Cannabis, OBGYNE, Pediatrics / 30.10.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_64423" align="alignleft" width="150"]Sarah Keim, PhDAssociate Professor, Epidemiology College of Public Health The Ohio State University  Dr. Keim[/caption] Sarah Keim, PhD Associate Professor, Epidemiology College of Public Health The Ohio State University MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Marijuana is the illicit substance most commonly used during pregnancy, and use is increasing. Some evidence suggests that marijuana is associated with deficits in executive function and increased delinquent behavior in school-age children and adolescents, with potential downstream impacts on achievement and social functioning. However, this evidence comes largely from only 2 studies several decades old. Today cannabis is more than 10 times more potent than it was several decades ago.
Anesthesiology, Pain Research / 29.10.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with a Vertex spokesperson.   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
  • We presented Phase 3 data for our investigational, oral pain signal inhibitor, suzetrigine, at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2024, the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ annual meeting. The Phase 3 data were previously announced in January 2024, and this is the first time the findings were presented to the medical community. The data were featured in the “Best Abstracts” session at the meeting.
  • Our Phase 3 acute pivotal program for suzetrigine included two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pivotal trials, one following abdominoplasty surgery and one following bunionectomy surgery, as well as a single arm safety and effectiveness study which enrolled patients with a broad range of surgical and non-surgical pain conditions. All three studies demonstrated compelling and consistent efficacy and safety across multiple acute pain conditions and settings.
  • Together, the data demonstrate suzetrigine’s potential to offer a safe, well tolerated and effective alternative to the current acute pain treatment paradigm, without addictive potential.
Aging, Nursing Homes / 28.10.2024

Nursing homes of a high standard can have great benefits for residents. When selecting a nursing home or rehabilitation center, families often rely on facility ratings to evaluate the quality of care provided. Understanding the ratings associated with nursing homes can offer insights into the quality of care residents receive, helping families make well-informed decisions. [caption id="attachment_64366" align="aligncenter" width="500"]nursing-home-care Source Unsplash[/caption]

Key Aspects of Ratings for Nursing Homes

Nursing home ratings typically cover several essential areas of care, including staffing, safety, and resident satisfaction. The high Casa de Oro Center ratings reflect its commitment to providing a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for residents. Families evaluating this facility should consider the following aspects:
  • Staffing and Responsiveness: Adequate staffing is crucial for delivering timely and effective care. High ratings in this area indicate that the nursing home maintains sufficient staff-to-resident ratios, ensuring residents receive the attention and assistance they need promptly.
  • Safety and Hygiene Protocols:  High safety ratings signify the facility’s adherence to strict hygiene protocols, which are essential in preventing the spread of infections and protecting residents’ health.
  • Resident Satisfaction: Feedback from residents and their families plays a significant role in overall ratings. High satisfaction scores suggest that residents feel comfortable, valued, and well-supported, contributing to their emotional well-being and overall quality of life.
Infections / 28.10.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_64176" align="alignleft" width="150"]dr_asaf_levy Dr. Levy[/caption] Dr. Asaf Levy Senior Lecturer, Assistant Professor Plant Pathology and Microbiology The Robert H Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment Hebrew University of Jerusalem MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Bacteria encode many compounds used to target neighboring microbes or cause disease in hosts, including humans. Classic antibiotics (small molecules) are one well-studied group of antimicrobials encoded by bacteria. A less-studied group consists of short protein toxins. These proteins are produced by bacteria and injected into target cells to kill them. In this study, we focused on a group of protein toxins called polymorphic toxins, which carry a short toxin domain at their end, which we termed “PTs” (an acronym for polymorphic toxins) and are roughly 100 amino acid long. We developed a new algorithm to scan 107,000 bacterial genomes and discover novel PTs encoded by these bacteria. We then experimentally confirmed 9 new PT families that can kill bacteria and pathogenic fungi, including human pathogens, such as Candida auris and Aspergillus fumigatus. We saw that two of the toxins kill cells by degrading their DNA.
Author Interviews, Mental Health Research, University of Michigan / 27.10.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Daniel J. Kruger, PhD University of Michigan MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: A team of researchers from the University of Michigan and University at Buffalo teamed up with psychedelic advocates and therapists to document some of the challenges with psychedelics. They surveyed over a thousand psychedelic users about their adverse experiences and the experiences they have heard from others. Most reported being frightened, sadness, loneliness, and feeling their body tremble or shake at times. Some people experienced panic, paranoia, felt that they are dead, or that the state they were in would last forever. One in ten participants had adverse physical reactions.  For most people having these experiences, they are rare or happen sometimes, but they are still significant. Most of the people that experienced a severe adverse event did not have guidance from someone who was knowledgeable about psychedelics. A small portion of participants knew about an incident of inappropriate sexual contact by a psychedelic sitter, guide, or practitioner, the perpetrators were mostly underground guides and friends or acquaintances.
Author Interviews, COVID -19 Coronavirus, JAMA, OBGYNE, Pediatrics / 16.10.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_64046" align="alignleft" width="200"]Eleni G. Jaswa, MD, MScAssistant Professor, Ob/Gyn, Reproductive Science UCSF Dr. Jaswa[/caption] Eleni G. Jaswa, MD, MSc Assistant Professor, Ob/Gyn, Reproductive Science UCSF MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Some infections during pregnancy have been associated with abnormal neurodevelopment in children. This is likely due to the infection itself, or the maternal immune system response to infection. We sought to determine whether maternal COVID-19 infection during pregnancy, a now common occurrence, was associated with changes in children's neurodevelopment out to 24-months-old, compared to control children not exposed to maternal COVID-19 in utero.
Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, Cost of Health Care, Medicare, UCLA / 15.10.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_64014" align="alignleft" width="150"]Frank F. Zhou  |  he/himMD Candidate, Class of 2025 David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Frank F Zhou[/caption] Frank F. Zhou  |  he/him MD Candidate, Class of 2025 David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What is Lecanemab used for?  How is it given to patients? Response: Lecanemab is a new infusion therapy for Alzheimer's disease. Its dosing is based on each patient's body weight (10 mg/kg every two weeks), but the drug is only available in 500 mg and 200 mg single-use vials, meaning that any leftover drug in vials must be thrown away. Given that lecanemab is expected to cost Medicare billions of dollars each year, we hypothesized that discarded drug could result in significant wasteful spending.
Author Interviews, JAMA, Pharmaceutical Companies / 11.10.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_63939" align="alignleft" width="200"]David-Dan Nguyen MDCM MPHDoctoral Student Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation and Resident Physician Division of Urology University of Toronto Dr. Nguyen[/caption]

David-Dan Nguyen MDCM MPH Doctoral Student Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation and Resident Physician Division of Urology University of Toronto

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Peer reviewers are crucial to the academic publishing process. While there’s been significant scrutiny of potential conflicts of interest among authors and editors of major journals, the potential for conflicts of interest among peer reviewers has been relatively unexplored. As such, our study aimed to quantify and characterize industry payments made to peer reviewers of top medical journals—The BMJ, JAMA, The Lancet, and The New England Journal of Medicine—to better understand the extent of these financial relationships. 
Author Interviews, COVID -19 Coronavirus, Heart Disease / 10.10.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_63906" align="alignleft" width="160"]Stanley Hazen, MD, PhDChair, Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences  Lerner Research Institute CoSection head, Preventive Cardiology & Cardiovascular Rehabilitation  Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute Cleveland Clinic Dr. Hazen[/caption] Stanley Hazen, MD, PhD Chair, Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences Lerner Research Institute CoSection head, Preventive Cardiology & Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute Cleveland Clinic MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response:  One of the unique features of COVID is that in some subjects, there unfortunately appear to be long term adverse effects that can occur following resolution of the acute infection.  These studies add to the growing body of data showing that COVID-19 infection can enhance risk for experiencing adverse cardiac events (heart attack, stroke, and death) over time.
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, JAMA, Microbiome, NYU/NYMC / 01.10.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_63665" align="alignleft" width="211"]Jiyoung Ahn, PhDProfessor of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine Associate Director for Population Science, NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center  NYU Langone Health Smilow Research Building New York, NY 10016 Prof. Ahn[/caption] Jiyoung Ahn, PhD Professor of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine Associate Director for Population Science, NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center NYU Langone Health Smilow Research Building New York, NY 10016 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: We found that oral bacterial species are linked to a collective 50% increased risk of developing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Some of these microbes have previously been shown to contribute to periodontal disease, a serious gum infection that can erode the jawbone and the soft tissues surrounding the teeth.
Pediatrics / 30.09.2024

A parent’s selection of their paediatrician is a crucial decision that can significantly influence their child's health and well-being. From overseeing newborn check-ups to managing developmental milestones, paediatricians are key partners for families in ensuring that children receive timely treatment for ailments and the right preventive care to keep them healthy. The best paediatricians also build long-term relationships, helping families navigate the journey from infancy through adolescence together. [caption id="attachment_63610" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Source[/caption] In Singapore, the paediatric healthcare system is both well-established and comprehensive. Parents have access to highly specialised care at leading institutions, and programmes like PaedsENGAGE further enhance paediatric care by expanding it into community settings. This gives parents plenty of options for finding the right paediatric clinic in Singapore, but the abundance of choice can also make the decision feel like an overwhelming one sometimes. A parent should know what to look for—and what their ideal standard of care is like for their child in the hands of a competent paediatrician. The following sections highlight essential qualities to consider when selecting a paediatrician—“green flags” that indicate you’ve found someone who will be a true partner in your child’s health.

Infections / 27.09.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_63559" align="alignleft" width="150"]Dr De Alwis, Ruklanthi (Rukie)Deputy Director, Centre for Outbreak Preparedness Assistant Professor, Emerging Infectious Diseases Programme Duke-NUS Medical School Dr. De Alwis[/caption] Dr De Alwis, Ruklanthi (Rukie) Deputy Director, Centre for Outbreak Preparedness Assistant Professor Emerging Infectious Diseases Programme Duke-NUS Medical School MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The COVID19 pandemic highlighted both the need for strengthened infectious disease surveillance and the critical importance of pathogen genomics in surveillance. However, prior to the pandemic, the technology used for pathogen genomics (i.e. next generation sequencing) was not widely used for public health and mostly available in high-resource countries. The Asia Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Asia PGI) was set up after the pandemic to enhance regional health security through the strengthening of pathogen genomic surveillance in in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) across Asia. This study, conducted through the Asia PGI, aimed to assess the baseline capacities and gaps in pathogen genomic surveillance in lower-resourced countries in the region.
Author Interviews, Genetic Research, Nutrition, Pediatrics / 25.09.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_63515" align="alignleft" width="180"]Dr Zeynep Nas Ph.D.Postdoctoral Research Fellow  Department of Behavioural Science and Health Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care University College London Dr. Nas[/caption] Dr Zeynep Nas Ph.D. Postdoctoral Research Fellow Department of Behavioural Science and Health Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care University College London MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: We were interested in why some children are more selective in their food intake and more reluctant to try new foods compared to those who are not. We investigated this question in a twin study, which compares identical twins (who share all of their genes) to non-identical twins (who share half) to understand the relative influence of genetics versus the environment in shaping individual differences in fussy eating.
Addiction / 24.09.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Mayesha Khan, M.A. Research Coordinator Staples Lab | Road Safety & Public Health Research [caption id="attachment_63435" align="alignleft" width="150"]Dr. John A. Staples MD, FRCPC, MPHClinical Associate Professor Department of Medicine Dr. Staples[/caption] Dr. John A. Staples MD, FRCPC, MPH Clinical Associate Professor Department of Medicine The University of British Columbia | VCH Research Institute MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: About one in thirty patients leave hospital before their inpatient medical treatment is complete. Before medically advised (BMA) discharge from hospital (also known as patient-initiated discharge) is associated with a several-fold increase in mortality in the following year compared to routine physician-advised discharge. The study’s senior author is a physician who works in the hospital (JS), and it’s the patients who initiate a BMA discharge that he often worries about the most. We knew from past research that the rate of BMA discharge is much higher among people who use drugs. We suspected that the risk of drug overdose after BMA discharge was much higher than the risk of overdose after routine physician-advised discharge. We also suspected that BMA discharge itself might create conditions that encourage drug use and increase the risk of overdose. A hospital stay can result in drug abstinence and reduced drug tolerance, and it can disrupt social routines and interfere with access to familiar/safer sources of drugs. BMA discharges sometimes occur suddenly, leaving little time to prescribe medications for opioid use disorder like methadone and Suboxone. Lingering illness or persistent pain after leaving hospital might prompt people to engage in heavier-than-usual drug use. All of these factors might increase the risk of overdose after BMA discharge.
Aging, Author Interviews, BMJ, Heart Disease, Statins / 11.09.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_63267" align="alignleft" width="146"]Borislava Mihaylova, DPhilAssociate Professor & Senior Health Economist Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, UK & Professor of Health Economics Wolfson Institute of Population Health Queen Mary University of London, UK Prof. Mihaylova[/caption] Borislava Mihaylova, DPhil Associate Professor & Senior Health Economist Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, UK & Professor of Health Economics Wolfson Institute of Population Health Queen Mary University of London, UK MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Despite high risks of heart disease and stroke in people over 70 years old and high need for preventive treatment such as statins, fewer older people use statins [compared to middle-aged people]. This, at least in part, is likely due to fewer older people, particularly those without previous heart attacks and strokes, included in the randomized studies of statin treatment. This has led to more limited evidence among them with larger uncertainty. Thus, we set to re-examine the value of statin treatment using the latest evidence and contemporary population data.
Environmental Risks, Legal-Malpractice / 29.08.2024

dachal-herbicides

Image source

Dacthal, also known by its chemical name dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA), is an herbicide that has been widely used in agriculture since its introduction by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1958. It's a pre-emergent herbicide, meaning it stops weeds before they even see the light of day. Farmers and gardeners loved it. They would sprinkle it on their fields, and the weeds would simply never show up. Dacthal was a big hit in states like California, Washington, and Arizona. It was especially popular for controlling weeds in crops like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and onions. Even though Dacthal was widely used, its safety was questioned for years. Studies showed it was potentially harmful, especially for pregnant women, and lawsuits were filed. As affected individuals and communities sought accountability, understanding the legal basis for Dacthal lawsuits became important.
Author Interviews, Cognitive Issues, Environmental Risks, NIH, Pediatrics / 27.08.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Rick Woychik, Ph.D. Director of the National Toxicology Program Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Principal Investigator Mammalian Genome Research Group Division for Intramural Research at NIEHS MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? [caption id="attachment_62975" align="alignleft" width="200"]water_pexels-pixabay-416528 Source[/caption] Response: Since 1945, the use of fluoride has been a successful public health initiative for reducing dental cavities and improving general oral health of adults and children. There is a concern, however, that some pregnant women and children may be getting more fluoride than they need because they now get fluoride from many sources including treated public water, water-added foods and beverages, teas, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash, and the combined total intake of fluoride may exceed safe amounts.   Therefore, the National Toxicology Program (NTP) conducted a systematic review of the published scientific literature on the association between fluoride exposure and neurodevelopment and cognition. The NTP released their findings in a State of the Science Monograph on August 21, 2024, and posted to the NTP website. A corresponding meta-analysis on children’s IQ has been accepted by a scientific journal for publication later in 2024. The NTP started this work in 2016. As with all research documents intended for publication, the NTP fluoride monograph and meta-analysis underwent rigorous scientific evaluation.  The evaluation process has involved many steps. The draft fluoride monograph received significant critical feedback during peer-review by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM), from other external experts, and from experts in several federal health agencies.  After modifications were made, additional evaluation following a rigorous scientific framework was conducted by subject matter experts organized by the NTP Board of Scientific Counselors. I am very pleased that this document is now complete and available for reference. Since fluoride is such an important topic to the public and to public health officials, it was imperative that we made every effort to get the science right. I commend the report authors, the NTP Board of Scientific Counselors, and countless subject matter experts who participated in this evaluation. The monograph represents a thorough review of the data, and the various interpretations of the data, to accurately reflect what we know and where additional research is needed.
Author Interviews, Autism, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Genetic Research / 26.08.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62961" align="alignleft" width="150"]Caroline Dias, M.D., Ph.D.Assistant Professor, Pediatrics-Developmental Pediatrics University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus  Dr. Dias[/caption] Caroline Dias, M.D., Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Pediatrics-Developmental Pediatrics University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus       [caption id="attachment_62962" align="alignleft" width="150"]Christopher Walsh, M.D., Ph.D.Chief, Division of Genetics and Genomics Bullard Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology at Harvard Medical School and researcher who has used material donated to the brain bank  Dr. Walsh[/caption] Christopher Walsh, M.D., Ph.D. Chief, Division of Genetics and Genomics Bullard Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology at Harvard Medical School and researcher who has used material donated to the brain bank     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Many different types of genetic variants contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. Copy number variants are large pieces of genetic material that are duplicated or deleted. We have known for many years that many copy number variants at certain genetic locations are linked to autism. Because these copy number variants may include lots of different genes, it has been difficult to understand how these copy number variants alter human brain function. Furthermore, although animal models are important, autism is in many ways defined by differences in uniquely human cognitive and social functioning. Better understanding of how these copy number variants change human brain function will shed light on universal mechanisms that regulate neurodevelopment. We studied a copy number variant called dup15q, that is associated with almost 40-fold higher rates of autism vs. the general population. We studied post-mortem human brain tissue from individuals with dup15q, individuals with autism not related to dup15q, and neurotypical controls, to better understand how the human brain is impacted by dup15q. We focused on frontal cortex, an important brain region in executive function and social perspective taking. We applied cutting edge techniques that allow us to assess individual cells in the brain. 
Anemia, Author Interviews, JAMA, OBGYNE / 23.08.2024

[caption id="attachment_60875" align="alignleft" width="133"]Esa M. Davis, M.D., M.P.H , F.A.A.F.P Professor of Medicine and Family and Community Medicine Associate Vice President of Community Health and Senior Associate Dean of pPopulation Health and Community Medicine University of Maryland School of Medicine Dr. Davis joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2021 Dr. Davis[/caption] Esa M. Davis, M.D., M.P.H , F.A.A.F.P Professor of Medicine and Family and Community Medicine Associate Vice President of Community Health and Senior Associate Dean of pPopulation Health and Community Medicine University of Maryland School of Medicine Dr. Davis joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2021     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Iron is important to overall health, and people need more iron when they are pregnant. This can make pregnant people at increased risk for iron deficiency, which can progress to anemia and cause complications for both moms and their babies. After reviewing the latest available research, the Task Force found that there is not enough evidence on whether pregnant people who do not have signs or symptoms of iron deficiency or anemia should be screened—or take iron supplements—to improve their health or the health of their baby.  
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.