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MorningMed is the best way to keep up with the world of health and medicine through curated round-ups, useful insights and other practical resources.

A federal study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that individuals taking the diabetes and obesity drugs Ozempic and Wegovy had a lower risk of suicidal thoughts compared to those taking other medications for the same conditions. The study, based on the analysis of electronic medical records from over 1.8 million patients, aims to address concerns raised by anecdotal reports linking the drug semaglutide to thoughts of self-harm, urging further evaluation and longer follow-up periods for patients.

Eli Lilly has introduced a new website, LillyDirect, allowing patients to obtain prescriptions for weight loss drugs through telehealth providers, streamlining access to medications such as Zepbound. While the move aims to enhance accessibility, experts express concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the need for careful oversight of the platform to avoid fragmentation of care and ensure appropriate prescriptions.

The FDA has approved Florida's plan to import prescription drugs from Canada, marking a significant shift in U.S. drug policies and aiming to enhance access to more affordable medications in the state. This move is part of a broader effort to address high prescription drug prices and encourage competition in the pharmaceutical market.

Wearing hearing aids may reduce the risk of early death, according to a study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity journal. The research, based on the data of over 10,000 people, found a 24% lower risk of mortality among regular hearing aid users, highlighting the potential connection between hearing health and overall well-being. Additionally, another study published in JAMA Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery suggests that using hearing aids may also be associated with a lower risk of dementia in individuals with hearing loss.

A variant known as JN.1, which is a descendant of the omicron variant, is now the predominant COVID-19 strain in the United States, accounting for approximately 61.6% of cases, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). JN.1, identified as a "variant of interest" by the World Health Organization, has seen a significant increase from its estimated 3.3% prevalence in mid-November.

In a remarkable medical case, Dr. Rade Tomic, a pulmonologist, and Dr. Ankit Bharat, a thoracic surgeon, both from Northwestern Medicine, discussed a groundbreaking lung transplant procedure.

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In recent years, there have been significant breakthroughs in the field of cardiac imaging, particularly in the context of congenital heart disease (CHD). These advancements have opened up new possibilities for diagnosis, treatment, and management of CHD patients. This article explores the rapid advancements in cardiac imaging technologies, with a special focus on how novel imaging techniques are transforming the care and outcomes for the CHD population.

Professor Martin J. Blaser, a pioneer in human microbiome research, emphasizes that the "microbiome revolution" is just beginning, with ongoing research and clinical trials holding promise for interventions manipulating the microbiome to prevent, slow, or potentially cure major causes of death in the United States. The field has progressed significantly, including breakthroughs such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and Blaser anticipates important advances in microbiome-related therapeutic applications in the next 5-10 years.

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Is There a Doctor in the House?

A 22-year-old man comes to the emergency department because of a 4‑day history of cough productive of green sputum as well as fever, chills, and rigors. He also has had a 3‑day history of progressive shortness of breath; he now has shortness of breath at rest. He was evaluated in an urgent care center 1 day ago and was prescribed azithromycin, but his symptoms have worsened. He is using accessory muscles of respiration. He is diaphoretic and is able to give only one- to two-word answers to questions. Vital signs are temperature 39.1°C (102.3°F), pulse 138/min, respirations 40/min, and blood pressure 103/56 mm Hg. Pulse oximetry on room air shows an oxygen saturation of 80%, and 100% oxygen is administered via nonrebreather face mask. Skin is mottled and there is cyanosis of the fingers and toes. Pupils measure 4 mm in diameter and are reactive to light. Mucous membranes are dry. Auscultation of the lungs discloses bilateral crackles. The remainder of the physical examination discloses no abnormalities. Laboratory studies are ordered; results of arterial blood gas analysis on 100% oxygen via nonrebreather face mask are shown:



Chest x-ray shows bilateral infiltrates with a normal cardiac silhouette and no effusions. Which of the following is the most likely underlying cause of this patient's condition?

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new family of polymers that can kill bacteria without inducing antibiotic resistance. The polymers disrupt the bacterial membrane and may offer a promising solution to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria, addressing a significant threat to public health.

A team of neuroscientists at the University of Tübingen has found that head-direction cells in mice, often referred to as the brain's "internal compass," play a role beyond spatial orientation and navigation. The researchers discovered that these cells in the anterior thalamus respond to sensory stimuli and aroused states, suggesting a possible connection between the internal compass and the formation of episodic memories.

A study tracking sleep quality in individuals during their 30s and 40s reveals that those with more interrupted sleep during this period are more than twice as likely to experience memory and cognitive problems a decade later. The research highlights the potential link between sleep disruptions in midlife and later cognitive decline, emphasizing the importance of addressing sleep quality for long-term cognitive health.

Researchers at the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center have identified a mechanism causing severe gastrointestinal problems with immune-based cancer treatment, particularly colitis. By understanding the underlying cause, they were able to develop an alternative therapy that preserves the anti-tumor effect of immunotherapy while preventing colitis, a significant side effect.

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) "Ventilation-perfusion mismatch and shunt"

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