, and environs will be sprayed.

The team will target the St Lucy districts of Trent’s Road, Hannays Road, Swampy Town, Hope Bridge Road, and neighbouring areas on Thursday, February 22.

Fogging will conclude for the week on Friday, February 23, in St Thomas in White Hall Road, Country View, Hill View Drive, and environs.

Fogging takes place from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. daily. Householders are reminded to open their windows and doors to allow the spray to enter. Children should not be allowed to play in the spray.

Members of the public are advised that the completion of scheduled fogging activities may be affected by events beyond the Unit’s control. In such circumstances, it will return to communities affected in the soonest possible time.

(PR)

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The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has now acquired modern equipment that can use ultrasonic energy to break up large and complex kidney stones without the need for open surgery, the health care institution said. The GPHC said so far more than 20 persons have benefitted from the state-of-the art Swiss Lithoclas Master ultrasonic lithotripter ...

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be common, but it’s also sometimes hard to spot.

ADHD is usually first diagnosed in childhood and is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Symptoms of ADHD in kids can include trouble paying attention, difficulty controlling impulsive behaviors and displaying periods of hyperactivity.

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But how these symptoms show up in boys versus girls, and eventually in men versus women, can make a big difference in diagnosis.

Sabrina Nasta, a licensed mental health counselor with Grow Therapy in Orange Park, Florida, told Fox News Digital that ADHD can show up in three different ways: through inattention, hyperactivity and a combination of the two.

In women, ADHD most commonly manifests as inattention, which includes an inability to pay attention, distractibility and lack of compliance, according to Nasta.

In men, ADHD occurs in a hyperactive way, causing issues with sitting still or wanting to be constantly "doing something," said the expert.

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McCall Letterle, head of U.S. commercial operations for ADHD assessment company Qbtech, also commented on these differences in a conversation with Fox News Digital.

Athough many of the symptoms, including hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity, are the same, it’s how the symptoms "manifest themselves" that causes a variation between males and females, the Atlanta-based expert noted.

A struggle with discipline seems to be a commonality of ADHD in men and women based on their lifestyle and age, Nasta added.

In young boys, for example, ADHD shows up as "unnecessary" hyperactive energy; they "don’t have the capacity to not do anything," the expert said.

In girls, the same inattentiveness may arise, but it's most likely internalized.

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"They may be sitting in the classroom, they may be sitting still, but they're not paying attention," Nasta said.

"It's tough because for a girl, it looks like they're rebelling or being disobedient, [but] for a boy, [it seems that] they're just being ridiculous and hyper."

The differences in ADHD presentation have led to a "massive amount of underdiagnosed women," according to Letterle.

"This [disorder] was first researched in males, and the criteria developed around symptoms most commonly seen in boys," she told Fox News Digital. 

"These are also the most overtly obvious symptoms — like hyperactivity, inability to sit still, disruption and difficulty focusing, often in the classroom — that lead to associated behavioral issues," Letterle added.

While some women do experience these hyperactive symptoms, they are not the most prevalent symptoms and they look different when they do occur, according to Letterle.

"Women tend to exhibit symptoms that are more internalized," she said. 

"For instance, their inattention is much harder to recognize than boys, as it can be displayed as daydreaming or inward distraction."

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Letterle pointed out the "external fallout" of these ADHD symptoms in girls — which results in "high rates of anxiety" due to missed information at school.

In many cases, girls have to work twice as hard to retain information and meet academic standards as their peers, and they experience low levels of confidence stemming from these difficulties, she added.

"That is subjectively a lot harder to identify than distracted boys, who are poking the individual next to them as they struggle to maintain focus."

These variants lead to a "massive difference in diagnostic rates" between young girls and boys, Letterle said.

Boys are often diagnosed and treated faster than girls because their symptoms are easier to identify, she added.

One of the best ways to cope with ADHD is to educate yourself, or your child, on the best way to function in different environments, said Nasta.

Some of the strategies she recommended include practicing mindfulness and self-awareness, and coming up with the best game plan in any given situation.

Stress management is another great coping tool, especially for boys, added Nasta.

For kids, stress management can mean participating in leisure activities or hobbies like playing video games or hanging out with friends.

"It's about allowing them to let that energy go in a more supportive way," Nasta said.

EAR INFECTIONS IN YOUNG CHILDREN COULD LEAD TO DELAYED SPEECH, STUDY FINDS

ADHD in boys and girls can be difficult for caretakers — parents, guardians and even teachers — to identify when they lack the "appropriate tools" to make "more accurate referrals," Letterle noted.

To overcome that challenge, Nasta encouraged caretakers to "listen more."

"If you’re really paying attention and your kid’s trying, this could be a neurological or neurodevelopmental concern versus them just struggling with emotions," she said.

It might be helpful for parents to "be more curious" and ask their children questions about their feelings when they are overwhelmed, Nasta suggested.

"What do you experience when you're overwhelmed? Are you able to focus or pay attention to your teacher? Do you notice what your thoughts are doing?" she listed as example questions.

"If it sounds really concerning and intrusive, I would say that's the point of … seeing a professional."

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Early ADHD intervention is "critical for reducing suicide rates, job instability and substance abuse in those left untreated," Letterle said.

"The diagnostic process has been left largely to subjective rating scales, creating a desperate need for clinicians to start adopting a more data-driven approach to symptom measurement," she added.

"Objective data compares performance in the three core symptom areas against age- and sex-matched controls without ADHD — meaning women are compared to other women to improve the ability to accurately identify their diagnosis," the expert said.

While the term "ADHD" is often tossed around to describe when someone is feeling unfocused, Nasta listed a few warning signs that could point to an actual diagnosis.

The expert said to monitor daily responsibilities such as hygiene, finances, academics and even basic social skills such as listening and communication.

"If you notice impairments and deficits in any of those, I would say that would be the time to talk to somebody," she advised.

For people who are unsure of their symptoms, Letterle recommended seeking out a provider who uses objective data in a comprehensive evaluation.

"[This] would help to better ensure not only a more accurate diagnosis, but also one that helps eliminate the bias that often leads to high rates of underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis in women," she said.

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Santo Domingo.- Addressing the need for specialized personnel, medical infrastructure, and state-of-the-art technology in Eastern Santo Domingo, with a population of more than one million two hundred thousand people, the region will have access to high-quality healthcare services under international standards for the first time, thanks to the opening of Médico Express San Isidro in the second quarter of 2024.

Its implementation will create over two hundred direct and four hundred indirect jobs in 8,500 square meters (about the area of a Manhattan city block) of construction. It will spread across four levels, nineteen consulting rooms, and two intelligent operating rooms that integrate protocolized and humane care with nature, creating a flexible and optimal therapeutic environment.

In May 2022, President Luis Abinader, alongside the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, led the groundbreaking ceremony of Médico Express with investors and cofounders, Dr. Alejandro Cambiaso, CEO, and Francesco Fino, VP of Sales, unveiling its disruptive and accessible model that represents a paradigm shift in the construction, operation, and provision of healthcare services in the country.

Dr. Cambiaso emphasized that this initiative marks the initial step towards establishing a modern network of ambulatory healthcare centers distributed across diverse regions of the national geography. The project boasts an investment of over one billion pesos and financial support from the Closed Fund for Development of Companies – Advanced Investment Opportunities (FCDS AOI), managed by Advanced Asset Management, Lazul Inversiones, and Banco de Desarrollo y Exportaciones (BANDEX).

Medico Express complies with the local habilitation standards of the Ministry of Public Health and under The American Institute of Architects (AIA) standards, with significant local and international strategic alliances aimed at strengthening Dominican medical tourism.

This new healthcare services proposal is born under the concept of ambulatory clinical and surgical assistance centers, with emergency services, advanced diagnostic imaging with artificial intelligence, clinical laboratory, cardiology department, pediatrics, gynecology, preventive medicine, dentistry, women’s clinic, modern ophthalmology and gastroenterology units, an international department, and significant medical specialties.

Technology and innovation in service

Médico Express San Isidro will be a pioneer Eastern Santo Domingo in multiple technologies and procedures. To facilitate access to the center and continuity of care, it will have a mobile application for scheduling appointments and viewing results, along with telemedicine and software that will integrate electronic medical records, images, and administrative modules.

Strategic location

The proximity of Médico Express San Isidro to Las Américas International Airport and the port of Santo Domingo, positions the healthcare center as a strategic access point to meet the demand for medical services in the area, the community of Dominicans residing outside the country, Caribbean islands, and cruise ship passengers. The center will accept local medical insurance plans, including primary coverage and major international and traveler insurance plans.

Santo Domingo.- Ophthalmologist Judith Portorreal, specializing in keratoconus, dry eye, and contact lenses, has issued a warning about potential visual issues arising from temperature changes in the Dominican Republic.

The expert emphasized that the ongoing cold front and increased wind in the country are contributing to a rise in allergies and dry eyes among the population.

“We are witnessing an increase in the proliferation of mites and mold inside homes, leading to allergy symptoms. Simultaneously, outdoor exposure brings particles of dust, pollen, fungi, and bacteria carried by the wind, irritating the eyes and promoting tear evaporation, leading to infections,” she explained.

Portorreal highlighted that individuals experiencing rhinitis, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and itchy eyes are likely undergoing an episode of eye allergy. She pointed out that if the eyes also feel burning, as if there is dirt, and appear red, it indicates a combination of allergy and dry eyes.

Moreover, the ophthalmologist noted that allergies can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, and conversely, dry eye can worsen allergy symptoms.

To mitigate these issues, the expert recommended wearing sunglasses outdoors for protection, frequent face washing, the use of artificial tears, and, if problems persist, seeking consultation with an ophthalmologist.

San Francisco de Macorís, DR.- The “More Health, More Life Expectancy” program was officially launched in an event led by the Vice President and Health Cabinet Coordinator, Raquel Peña. This initiative, supported by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), is part of the HEARTS Strategy, focusing on enhancing Primary Care for preventing and managing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes within the Public Health Care Units (UNAP).

The program’s primary objective is to ensure the free distribution of essential medications, following clinical guidelines for hypertension and diabetes, to individuals over 45 years of age. This includes those under the subsidized regime, as well as pensioners and retirees.

Vice President Raquel Peña emphasized that the program will harness the collective efforts of the entities within the Health Cabinet to ensure timely and free treatment for individuals with hypertension and diabetes. The initiative aims to address non-communicable diseases that impact life expectancy and promote healthier living.

Additionally, the program seeks to alleviate the financial burden on underprivileged families facing the challenges of these diseases. Vice President Peña expressed her dismay at families having to beg for medicine and stated that the program marks the end of such hardships with the commencement of free medication distribution.

Minister of Health, Víctor Atallah, highlighted that the program signals the beginning of a nationwide health improvement initiative, starting from the Duarte province. He emphasized the significance of addressing diabetes and hypertension, the two diseases that most affect health in the country, and commended the progress made with the implementation of the “More Health, More Life Expectancy” program.

Minister Atallah urged medical professionals to embrace the program, undergo training, and adhere to care protocols. He also encouraged patients to obtain their medications and follow their treatment diligently. The minister expressed gratitude for the efforts of PAHO in supporting this crucial healthcare initiative.

“Paying attention to our daily intake of starchy foods is pivotal in managing our blood sugar levels”

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