Researchers' Sexual Misconduct; 'Parkinson's on Steroids'; Need Surgery? Pay Upfront

— Health news and commentary gathered by MedPage Today staff

MedpageToday
Morning Break over illustration of a syringe, Covid virus, and DNA helix over a photo of green vegetation.

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House Republicans are asking HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra to provide the legal basis that requires the agency to hide the names of researchers who have committed sexual misconduct.

As she prepares to retire early, congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.) spoke with People about living with progressive supranuclear palsy, which she calls "Parkinson's on steroids."

One in eight U.S. adults have taken semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) or another GLP-1 agonistic, a KFF poll found.

Healthcare-giant Ascension said its network has been hit by a "cyber security event" that is disrupting clinical operations.

"A different ball game altogether." Scientists who spoke with STAT are unsettled by H5N1 spreading in cattle -- mammals with which humans have close contact.

Yet farmworkers are resistant to wearing personal protective equipment despite CDC recommendations and the USDA reporting six new herds testing positive for the virus. (STAT)

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson (R) signed legislation to block Planned Parenthood from receiving Medicaid funding. (AP)

The World Health Organization published guidelines to reduce catheter-associated bloodstream infections.

Should bullets be removed from the bodies of shooting victims? Medical protocol offers no clear answers, leaving some patients with them embedded for life. (NPR)

Nearly half (47%) of cancer patients and survivors have medical debt, despite most being insured, according to the American Cancer Society.

And a KFF survey found that new mothers are twice as likely to have medical debt as young women who didn't recently give birth.

Imported malaria cases in U.S. southern border jurisdictions more than doubled last year, from 28 cases in 2022 to 68 cases in 2023, according to a study in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).

In related news, the FDA is considering requiring blood banks to test for malaria in certain donors. (CNN)

Testing of authenticated locks of Beethoven's hair suggested the composer may have had lead poisoning, possibly contributing to the many ailments he faced throughout his life. (CNN)

Meanwhile, two Democratic senators introduced legislation to limit the levels of harmful metals in commercial baby food. (The Hill)

Thirteen children in Utah became sick during a 2023 outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli associated with untreated municipal irrigation water. (MMWR)

Some hospitals are requiring advance payment for surgery to avoid having to chase down patients afterwards. (Wall Street Journal)

Zinc for the common cold may shorten symptoms, but more evidence is needed, according to a Cochrane review.

The Justice Department is launching a Task Force on Health Care Monopolies and Collusion to tackle anti-competitive practices.

The heart of a 4-year-old boy miraculously started beating again, 19 hours after it had stopped. (NBC News)

One in five pregnant women in the U.S. and Canada reported using cannabidiol (CBD), compared with 11.3% of nonpregnant women. (Obstetrics & Gynecology)

Trillions of cicadas are expected to emerge this year, and their loud screeching may be overwhelming or painful for some autistic people. (Washington Post)