A phone call speaks to all that’s wrong with American medicine. This really resonates with me. Often insurance companies won't approve some expensive therapy unless there is a conversation between the ordering doctor and an doctor on staff with the insurance company. Sometimes these doctors are qualified, but sometimes they have only tangential expertise. Yet they are supposed to be able to judge whether an order is appropriate or not. They call this a "peer to peer" discussion, which must be scheduled and is a pain in the butt. All these hoops you have to jump through to get care for your patient.
––– 良くない–––
A drug called clascoterone, which is already approved as a topical treatment for acne, was shown to regrow hair lost in androgenetic alopecia. It may be approved as Breezula, but currently it is still undergoing testing. The final concentration hasn't been determined, apparently. Perhaps it will be more effective than minoxidil. It is a steroidal anti-androgen, similar to exemestane being a steroidal anti-estrogen. The side-effects haven't been posted for this drug given for male-pattern hair loss. I wouldn't take it if it's like finasteride. Topically, it might be acceptable, though.
––– 凄い –––
Scientists discover first gene proven to directly cause mental illness. It's the GRIN2A gene and variations are linked to early schizophrenia, epilepsy and intellectual disability. Deleterious mutations reduce the function of the NMDA receptor (which is modulated by nitrous oxide). It is thought that supplementation with L-serine – a dietary supplement that activates the NMDA receptor – might mitigate this.
––– 凄い –––
Microsoft is quietly walking back its diversity efforts. Reported by the woke periodical The Verge. Good that Microsoft is emerging from the left-wing fog and will focus on merit and excellence again.
––– 凄い –––
Interesting article on the scents of Chistmas. Cinnamon has always reminded me of my childhood Christmas days.
––– 凄い –––