Low-dose CT chest scans could help detect pneumonia in at-risk patients while exposing them to only small amounts of radiation, a new study has found. The research, published in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging, shows that ultra-low-dose scans can effectively detect pneumonia in patients with compromised immune systems, enabling doctors to treat the infection before it becomes life-threatening. According to the researchers, these scans expose patients to just 2% of the radiation dose used in a standard CT scan.

"This study paves the way for safer, AI-driven imaging that reduces radiation exposure while preserving diagnostic accuracy,” lead researcher Dr Maximiliano Klug, a radiologist with the Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel, said in a news release. He added that CT scans are the gold standard for detecting pneumonia but there are concerns regarding the risk posed by repeated exposure to radiation. There is a solution- ultra-low-dose CT scan. However, the problem is that these scans can be grainy and hard to read, researchers said.

Study Gives Solution To This

To overcome that, Klug's team developed an AI program that could help "de-noise" low-dose scans, making them sharper and easier to read. Between September 2020 and December 2022, 54 patients with compromised immune systems who had fevers underwent a pair of chest CT scans -- a normal dose scan and an ultra-low-dose scan. The AI program cleaned up the low-dose scan, and then both sets of images were given to a pair of radiologists for assessment. Radiologists had 100% accuracy in detecting pneumonia and other lung problems with the AI-cleaned low-dose scans, but 91% to 98% accuracy in examining the scans that hadn’t been improved through AI, results show.

"This pilot study identified infection with a fraction of the radiation dose," Klug said. "This approach could drive larger studies and ultimately reshape clinical guidelines, making denoised ultra-low dose CT the new standard for young immunocompromised patients.

How Can You Detect Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes the air sacs in the lungs to fill with fluid or pus and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The symptoms can range from milk to severe, which includes:

Coughing with or without cough

Fever

Chills

Trouble breathing

Chest pain, especially when breathing deeply or coughing

Sweating or chills

Rapid heart rate

Loss of appetite

Bluish skin, lips, and nails

Confusion.

How to detect Pneumonia in coughing newborns and toddlers?

Pneumonia can severely affect newborns and young children as their lungs are comparatively more sensitive. As per Dr Goyal, young children can cough for various reasons including seasonal infections and tonsillitis, which is very common in this age group. But if they look visibly irritable and have poor sleep patterns, then parents must reach out to an expert. "I am not saying that parents must visit a hospital but any local paediatrician would be able to detect pneumonia in your kid.

As many as 125 doctors, nurses and public health professionals are contesting the November 3 US midterm elections, marking an unprecedented level of participation by healthcare professionals in electoral politics, according to a media report.

Among the prominent candidates are Dr Amy Acton, Dr Abdul El-Sayed and former US Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra.

Many of these candidates entered the political spotlight during or after the COVID-19 pandemic. They are now seeking elected office to influence public health funding, vaccination policies, healthcare access, and the Trump administration’s approach to science and medical research.

“I haven’t seen anything exactly like this before,” historian Dr Kristoffer Shields, director of the Eagleton Center on the American Governor at Rutgers University, told CNN. “The link between science and politics has always been sort of weak.”

A separate review by Becker’s Hospital Review identified at least 58 physicians, nurses and other clinicians running for governor or Congress. The group includes 29 physicians, 16 nurses, four pharmacists, four dentists and five other healthcare professionals. Of these, 46 are contesting House seats, eight are running for the Senate and four are seeking governorships.

Few Healthcare Professionals In US Congress

Healthcare professionals currently remain a small minority in American politics. The US Senate has four doctors, all Republicans: John Barrasso of Wyoming, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Roger Marshall of Kansas and Rand Paul of Kentucky.

The House of Representatives includes 17 physicians, four dentists, two pharmacists, one nurse practitioner, one optometrist and one rehabilitation therapist.

Also read: EXCLUSIVE: Ex-CDC Vaccine Advisor Says Measles Outbreak Bigger Than Reported, Slams RFK Jr’s ‘No-See Evil’ Approach

Concerns Over Science and Public Health

Concerns about the Trump administration’s approach to science and public health have become a key reason for healthcare professionals to seek political office.

Other important concerns include the dismissal of federal doctors and scientists, cuts to research funding, removal of government datasets and public health websites, and changes affecting measures such as water fluoridation and childhood vaccination.

“Our country should be great. Our country should be pro-science, pro-innovation, and science keeps us safe. It protects us. It leads to wonderful discoveries, and this administration has completely burned all of that down,” Dr Kristin Hook, a former staffer at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the US Government Accountability Office, told CNN.

Hook, who lost her 2024 bid as a Democrat for Texas’ 21st Congressional District, is contesting the same seat again this year.

Becerra, contesting the California gubernatorial election against Republican candidate Steve Hilton, warned that weakening public health institutions could make the country more vulnerable to natural disasters and pandemics.

“HHS is not a place for science deniers or science skeptics. Why would you get rid of some of our best scientists and doctors and health professionals?” he told CNN.

Read More: CDC Survey Shows Nearly 3 In 4 American Adults Are Tired: Who Is Most Affected?

How COVID-19 Changed Health and Politics Equation

The COVID-19 pandemic brought public health officials into the political spotlight, as decisions on restrictions, vaccines and other health measures became subjects of intense public debate.

Some officials also faced threats and harassment, while others left their positions, prompting healthcare professionals to consider a more direct role in policymaking.

People who are battling anxiety may not be able to access anti-anxiety sold by Whole Foods, a popular brand in the United States. 365 Whole Foods Market Standardized + Full Spectrum Blend Ashwagandha Capsules by Vitality Works were voluntarily recalled recently over possible Salmonella contamination.

According to the Food & Drug Administration, manufacturers found the contamination during routine testing. The potentially contaminated drug has been on shelves since October 20 and will be available for purchase until November 24. Here is everything you need to know about the recall:

Which Product is Affected?

Ashwagandha is a popular herbal supplement widely used to help the body manage stress and anxiety.

The recall affects a specific batch of 365 Whole Foods Market Standardized + Full Spectrum Blend Ashwagandha Capsules (120-count size). The pills are sold on Amazon and at Whole Foods outlets. No illnesses have been reported due to the recalled pill so far.

To see if your bottle is part of the recall, check the bottom of the white plastic container for these specific details:

• Brand: 365 Whole Foods Market
• Product: Standardized + Full Spectrum Blend Ashwagandha Capsules, 120-count
• Lot Number: 2025-26227
• Expiration Date: 10/13/2028
• UPC: 9948252099

Also read: US FDA Recalls Thousands Of Blood Pressure Drugs Over Excess Drug Levels, Failed Quality Tests

Is Salmonella Dangerous?

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause a foodborne illness called salmonellosis. While it is most commonly linked to contaminated foods like poultry, eggs, or unpasteurized milk, it can occasionally turn up in dry goods and medicines if raw ingredients are exposed to the bacteria during harvesting or processing.

When someone ingests salmonella, the bacteria irritate the lining of the intestines. Symptoms usually show up anywhere from six hours to six days after exposure. Salmonella infection may cause:

• Diarrhea (which can sometimes be bloody)
• Fever
• Stomach cramps and abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting

Most healthy people recover within a week without any medical treatment. However, the infection can be much more severe and occasionally dangerous for young children, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

The bacteria can occasionally enter the bloodstream and cause more severe infections. The CDC has warned that the actual number of infections may be higher than reported because some people recover without seeking medical care or getting tested.

Also read: Amgen & AstraZeneca's New Treatment Combination Cuts Advanced Lung Cancer Death Risk By 58% In Trial

What Should Consumers Do?

If you have a bottle of these ashwagandha capsules, take a quick look at the lot number. It is recommended to stop taking them immediately if they match the batch number that was recalled.

You could bring it back to the seller and get a refund by bringing your receipt. You could also discard the product safely in the trash if the seller does not accept returns.

If you have already taken these capsules and are feeling healthy, do not panic. Keep monitoring yourself for symptoms of infection. However, if you develop a sudden and persistent fever, severe stomach pain, or signs of a stomach bug in the days after ingesting the capsules, reach out to your healthcare provider.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced nationwide recalls of two blood pressure medications over concerns about excess drug levels and manufacturing quality failures.

The recalls involve combination medications prescribed to manage hypertension. The FDA cited concerns that one medication may contain more of an active ingredient than specified, while the other failed quality tests that assess how quickly the drug dissolves in the body.

Which Blood Pressure Medications Have Been Recalled?

Also read: US FDA Recalls India-Made BP Drug For The Second Time In 3 Months: Here's Why

1. Viatris blood pressure medication: 21,620 bottles recalled

The FDA has announced a Class III recall of Viatris Inc.'s combination telmisartan and amlodipine tablets because they may contain more telmisartan than specified.

The Class III recall means the use of the affected product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.

The FDA did not specify how much additional telmisartan the tablets may contain. However, the National Library of Medicine warns that an overdose of this medication could cause low blood pressure, dizziness or a rapid heart rate.

In total, 21,620 bottles of the medication have been recalled.

The recall covers 30-count bottles of telmisartan and amlodipine tablets (40 mg/5 mg) with the following lot codes:

• Lots 3228113, 3228114 and 3228115, with an expiration date of October 31.
• Lots 3228120 and 3228121, with an expiration date of November 30.

2. Macleods Pharmaceuticals blood pressure medication: 3,744 bottles recalled

The FDA has also recalled 3,744 bottles of another combination blood pressure medication manufactured by Macleods Pharmaceuticals.

The company first initiated the recall on October 7 over "failed dissolution specifications." This means the medication may not release its active ingredients at the required rate after being taken.

If a drug does not dissolve properly, its active ingredients may not be absorbed as intended, potentially affecting its effectiveness. In this case, the medication may not lower blood pressure as expected.

On October 26, the FDA classified the recall as Class II. This means using the affected product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, although serious health problems are unlikely.

The recall covers:

• Olmesartan Medoxomil, Amlodipine and Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets (40 mg/10 mg/12.5 mg), 30-count: 3,528 bottles; NDC 33342-246-07; lot number 12251163A; expiration date May 31, 2027.
• Olmesartan Medoxomil, Amlodipine and Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets (40 mg/10 mg/12.5 mg), 90-count: 216 bottles; NDC 33342-246-10; lot number 12251163B; expiration date May 31, 2027.

Read More: Mounjaro, Zepbound Ingredient Recalled In US Over Sterility Concerns

What Should You Do If You Have The Recalled Medication?

The FDA advises patients not to stop taking their medication without consulting their healthcare provider, as abruptly discontinuing blood pressure treatment may pose additional health risks.

If you have any of the affected products, contact your doctor or pharmacist for guidance on whether you should continue taking them or switch to an alternative.

For the Macleods Pharmaceuticals medication, the FDA did not issue a separate news release. Its enforcement report states that letters were sent to notify businesses and individuals who may have the affected products.

Patients should consult their healthcare provider before making any changes to their medication routine.