The HCI Spotlight

Volume XVI | Issue 12 | December 2024

THE HCI SPOTLIGHT

HCI's Monthly Review of the Healthcare Industry

Robert J. Stilley

President, CEO

HeartCare Imaging, Inc.

A Message from the CEO

Dear Colleagues –

As I look at 2024 in the rearview mirror, I can’t help but reflect on the many great things that have happened and feel a sense of gratitude for the accomplishments our team has achieved. Our team has continued to grow with new members, while others celebrated double-digit anniversaries with HCI.

Our footprint in rural and academic medicine has expanded with the addition of hospitals and clinics in FL, IA, NE, and WY. For the eighth straight year, HCI was named a ‘Best Place to Work’ by Modern Healthcare—and this year, we achieved the #5 ranking. We’ve traveled the country to provide services and have continued to develop and grow relationships focused on helping our partner-clients expand their ability to provide excellent patient care while strengthening their hospitals.

But this isn’t just a time to look back. We’re excited to continue our mission to make a difference in 2025—we’re just getting started!

Please enjoy this month's newsletter!

Best Regards,

Visit our Website

Nuclear Medicine

Repurposed radiotracer lights up treatment-resistant tumors 'like a Christmas tree'

Use of the new tracer could improve outcomes by enabling providers to adjust treatment regimens much earlier than they have been able to previously.

Theranostics for neuroendocrine tumors: A patient’s experience

After receiving the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors, Glenda’s oncologist was unable to provide effective treatment options. Considering her disease burden and noting the progression of the tumors that were difficult to surgically remove, Glenda was referred for theranostics treatment.

Intraarterial Radionuclide Therapy Safe and Effective for Advanced Meningioma Patients

Radionuclide therapy delivered directly to an artery is safe and feasible for patients with advanced meningioma, according to new research published in the December issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine. In the first long-term study of intraarterial peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) in advanced meningioma, patients saw improved radiologic and clinical disease control compared with intravenous PRRT, with no additional toxicity.

U.S. moves closer to establishing domestic supply of Mo-99 for nuclear imaging

The U.S. government has worked for several years to help establish a domestically produced supply of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99)to stabilize access to this critical radio-isotope used for more than 75% of medical nuclear imaging exams. The U.S. currently relies on 100% of its Mo-99 supplies from foreign reactors overseas, making the country's medical imaging supply chain vulnerable. This was the case in October and early November, when one of the key aging European reactors was taken off line for emergency repairs.

Rad tech student enrollment up more than 10% in 2024

The number of students enrolling in radiologic technology programs is on the rise, according to new data from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.

PET/CT analyzes impact of steroids on heart blood flow

A study in JAMA Network Open found that men who use or have used anabolic androgenic steroids had impaired myocardial flow reserve, suggesting coronary microvascular dysfunction that persists years after stopping steroid use. The study involved 90 men who were evaluated using cardiac rubidium-82 PET/CT.

Cardiology

New scoring system accurately predicts coronary risk in women

A new coronary risk scoring system that harnesses findings from SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging can accurately identify women at risk of major cardiovascular events.

FDA clears credit card-sized heart monitor

HeartBeam, a California-based healthcare technology company, has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its cable-free, credit card-sized heart monitor that produces 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs).

‘Incredibly rewarding’: FDA expands total artificial heart study after early success

BiVacor, the California-based medical device company known for its total artificial heart (TAH) technology, has completed the initial phase of an early feasibility study (EFS) first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2023.

Scientists make surprising discovery pinpointing when good cholesterol becomes harmful

Researchers have discovered that certain components of so-called 'good' cholesterol -- high-density lipoproteins (HDL) -- may be associated with an increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease.

Elucidating the neural mechanisms of stress-induced cardiovascular responses

The lateral habenula is a brain region associated with behavioral changes and autonomic responses during psychological stress. Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have identified the involvement of the dopaminergic system in the cardiovascular responses triggered by neuronal excitation in the lateral habenula. They further determined that the ventral tegmental area of the midbrain, which is the origin of dopamine neurons, plays a mediating role in this response.

Can the heart heal itself? New study says it can

Physician-scientists found that a subset of artificial heart patients can regenerate heart muscle, which may open the door to new ways to treat and perhaps someday cure heart failure.

Overactive cells linked to type 2 diabetes

Researchers studied oxygen treatment as a potential therapy to target specific cells linked to the development of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders like high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes and found no significant improvement in function in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Tiny, daily bursts of vigorous incidental physical activity could almost halve cardiovascular risk in middle-aged women

An average of four minutes of incidental vigorous physical activity a day could almost halve the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, for middle-aged women who do not engage in structured exercise, according to new research.

Fifty Years Later: Preterm Birth Shows Complex Pattern of Cardiovascular Outcomes

Adults aged 50 years who were born preterm have a higher risk for hypertension but lower risk for cardiovascular events than those born at term, with similar risks for diabetes, prediabetes, and dyslipidemia between groups.

Merck spends up to $2B to license new weight loss drug with potential heart benefits

Merck has acquired the exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize a new investigational GLP-1 receptor agonist from Hansoh Pharma, a Chinese biopharmaceutical company, for an upfront payment of $112 million. The deal could go on to include up to $1.9 billion in additional payments based on whether or not certain developmental and regulatory milestones are met.

Health

Some patients want to take a holiday pause on diabetes or weight-loss drugs. Here’s what doctors say they need to know

Around the holidays, when many people are baking cookies for Santa, enjoying cocktail parties or having festive family feasts, some adults who use popular medications for diabetes or weight loss explore skipping doses for a week or two.

First rare human case of bird flu reported in Los Angeles County

The first human case of H5N1, more commonly known as avian influenza or bird flu, has been confirmed in Los Angeles County in California, in connection with an adult who was exposed to livestock.

Whooping cough cases reach highest level in a decade

The U.S. has recorded over 32,000 whooping cough cases this year, compared with around 5,100 as of mid-December last year. Infants are most vulnerable to the bacterial infection.

What the Science Actually Says About Fluoride in Drinking Water

Public-health officials are sparring over conflicting studies weighing the benefits and risks of fluoride, especially for young children. Most everyone agrees it is important for our dental health. The question is how much fluoride we need to protect our teeth without risking possible cognitive harm.

Minuscule robots for targeted drug delivery

An interdisciplinary team has created tiny bubble-like microrobots that can deliver therapeutics right where they are needed and then be absorbed by the body.

Short-term cognitive boost from exercise may last for 24 hours

The short-term boost our brains get after we do exercise persists throughout the following day, suggests a new study.

Bowel-cancer rates rising among younger people

Rates of bowel cancer are rising among younger adults, with no clear reason why, experts are warning.

Fentanyl Fuels Record Homeless Deaths in Oregon's Multnomah County, Home to Portland

Fentanyl fueled a record number of homeless deaths last year in Oregon's Multnomah County, home to Portland, according to an annual county report released Friday that officials described as showing the peak of the fentanyl crisis in the area.

U.S. Life Expectancy Increases: 3 Things to Know

Life expectancy in the U.S. continued to rebound in 2023 from its pandemic-era decline, increasing by nearly a year from 2022 amid fewer deaths from causes like COVID-19, heart disease and drug overdoses.

FDA Updates the Definition of 'Healthy' Foods

Packaged foods in the U.S. will have to follow new rules in order to call themselves “healthy,” according to changes finalized Thursday by the Food and Drug Administration.

Health Care Industry News

Fitch bumps outlook for nonprofit hospitals in 2025

For the first time in 27 months, Fitch Ratings is revising its credit outlook for the nonprofit hospital sector — lifting it from deteriorating to neutral in its 2025 outlook report and adding that hospitals have made “enough meaningful strides” to warrant the revision.

Epic + Oracle Health: 20 things to know ahead of 2025

Epic Systems and Oracle Health are anticipating big years in 2025.

Hospital price transparency continues to drop: report

Just 21.1% of hospitals are in full compliance with federal price transparency rules, according to Patient Rights Advocate. Compliance has slipped since July 2023.

The Mourning of Brian Thompson

Friends and colleagues say they are reeling from both the sudden loss of slain United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the lionization of the man accused of killing him.

Hospitals seek to prevent, mitigate attacks on clinical staff

After attacks on healthcare workers soared during the COVID-19 pandemic, providers have scrambled to address heightened violence in their workplaces.

Neuroscience

The secret to our big brains might be in our gut

Brain tissue is among the most energetically costly in the body, and as a result, larger-brained mammals require more energy to support brain growth and maintenance. Exactly which biological changes allowed human ancestors to meet the very high needs for energy as they evolved larger brains has remained unclear. A new study points to the role of gut microbes, tiny living organisms in our digestive system that help break down food and produce energy.

Propranolol reduces tremors in Parkinson's disease

The standard medication levodopa does not always work against tremors in Parkinson's disease, especially in stressful situations. Propranolol, however, does work during stress, providing insight into the role of the stress system in tremors. MRI scans reveal that propranolol directly inhibits activity in the brain circuit that controls tremors. Doctors may consider this medication when levodopa is ineffective.

Baby Babble Syncs With Heartbeats to Shape Speech Development

Infants’ heart rate rhythms are closely linked to their early vocalizations, including coos, babbles, and emerging words. Researchers found that babies were most likely to produce sounds when their heart rate reached a peak or trough, with speech-like sounds occurring during heart rate deceleration. This connection highlights how heart rate and motor coordination develop together to support language acquisition. These findings could help identify early risk factors for speech and communication disorders in infants.

Some Sedentary Activities Are Good For Brain Health

New research highlights that some sedentary activities, like reading or crafting, are better for brain health than others, such as watching TV or gaming.

The surprising role of gut infection in Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have discovered a surprising link between a chronic gut infection caused by a common virus and the development of Alzheimer's disease in a subset of people.

Herbicide Exposure Linked to Long-Term Brain Inflammation, Alzheimer’s

New research reveals that glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, can cause lasting brain inflammation and accelerate Alzheimer’s-like pathology in mice. Even short-term exposure resulted in persistent inflammatory markers and neurological damage, including anxiety-like behaviors and premature death. The study found that glyphosate’s metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid, accumulates in brain tissue, raising concerns about its long-term safety for humans.

Health Policy

Biden signs funding bill extending telehealth flexibilities, but no relief for doctors — or PBM reform

President Joe Biden signed a stripped down funding bill on Saturday, averting a government shutdown during the holiday season.

Former HHS Secretary Tom Price’s vision for the second Trump administration

The second Trump term will likely resuscitate policies from the first, such as work requirements and block grants in Medicaid, Price said in a wide-ranging interview.

6 key health policy areas to watch in the new year

The new year will likely bring major changes to health policy with Republican majorities in both chambers of Congress and President-elect Donald Trump in the White House.

Why Are Americans Paying So Much More for Healthcare Than They Used To?

U.S. healthcare spending rose 7.5% to nearly $5 trillion last year, according to new government data

California Declares State of Emergency on Spread of Bird Flu in Dairy Herds

California has declared a state of emergency due to an increased number of H5N1 bird flu cases that have been detected in the state’s dairy cows.

HeartCare Imaging, Inc. | Phone: 561-746-6125 | Fax: 561-741-2036 | info@heartcareimaging.com

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