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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.

The U.S. Senate's Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee is investigating the role of private-equity firms in managing hospital emergency departments amid concerns about patient safety and care. With over 40 emergency physicians expressing worries about aggressive practices, the inquiry aims to assess potential harm caused by cost-saving measures and anti-competitive activities implemented by these firms.

Civil rights and medical groups are suing the FDA over its delay in banning menthol cigarettes, alleging that the agency prioritizes profits over public health. Despite the FDA recognizing the necessity of the ban and sending a proposed rule to the White House, delays have persisted, prompting legal action from advocacy organizations concerned about the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities.

Johnson & Johnson has announced a $13 billion acquisition of Shockwave Medical, a company specializing in technology to clear clogged arteries. Utilizing intravascular lithotripsy technology, Shockwave's approach involves sonic pressure waves to treat coronary artery and peripheral artery disease, with J&J aiming to expand its presence in the cardiovascular medical device market.

Several members of the FDA advisory committee tasked with assessing Abbott's TriClip cardiac device had financial ties to the company, with some receiving payments totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. Despite the lack of disclosure by the FDA regarding these financial relationships, the panel voted almost unanimously in favor of the device, raising concerns about transparency and potential biases in the regulatory process. While the FDA maintains that it followed appropriate procedures, critics argue that the payments should have been disclosed to ensure the integrity of the review process.

New data from federal health officials indicates a surprising 6% decline in new hepatitis C infections in the US in 2022, marking a potential shift after over a decade of steady increases. While experts are cautiously optimistic about this development, they are uncertain whether it signals a genuine downward trend or simply a temporary fluctuation. The decline appears to be driven by successful prevention efforts, increased access to needle exchange programs, and a shift in drug consumption habits among users, potentially reducing opportunities for the spread of the virus.

The rise of sports gambling facilitated by smartphone apps and pervasive advertising has led to a concerning increase in problematic gambling behavior across the United States. Experts note a surge in calls to problem gambling helplines, with callers reporting more severe circumstances, such as bankruptcy, loss of homes, and strained relationships. Notably, younger demographics, particularly men in their 20s and 30s, are increasingly represented among those seeking help.

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently made a groundbreaking move by green-lighting Rejoyn, the first prescription therapy app designed as an adjunct treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Marketed by Otsuka America and Click Therapeutics, Rejoyn offers a unique blend of emotional training exercises, therapeutic lessons, and interactive messaging to complement traditional antidepressant treatments. This article delves into the nuances of Rejoyn, examining its role in modern therapy and its potential impact on mental health care.

The history of the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus, commonly known as bird flu, traces back to its first detection in 1996 among birds in China. Subsequently, in 1997, an outbreak in Hong Kong led to human infections, highlighting its potential to transmit from birds to humans. Since then, the virus has periodically emerged, with recent outbreaks in the United States causing significant impact on both wild bird populations and commercial poultry supply.

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Is There a Doctor in the House?

A case-control study is conducted to assess risk factors predicting inpatient mortality among geriatric patients with community-acquired pneumonia. Results of the study include the odds ratios shown below, which were calculated from a multivariable logistic regression equation:



When the other covariates are controlled, which of the following is the most appropriate conclusion regarding these data?

A study conducted by researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, using data from 23andMe, Inc., identified genetic variants associated with alcohol behaviors and their links to various health outcomes. While certain alleles showed protection against excessive drinking and alcohol use disorder, they also correlated with increased risks for conditions like tobacco use, Graves' disease, and specific cancers.

A large study involving over 400,000 men aged 50-69 found that a single invitation for a PSA blood test had a small impact on reducing prostate cancer deaths but also led to overdiagnosis and missed detection of aggressive cancers. The results indicate that about 1 in 6 cancers detected through the screening were overdiagnosed, highlighting the potential harms of PSA testing for early detection. While prostate cancer is a significant cause of mortality in the UK, the study suggests that the benefits of PSA screening may not outweigh its risks, emphasizing the need for more accurate detection methods and cautious approach to screening.

The human brain's ability to regulate emotions is crucial for navigating daily life, impacting not only how we feel but also our behavior and decision-making. A Dartmouth-led study identified specific brain regions involved in emotion regulation, providing insight into potential clinical applications such as brain stimulation to enhance regulation. Additionally, the study linked neurotransmitter systems like cannabinoids, opioids, and serotonin to emotion regulation, shedding light on the potential effects of drugs on mental health and the importance of integrated therapeutic approaches.

A recent 16-week study involving 204 adult epilepsy patients revealed that structured seizure action plans (SAPs) were highly valued by participants, with 98% believing that all epilepsy patients should have one. Despite this, healthcare providers often neglect to discuss SAPs with their patients. Led by researchers from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine, the study emphasized the importance of standardized SAPs in helping adults with epilepsy manage seizures safely.

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 A) "The risk for inpatient mortality is greater for patients with hypotension than for those without hypotension"

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