Volume XVI | Issue 2 | February 2024 | |
HCI's Monthly Review of the Healthcare Industry | |
Robert J. Stilley
President, CEO
HeartCare Imaging, Inc.
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Dear Colleagues –
I have a friend who, when he has a meeting cancel or gets through a task early, says he’s been given the ‘gift of time’. I’m thinking that today, February 29, is kind of the same thing, the gift of an extra 24 hours! The question is what to do with this extra day? We can treat it as just another work day, or we can find a way to make a difference. We can use this extra day as an excuse to reach out to an old friend, check on some clients that we’ve not had a chance to talk to, or just do something for ourselves. What ever it is, let’s not waste this extra day!
Here's an idea for your time: read this great newsletter!
We hope you enjoy this month’s newsletter.
Best Regards,
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Theranostics shows promise in neurooncology
Nuclear medicine has the potential to change the landscape of theranostics in neurooncology, according to a new article published in the February issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine (JNM). With recent advances in techniques to permeate the brain-blood barrier (BBB), the prospect of using radiopharmaceuticals to treat brain tumors, such as meningiomas, gliomas, brain metastases, and pediatric brain tumors, is promising.
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Manufacturers partner to develop radioisotopes used in cancer drugs, clinical trials
Radioisotope manufacturers Eckert & Ziegler and Nucleus RadioPharma have signed a supply agreement to address the increasing demand for Lu-177 and Ac-225. Eckert & Ziegler will serve as the key supplier for both, with Nucleus developing radioisotopes to complement manufacturing needs.
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Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Controls Symptoms and Reduces Medications in Insulinoma Patients
Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is effective for clinical control of symptomatic metastatic insulinomas, according to new research published in the February issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine. In the largest study to date of metastatic insulinoma patients treated with PRRT, more than 80 percent of patients had long-lasting symptom control, and nearly 60 percent were able to reduce the use of other drugs to treat the disease.
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New PET Tracer Detects Inflammatory Arthritis Before Symptoms Appear
A novel PET imaging technique can noninvasively detect active inflammation in the body before clinical symptoms arise, according to research published in the February issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine. Using a PET tracer that binds to proteins present on activated immune cells, the technique produces images of ongoing inflammation throughout the body, such as rheumatoid arthritis. This makes it easier for physicians to correctly diagnose and treat patients.
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Light-powered 3D imaging system guides vascular surgeries without X-ray
Philips has released a first-of-its-kind guidance system to help physicians navigate blood vessels in real-time during catheter based surgeries, without the need for an X-ray. Instead, the aptly named LumiGuide system operates using only light.
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American Society of Echocardiography shares updated expert recommendations on pediatric, neonatal echo
The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) published updated guidelines on pediatric and neonatal echocardiography, updating its prior recommendations on both subjects.
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Even Modest Lp(a) Elevations Bode Poorly for Cardiovascular Health
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), at levels well below currently accepted risk thresholds correlated with increased cardiovascular risk in a large registry study, suggesting a wider patient pool that could benefit from future preventive therapies.
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Could Niacin Actually Induce Heart Disease?
Niacin metabolism was associated with incident major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and may be linked to the pathogenesis of heart disease via inflammatory pathways, researchers said.
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Scientists invent ultra-thin, minimally-invasive pacemaker controlled by light
A team of researchers has developed a wireless device, powered by light, that can be implanted to regulate cardiovascular or neural activity in the body. The feather-light membranes, thinner than a human hair, can be inserted with minimally invasive surgery and contain no moving parts.
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Common hair loss and prostate drug may also cut heart disease risk in men and mice
The drug finasteride, also known as Propecia or Proscar, treats male pattern baldness and enlarged prostate in millions of men worldwide. But a new study suggests the drug may also provide a surprising and life-saving benefit: lowering cholesterol and cutting the overall risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Just 2000 Steps a Day Linked to Reduced Heart Failure Risk
Accelerometer-measured physical activity (PA), whether light, moderate, or vigorous, is associated with lower risk for heart failure (HF) in older women while more sedentary time is associated with higher HF risk in these women, results of a new study suggest.
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Hypertension Before Age 35 Tied to Triple Stroke Risk in Midlife
Black women who develop high blood pressure before age 35 have a threefold increased risk of having a midlife stroke, new observational data suggest. The Black Women’s Health Study, which has followed 59,000 participants in the United States since 1990s, also showed that those who develop hypertension before age 45 have twice the risk of suffering a stroke.
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Cesarean delivery tied to increased CVD complication risks for previously healthy women
Previously healthy women who underwent cesarean delivery had increased short-term risk for CVD complications after delivery, according to data presented at The Pregnancy Meeting.
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Universal CVD Risk Prediction Model Shows Good Performance
A universal cardiovascular disease (CVD) prediction tool performs well in patients with and without atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD), a new study showed, suggesting this model could facilitate transition from primary to secondary prevention by streamlining risk classification.
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There's No Easy Way to Stop Taking Ozempic
Those who go off weight-loss drugs risk regaining weight, but staying on them forever isn’t always a realistic option.
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New data shows asthma medicine may help reduce severe reactions in people with multiple food allergies
A new study finds that the asthma medication Xolair may substantially reduce severe allergic reactions in people who have multiple food allergies and are accidentally exposed to those foods.
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This ALS patient has a brain implant that translates his thoughts to computer commands
Excitement around the potential for BCI technology has mounted over the past year, propelled in part by high-profile support from billionaire Elon Musk via his company Neuralink, as well as the recent publication of several promising studies from other players in the growing field
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FDA warns against smartwatches and rings that claim to measure blood sugar without needles
Smartwatches and rings that claim to measure blood sugar levels for medical purposes without piercing the skin could be dangerous and should be avoided, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned Wednesday.
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Daily Marijuana Use Greatly Raises Odds for Heart Attack, Stroke
Folks who use marijuana have a greater risk of heart attack and stroke, with the odds rising even higher when they partake every day, a new study finds.
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Latest science shows endocrine disrupting chemicals in plastics, pesticides, and other sources pose health threats globally
A report from the world's leading scientific and medical experts on hormone-related health conditions raises new concerns about the profound threats to human health from endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that are ubiquitous in our surroundings and everyday lives.
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Mortality rates of mechanically ventilated patients high in rural intermediate care
Thirty-day mortality among mechanically ventilated patients significantly differed based on rural vs. urban intermediate care.
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Flu continues to rise in some US regions as COVID markers decline
Respiratory virus activity remains high across the United States, with flu activity up, especially in three regions, and COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) markers continuing to drop from high levels, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said today in its latest updates.
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Many Older Adults Don't Receive Palliative Care Before Death
A prognostic tool may facilitate the early identification of older adults in the community who would benefit from palliative care in their final years, new research from Canada suggested.
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The rate of antidepressants prescribed to young people surged during the pandemic
The monthly rate of antidepressants being dispensed to young people increased about 64% more quickly during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a study published Monday in the journal Pediatrics.
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Health Care Industry News | |
Lobby-funded study argues Medicare Advantage rate cuts are worse than CMS expects
MA payment per month per beneficiary could drop by 1% next year if regulators finalize rates as proposed, according to the analysis backed by the Better Medicare Alliance.
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Healthcare jobs go unfilled even as demand for care increases
The industry has played catch-up to get its employment numbers back on track, but facilities remain unable to meet the growing demand for workers.
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UnitedHealth suspects ‘nation-state’ behind Change cyberattack
Pharmacies and providers nationwide are struggling to process prescriptions following the attack.
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Women in healthcare report higher levels of burnout than male colleagues, study finds
Over the past four decades, women working in healthcare have reported significantly higher levels of stress and burnout than their male counterparts worldwide, according to a new literature review.
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Disputes over surprise billing continue to soar, new CMS data shows
Arbiters are mostly selecting the higher payment offer in billing dispute determinations. That suggests No Surprises could actually raise premiums for consumers, one health researcher said.
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UF Health breaks ground on $1B expansion project
Gainesville, Fla.-based UF Health, part of Gainesville, Fla.-based University of Florida, broke ground at UF Health's Durbin Park campus in St. Johns, Fla., as part of a $1 billion regional expansion project to advance care in Jacksonville and St. Johns County in Florida.
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Researchers 3D-print functional human brain tissue
It's an achievement with important implications for scientists studying the brain and working on treatments for a broad range of neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
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Serotonin and Dopamine Play Key Role in Social Decisions
A new study unveiled the intricate role of dopamine and serotonin in social decision-making, using Parkinson’s disease patients as subjects.
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Ultrasound Brain Stimulation: A Significant Leap in Neurotherapy
Researchers introduced a groundbreaking non-invasive brain stimulation technique called Patterned Low-Intensity Low-Frequency Ultrasound (LILFUS). This innovative method can precisely target and modulate specific brain regions, offering a promising alternative to traditional magnetic, electrical, and surgical brain stimulation methods with fewer risks.
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Poison center calls for 'magic mushrooms' spiked after decriminalization, study finds
Calls to U.S. poison centers involving psilocybin, or 'magic mushrooms,' among adolescents and young adults rose sharply after several U.S. cities and states began decriminalizing the hallucinogen, researchers have found.
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Erectile Dysfunction Drugs May Protect Against Alzheimer’s
A new study suggests a potential association between erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs and a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, though it does not establish causality.
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U.S. Opens UnitedHealth Antitrust Probe
The Justice Department has launched an antitrust investigation into UnitedHealth, owner of the biggest U.S. health insurer, a leading manager of drug benefits and a sprawling network of doctor groups.
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Iowa bill would cap temp nurse pay
A new Iowa bill would limit hospitals' and nursing homes' payouts to contract care staff.
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Washington state bill seeks to regulate hospital mergers, care access
The state Senate advanced legislation Thursday that grants the state attorney authority to deny mergers that may limit healthcare access.
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State attorneys general urge PBM reform
The letter, sent on behalf of 39 state attorneys general to leaders in Congress, comes as lawmakers consider legislation to regulate pharmacy benefit managers.
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Steward Health Care gets ultimatum from Massachusetts governor
Steward must produce financial documents and consider a sale of its properties in the state, according to Gov. Maura Healey.
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HeartCare Imaging, Inc. | Phone: 561-746-6125 | Fax: 561-741-2036 | info@heartcareimaging.com | | | | |
