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Author Interviews, Breast Cancer, Colon Cancer, Genetic Research, JAMA / 20.06.2024
Lifetime Cancer Risk with Germline CDH1 Variants
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_62041" align="alignleft" width="150"] 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.
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
Coronary Artery Disease: Rare Genetic Variants Using Machine Learning Model
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_61964" align="alignleft" width="136"]
Ben Petrazzini[/caption]
Ben Omega Petrazzini, B.Sc.
Associate Bioinformatician
Ron Do Laboratory
[caption id="attachment_61965" align="alignleft" width="143"] 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.
Ben Petrazzini[/caption]
Ben Omega Petrazzini, B.Sc.
Associate Bioinformatician
Ron Do Laboratory
[caption id="attachment_61965" align="alignleft" width="143"] 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
NEJM: Perioperative Amino Acid Infusion Reduced Acute Kidney Injury after Cardiac Surgery
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_61951" align="alignleft" width="150"] 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.
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.
Author Interviews, Dermatology, JAMA, Salt-Sodium / 12.06.2024
UCSF Study Finds Salt Intake May Be Associated with Eczema Severity
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_61942" align="alignleft" width="200"] Dr. Abuabar[/caption]
Katrina Abuabara, MD, MA, MSCE
Associate Professor of Dermatology, UCSF
Associate Adjunct Professor of Epidemiology
UC Berkeley School of Public Health
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) has become increasingly common over recent decades, especially in industrialized countries, suggesting that environmental or lifestyle factors like diet could impact rates of disease. It is well established that sodium, consumed primarily in the form of salt, increases the risk of hypertension and heart disease through pro-inflammatory mechanisms. The role of sodium on other chronic inflammatory conditions like eczema has been less well-studied.
Dr. Abuabar[/caption]
Katrina Abuabara, MD, MA, MSCE
Associate Professor of Dermatology, UCSF
Associate Adjunct Professor of Epidemiology
UC Berkeley School of Public Health
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) has become increasingly common over recent decades, especially in industrialized countries, suggesting that environmental or lifestyle factors like diet could impact rates of disease. It is well established that sodium, consumed primarily in the form of salt, increases the risk of hypertension and heart disease through pro-inflammatory mechanisms. The role of sodium on other chronic inflammatory conditions like eczema has been less well-studied.
Aging, Author Interviews, Exercise - Fitness, JAMA, USPSTF / 10.06.2024
USPSTF: Health Care Professionals Should Recommend Exercise for Seniors at Risk of Falls
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_61045" align="alignleft" width="150"] Dr. Li Li[/caption]
Li Li, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H
Walter M. Seward Professor
Chair of Family Medicine
Director of population health
University of Virginia School of Medicine
Editor-in-chief of The BMJ Family Medicine
Dr. Li 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 of the underlying studies?
Response: Falls are the leading cause of injuries in older adults and can lead to serious disability and even death. To help prevent these incidents, the Task Force looked at the current evidence on ways that primary care clinicians can help prevent falls in adults aged 65 and older who live at home and are more likely to fall.
We concluded that healthcare professionals should recommend exercise interventions for adults aged 65 and older who are at increased risk for falls. This could include gait, balance, and functional training, as well as strength, resistance, and flexibility training. Clinicians can also talk with their older patients who are most likely to fall about whether additional interventions might be helpful to reduce their risk of falling.
Dr. Li Li[/caption]
Li Li, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H
Walter M. Seward Professor
Chair of Family Medicine
Director of population health
University of Virginia School of Medicine
Editor-in-chief of The BMJ Family Medicine
Dr. Li 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 of the underlying studies?
Response: Falls are the leading cause of injuries in older adults and can lead to serious disability and even death. To help prevent these incidents, the Task Force looked at the current evidence on ways that primary care clinicians can help prevent falls in adults aged 65 and older who live at home and are more likely to fall.
We concluded that healthcare professionals should recommend exercise interventions for adults aged 65 and older who are at increased risk for falls. This could include gait, balance, and functional training, as well as strength, resistance, and flexibility training. Clinicians can also talk with their older patients who are most likely to fall about whether additional interventions might be helpful to reduce their risk of falling.
Health Care Systems, Health Care Workers / 10.06.2024
US Healthcare Staffing Market to be Worth $26.97 Billion by 2031
The US healthcare staffing market is massive, although you wouldn't think it with the constant barrage of news reports telling us that we've got no staff and staffing shortages are increasing. Still, perhaps they're spending all the money attempting to boost staffing levels. And it isn't about the money - it's that people aren't as motivated to work in healthcare anymore.
Below, we'll explore why the spending is so big.
The booming healthcare staffing market is driven by an increasing demand for medical practitioners. The US is grappling with a shortage of healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals - over 340,000 combined professionals are needed, including doctors and nurses. The issue is, that as more baby boomers retire, they often become more reliant on medical services, putting pressure on an already understaffed industry.
But the issue also is that the demand for healthcare staff isn't being met. The US and the UK both use overseas staff to fill the numbers. The people training to be nurses in the US are becoming travel nurses, aesthetic practitioners, and basically avoiding the main healthcare system. Well, not all of them, but a big chunk are. The US has no choice but to rely on outsourced agencies like physician staffing companies.
The Rise in Demand for Healthcare Professionals
The booming healthcare staffing market is driven by an increasing demand for medical practitioners. The US is grappling with a shortage of healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals - over 340,000 combined professionals are needed, including doctors and nurses. The issue is, that as more baby boomers retire, they often become more reliant on medical services, putting pressure on an already understaffed industry.
But the issue also is that the demand for healthcare staff isn't being met. The US and the UK both use overseas staff to fill the numbers. The people training to be nurses in the US are becoming travel nurses, aesthetic practitioners, and basically avoiding the main healthcare system. Well, not all of them, but a big chunk are. The US has no choice but to rely on outsourced agencies like physician staffing companies.
ASCO, Author Interviews, Technology / 08.06.2024
AI Content Increasingly Detected in ASCO Oncology Abstracts
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_61909" align="alignleft" width="150"] Dr. Howard[/caption]
Frederick Howard MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Section of Hematology / Oncology
University of Chicago
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: With the advent of AI language models like ChatGPT, these tools may be used to generate scientific literature or abstracts. Indeed, a survey conducted by Nature in 2023 found that nearly 30% of scientists were using AI tools to aid in the writing of scientific manuscripts. The use of AI in scientific literature can be difficult to identify, and previous studies suggest that human reviewers cannot distinguish between AI generated and human written scientific abstracts. Commercial tools designed to identify AI content may have a higher degree of accuracy, but the optimal approach to applying such tools to detect AI content within scientific literature is uncertain.
Dr. Howard[/caption]
Frederick Howard MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Section of Hematology / Oncology
University of Chicago
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: With the advent of AI language models like ChatGPT, these tools may be used to generate scientific literature or abstracts. Indeed, a survey conducted by Nature in 2023 found that nearly 30% of scientists were using AI tools to aid in the writing of scientific manuscripts. The use of AI in scientific literature can be difficult to identify, and previous studies suggest that human reviewers cannot distinguish between AI generated and human written scientific abstracts. Commercial tools designed to identify AI content may have a higher degree of accuracy, but the optimal approach to applying such tools to detect AI content within scientific literature is uncertain.
COVID -19 Coronavirus, Vaccine Studies / 07.06.2024
How COVID-19 Has Changed Medical Research in Global Health
COVID-19 is a virus that devastated the healthcare systems around the globe. The main reason for this devastation was the speed of the spreading. Because it was spreading so fast, hospitals weren’t able to accommodate so many patients.
We needed to figure out a better approach to dealing with the pandemic. So, this is where most of the people on Earth stood together by being apart. We were in lockdown, but our scientists and governments collaborated more on finding the right solution.
What Was the COVID-19 Impact on Research Priorities?
One of the major impacts of the pandemic was the speed of research. Because of the urgency and the need for a quick response, research was focused on the COVID-19 virus and therapy and vaccine development for it. The development of vaccines was heavily prioritized, but this does not imply that it is not being done presently. Epidemiology and therapeutic regimens continue to see some initiatives. However, research remains a priority with ongoing trials on many things you can participate in (link to site). This required a lot of funding and resources, so governments, private sectors, and international organizations collaborated and helped out the research process. We’ve proven that we can adapt in no time, and respond to great threats effectively and swiftly.
Author Interviews, Biomarkers, Cancer Research, Colon Cancer / 06.06.2024
Weill Cornell Scientists Discover New Set of Biomarkers To Predict Colon Cancer Survival
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Jorge Moscat, PhD
Maria T. Diaz-Meco, PhD
Principal Investigators
Moscat & Diaz-Meco Laboratories
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Weill Cornell Medicine
New York, NY
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Would you describe the two different histological premalignant states?
Response: Although much effort is devoted to understanding the biology and pathology of established malignant tumors and the formation of metastasis in order to identify new and more efficacious treatment approaches, much less is understood of how tumors initiate from normal cells.
This is extremely important because treating incipient benign neoplasia should be easier and less toxic than treated already aggressive and disseminated cancer cells. In the case of colorectal cancer (CRC), routinary colonoscopies might identify still benign lesions that can be either “serrated” or “conventional” but that all present with reduced levels of two proteins called the aPKCs. As the tumor evolves, if the aPKCs are not upregulated, then the cancer becomes very aggressive and with very limited therapeutic options. Our work identifies precisely the initial mechanisms that determine if a benign adenoma would progress towards an aggressive phenotype. A full comprehension of these initial steps will lead to effective preventive therapies to stop cancer before it starts.
Principal Investigators
Moscat & Diaz-Meco Laboratories
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Weill Cornell Medicine
New York, NY
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Would you describe the two different histological premalignant states?
Response: Although much effort is devoted to understanding the biology and pathology of established malignant tumors and the formation of metastasis in order to identify new and more efficacious treatment approaches, much less is understood of how tumors initiate from normal cells.
This is extremely important because treating incipient benign neoplasia should be easier and less toxic than treated already aggressive and disseminated cancer cells. In the case of colorectal cancer (CRC), routinary colonoscopies might identify still benign lesions that can be either “serrated” or “conventional” but that all present with reduced levels of two proteins called the aPKCs. As the tumor evolves, if the aPKCs are not upregulated, then the cancer becomes very aggressive and with very limited therapeutic options. Our work identifies precisely the initial mechanisms that determine if a benign adenoma would progress towards an aggressive phenotype. A full comprehension of these initial steps will lead to effective preventive therapies to stop cancer before it starts.
Food Poisoning, Infections, Nutrition / 06.06.2024
Causes and Prevention of Foodborne Illness: Everything You Need to Know
Foodborne illness, or food poisoning as many call it, is a widespread and potentially life-threatening health issue.
Therefore, understanding the causes and prevention of foodborne illness is crucial for everyone, from home cooks to professional chefs, food industry workers, and consumers.
This article explores the causes of foodborne illness, identifies high-risk foods, and provides essential strategies for preventing this health issue.
Common Causes of Foodborne Illness
Symptoms of foodborne illness can show up quickly, sometimes within hours after you eat or drink a contaminated meal, or they might take a few days to appear. The following is an in-depth look at the common causes:
ASCO, Author Interviews, Breast Cancer, Genetic Research / 05.06.2024
ASCO24: Early Breast Cancer: Impact of race/ethnicity on the MammaPrint genomic assay risk and prognosis
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_61845" align="alignleft" width="125"]
Dr. Patel[/caption]
Rima Patel, MD
Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology/Oncology
The Tisch Cancer Institute
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: The 21-gene Oncotype DX Recurrence Score (RS) and 70-gene MammaPrint (MP) assays provide prognostic information for distant recurrence and are used to guide chemotherapy use in hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer (EBC). Previous reports have demonstrated racial differences in the prognostic accuracy of the RS. In both the TAILORx and RxPONDER trials, Black women with low genomic risk (RS 0-25) had a higher recurrence risk than White women. In another study using the NCDB database, Black race was associated with worse overall survival in multivariate models including RS. The impacts of race/ethnicity on the MammaPrint assay are unknown.
Dr. Patel[/caption]
Rima Patel, MD
Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology/Oncology
The Tisch Cancer Institute
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: The 21-gene Oncotype DX Recurrence Score (RS) and 70-gene MammaPrint (MP) assays provide prognostic information for distant recurrence and are used to guide chemotherapy use in hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer (EBC). Previous reports have demonstrated racial differences in the prognostic accuracy of the RS. In both the TAILORx and RxPONDER trials, Black women with low genomic risk (RS 0-25) had a higher recurrence risk than White women. In another study using the NCDB database, Black race was associated with worse overall survival in multivariate models including RS. The impacts of race/ethnicity on the MammaPrint assay are unknown.
ASCO, Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Race/Ethnic Diversity / 05.06.2024
ASCO24: Icahn Mt Sinai Researchers Develop Streamlined Cancer Trial Recruitment to Broaden Access to Diverse Groups
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_61813" align="alignleft" width="130"] Dr. Bickell[/caption]
Nina Bickell, MD, MPH
Associate Director of Community Engaged and Equity Research
Co-Leader of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program
Co-Director of the Center for Health Equity and
Community Engaged Research
The Tisch Cancer Institute
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Recruiting diverse patients to clinical trials is essential to advance cancer treatments, yet accrual remains low. Efficient recruitment requires the ability identify patients at treatment decision points and determine eligibility for open clinical trials – a time and personnel intensive undertaking. We developed an automated Regular Expressions technology to identify, classify and match patients to clinical trials and overcome the limitations of more resource-intensive technologies like Natural Language Processing (NLP).
We created a screener, parser and matcher to: use the electronic health record to identify patients at treatment decision points based on progress notes and imaging reports and classify their cancer type, stage and receptor status; extract and categorize breast, liver and lung cancer trial data based on cancer type, stage, and receptor status from the National Cancer Institute's ClinicalTrials.gov database; pair eligible patients with relevant trials based on stage and receptor status.
Dr. Bickell[/caption]
Nina Bickell, MD, MPH
Associate Director of Community Engaged and Equity Research
Co-Leader of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program
Co-Director of the Center for Health Equity and
Community Engaged Research
The Tisch Cancer Institute
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Recruiting diverse patients to clinical trials is essential to advance cancer treatments, yet accrual remains low. Efficient recruitment requires the ability identify patients at treatment decision points and determine eligibility for open clinical trials – a time and personnel intensive undertaking. We developed an automated Regular Expressions technology to identify, classify and match patients to clinical trials and overcome the limitations of more resource-intensive technologies like Natural Language Processing (NLP).
We created a screener, parser and matcher to: use the electronic health record to identify patients at treatment decision points based on progress notes and imaging reports and classify their cancer type, stage and receptor status; extract and categorize breast, liver and lung cancer trial data based on cancer type, stage, and receptor status from the National Cancer Institute's ClinicalTrials.gov database; pair eligible patients with relevant trials based on stage and receptor status.
Author Interviews, Colon Cancer, Gastrointestinal Disease, Immunotherapy / 04.06.2024
Icahn Mt Sinai Study Finds Immunosuppressives Not Likely To Increase Cancer Risk in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_61859" align="alignleft" width="130"] Dr. Itzkowitz[/caption]
Steven H. Itzkowitz, MD, FACP, FACG, AGAF
Professor of Medicine and Oncological Sciences
Director of the GI Fellowship Program
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: This study looked at patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who had a history of cancer in the past 5 years and asked whether the medications they received for their IBD might have affected their rates of getting future cancer (new or recurrent cancers). Because many of the medicines that are used to treat IBD can affect the immune system in various ways, there has been concern that the medicines might predispose to subsequent cancers.
We found that patients who received immunosuppressive medications had a numerically increased risk of subsequent cancer, this was not statistically higher than those who had not been exposed to these medications. While previous studies have looked at this question retrospectively, this is the first report that analyzed this issue prospectively using individuals from the United States. Moreover, this study represents a multi-institutional collaboration among gastroenterologists at most of the major NYC healthcare systems.
Dr. Itzkowitz[/caption]
Steven H. Itzkowitz, MD, FACP, FACG, AGAF
Professor of Medicine and Oncological Sciences
Director of the GI Fellowship Program
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: This study looked at patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who had a history of cancer in the past 5 years and asked whether the medications they received for their IBD might have affected their rates of getting future cancer (new or recurrent cancers). Because many of the medicines that are used to treat IBD can affect the immune system in various ways, there has been concern that the medicines might predispose to subsequent cancers.
We found that patients who received immunosuppressive medications had a numerically increased risk of subsequent cancer, this was not statistically higher than those who had not been exposed to these medications. While previous studies have looked at this question retrospectively, this is the first report that analyzed this issue prospectively using individuals from the United States. Moreover, this study represents a multi-institutional collaboration among gastroenterologists at most of the major NYC healthcare systems.
Alcohol, Author Interviews, CMAJ / 03.06.2024
Rare Auto-Brewery Syndrome Causes Intoxication Without Alcohol Consumption
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_61837" align="alignleft" width="125"] Dr. Zewude[/caption]
Rahel Zewude, MD FRCPC
Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology, PGY-5
University of Toronto
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you describe the syndrome of Auto-brewery syndrome?
Response: Auto-brewery syndrome refers to a syndrome where the gut ferments alcohol from carbohydrates leading to high blood alcohol levels and intoxication without any consumption of alcoholic drinks.
Dr. Zewude[/caption]
Rahel Zewude, MD FRCPC
Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology, PGY-5
University of Toronto
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you describe the syndrome of Auto-brewery syndrome?
Response: Auto-brewery syndrome refers to a syndrome where the gut ferments alcohol from carbohydrates leading to high blood alcohol levels and intoxication without any consumption of alcoholic drinks.
Author Interviews, Kidney Disease / 30.05.2024
Clinical Score Predicts Recovery From Dialysis Dependent Acute Kidney Injury
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_61821" align="alignleft" width="156"]
Dr. Shah[/caption]
Silvi Shah, MD,MS,FASN,FACP
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine | College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: AKI (Acute Kidney Injury) is a major contributor to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).
About a third of patients with ESKD recover kidney function due to AKI. The study looked at the health outcomes of 22,922 patients from the U.S. Renal Data System from 2005 to 2014 to construct a clinical scoring system to predict kidney recovery within 90 days and 12 months after the start of dialysis for kidney failure patients due to acute kidney injury (AKI)
Dr. Shah[/caption]
Silvi Shah, MD,MS,FASN,FACP
Associate Professor
Internal Medicine | College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: AKI (Acute Kidney Injury) is a major contributor to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).
About a third of patients with ESKD recover kidney function due to AKI. The study looked at the health outcomes of 22,922 patients from the U.S. Renal Data System from 2005 to 2014 to construct a clinical scoring system to predict kidney recovery within 90 days and 12 months after the start of dialysis for kidney failure patients due to acute kidney injury (AKI)
Author Interviews / 29.05.2024
DDW2024: SonarMD Program Reduced ER Visits and Health Care Costs for IBD Patients
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_61816" align="alignleft" width="125"]
Dr. Kosinski[/caption]
Dr. Larry Kosinski, MD
Gastroenterologist and SonarMD Founder & Board Member
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly explain what is meant by the IBD group of diseases?
Response: Affecting up to 70 million Americans, the U.S. spends $136 billion each year on digestive health as these conditions are complex to predict, treat and manage. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) includes people specifically diagnosed with either ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, and these conditions require close monitoring to reduce the risk for complications that lead to lengthy hospital stays and significant medical spend. In addition to providing a holistic health program, the SonarMD digital platform risk stratifies patients and performs continuous symptom checks to identify deteriorating symptoms sooner and communicate changes to physicians, meaning that care teams can intervene faster to keep patients healthier and lower the overall cost of care.
The two large, longitudinal studies that we presented at Digestive Disease Week 2024 evaluated several major drivers of medical costs in people living with IBD and enrolled in the SonarMD end-to-end, digital care coordination program to determine if SonarMD’s program reduced healthcare utilization and concurrently produced better health outcomes. To assess this, we looked at Emergency Department visits and In-patient Admissions compared to risk-matched control groups.
Dr. Kosinski[/caption]
Dr. Larry Kosinski, MD
Gastroenterologist and SonarMD Founder & Board Member
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly explain what is meant by the IBD group of diseases?
Response: Affecting up to 70 million Americans, the U.S. spends $136 billion each year on digestive health as these conditions are complex to predict, treat and manage. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) includes people specifically diagnosed with either ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, and these conditions require close monitoring to reduce the risk for complications that lead to lengthy hospital stays and significant medical spend. In addition to providing a holistic health program, the SonarMD digital platform risk stratifies patients and performs continuous symptom checks to identify deteriorating symptoms sooner and communicate changes to physicians, meaning that care teams can intervene faster to keep patients healthier and lower the overall cost of care.
The two large, longitudinal studies that we presented at Digestive Disease Week 2024 evaluated several major drivers of medical costs in people living with IBD and enrolled in the SonarMD end-to-end, digital care coordination program to determine if SonarMD’s program reduced healthcare utilization and concurrently produced better health outcomes. To assess this, we looked at Emergency Department visits and In-patient Admissions compared to risk-matched control groups.
AHA Journals, Author Interviews, Blood Pressure - Hypertension, OBGYNE / 29.05.2024
Study Finds Majority of Preeclampsias Can Be Detected in First Trimester
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_61675" align="alignleft" width="150"] Dr. Bujold[/caption]
Emmanuel Bujold, Reproduction
Mother and Child Health Unit
CHU De Québec-Université Laval Research Center
Université Laval
Québec, QC Canada
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly describe what is meant by preeclampsia?
Response: Preeclampsia is a complication of the second half of pregnancy, manifesting as high blood pressure and renal dysfunction. The only current treatment is to deliver the baby before it becomes complicated by damage to maternal organs or fetal distress.
A few years ago, we demonstrated that aspirin started in the 1st trimester can prevent the majority of preeclampsias in pregnant women at risk. It has therefore become urgent to identify pregnant women at risk as early as the 1st trimester.
Dr. Bujold[/caption]
Emmanuel Bujold, Reproduction
Mother and Child Health Unit
CHU De Québec-Université Laval Research Center
Université Laval
Québec, QC Canada
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly describe what is meant by preeclampsia?
Response: Preeclampsia is a complication of the second half of pregnancy, manifesting as high blood pressure and renal dysfunction. The only current treatment is to deliver the baby before it becomes complicated by damage to maternal organs or fetal distress.
A few years ago, we demonstrated that aspirin started in the 1st trimester can prevent the majority of preeclampsias in pregnant women at risk. It has therefore become urgent to identify pregnant women at risk as early as the 1st trimester.
Nurses play a crucial role in the healthcare system, often serving as the frontline of patient care. Their responsibilities are vast and demanding, from administering medications to providing emotional support to patients and their families. Given the high-stress nature of their work, it is imperative to recognize the importance of mental health support for nurses. Mental health support not only enhances their well-being but also improves patient care and the overall efficiency of healthcare services. This article explores the various facets of mental health support for nurses and why it is essential for the healthcare industry.
Nursing is inherently a high-stress profession. Nurses are often required to work long hours, deal with critically ill patients, and make quick decisions that can significantly impact patient outcomes. This constant exposure to stress can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression if not properly managed. The high-pressure environment can affect their mental and physical health, making it crucial to address these issues proactively. Providing mental health support helps nurses cope with the stressors of their job, ensuring they can continue to provide high-quality care without compromising their own health.
The High-Stress Environment of Nursing
Nursing is inherently a high-stress profession. Nurses are often required to work long hours, deal with critically ill patients, and make quick decisions that can significantly impact patient outcomes. This constant exposure to stress can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression if not properly managed. The high-pressure environment can affect their mental and physical health, making it crucial to address these issues proactively. Providing mental health support helps nurses cope with the stressors of their job, ensuring they can continue to provide high-quality care without compromising their own health.
Exercise - Fitness, Orthopedics / 28.05.2024
Knee Strengthening And Rehabilitation Exercises for MMA Fighters
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is one of the most dangerous and physically demanding sports of our time. Fighters, like the ones we see competing in the UFC, need to be extremely resilient and physically fit to practice and perform effectively. While the sport involves the entire body, one particular joint that takes a lot of heat is the knees.
In this article, we’re going into detail about why some knee strength and rehabilitation exercises should be a part of your training regime as an MMA fighter. Let’s begin.
The knees are equally essential for us all — athlete or not. It’s the single most important joint for basic mobility. But, for MMA practitioners, it means much more than that. Due to the dynamic nature of the sport, the knees go through immense strain during training and fights. From kicking, takedowns, and submission defense, the knees do the heavy lifting for it all. To make matters worse, a “leg kick” to the knee can sometimes be enough to cause a fracture then and there.
With all that in mind, it makes sense that ligament tears, strains, and knee sprains aren’t uncommon in this sport. Problems usually stem from insufficient rest or overuse, conditioning, poor technique, or just bad luck (for example if you’re fighting Justin Gaethje, the meanest leg-kicker).
Your best bet against these risk factors is to build and maintain optimal knee health all year round. Have a proactive approach by incorporating knee rehab and strengthening exercises. Even if your knees aren’t injured, they can still be inflamed or overworked, so some rehabilitation movements could go a long way.
What Knee Health Means for MMA Fighters
The knees are equally essential for us all — athlete or not. It’s the single most important joint for basic mobility. But, for MMA practitioners, it means much more than that. Due to the dynamic nature of the sport, the knees go through immense strain during training and fights. From kicking, takedowns, and submission defense, the knees do the heavy lifting for it all. To make matters worse, a “leg kick” to the knee can sometimes be enough to cause a fracture then and there.
With all that in mind, it makes sense that ligament tears, strains, and knee sprains aren’t uncommon in this sport. Problems usually stem from insufficient rest or overuse, conditioning, poor technique, or just bad luck (for example if you’re fighting Justin Gaethje, the meanest leg-kicker).
Your best bet against these risk factors is to build and maintain optimal knee health all year round. Have a proactive approach by incorporating knee rehab and strengthening exercises. Even if your knees aren’t injured, they can still be inflamed or overworked, so some rehabilitation movements could go a long way.
Addiction, Author Interviews, Health Care Systems / 25.05.2024
Thirty-fold state level prescribing disparities of naloxone to both Medicaid and Medicare patients
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_61782" align="alignleft" width="150"] Srivastava Kodavatiganti, MBS[/caption]
Srivastava Kodavatiganti, MBS
Department of Medical Education
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Scranton, PA
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Prescription and illicit opioid misuse and overdoses have continued to escalate in the U.S. with annual overdoses exceeding 110,000[1]. There was a substantial rise from 2013 to 2022 in the number of opioid-related overdoses due to synthetic opioids [2]. Even nonfatal opioid-involved overdoses increased 4% quarterly between January 2018 and March 2022 as observed by encounters by emergency medical services [3]. Although the eastern U.S. has been particularly impacted by fatal overdoses, annual increases have increased as of last year in the western states including in Nevada (+27.9%), Washington (+36.9%), Oregon (+38.6%), and Alaska (+45.9%). In contrast, other states have seen more modest changes (New Mexico = +1.3%) including decreases (South Dakota = -2.4%, Nebraska = -19.5%) [1]. These findings underscore the importance for understanding patterns in usage of prevention and treatment strategies.
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. This crucial lifesaving tool is administered as an injection or as a nasal spray. This study characterized the patterns of naloxone prescriptions in Medicaid patients from 2018 – 2021 and Medicare patients for 2019. State level differences were also quantified as the fold difference in prescribing between the highest and lowest states when correcting for the number of enrollees in each state.
Srivastava Kodavatiganti, MBS[/caption]
Srivastava Kodavatiganti, MBS
Department of Medical Education
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Scranton, PA
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Prescription and illicit opioid misuse and overdoses have continued to escalate in the U.S. with annual overdoses exceeding 110,000[1]. There was a substantial rise from 2013 to 2022 in the number of opioid-related overdoses due to synthetic opioids [2]. Even nonfatal opioid-involved overdoses increased 4% quarterly between January 2018 and March 2022 as observed by encounters by emergency medical services [3]. Although the eastern U.S. has been particularly impacted by fatal overdoses, annual increases have increased as of last year in the western states including in Nevada (+27.9%), Washington (+36.9%), Oregon (+38.6%), and Alaska (+45.9%). In contrast, other states have seen more modest changes (New Mexico = +1.3%) including decreases (South Dakota = -2.4%, Nebraska = -19.5%) [1]. These findings underscore the importance for understanding patterns in usage of prevention and treatment strategies.
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. This crucial lifesaving tool is administered as an injection or as a nasal spray. This study characterized the patterns of naloxone prescriptions in Medicaid patients from 2018 – 2021 and Medicare patients for 2019. State level differences were also quantified as the fold difference in prescribing between the highest and lowest states when correcting for the number of enrollees in each state.
Author Interviews, Dermatology, Melanoma, Race/Ethnic Diversity / 24.05.2024
Weill Cornell Dermatologist Discusses Skin Cancer Prevention and Detection
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_61776" align="alignleft" width="125"]
Dr. Alexis[/caption]
Andrew F. Alexis, MD, MPH
Vice-Chair for Diversity and Inclusion
Department of Dermatology
Dermatologist
Center for Diverse Skin Complexions
Weill Cornell Medicine – NY
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main types of skin cancer? Is the incidence changing?
Response: The 3 main types of skin cancer are melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States1 and 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. (2)
The overall incidence has changed as follows:
• Melanoma: Rates doubled over past 30 years from 1982 to 2011.3 It differs by age group.
o Adolescents and adults age 30 and younger: incidence rate is declining
o Older age groups (e.g. 80 and older): incidence rate is increasing
• Squamous Cell Cancer:
o Incidence increased 263% between 1976-1984 and 2000-20104
• Basal Cell Cancer:
o Incidence increased 145% between 1976-1984 and 2000-20104
Dr. Alexis[/caption]
Andrew F. Alexis, MD, MPH
Vice-Chair for Diversity and Inclusion
Department of Dermatology
Dermatologist
Center for Diverse Skin Complexions
Weill Cornell Medicine – NY
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main types of skin cancer? Is the incidence changing?
Response: The 3 main types of skin cancer are melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States1 and 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. (2)
The overall incidence has changed as follows:
• Melanoma: Rates doubled over past 30 years from 1982 to 2011.3 It differs by age group.
o Adolescents and adults age 30 and younger: incidence rate is declining
o Older age groups (e.g. 80 and older): incidence rate is increasing
• Squamous Cell Cancer:
o Incidence increased 263% between 1976-1984 and 2000-20104
• Basal Cell Cancer:
o Incidence increased 145% between 1976-1984 and 2000-20104
Addiction, Mental Health Research / 23.05.2024
6 Healthy Lifestyle Modifications to Enhance Longevity
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential for enhancing longevity and improving overall well-being, and it involves making conscious choices that benefit both physical and mental health. While physical health often gets the spotlight, mental health is equally crucial. The United States of America is grappling with mental health issues, and San Antonio serves as a bitter reminder. Despite San Antonio investing $26 invested in the Metropolitan Health District's Mental Health initiatives in 2022, much more effort is needed. A new study has revealed that Texas is the state with the worst access to mental healthcare in America. This finding highlights the importance of holistic approaches to health that encompass both mental and physical aspects.
In this guide, we will discuss six key lifestyle modifications that can enhance longevity.
1. Embrace Sober Living
Maintaining sobriety is a fundamental aspect of enhancing both physical and mental health. Substance abuse can lead to a myriad of health issues, including liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and mental health disorders. A sober lifestyle can significantly improve your quality of life and increase your lifespan. This journey often requires support, which is where sober living facilities come into play. For those willing to embrace sober living San Antonio facilities, like New Day Sober Living, offers a secure environment where residents are surrounded by people who have similar goals and mindsets, which entails achieving long-term sobriety. These facilities offer structured living conditions and a community of peers who are also on the path to recovery. The supportive atmosphere helps individuals stay committed to their sobriety goals, reducing the risk of relapse and promoting overall well-being. By choosing sober living, you are taking a proactive step towards a healthier, longer life.
Exercise is increasingly recognized as a potent tool in addiction recovery. Its benefits extend beyond physical health, reaching deep into the psychological and emotional realms where the battle for sobriety is often fought. Integrating regular physical activity into a recovery program can forge a critical path toward healing and long-term sobriety. This article explores how exercise can serve as a therapeutic aid in overcoming addiction, detailing the roles of various types of physical activities and the mechanisms through which they enhance the recovery process.
Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood lifters. This biochemical shift is crucial for individuals recovering from addiction, as it helps reduce the dependency on substances used to achieve similar feelings. Regular physical activity also helps to establish a routine, a vital component of a stable recovery environment. As exercise becomes a regular part of one’s life, it fosters discipline and a sense of accomplishment, both of which are fundamental in building a sober life.
Benefits of Exercise in Recovery
Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood lifters. This biochemical shift is crucial for individuals recovering from addiction, as it helps reduce the dependency on substances used to achieve similar feelings. Regular physical activity also helps to establish a routine, a vital component of a stable recovery environment. As exercise becomes a regular part of one’s life, it fosters discipline and a sense of accomplishment, both of which are fundamental in building a sober life.
For nurses, managing the demands of their profession while taking care of their own well-being can be a significant challenge. Long hours, high stress, and emotional demands can take a toll, making self-care an essential component of their routine. This article explores practical self-care strategies tailored for nurses on the go, offering advice on maintaining physical health, mental clarity, and emotional stability. By integrating these practices into their daily lives, nurses can enhance their resilience and provide the best care for their patients while also taking care of themselves.
Prioritizing Physical Health
Physical health is the foundation of a nurse's ability to perform their duties. Regular exercise, even in short bursts, can significantly improve physical stamina and overall health. Simple activities like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, a quick walk during breaks, or stretching exercises can be integrated into a busy schedule. Proper nutrition is also crucial; packing healthy snacks such as fruits, nuts, and yogurt can help sustain energy throughout long shifts. Staying hydrated is equally important, as dehydration can lead to fatigue and decreased cognitive function. In addition to maintaining an active lifestyle and healthy eating habits, regular health checkups are vital for nurses to monitor their overall well-being. Routine screenings can help identify potential issues early, such as high blood pressure or vitamin deficiencies, which are common among healthcare professionals due to demanding schedules. According to this dentist in Virginia Beach VA, scheduling annual physicals and dental visits ensures that nurses remain in optimal health to meet the physical and mental demands of their profession
Nutrition, Probiotics / 22.05.2024
7 Probiotic-Rich Foods for Women
Earlier most probiotic research focused on their role in digestive health and immunity but newer research indicates that probiotics can have additional benefits, especially for women. Some probiotics can help restore and maintain vaginal microflora which would reduce the risk of vaginal infections while others may help to reduce menopause symptoms. Preliminary research also shows that specific probiotic strains can lower stress levels, aid weight loss for those who are overweight, and decrease wrinkles.
- Yogurt
Cancer Research, Environmental Risks / 22.05.2024
PFAS Exposure Linked to Increased Testicular Cancer in Firefighters and Military
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of compounds utilized in a variety of industrial and commercial applications, such as firefighting foams and military equipment. Recent research has raised concerns about the possible health implications of PFAS exposure, specifically its association with testicular cancer. Firefighters and military personnel are particularly vulnerable owing to work exposure to PFAS-containing chemicals.
This article explores the connection between PFAS exposure and testicular cancer, focusing on the impact on firefighters and military personnel. It will also discuss the legal recourse available for these individuals through AFFF lawsuits.
Author Interviews, Pulmonary Disease, Sleep Disorders / 21.05.2024
ATS24: Mount Sinai Study Develops Algorithm to Distinguish Central vs Obstructive Sleep Apnea
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_61753" align="alignleft" width="154"]
Dr. Parekh[/caption]
Ankit Parekh, PhD
Director of the Sleep And Circadian Analysis (SCAN) Group
Assistant Professor of Medicine
(Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine)
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: Sleep apnea is associated with incident cardiovascular disease, and is a common chronic condition affecting over a billion people worldwide. In diagnosing and treating sleep apnea, it is imperative to establish the type of sleep apnea—whether it is obstructive or central sleep apnea. The differential contribution of central vs. obstructive sleep apnea toward incidental cardiovascular disease in those with significant sleep apnea has not been well studied.
Our group has developed an automated algorithm that deduces on a breath-by-breath level whether reductions in airflow are predominantly due to obstructive or central phenomena. Our algorithm uses several features that are known to be key in distinguishing the type of events and derives a probability of obstruction across each “small” (reduced amplitude) breath. The breath-by-breath probability is then used to determine whether a patient’s burden of sleep apnea is predominantly obstructive or central.
In this work, we analyzed sleep study data from The Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) cohort (N=2793) consisting of elderly men, across two visits separated on average by 6.5 years, and derived the probability of obstruction on a breath-by-breath level. The median probability of obstruction for each subject was computed and analyzed against outcomes of cardiovascular disease. We also assessed the stability of the metric in those without any prevalent cardiovascular disease. We find that median probability of obstruction was stable across the two visits, and those with any incident cardiovascular disease had a lower median probability of obstruction: patients with incident cardiovascular outcomes had a significant burden of sleep apnea that was predominantly “central” in nature.
Dr. Parekh[/caption]
Ankit Parekh, PhD
Director of the Sleep And Circadian Analysis (SCAN) Group
Assistant Professor of Medicine
(Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine)
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: Sleep apnea is associated with incident cardiovascular disease, and is a common chronic condition affecting over a billion people worldwide. In diagnosing and treating sleep apnea, it is imperative to establish the type of sleep apnea—whether it is obstructive or central sleep apnea. The differential contribution of central vs. obstructive sleep apnea toward incidental cardiovascular disease in those with significant sleep apnea has not been well studied.
Our group has developed an automated algorithm that deduces on a breath-by-breath level whether reductions in airflow are predominantly due to obstructive or central phenomena. Our algorithm uses several features that are known to be key in distinguishing the type of events and derives a probability of obstruction across each “small” (reduced amplitude) breath. The breath-by-breath probability is then used to determine whether a patient’s burden of sleep apnea is predominantly obstructive or central.
In this work, we analyzed sleep study data from The Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) cohort (N=2793) consisting of elderly men, across two visits separated on average by 6.5 years, and derived the probability of obstruction on a breath-by-breath level. The median probability of obstruction for each subject was computed and analyzed against outcomes of cardiovascular disease. We also assessed the stability of the metric in those without any prevalent cardiovascular disease. We find that median probability of obstruction was stable across the two visits, and those with any incident cardiovascular disease had a lower median probability of obstruction: patients with incident cardiovascular outcomes had a significant burden of sleep apnea that was predominantly “central” in nature.
Health Care Systems, Mental Health Research / 21.05.2024
Leading with Empathy in the Healthcare Sector
In the fast-paced world of healthcare, where clinical skills and knowledge are paramount, the power of empathy in leadership can sometimes be overlooked. However, leading with empathy in the healthcare sector is not just a nice-to-have quality; it's a pivotal trait that can shape patient outcomes, staff satisfaction, and the overall healthcare environment. This article delves into why empathy is crucial in healthcare leadership, supported by real-world insights and strategies to foster a culture of empathy.
As technology continues to evolve within the healthcare sector, creating new opportunities for enhancing patient care, it's crucial that empathy doesn't get lost in the shuffle. Innovative tools and systems should be seen as avenues to deepen our understanding and connection with patients, rather than as barriers to the human touch. Embracing technology with empathetic intention can lead to an even greater level of personalized care.
One specific area where empathy can play a transformative role is in addressing HR challenges in behavioral health. Understanding the unique nature of these challenges, and the emotional toll they can take on staff, is crucial for leaders who strive to create a supportive work environment. This deeper understanding can drive the implementation of effective solutions, fostering a workplace where empathy and professionalism thrive together.
The Impact of Technological Advancements
As technology continues to evolve within the healthcare sector, creating new opportunities for enhancing patient care, it's crucial that empathy doesn't get lost in the shuffle. Innovative tools and systems should be seen as avenues to deepen our understanding and connection with patients, rather than as barriers to the human touch. Embracing technology with empathetic intention can lead to an even greater level of personalized care.
One specific area where empathy can play a transformative role is in addressing HR challenges in behavioral health. Understanding the unique nature of these challenges, and the emotional toll they can take on staff, is crucial for leaders who strive to create a supportive work environment. This deeper understanding can drive the implementation of effective solutions, fostering a workplace where empathy and professionalism thrive together.
Endocrinology, Exercise - Fitness, Genetic Research / 21.05.2024
Health and Wellness – 6 New Trends Offering Benefits for the Masses
As public interest in health and wellness continues to grow, so does the number of innovative trends aimed at improving physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These new trends offer accessible and effective ways to enhance lifestyle choices and promote overall health. Individuals need to stay informed about these developments to make educated decisions that align with their health goals. By embracing novel and scientifically backed wellness practices, people can significantly enhance their quality of life, finding balance and improved health through modern solutions.