Author Interviews, Science, Sleep Disorders / 18.08.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62876" align="alignleft" width="92"]Azahara Oliva PhDAssistant Professor Department of Neurobiology and Behavior Cornell University Dr. Oliva[/caption] Azahara Oliva PhD Assistant Professor Department of Neurobiology and Behavior Cornell University   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: The background is that we knew for a while now that neurons work hard to consolidate into memories each experience that we have during the day. But at the same time, it is known that sleep restore activity of our body and physiology. How was that possible? How can the neurons in our brain "work hard" during the time that we are supposed to be restoring our vitals? We found that in between their hard work, during sleep, our neurons take "breaks of activity" so our brain can build memories with precision.
Pharmacology, Semaglutide / 11.08.2024

[caption id="attachment_62820" align="alignleft" width="200"]pharmacy-pills_pexels-artempodrez-4492065 Image Source[/caption] Oral Semaglutide has emerged as a significant advancement in the realm of weight loss treatments. As an alternative to traditional injectable options, oral Semaglutide offers convenience and effectiveness. This guide provides an in-depth look at oral Semaglutide, its benefits, how to access it through prescriptions, and explores compounded semaglutide online.

What is Oral Semaglutide?

Oral Semaglutide is an oral form of the medication Semaglutide, which was originally available only as an injection. It is used to manage weight loss and control blood sugar levels in individuals with obesity or type 2 diabetes.
  • Mechanism of Action: Semaglutide mimics a hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite and insulin secretion. By enhancing these processes, it can support significant weight loss and better blood sugar control.
  • Approval and Usage: The oral version is approved by the FDA for weight management and is typically prescribed as part of a comprehensive weight loss plan that includes diet and exercise.
Pain Research / 08.08.2024

topical-gels-pain-relief Pain management is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. While there are various methods to alleviate pain, topical gels have gained popularity due to their targeted approach and ease of use. Here are some of the key benefits of using topical gels for pain relief:

1. Targeted Relief

One of the primary advantages of topical gels is their ability to provide localized relief. Unlike oral medications that affect the entire body, topical gels can be applied directly to the affected area. This targeted approach ensures that the active ingredients are concentrated where they are needed most, potentially leading to faster and more effective relief.
Abuse and Neglect, Cost of Health Care, Race/Ethnic Diversity / 06.08.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62764" align="alignleft" width="200"]Benjamin Ukert PhDAssistant Professor Department of Health Policy and Management Texas A&M University, School of Public Health Texas 77843-1266 Dr. Ukert[/caption] Benjamin Ukert PhD Assistant Professor Department of Health Policy and Management Texas A&M University, School of Public Health Texas 77843-1266 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted in March 2010 with one major goal to increase access to insurance coverage. This was done through the expansion of the Medicaid program for low income individuals and the establishment of formal health insurance marketplaces for individuals without access to employer sponsored insurance. Texas did not expand Medicaid for low income individuals, but the health insurance marketplace should have led to increases in insurance coverage, due to generous federal subsidies that cover a large share of the health insurance premium. Gaining insurance coverage can affect providers, such as hospitals, who treat a large share of uninsured individuals. We focused on the inpatient setting and evaluated whether the ACA led to changes in demand for hospital care, and whether the ACA led to reduction in the share of uninsured individuals treated by hospitals.
Addiction, Mental Health Research / 06.08.2024

[caption id="attachment_62745" align="alignleft" width="130"] Luke Cavanah[/caption] Luke Cavanah, BS Department of Medical Education Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton, PA 18509     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response:  “Selective” serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are a class of medications that are first-line treatments for many anxiety, depressive, and other psychiatric disorders.1–3 Despite their name, SSRIs often have activity on other receptors and chemicals.4 One such SSRI that is known for being particularly nonselective is paroxetine.5 Paroxetine’s mechanisms of action are summarized in the figure below which shows binding not only to the serotonin transporter (SERT) but also to the norepinephrine transporter (NET), nitric oxide synthetase (NOS), the muscarinic (M1) receptor, and the liver cytochrome 2D6 enzyme. Paroxetine’s receptor promiscuity, especially its anticholinergic activity, can contribute to unfavorable adverse effects.5 Older adults (65+) are particularly vulnerable to some of these adverse effects. The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) regularly publishes an explicit list, called the Beer’s List, of what they call “potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs)”, which are medications they recommend avoiding in this demographic when having certain disorders/conditions or most clinical contexts. The AGS Beers Criteria, in 2012, 2019, and most recently in 2023, has identified paroxetine as a PIM due to its strong anticholinergic activity and high risk of sedation and orthostatic hypotension, and thus they recommend it should be avoided in this population in most circumstances.6–8 Given the recommendation against the use of paroxetine in older adults, we were interested in examining the utilization of paroxetine by U.S. Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare patients primarily consist of people 65+ and cover 94% of non-institutionalized people in this age group.9
Addiction, Author Interviews, Cannabis / 05.08.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62745" align="alignleft" width="130"] Luke Cavanah[/caption] Luke Cavanah, BS Department of Medical Education Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton, PA 18509 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Amphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, and methylphenidate, are first-line treatments for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and are classified as Schedule II stimulants due to their risk of addiction. (1–3) There has been high and increasing use and misuse of these medications with inadequate explanation. (4)  Since chronic cannabis use can result in similar cognitive effects as ADHD 5–7, we wondered if more stimulants were prescribed for what appeared to be ADHD but was a consequence of chronic cannabis use. In other words, has the legalization of cannabis contributed to this inadequately explained increase in stimulant use? A recent study by our lab group that looked at the slopes of stimulant distribution rates over time -- before and after medical cannabis legalization -- did not support this.(8) Given the prevalence and increasing legalization of recreational cannabis, we wanted to determine how slopes of stimulant distribution rates compared before and after recreational cannabis legalization.
Dermatology / 05.08.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Hannah CederHannah Ceder Department of Dermatology and Venereology Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Gothenburg, Sweden   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Many facial basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are currently excised without prior biopsy, often resulting in incomplete surgical excisions. This practice is concerning because histopathologically high-risk BCCs have an increased risk of postoperative recurrence, necessitating a more meticulous surgical approach. For facial high-risk BCCs, Mohs micrographic surgery is the recommended treatment method. Given these challenges, there is a clear need for simple, preoperative methods to help physicians identify high-risk tumors. By improving preoperative assessment, these methods could enhance treatment planning, reduce incomplete excisions, and optimize the use of Mohs micrographic surgery for high-risk cases.
Dermatology / 02.08.2024

Editor's note:  Not all dark or discolored areas on the skin are benign.  Some may be cancerous or precancerous.  Please consult your dermatologist or  health care provider before beginning any depigmenting treatment and  follow up as the provider directs. Depigmenting treatments are not FDA approved and may have side effects, including allergic reactions and hyperpigmentation. They should not be used if pregnant, nursing or planning to become pregnant.  Please consult your provider for specific medical advice. What Are Dark Spots and Why Do They Appear? [caption id="attachment_62710" align="alignleft" width="200"]Photo by Linda Prebreza: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-applying-lotion-on-hand-286951/ Image Source[/caption] Hyperpigmentation, or "dark spots," are patches of skin that seem darker than the surrounding tissue. Although it can affect any region of the body, the face, arms, and hands are the most frequently affected areas. These spots form when cells known as melanocytes, which produce melanin, are overactive. The overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, leads to patches or spots that appear darker. Several factors contribute to the development of dark spots. One of the main causes is sun exposure since UV rays hasten the formation of melanin. Hyperpigmentation can also be brought on by hormonal changes, such as those brought on by birth control drugs or pregnancy. Additionally, skin injuries, acne, and other forms of inflammation can result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Using a dark spot remover can help mitigate these spots, but understanding their root causes is crucial for effective prevention and treatment.
Author Interviews, Cancer Research / 01.08.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62690" align="alignleft" width="180"]Dr Meena Rafiq | Academic GP & Clinical Research Fellow FRACGP MRCGP MBBS BSc MSc  Epidemiology of Cancer and Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) Group, UCL  Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne UCL Department of Behavioural Science and Health Dr. Meena Rafiq[/caption] Dr Meena Rafiq | Academic GP & Clinical Research Fellow FRACGP MRCGP MBBS BSc MSc Epidemiology of Cancer and Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) Group, UCL Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne UCL Department of Behavioural Science and Health     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Almost all patients with cancer will first see their GP with symptoms and half of these patients will have vague, non-specific symptoms. As a GP I know it can be challenging to pick up patients with possible cancer in a 10 minute GP appointment, especially if they have vague non-specific symptoms. We know that many of these patients are already having blood tests done by their GP. So, we wanted to see if any of these blood tests could be used to help pick up with patients who see their GP with vague abdominal symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating are most likely to have cancer and need to be urgently referred.
Author Interviews, Parkinson's / 25.07.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62555" align="alignleft" width="200"]Gus Alva, MD, DFAPAMedical Director, ATP Clinical Research Medical Director, Senior Brain Health, Hoag Hospital, Newport Beach, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience University of California, Riverside, CA Dr. Gus Alva[/caption] Gus Alva, MD, DFAPA Medical Director, ATP Clinical Research Medical Director, Senior Brain Health, Hoag Hospital, Newport Beach, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience University of California, Riverside, CA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: This trial evaluated the effects of pimavanserin compared to placebo in frail older adults and elderly patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms related to Neurodegenerative disorder (NDD), such as hallucinations and delusions, to better understand the safety of pimavanserin in this population. The study was a phase 3b, 8-week treatment (study duration of up to 16 weeks) with the primary endpoint being safety and tolerability, measured by treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Secondary safety endpoints were change from baseline in motor and cognitive function; exploratory endpoints included suicidality, sleep quality, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The reason for doing this study is that there is a high degree of interest in further understanding the safety of pimavanserin, as many antipsychotics used off label often have significant and serious adverse effects, including risk of falls, parkinsonism, and death.
Author Interviews, OBGYNE, Radiology / 22.07.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62417" align="alignleft" width="200"]Nicole Lamparello, M.DInterventional Radiologist Assistant Professor of Radiology Weill Cornell Medicine Assistant Attending Radiologist NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medicine Dr. Lamparello[/caption] Nicole Lamparello, M.D Interventional Radiologist Assistant Professor of Radiology Weill Cornell Medicine Assistant Attending Radiologist NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly describe the condition of Uterine Fibroids? Response: A uterine fibroid (leiomyoma) is a type of tumor that grows in the uterus..  Most fibroids are benign growths that do not spread to other regions of the body.  However, fibroids can cause a variety of symptoms that severely impact a woman’s quality of life, including pelvic pressure or pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, abdominal bloating, urinary urgency/retention and infertility. Often, women with uterine fibroids are presented with hysterectomy as a treatment option, and are not informed about less-invasive options, such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a non-surgical procedure performed by an interventional radiologist.
Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Genetic Research, JAMA, Karolinski Institute, Prostate Cancer / 05.07.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62249" align="alignleft" width="204"]Anna Plym PhDDepartment of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health Department of Urology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts Dr. Plym[/caption] Anna Plym PhD Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health Department of Urology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death among men, with approximately one third of the deaths occurring before the age of 75 years. There is a need for a better understanding of the risk factors for those early deaths. Our previous research has indicated that inherited factors play a major role.
Author Interviews, Heart Disease, JAMA, Lipids / 03.07.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62223" align="alignleft" width="150"]Evan A Stein MD PhD FACCCOO/CSO LIB Therapeutics Cincinnati. OH USA 45227 Dr. Stein[/caption] Evan A Stein MD PhD FACC COO/CSO LIB Therapeutics Cincinnati. OH USA 45227 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is increasing in rapidly industrializing countries and is projected to cause more than >20 million deaths annually over the next 15 years. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is well established as a major, easily modifiable, risk factor for CVD. Reductions with statins and, more recently, PCSK9 inhibitors, all agents which directly or indirectly upregulate the LDL receptor and enhance LDL-C clearance, have demonstrated CVD event reductions in cardiovascular outcome trials. Extensive data from these trials, provide a rough estimate that every 40 mg/dL reduction in LDL-C will reduce the risk of major CV cardiovascular events by 22% to 24%. Furthermore, trials with PCSK9 inhibitors added to statins which achieve substantial additional LDL-C reduction show and CVD event reduction remains linear to very low LDL-C levels without signals of adverse events. Based on this body of evidence, recent revisions to national and international guidelines, now advocate for greater LDL-C reductions and lower LDL-C treatment goals, for patients not achieving these goals on statins alone. The current consensus target goal for LDL-C in patients with CVD, or who are at very-high risk for of CVD, is now less than <55 mg/dL, and <70 mg/dL for those at high risk. This global trial of over 900 patients with CVD, or at very or high risk for CVD, on maximally tolerated statins assessed the 52-week efficacy and safety of monthly lerodalcibep.
Addiction, Author Interviews, Opiods / 03.07.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Elena Stains Elena Stains Medical Student Department of Medical Education Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton, PA   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Opioid use has been an increasing problem since the early 2000s in the United States (US) with a surge around 2010. Twenty-five percent of those having abused pain relievers in 2013 and 2014 got those drugs from physicians1. Physicians are particularly well-known for fueling the opioid crisis in Florida in the 2000s. Of the United States’ top 100 opioid prescribing physicians in 2010, an astounding 98 were prescribing in Florida2. Florida taking the main stage of the opioid crisis can be attributed to several factors, including ability of physicians to dispense opioids directly from their offices to patients (i.e. without pharmacists) and the presence of many infamous “pill mills” in the state3–6. The researchers at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine aimed to analyze the amount of hydrocodone (including brand names of Vicodin and Lortab) and oxycodone (OxyContin and Percocet) distributed in Florida from 2006 to 2021, paying close attention to the peak year of the opioid crisis, 2010. The team used the Washington Post and the US Drug Enforcement Administration’s Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS) databases to compile this compelling information.
Author Interviews, Cost of Health Care, JAMA, Kidney Disease, Transplantation / 01.07.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62111" align="alignleft" width="200"]Amal Trivedi, MD, MPHProfessor of Health Services, Policy & Practice Brown University School of Public Health Prof. Trivedi[/caption] Amal Trivedi, MD, MPH Professor of Health Services, Policy & Practice Brown University School of Public Health MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: On January 1st, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched the mandatory End-Stage Renal Disease Treatment Choices (ETC) Model, which randomly assigned approximately 30% of U.S. dialysis facilities and managing clinicians to financial incentives to increase the use of home dialysis and kidney transplantation. The program is set to run through 2027, with financial incentives and penalties increasing as the model progresses. Our study sought to assess the ETC’s effect on these outcomes of interest in the first two years, as well as to examine outcome changes by race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status.
Author Interviews, Cannabis, Education / 27.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62108" align="alignleft" width="150"]Ahmed El FatmaouiPh.D. Candidate Department of Economics University of Oklahoma Norman, Oklahoma Ahmed El Fatmaoui[/caption] Ahmed El Fatmaoui Ph.D. Candidate Department of Economics University of Oklahoma Norman, Oklahoma MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The impetus for this research was the growing trend of recreational marijuana legalization (RML) and its potential impact on higher education. With increasing marijuana use among college students, it was crucial to understand how RML might influence college enrollment decisions. Specifically, it is important to examine whether recreational marijuana is regarded by some students as another college amenity, similar to Greek life and other amenities.
Allergies, Author Interviews, Duke / 25.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62084" align="alignleft" width="200"]Professor Soman Abraham PhDGrace Kerby Distinguished Professor of Pathology Duke University. Dr. Abraham led the research when working in the Emerging Infectious Diseases Research Programme at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore Prof. Abraham[/caption] Professor Soman Abraham PhD Grace Kerby Distinguished Professor of Pathology Duke University. Dr. Abraham led the research when working in the Emerging Infectious Diseases Research Programme at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The degranulation of mast cells (MCs) is a process that leads to allergic symptoms, ranging from itching, redness, and swelling of the tissue to severe and potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis involving multiple organ systems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 10 per cent of the global population suffers from food allergies. As allergy rates continue to rise, so does the incidence of food-triggered anaphylaxis and asthma worldwide. In view of the fact that allergic diseases are difficult to prevent or treat, we sought to understand the underlying basis for anaphylactic reactions.
Author Interviews, Pediatrics, USPSTF, Weight Research / 25.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_60371" align="alignleft" width="150"]John M. Ruiz, Ph.D Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology Department of Psychology University of Arizona Dr. Ruiz is the incoming editor-in-chief of the American Psychological Association (APA) journal, Health Psychology Dr. Ruiz joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2022 Dr. Ruiz[/caption] John M. Ruiz, Ph.D Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology Department of Psychology University of Arizona Dr. Ruiz is the incoming editor-in-chief of the American Psychological Association (APA) journal, Health Psychology Dr. Ruiz joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2022 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Almost 20 percent of children and teens in the United States have a high body mass index (BMI), the standard measure of obesity. However, there are proven ways that clinicians can help kids and teens manage their weight and stay healthy. We found that intensive behavioral interventions can help children age 6 and older who have a high BMI both achieve a healthy weight and improve their quality of life. 
Speech / 25.06.2024

Tongue twisters are not just for fun; they are powerful tools for enhancing speech clarity and confidence. Whether you're a kid or an adult, learning and practicing tongue twisters can significantly improve pronunciation skills and articulation. They make speech improvement an enjoyable and engaging activity that encourages frequent practice without feeling like a chore. Each tongue twister challenges your mouth and tongue to move in complex ways that can help hone your pronunciation skills. This repetitive exercise can increase your ability to articulate tricky sounds, making everyday conversations clearer and more confident. Moreover, using these fun phrases can provide a light-hearted approach to learning, which can be especially beneficial in easy speech therapy activities for both children and adults. By incorporating a variety of easy and entertaining tongue twisters into your daily routine, you create a playful yet productive environment for speech practice. This not only makes the process more enjoyable but also encourages consistent practice, which is essential for noticeable improvement. Ready to put your tongue to the test? Dive into our carefully selected list of 10 easy and fun tongue twisters designed specifically for speech improvement. Please note that this is an informational article and not a substitute for medical advice. If you need further assistance, consult a medical professional.

Key Takeaways

  • Tongue twisters are effective for improving speech clarity.
  • Regular practice boosts pronunciation skills and confidence.
  • They offer a fun and engaging way to enhance speech therapy activities.
Author Interviews, Diabetes, Environmental Risks / 24.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62064" align="alignleft" width="200"]Todd Hagobian, Ph.D.pronouns he/him/his Department Chair & Professor, Kinesiology and Public Health Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA FRANK H 2016 ilyfrankh.com Dr. Hagobian[/caption] Todd Hagobian, Ph.D. pronouns he/him/his Department Chair & Professor, Kinesiology and Public Health Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Previous observational studies have shown that urinary BPA is related to Type 2 diabetes risk. Meaning, higher urinary BPA is related to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. However, no published study to date has determined whether several days of BPA administration (participants consume BPA) increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes. MedicalResearch.com: Where is bisphenol found?  Can exposure to bisphenol be limited in everyday life? Response:  BPA and other bisphenols are found in canned foods and plastics. BPA is one of the most widely used synthetic chemicals and we consume foods that are packed in this chemical. Most of BPA exposure comes from canned foods, and 93% of the US populations has detectable urine levels of BPA. We can limit BPA by reducing canned foods (or purchased BPA free cans) and plastic use.
Gastrointestinal Disease, Nutrition / 24.06.2024

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. It causes inflammation in the digestive tract, which can lead to severe symptoms. The inflammation often spreads deep into the layers of affected bowel tissue. Crohn's disease can be painful and sometimes may lead to life-threatening complications. abdominal-pain-crohns_pexels-sora-shimazaki-5938358 Symptoms of Crohn's Disease Symptoms of Crohn's disease vary from mild to severe. Common symptoms include diarrhea, fever, fatigue, abdominal pain and cramping. People with Crohn's disease might also experience blood in their stool, mouth sores, reduced appetite and weight loss. The disease can affect different parts of the digestive tract in different people. The symptoms can change over time, with periods of severe symptoms (flares) and periods of no or mild symptoms (remission). Causes and Risk Factors The exact cause of Crohn's disease remains unknown. However, several factors may contribute to its development. These include immune system malfunctions, genetics and environmental factors. Crohn's disease tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic link. Smoking increases the risk of developing the disease and can make symptoms worse. People living in urban areas or industrialized countries have a higher risk, possibly due to diet and lifestyle factors.
Abuse and Neglect, Gout, Rheumatology / 22.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62055" align="alignleft" width="200"]Brian LaMoreaux, MD, MSInternist and Rheumatologist Executive Medical Director, Amgen Dr. LaMoreaux[/caption] Brian LaMoreaux, MD, MS Internist and Rheumatologist Executive Medical Director, Amgen MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? How does KRYSTEXXA® (pegloticase) work in gout? Response: Many other diseases in gout have well-defined definitions of remission, but gout has lagged behind on this. With systemic consequences of gout becoming more apparent, the concept of treating gout to remission is increasing important to improving patient care and preserving patient health.   Our MIRROR randomized controlled trial (RCT) provides data beyond the primary and secondary endpoints and allows us to look at aspects like the rate of gout remission (i.e. serum urate level (SU) <6 mg/dL, absence of acute gout flare, absence of tophi, minimal gout-related pain, and minimal gout-related quality-of-life impact over a 12-month period) achieved with KRYSTEXXA-induced intensive urate-lowering. Continuing to advance knowledge that can positively impact patient care is our driving force for the research. KRYSTEXXA is approved for the treatment of uncontrolled gout, for those experiencing signs and symptoms of gout despite taking oral medicines. It is the only gout treatment that controls uncontrolled gout by changing uric acid into a water-soluble substance called allantoin that he body easily gets rid of through urine.
Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, JAMA / 22.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62050" align="alignleft" width="150"]Mabel Seto, PhDHarvard Aging Brain Study, Department of Neurology Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment Department of Neurology Brigham and Women’s Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston, Massachusetts Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville, Tennessee Dr. Seto[/caption] Mabel Seto, PhD Harvard Aging Brain Study, Department of Neurology Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment Department of Neurology Brigham and Women’s Hospital Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville, Tennessee   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The background for this study is that individuals with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease (i.e., one or more first-degree relatives) have a higher risk for the disease than individuals that don’t have a family history. Previous studies suggested a preferential maternal inheritance of AD, though they were limited in sample size and statistical power. In our study, we wanted to focus on a larger, cognitively unimpaired sample. Using data from the Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer’s (A4) study, a randomized clinical trial aimed at AD prevention, we examined the relationship between a parental history of significant memory impairment as a proxy for AD (as some individuals may not have pursued formal diagnosis) and amyloid-beta burden in the offspring.
Author Interviews, PLoS, Sexual Health / 22.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Karyn Anderson (she/her) PhD Candidate, Evolutionary Anthropology Lab of Dr. Julie Teichroeb University of Toronto, Scarborough MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: We sought out to determine if there were observations of same-sex sexual behavior in mammals that exist beyond the published record. We found that more people observe same-sex sexual behavior than they publish on it, and this appears to be due to a perception of researchers that same-sex sexual behavior is very rare. We found, however, that it was commonly observed by our survey participants.
Author Interviews, Breast Cancer, Colon Cancer, Genetic Research, JAMA / 20.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62041" align="alignleft" width="150"]Dr. Jeremy L. Davis M.D.Surgical Oncologist Center for Cancer Research Dr. Davis’ research focuses on sporadic and inherited forms of stomach cancer. National Cancer Institute Dr. Davis[/caption] Dr. Jeremy L. Davis M.D. Surgical Oncologist Center for Cancer Research Dr. Davis’ research focuses on sporadic and inherited forms of stomach cancer. National Cancer Institute   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Individuals who are born with a CDH1 gene mutation are at increased risk of developing specific cancers in their lifetime. Those cancers are called diffuse-type gastric cancer and lobular breast cancer. The background that is relevant here is that when mutations in this gene were first identified as the cause of inherited forms of these cancers, the estimated lifetime risk of gastric cancer, for instance, was around 60-83%. Because of this very high risk and because gastric cancer is particularly difficult to treat, many experts recommend prophylactic surgery to remove the stomach. In recent years, as we have seen more families who carry a CDH1 gene mutation, we have also observed that gastric cancer rates did not seem quite as high as those risk estimates would have suggested. We sought to re-evaluate lifetime risk of cancer with a large and diverse cohort of individuals throughout North America.
Author Interviews, Genetic Research, Heart Disease, Nature / 14.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61964" align="alignleft" width="136"]Ben Omega Petrazzini, B.Sc.Associate Bioinformatician Ron Do Laboratory Ben Petrazzini[/caption] Ben Omega Petrazzini, B.Sc. Associate Bioinformatician Ron Do Laboratory [caption id="attachment_61965" align="alignleft" width="143"]Ron Do, Ph.D.Professor, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences Director, Center for Genomic Data Analytics Associate Director in Academic Affairs, The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine Charles Bronfman Professor in Personalized Medicine Dr. Ron Do[/caption] Ron Do, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences Director, Center for Genomic Data Analytics Associate Director in Academic Affairs, The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine Charles Bronfman Professor in Personalized Medicine Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Rare coding variants directly affect protein function and can inform the role of a gene in disease. Discovery of rare coding variant associations for coronary artery disease (CAD) to date have only had limited success. Genetic studies typically use standard phenotyping approaches to classify cases versus controls for CAD. However, this phenotyping approach doesn’t capture disease progression or severity in individuals. We recently introduced an in-silico score for CAD (ISCAD) that tracks CAD progression, severity, underdiagnosis and mortality (Forrest et al. The Lancet, 2023, PMID 36563696). ISCAD was built using a machine learning model trained on clinical data from electronic health records (EHR). Importantly, ISCAD is a quantitative score that measures CAD on a spectrum. The quantitative nature of the score provides an opportunity to discover additional rare coding variant associations that may not have been detected with the standard case-control phenotyping approach. Here in this study, we performed a large-scale rare variant association study in the exome sequences of 604,915 individuals for ISCAD, a machine learning-based score for CAD.
Author Interviews, Critical Care - Intensive Care - ICUs, Heart Disease, Kidney Disease, NEJM / 13.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61951" align="alignleft" width="150"]Prof Giovanni Landoni, MDAssociate Professor Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele Milan, Italy Prof. Landoni[/caption] Prof Giovanni Landoni, MD Associate Professor Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele Milan, Italy MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects approximately 10-15% of hospitalized patients, and up to 50% of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. In cardiac surgery one patient out of three will face AKI during the postoperative period, and this will lead to higher morbidity and mortality. AKI is associated with an elevated risk of chronic kidney disease, as well as, in the most severe cases, with the use of renal replacement therapy, which may double hospitalization costs, reduce quality of life, and increase long-term mortality. So far, no preventive measure with level I of evidence did exist for AKI. The PROTECTION trial is a multinational, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, conducted at 22 centers in 3 different countries. We recruited 3,511 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass to receive an intravenous infusion of amino acids (AA) (Isopuramin 10%, Baxter), at 2g/kg/day up to a maximum 100g/day, or an equivalent dose of placebo (Ringer’s solution), for a maximum of 72 hours. The primary outcome was the incidence of any stage of AKI, according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) 2012 creatinine criteria.
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