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Dr. Ashish Jha, the White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator, has announced his plans to step down from his position. Jha has been instrumental in leading the nation's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has provided guidance on various public health measures, vaccine distribution, and testing strategies. He played a key role in the Biden administration's efforts to combat the virus and increase vaccination rates. Jha's departure comes as the country continues to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, but the White House has expressed confidence in the ongoing efforts to address COVID-19 under new leadership

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that it will allow the importation of cisplatin, a critical cancer drug, from China to address the ongoing shortage in the United States. Cisplatin is commonly used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including lung, ovarian, and testicular cancer. The shortage of this medication has caused concerns among healthcare providers and patients. By allowing imports from China, the FDA aims to alleviate the shortage and ensure that patients have access to this essential treatment.

Pharmaceutical company Merck has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, seeking to halt a new policy that allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices. The policy, part of President Biden's efforts to lower prescription drug costs, empowers Medicare to negotiate prices for certain drugs, including expensive specialty drugs. Merck argues that the policy exceeds the government's authority and undermines the patent system. The lawsuit raises concerns about the potential impact on drug pricing and the balance between innovation and affordability in the pharmaceutical industry. The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for drug pricing policies in the United States.

According to a new study, widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) could potentially save nearly 90,000 lives over the next decade in the United States. The research suggests that the reduction in air pollution resulting from the use of EVs instead of conventional gasoline-powered vehicles could have significant health benefits. The study estimates that by 2030, EVs could prevent thousands of premature deaths related to air pollution, as well as reduce the number of asthma cases and other health issues. The findings highlight the potential positive impact of transitioning to electric transportation on public health and the environment.

Puerto Rico is grappling with a dangerous situation as it experiences record-breaking heat. The island has been enduring a heatwave that has brought soaring temperatures and high humidity levels, posing significant health risks to residents. The extreme heat can lead to heat-related illnesses, dehydration, and exacerbate existing health conditions. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, are particularly at risk. Authorities are urging residents to take precautions, such as staying hydrated, seeking shade, and avoiding strenuous activities during peak heat hours. The situation highlights the importance of preparedness and climate resilience in the face of increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves.

'Unabomber' Ted Kaczynski found dead in his prison cell

Ted Kaczynski, also known as the Unabomber, was found dead in his prison cell at the age of 80. Kaczynski was a domestic terrorist who carried out a series of bombings targeting universities, airlines, and other institutions over a 17-year period resulting in three deaths and numerous injuries. He was arrested in 1996 and later sentenced to life in prison without parole.

• His motive was rooted in his anti-technology and anti-industrialization beliefs, which he outlined in a manifesto titled "Industrial Society and Its Future" or the "Unabomber Manifesto.” The bombings caused multiple deaths and injuries, as well as widespread fear and confusion. Kaczynski's actions came to an end in 1996 when his manifesto was published in major newspapers at the request of the FBI. His own brother recognized his writing style and alerted authorities, leading to his arrest in a remote cabin in Montana.
  
  
• Kaczynski's case remains infamous as one of the most high-profile instances of domestic terrorism in the United States. His case continues to be a significant part of criminal and psychological studies. During his own trial, he requested to fire his own attorneys in order to represent himself, with the basis of his defense founded on his belief that technology was destroying humanity. As part of his psychiatric evaluation, it was determined that he was mentally competent to defend himself, but he was also diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic.

Ted Kaczynski, the man known as the “Unabomber,” wrote: “I often had fantasies of killing the kind of people I hated — i.e., government officials, police, computer scientists, the rowdy type of college students who left their beer cans in the arboretum, etc.”

Panic attacks can be debilitating episodes of fear and anxiety that significantly impact a person’s well-being and daily functioning. As our knowledge of panic attacks continues to evolve, new developments have emerged in understanding their causes, identifying symptoms, and offering effective treatment options. In this blog post, we will explore the latest developments in panic attacks based on insightful articles, providing comprehensive information on recognizing, coping with, and treating panic attacks.

Wildfire smoke envelops the Northeast United States in a hazy and apocalyptic hue

This week MorningMed will use this segment as an educational opportunity for our friends in the Northeast battling the waves of wildfire smoke impacting their homes. Below, we will highlight several helpful articles that focus on the dangers surrounding this wildfire smoke exposure, and how to best protect yourself and loved ones from this threat.

Key takeaways

• Air quality alerts are issued when the air pollution levels in a specific area pose a risk to public health. These alerts are particularly important for individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other lung diseases. Symptoms of exposure to poor air quality can vary but commonly include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Prolonged exposure to polluted air can lead to more severe health complications, such as increased respiratory infections, worsened asthma symptoms, and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
  
  
• To mitigate the health risks associated with wildfire smoke, experts recommend staying indoors with windows and doors closed, using air purifiers, avoiding outdoor activities, and wearing N95 masks when necessary. It is also advised to monitor air quality alerts and follow local health department guidelines. Additionally, individuals with pre-existing health conditions should consult with their healthcare providers for personalized guidance and management of their symptoms during periods of heightened wildfire smoke.
  
  
• During periods of wildfire smoke, it's important to consider the safety and well-being of pets as well. Pets, just like humans, can be affected by poor air quality caused by wildfires. Smoke exposure can lead to respiratory issues, eye irritation, and other health problems in pets. To protect pets from wildfire smoke, experts recommend keeping them indoors and creating a clean indoor environment with proper ventilation. It's also advised to avoid exposing pets to outdoor activities, such as walks or playtime, in areas with compromised air quality. If necessary, consult with a veterinarian for additional guidance and support in managing your pet's health during wildfire events.
  
  
• When air quality is poor outside due to factors such as pollution or wildfire smoke, it raises concerns about the safety of outdoor exercise and physical activity. Exercising in poor air quality can have negative effects on the respiratory system and overall health. It is generally recommended to avoid vigorous outdoor activities during times of poor air quality. Instead, consider alternative options such as indoor workouts, exercising in well-ventilated areas, or modifying the intensity and duration of outdoor activities to reduce exposure.

Is There a Doctor in the House?

A 57-year-old woman comes to the office for a preoperative evaluation 2 weeks before undergoing scheduled laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Medical history is otherwise unremarkable, and the patient takes no medications. Family history is significant for stable angina in her father and rheumatoid arthritis in her mother. The patient has a 102-year-old grandmother who resides in a nursing care facility and has Parkinson disease. The patient does not smoke cigarettes or drink alcoholic beverages. During the interview, her face is expressionless. She has a flexed posture and is unable to open her mouth wide. She is 173 cm (5 ft 8 in) tall and weighs 81 kg (179 lb); BMI is 27 kg/m2. Vital signs are normal. Physical examination discloses thickening and hardening of the skin over the dorsum of the hands and forearms, as well as mild kyphosis. Strength testing shows no abnormalities; muscle tension is normal. Passive and active range of motion of the upper extremities is full. Gait is slow and deliberate. The remainder of the physical examination discloses no abnormalities.

Prior to surgery, further evaluation is indicated for which of the following conditions in this patient?

A large trial conducted by AstraZeneca has found that a new pill developed by the pharmaceutical company could cut lung cancer deaths in half. The pill, called Tagrisso, targets a specific genetic mutation known as EGFR, which is commonly found in lung cancer patients. The trial involved over 1,200 patients and showed that those who took Tagrisso had a significantly lower risk of death compared to those who received standard chemotherapy. The results are promising and suggest a potential breakthrough in the treatment of lung cancer, especially for patients with the EGFR mutation.

A groundbreaking heart transplant procedure has been performed using a technique called donation after circulatory death (DCD). The procedure involves transplanting a heart from a donor who experienced circulatory death, where the heart stops beating, as opposed to the traditional method of using hearts from brain-dead donors. The DCD heart transplant was successfully carried out on a patient in a major medical center in the United States. This technique has the potential to expand the pool of available donor hearts and address the shortage of organs for transplantation.

A new study suggests that taurine, an amino acid commonly found in energy drinks, may have potential anti-aging effects. The research conducted on worms found that taurine supplementation could extend the lifespan and improve overall healthspan. Taurine was found to activate a protein called AMPK, which plays a role in regulating cellular energy production and metabolism. The study also suggests that taurine obtained from dietary sources, such as protein-rich foods like meat and fish, may have similar benefits.

A small study has found promising results for a new drug that could help with marijuana addiction. The drug, known as S32212, was tested in a group of frequent marijuana users who were looking to quit. The participants who received the drug reported reduced marijuana use and fewer withdrawal symptoms compared to those who received a placebo. The drug works by blocking the effects of THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, in the brain. While the results are encouraging, larger studies are needed to confirm the drug's effectiveness and safety in treating marijuana addiction.

Thank you for reading! More next week,

My best wishes for a productive and idea-filled week ahead. Thanks for your ongoing efforts to improve the lives of the patients we all serve. Please send any news, comments, suggestions and ideas to hello@morningmed.email.

Quiz answer: The correct answer is D) "Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)"

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