Author: Marie Benz MD FAAD

04 May Modern Advances in Laser Facial Hair Removal Techniques

Posted at 10:34h in Dermatology

Key Takeaways:

Understanding the groundbreaking science behind laser facial hair removal and its multifaceted benefits.
Key steps to consider in preparation for a laser hair removal session to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Essential post-treatment care strategies to enhance results and maintain skin health after the procedure.
The role of continuous technological advancements in improving laser hair removal treatments.

What Is Laser Hair Removal and How Does It Work?

Laser hair removal is a long-lasting alternative to traditional hair removal methods for unwanted facial hair in both men and women. Laser treatments disrupt the normal growth cycle of hair follicles by utilizing highly concentrated beams of light designed to be absorbed by the pigment within the hair shafts. This state-of-the-art technique has quickly found favor in metropolises like Chicago, where grooming and self-care are highly prioritized. Laser facial hair removal in Chicago is primarily sought for its ability to facilitate a seamless, hair-free complexion, symbolic of the city's cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Shiaoching Gong PhD Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer’s Disease Institute Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY

02 May Novel Neuron Model Recapitulates Human 4R Tauopathy: Sheds Light on Potential Therapeutic Target

Posted at 15:20h in Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61640" align="alignleft" width="110"]

Dr. Li Gan PhDBurton P. and Judith B. Resnick Distinguished Professor in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Brain and Mind Research Institute
Weill Cornell Medical College

Dr. Li Gan[/caption] Dr. Li Gan PhD Burton P. and Judith B. Resnick Distinguished Professor in Neurodegenerative Diseases Brain and Mind Research Institute Weill Cornell Medical College [caption id="attachment_61627" align="alignleft" width="150"]

Dr. Shiaoching Gong[/caption] Shiaoching Gong PhD Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer’s Disease Institute Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you describe the process of making these neurons? Response: Primary tauopathies are a group of progressive neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the pathological aggregation of 3R or 4R tau protein in neurons and/or glial cells, where 4R tauopathies are more common primary tauopathies. The exact pathological mechanisms remain elusive. There are currently no therapies available that can halt or reverse the spread of tau aggregates since the drug effects found in animal models are not always reproduced in human clinical trials. The development of tau therapies from human cells have become urgently needed. Induced human pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer a unique model to better understand pathological mechanisms underlying human diseases and to develop human cell-based therapy. However, a major challenge to study 4R tauopathy is iPSC-derived neurons express very low levels of 4R Tau isoforms making it difficult to study 4R tauopathy and the mutations located in 4R Tau. To address this need, we designed and engineered a robust human iPSC 4R tauopathy model using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. We first introduced specific mutations at the intron-exon 10 junctions and silent mutations within exon 10 to promote exon 10 inclusion, leading the increase of 4R isoforms expression in iPSC-derived neurons. Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) mutation, P301S located in exon 10 is highly aggregation prone. To generate this human disease 4R tauopathy model, we then introduced this mutation to 4R iPSC to make it a 4RP301S iPSC line.

01 May USPSTF: New Guidelines Recommend All Women Get Screened for Breast Cancer Beginning at Age 40, Earlier if They Are at High Risk

Posted at 15:37h in Author Interviews, Breast Cancer, JAMA, USPSTF

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_60752" align="alignleft" width="200"]

Dr. Nicholson[/caption] Wanda K. Nicholson, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A. Senior Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Professor of Prevention and Community Health Milken Institute School of Public Health George Washington University Dr. Nicholson was appointed chair of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in March 2024. She served as vice chair from March 2022 to March 2024 and as a member of the Task Force from January 2009 through December 2013. MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Breast cancer is the second most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer deaths for women in the U.S. After reviewing the latest science, the Task Force recommends screening all women for breast cancer every other year starting at age 40 and continuing through age 74. This new approach has the potential to save nearly 20 percent more lives from breast cancer and has even greater potential benefit for Black women, who are much more likely to die from breast cancer.

Gaurav Khanna Ph.D. Assistant Professor | School of Global Policy and Strategy University of California, San Diego

27 Apr Foreign Born Physicians Help Fill Need for Doctors in US Rural Areas

Posted at 14:31h in Author Interviews, Health Care Systems

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61615" align="alignleft" width="150"]

Dr. Khanna[/caption] Gaurav Khanna Ph.D. Assistant Professor | School of Global Policy and Strategy University of California, San Diego www.econgaurav.com MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: There is a shortage of doctors in certain parts of the US. For instance, although about 20% of the United States population live in rural areas, only 11% of physicians practice in these locations. The research shows that relaxed visa requirements enable more foreign-trained doctors to practice in remote and low-income areas, without reducing the employment of U.S.-trained doctors. One such program that facilitates keeping foreign-born physicians in the US is the Conrad 30 Program. Most participants in the Conrad 30 Waiver Program work in Health Professional Shortage Areas (or HPSAs), areas lacking an adequate number of primary care physicians, dentists, or mental health care providers.

Shruti K. Gohil, MD Assistant Professor, Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Associate Medical Director, Epidemiology & Infection Prevention, Infectious Diseases UCI School of Medicine

27 Apr UCI Develops AI Model To Determine Best Antibiotic Match for an Individual Patient

Posted at 14:00h in Author Interviews, CDC, Infections, JAMA

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61617" align="alignleft" width="161"]

Dr. Gohil[/caption] Shruti K. Gohil, MD Assistant Professor, Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Associate Medical Director, Epidemiology & Infection Prevention, Infectious Diseases UCI School of Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Antibiotic resistance, which occurs when germs like bacteria and fungi mutate to defeat the drugs designed to kill them, is a major public health threat.
Data show that 40-50% of patients hospitalized with pneumonia receive broad spectrum antibiotics when they do not need them.
Helping clinicians tailor antibiotic prescriptions to individual patients can improve patient outcomes by preserving healthy bacteria in the body and reducing the risk of future antibiotic resistance.

25 Apr What Women Reaching Menopause Need to Know (+ Mind & Body Strategies for Well-Being)

Posted at 21:13h in Menopause

Menopause isn't merely a biological process—it's a journey that marks a new chapter in a woman's life. It comes with its share of whispers and shadows, often stirring a mix of emotions from relief to apprehension. As the familiar rhythm of your body shifts, it can feel like you’re navigating a path bristling with unknowns, each step echoing with the beats of change. Imagine embracing this transition not just with endurance, but with empowerment. Menopause, with all its intricacies, isn't the end of youth but a rebirth of freedom and strength. Let's redefine what it means to walk through this phase, equipped with knowledge and wrapped in understanding.

Understanding Menopause

[caption id="attachment_61607" align="alignleft" width="150"]

Photo by Freepik[/caption] From menstrual cycle regularity to temperature regulation, understanding these hormonal changes is essential as they underlie myriad experiences during menopause.

Hormonal Changes

As you approach menopause, your body begins a natural shift in hormone production, primarily estrogen and progesterone. These changes are the conductors behind the scenes, orchestrating everything from your menstrual cycle regularity to the temperature of your skin. Understanding these hormonal ebbs and flows is crucial, as they are pivotal in what you experience during menopause.

25 Apr Bypassing Safeguards: The Issue of Substandard Drugs in the US and EU

Posted at 19:28h in Pharmaceutical Companies

Introduction

The pharmaceutical industry serves as a cornerstone in the healthcare systems of the United States and the European Union, ensuring the safety and efficacy of drugs is paramount. However, the rise of substandard or falsified drugs poses a significant threat to public health, challenging the regulatory and industry safeguards put in place. Understanding how these illicit products manage to circumvent the established systems is crucial for developing effective countermeasures.

Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

One of the primary avenues for substandard or falsified drugs to infiltrate the market is through weaknesses in the pharmaceutical supply chain. The intricate network of manufacturers, distributors, and retailers creates opportunities for unauthorized parties to introduce compromised products. In both the US and EU, regulatory bodies struggle to monitor every step of this expansive supply chain, making it susceptible to infiltration by counterfeiters. Globalization further complicates the issue, as pharmaceutical ingredients and finished products often cross international borders. The diversity of regulatory standards and enforcement capabilities worldwide allows substandard or falsified drugs to exploit regulatory gaps, entering the market through regions with weaker oversight.

Yusuke Tsugawa, MD, PhD Associate Professor of Medicine & Health Policy and Management, UCLA Director of Data Core, UCLA Department of Medicine Statistics Core Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Los Angeles, CA 90024

25 Apr UCLA Study Finds Patients Treated By Female Physicians Have Better Outcomes and Fewer Readmissions

Posted at 15:31h in Annals Internal Medicine, Author Interviews, Gender Differences, UCLA

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61597" align="alignleft" width="150"]

Dr. Tsugawa[/caption] Yusuke Tsugawa, MD, PhD Associate Professor of Medicine & Health Policy and Management, UCLA Director of Data Core, UCLA Department of Medicine Statistics Core Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Los Angeles, CA 90024 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Prior studies have found that female and male physicians practice medicine differently. For example, female physicians are, on average, more likely to abide by clinical guidelines and spend more time listening to patients. However, evidence was limited as to whether such differences have clinically meaningful impact on patients’ health outcomes, which was the aim of this study.

25 Apr UCSD Study Finds X’s Community Notes Fosters Learning Environment Rather Than Censorship Model

Posted at 00:45h in Author Interviews, COVID -19 Coronavirus, JAMA, Technology, UCSD, Vaccine Studies

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: John W. Ayers, PhD MA Vice Chief of Innovation | Assoc. Professor
Div. Infectious Disease & Global Public Health University of California San Diego Since the World Health Organization declared an ‘infodemic’ of misinformation, there have been surprisingly few achievements to celebrate. X's Community Notes have emerged as an innovative strategy to address misinformation as reported in the latest issue of JAMA.

Before the inception of Community Notes, social media companies employed various tactics to tackle misinformation, including censoring, shadowbanning (muting a user or their content on a platform without informing them), and adding generic warning labels to problematic content. However, these efforts were typically undisclosed meaning their effectiveness could not be studied.

In late 2022, X introduced Community Notes. This novel approach empowers volunteer, independent, anonymous, and ideologically diverse contributors to identify posts containing misinformation and to rectify misinformation by appending informative "notes" to suspect posts. The process is controlled by the public, instead of decision-makers at the company. Most importantly the system is open-sourced so it can be studied by external scientists.

24 Apr 10 Signs You May Be Struggling With Addiction

Posted at 10:30h in Addiction

Addiction is renowned for being a complex condition, fundamentally, manifesting in an inability to stop using a substance or engaging in behavior despite detrimental consequences. Recognizing the signs of addiction is the first crucial step toward seeking help and recovery. If you are at a point where you have to consider the question, am I an addict? Here are ten signs that may indicate you are struggling with addiction. Increased Tolerance One of the earliest signs of addiction is an increased tolerance to the substance. This means you may need to consume more alcohol or drugs to achieve the same effect previously attained with smaller amounts.

21 Apr All You Need to Know About LASIK

Posted at 20:04h in Ophthalmology

LASIK is an excellent option for people who have to wear glasses or contacts and don't want to do that anymore. Before going in for a consultation, it's good to learn as much as possible about it. Here are some answers, including ones if you have questions about LASIK cost. What is LASIK? This is an outpatient surgery where the eye doctor will use a laser to reshape the corneal tissue of an eye through a flap that is also created by the laser. It's a safe procedure since the laser won't damage other tissue or other parts of the eye. Who is a Candidate for LASIK? While there are a lot of people who can benefit from this, there are some who aren't eligible. They include people who are under 18, those who have had multiple changes in their eyeglasses prescription, people that have extreme cases of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, and those who have severe dry eye. Your eye doctor will thoroughly examine your eyes and make that determination before moving ahead and scheduling the actual surgery.

Sharon Dekel PhD Principal Investigator Director of the Postpartum Traumatic Stress Disorders Research Program Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, 02114

19 Apr Mass General Study Evaluates AI Narrative to Detect Childbirth-Related PTSD

Posted at 00:01h in Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Mental Health Research, NIH

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61582" align="alignleft" width="135"]

Dr. Dekel[/caption] Sharon Dekel PhD Principal Investigator Director of the Postpartum Traumatic Stress Disorders Research Program Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, 02114 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Maternal psychopathologies affect a significant number of American women and are the leading complications of childbirth and a significant contributor to maternal death. Maternal (physical) morbidity in the US remain the highest among all countries in the West, suggesting that some women will have a traumatic childbirth experience. The most common mental illness associated with trauma is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD stemming from childbirth is estimated to affect 6% of delivering women (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28443054/). In high-risk groups, for example women who have unscheduled Cesareans the rate is estimated at 20% or higher (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31041603/.). Although we screen for postpartum depression in hospitals in the USA there is no screening for what we define as childbirth-related PTSD (CB-PTSD). The overarching goal of the Dekel Lab is to develop novel and patient-friendly screening tools to identify women with this disorder. As importantly traumatic childbirth disproportionality affects Black and Latina women (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35598158/).

18 Apr Pros and Cons of LASIK

Posted at 22:58h in Ophthalmology

Although LASIK has been around for decades, people still have to weigh the pros and cons before going ahead with the surgery. One prominent thing could dissuade people who are interested in it from getting it - the most important LASIK candidacy factors. Simply put, not everyone will be able to have the surgery. The reasons, as the link shows, include having too strong a case of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Pro: It's a Very Fast Surgery When you compare it to other surgeries involving things that play a large part of your senses, a 10-minute surgery is astonishing. You'll be surprised at how quickly things go, even when you're spending some of the time with your eyes pinned open. As a result, you'll feel relief that you're out of the operating room as soon as you are. Since your eyes will be open the entire time, too, you won't have to worry about that post-anesthesia nausea that some people have when they are put under. Con: There Are Some Possible Risks Yes, LASIK has been around for a long time, but that doesn't mean that it's completely perfect. Some people do have some side effects. Even if they didn't have dry eye before, some people can have it for roughly three months. Dry eye is when your eyes can't produce tears, which then leads to them feeling grainy. Other things include having hazy vision, nighttime glare (which can make driving at night dangerous.

Amy Kennalley, MBS First Year Medical Student Department of Medical Education Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

18 Apr Blunt Truth: Inequities in Medical Marijuana Dispensary Accessibility in Pennsylvania

Posted at 19:45h in Author Interviews, Cannabis

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61159" align="alignleft" width="169"]

Amy Kennalley[/caption] Amy Kennalley, MBS First Year Medical Student Department of Medical Education Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study Response: The legalization of medical marijuana (MMJ) and the number of qualifying conditions are expanding across the USA, emphasizing the need to understand the implications of MMJ dispensary distribution for equitable access. Pennsylvania (PA) legalized MMJ in 2016, with the first dispensary opening its doors in 2018. The state currently recognizes 24 medical conditions for MMJ use, including six for which there is insufficient or no evidence for their efficacy as a treatment. Prior research suggests that there is a link between proximity to dispensaries and overall MMJ use. However, a gap exists in our understanding of how dispensary locations might be associated with the specific qualifying conditions for which individuals receive their certification. In response to this knowledge gap, our study delved into the medical marijuana dispensary access in PA and explored associations with both MMJ certifications and the community demographics. Utilizing data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, we investigated how proximity to MMJ dispensaries related to the proportion of individuals certified for MMJ use within a specific area or Zip Code Tabulation Area. Additionally, we analyzed the proportion of certifications for conditions with varying levels of evidence supporting the efficacy of MMJ. This pioneering study represents the first of its kind in PA, shedding light on the association between MMJ dispensary locations and certifications. Likewise, it is the first in the US to investigate the link between dispensary locations and specific qualifying conditions. By examining these dynamics, we aim to contribute vital insights to inform policy and practice, ensuring equitable access to MMJ treatment for individuals with diverse medical needs.

17 Apr Stay Agile: Key Techniques for Enhancing Knee Health and Mobility

Posted at 12:15h in Orthopedics

Imagine life without the freedom of movement. A simple task like climbing stairs or walking could become a daunting challenge. Unfortunately, this reality faces millions of Americans due to knee pain. Classic Rehabilitation reports that approximately 100 million Americans endure chronic pain, with knee pain emerging as the second most prevalent source. This statistic indicates that one-third of the American population encounters knee discomfort at some stage in their lives. But fear not. Here's where the power of staying agile comes in. In this article, we'll discuss the key techniques that can significantly enhance knee health and mobility. By incorporating these techniques, you can prevent future issues and keep your knees feeling strong and supported for years.

RJ Tesi M.D. CEO and Founder of INmune Bio

11 Apr AACR24: MUC4 is a Biomarker of Metastasis in Triple Negative Breast Cancer and Can Help Improve Treatment Results

Posted at 22:20h in AACR, Author Interviews, Biomarkers, Breast Cancer, Cancer Research

[caption id="attachment_61560" align="alignleft" width="125"]

Dr. Tesi[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: RJ Tesi M.D. CEO and Founder of INmune Bio MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

MUC4 expression by high-risk breast cancer (HER2+ or TNBC) is a biomarker that predicts resistance to therapy and an increased risk a metastasis. MUC4 expression can be determined at time of biopsy and therapeutic decisions should be adjusted to optimize the chance of response to first line therapy.

This biomarker is easily determined using immunohistochemistry in the diagnostic breast biopsy tissue similar to testing for HER2 expression. Testing for MUC4 can be easily added to the current panel of routine stains obtained at the time of the diagnostic biopsy. Knowing MUC4 status in women with high-risk breast cancer will improve results.

Soluble TNF causes the up regulation of immune checkpoint proteins of cells of the TME. This includes CD47 and SIRPa on tumor based macrophages and CTLA4, PD1, LAG3 and TIGIT on T cells in the TME. INB03 is a pan immune checkpoint modulator. Treatment with INB03 downregulates all immune checkpoint proteins on the cells. Downmodulation of all immune checkpoint proteins improves response to immunotherapy.

Currently, monoclonal antibodies targeting immune checkpoint proteins are a mainstay of cancer therapy and cancer drug development. These strategies target one immune checkpoint protein at a time. To date, combination therapy targeting two immune checkpoint proteins has been tried (e.g.: anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 combination therapy) with mixed results. Combination immune checkpoint strategies may increase therapeutic response but increase toxicity. INB03 downregulates all immune checkpoint proteins. This is equivalent to giving a patient a 6 antibody cocktail – something that cannot be done in man. As expected, decreased immune checkpoint expression improves response to therapy by converting immunotherapy resistant tumors to immunotherapy sensitive tumors.

In TNBC, MUC4 expression predicts both resistance to anti-PD1 therapy and increased risk of distant metastasis. Treatment with INB03 decreases expression of proteins associated with tumor metastasis, decreases the number of metastasis and improves response to anti-PD1 therapy. Early use of INB03 may prevent distal disease and improve tumor control.

Andrey Vyshedskiy PhD Boston University, Boston

11 Apr BU Study Finds Existence of Three Separate Language Comprehension Mechanisms

Posted at 11:22h in Author Interviews, Autism, Nature, Pediatrics

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_50547" align="alignleft" width="200"]

Dr. Vyshedskiy[/caption] Dr. Andrey Vyshedskiy, PhD Founder and CEO of ImagiRation LLC Neuroscientist, Boston University MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The common intuitive belief is that language comprehension development follows a linear trajectory: children acquire one grammatical rule at a time. Over 20 years ago, Dr. A. Vyshedskiy, predicted that instead of linear development, language should unfold in three steps corresponding to three language comprehension mechanisms of increasing complexity. The study of 31845 autistic individuals, published today in the journal npj Mental Health Research, validates this prediction. The implications of this discovery are reaching far and wide. The traditional definition of language is highly ambiguous. For some philosophers, “language” is equivalent to a “communication system.” Others argue that “language” must be defined more narrowly, in a way that is unique to humans. The results of the new study streamline terminology for describing different language comprehension mechanisms. The ensuing discussion of which language comprehension mechanisms are unique to humans and which are shared with other apes is expected to be most interesting.

Sujit Nair, PhD Director of GU Immunotherapy Research Department of Urology Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

08 Apr AACR24: Icahn Mt. Sinai Study of Autovaccination Turns Cold Prostate Cancer Cells Hot

Posted at 12:58h in Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Prostate, Prostate Cancer, Urology, Vaccine Studies

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61554" align="alignleft" width="200"]

Dr. Nair[/caption] Sujit Nair, PhD Director of GU Immunotherapy Research Department of Urology Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? How is the vaccine obtained? Response: https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03262103 Dr. Tewari is the treating physician and clinical lead on the study. This is a phase I, open-label, clinical trial (NCT03262103) using a dose escalation strategy in 12 patients diagnosed with clinically localized prostate cancer with plans for surgery. The investigational agent used in the trial is Poly-ICLC, an immune modulator developed by ONCOVIR. Poly-ICLC is a double-stranded RNA that mimics viral activity, thereby stimulating the immune response.

A person sitting on the floor clutching her head

05 Apr How to Reduce Anxiety in Patients: A Medical Assistant’s Guide

Posted at 17:10h in Mental Health Research

Discover effective strategies for medical assistants to reduce patient anxiety and improve outcomes in healthcare settings....

Miguel A. Vazquez, MD Professor of Internal Medicine University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

04 Apr NEJM: UTSW Study Evaluates Whether Practice Facilitators Reduce Hospitalizations in CKD Patients

Posted at 15:06h in Author Interviews, Health Care Systems, Kidney Disease, NEJM, NIH, UT Southwestern

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61529" align="alignleft" width="125"]

Dr. Vazquez[/caption] Miguel A. Vazquez, MD Professor of Internal Medicine University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The main reason to conduct our trial was to improve the care of patients with coexistent chronic kidney disease CKD), type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Patients with this triad are at high risk for multiple complications, end stage kidney disease and premature death. There are effective interventions for these conditions. Unfortunately, detection and awareness of CKD is low and many patients do not receive interventions that could be beneficial In our study in patients with the coexistent triad of chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension the use of an electronic algorithm to identify patients from the electronic health record and practice facilitators embedded in four large health systems to assist primary practitioners deliver evidence-based care did not lower hospitalizations when compared to usual care.

Dr. Janarthanan Sathananthan M.D. Chief Medical Officer for Interventional Cardiology Therapies Boston Scientific

03 Apr Coronary In-Stent Restenosis: Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon vs Uncoated Balloon – AGENT DCB Trial Results

Posted at 17:22h in Author Interviews, Heart Disease, Technology

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61539" align="alignleft" width="150"]

Dr. Sathananthan[/caption] Dr. Janarthanan Sathananthan M.D. Chief Medical Officer for Interventional Cardiology Therapies Boston Scientific MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Despite significant improvements in the drug-eluting stents that are used to treat patients with coronary artery disease, 10% of the percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) in the U.S. today address in-stent restenosis (ISR), which is when a previously stented section of a coronary artery becomes obstructed or narrowed by plaque or scar tissue. These patients require additional intervention to avoid potential complications. In the multicenter, randomized AGENT IDE trial, we evaluated whether the AGENT™ Drug-Coated Balloon (DCB), a balloon catheter coated with anti-restenotic paclitaxel, is superior to an uncoated balloon in patients for treating ISR. The AGENT DCB is currently available in countries outside the U.S. Our goal is to bring this technology to market in the U.S. and finally provide physicians with an alternative to traditional ISR treatments, such as placing additional layers of stents or radiation, which may not provide ideal outcomes in some cases. In October 2023, at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) 2023 meeting, we presented the primary endpoint data from our AGENT IDE randomized controlled trial evaluating clinical outcomes in patients with ISR undergoing treatment with the AGENT DCB or conventional balloon angioplasty. The positive results in this primary analysis cohort supported the device’s U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, which we announced on March 1, 2024. Just a few months later, data from the full cohort of 600 patients were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and shared in a late-breaking presentation at Cardiovascular Research Technologies (CRT) 2024 meeting.

02 Apr 10 Key Health Care Diagnostic Tests and What They’re Used to Screen For

Posted at 14:56h in Author Interviews, Radiology

When a person visits a doctor, they might find tests are needed to determine the cause of problems they are experiencing. Countless tests might be used based on the symptoms the person is experiencing. However, some tests remain very common today. The following are the ones that a doctor might recommend. Biopsy One of the best health care diagnostic tests for suspicious lumps is a biopsy. During this procedure, the doctor removes one or more tissue samples from the body to examine them. They use this test to determine whether a patient has cancer, bone marrow issues, or other health issues. Colonoscopy Doctors request a colonoscopy when they suspect a patient has problems with their large intestine or rectum. They insert a flexible tube with a tiny camera in the tip into the rectum to view changes in the intestine or rectum. If they see suspicious areas, a biopsy can be taken for further testing.

Susan S. Huang, MD, MPH Chancellor's Professor, Infectious Diseases School of Medicine Department of Epidemiology and Infection Prevention University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine

01 Apr Regional Decolonization Efforts in Hospitals and Nursing Homes Led to Reduced Infections, Hospitalizations, Costs and Deaths

Posted at 21:03h in Author Interviews, CDC, Infections, JAMA

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61518" align="alignleft" width="110"]

Dr. Huang[/caption] Susan S. Huang, MD, MPH Chancellor's Professor, Infectious Diseases School of Medicine Department of Epidemiology and Infection Prevention University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you describe the decolonization techniques?

This study arose from a growing concern about the increasing number and presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria causing colonization and infection in hospitals and long-term care. CDC has had a longstanding interest in the value of regional control of these contagious pathogens and they funded this study. The study was actually in two parts:
- –1) Simulate various infection prevention strategies in a model and see which works best, and then
- - 2) Do it in real life. The SHIELD project was the real-life example of our simulation finding that decolonization would work the best to prevent harm from antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The regional idea is that it takes all of us working together – hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term acute care hospitals – to prevent the spread and sharing of contagious pathogens. What we can accomplish together is far greater than what any of us can do alone.
In this study, decolonization was the use of topical chlorhexidine antiseptic soap and povidone-iodine nasal ointments to reduce potentially harmful bacteria on the body during times when patients and residents may be at risk for infection. We swapped out bathing and showering soap with CHG in participating facilities and ensured that staff knew to clean the body well, including wounds, devices, and rashes where germs can hide and cause infection. For CHG, this involved 4% rinse off product in the shower and 2% no-rinse CHG for bed baths.

Maria Y. Tian, MBS Department of Medical Education Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton PA

01 Apr Decreases and Pronounced Geographic Variability in Antibiotic Prescribing in Medicaid

Posted at 16:10h in Author Interviews, Infections

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61515" align="alignleft" width="124"]

Maria Tian[/caption] Maria Y. Tian, MBS Department of Medical Education Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton PA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The antibiotic crisis continues to worsen in the United States (U.S.), which has seen an increasing number of deaths associated with antibiotic resistance, becoming one of the most pressing threats to public health. Concurrently, the availability of effective antibiotics are decreasing, which increases the rates and severity of infections, particularly in patients with respiratory tract infections. Unfortunately, a persistent and pernicious contributing factor to the crisis is the unnecessary prescription of antibiotics. In a previous study, 25% of antibiotics prescribed in the outpatient setting to Medicaid beneficiaries were not associated with a provider visit [2]. Furthermore, among 298 million prescriptions filled by 53 million Medicaid patients between 2004 and 2013, 45% of the prescriptions for antibiotics were made without any clear rationale [2]. In our study, we aimed to provide an up-to-date analysis of antibiotic prescribing in the U.S. through examining the temporal profile of outpatient antibiotic use reported by Medical Expenditure Panel System (MEPS) and geographical patterns of antibiotic prescribing rates among US Medicaid program beneficiaries. This will help identify potentially unnecessary prescriptions and inform stewardship efforts.

Jay P. Solgama Medical Student Department of Medical Education Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton PA

29 Mar Pronounced State-level Variation in Distribution of Oxycodone and Opioid-related Deaths from 2000-2021

Posted at 11:56h in Author Interviews, Opiods, Pain Research

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61512" align="alignleft" width="125"]

Dr. Solgama[/caption] Jay P. Solgama Medical Student Department of Medical Education Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton PA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The opioid crisis in the United States continues to escalate, with opioid-related deaths increasing by over 800% since 2000. Prescription opioids, particularly oxycodone, have been a contributor to this crisis, with substantial variations in their distribution observed across different states [1,2,3]. Against this backdrop, the study conducted by researchers from the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine aimed to characterize the distribution of oxycodone across US states from 2000 to 2021. By analyzing data from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s comprehensive Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-ranging ONline Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) databases, the study sought to identify trends and patterns in oxycodone distribution and their potential implications for opioid-related deaths [4,5].

Yolanda Bryce, MD Director, Interventional Radiology Residency Program Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York

28 Mar SIR2024: Cryoablation Offers Promising Results for Breast Cancer Patients who are Poor Surgical Candidates

Posted at 14:30h in Author Interviews, Breast Cancer, Radiology

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61506" align="alignleft" width="125"]

Dr. Bryce[/caption] Yolanda Bryce, MD Director, Interventional Radiology Residency Program Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? For whom would this treatment be indicated? Response: The standard of care for local breast cancer includes surgery, however many patients are poor surgical candidates or refuse surgery. I use cryoablation to treat this population.

Chelisa Cardinez PhD Postdoctoral Researcher The Burr Laboratory- Cancer Immunology and Epigenetics Genome Sciences and Cancer Division The John Curtin School of Medical Research The Australian National University Canberra, Australia

28 Mar Gene Mutation Discovered That May Lead Some Psoriasis Patients to Develop Arthritis

Posted at 14:11h in Author Interviews, Dermatology, Genetic Research, Nature, Rheumatology

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61503" align="alignleft" width="150"]

Dr. Cardinez[/caption] Chelisa Cardinez PhD Postdoctoral Researcher The Burr Laboratory- Cancer Immunology and Epigenetics Genome Sciences and Cancer Division The John Curtin School of Medical Research The Australian National University Canberra, Australia MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Psoriasis is a skin inflammatory disease that affects approximately 2-3% of the population. Previous research had identified that the cytokine IL-17 drives the development of this disease. However, key questions that remained unknown about psoriasis included where did the IL-17 come from, and why do some patients with psoriasis also go on to develop systemic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Our research aimed to address these questions using a gain of function (GoF) mouse model that carried a genetic variant in a gene called IKBKB.

28 Mar NEJM: Some Hair Straightening Products May Cause Kidney Injury

Posted at 13:37h in Author Interviews, Dermatology, Kidney Stones, NEJM

[caption id="attachment_61496" align="alignleft" width="125"]

Thomas Robert, MD, AIXAssociate Professor of Nephrology APHM (Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Marseille) Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

Dr. Thomas Robert[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Thomas Robert, MD, AIX Associate Professor of Nephrology APHM (Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Marseille) Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France [caption id="attachment_61498" align="alignleft" width="132"]

Dr. Letavernier[/caption] Prof. Emmanuel Letavernier, MD PhD Nephrologist at Tenon Hospital Paris, France MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Our work was prompted by emerging concerns surrounding the potential nephrotoxic effects of hair-straightening products containing glyoxylic acid. This inquiry was instigated by a patient who experienced three repeated acute episodes of kidney injury in June 2020, April 2021, and July 2022, each occurring shortly after a hair-straightening procedure. Notably, these episodes resolved with hydration. Upon examining the composition of the hair product used by the patient, which contained glyoxylic acid, and considering the patient's report of painful ulcer scalp during application and subsequent scalp scarring, we suspected a potential link between exposure to glyoxylic acid and kidney injury. Consulting with my colleague, Professor Emmanuel Letavenier, a specialist in crystalline nephropathy at Paris, confirmed this suspicion. In summer 2023, cases series have been reported by an Israeli team (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36610611/), who described 26 patients presenting with acute renal injuries after hair straightening treatments. Biopsies revealed calcium oxalate crystals in the kidneys. The Israeli researchers suspected an effect of formaldehyde and glycolic acid, another substance found in many cosmetic products, including hair straightening products, but were unable to provide conclusive evidence.

26 Mar Pelvic Wellness: Improving Health Through Physical Therapy

Posted at 21:53h in Author Interviews, OBGYNE

Pelvic health is an underappreciated component of overall health. Many people suspect that only doctors can help with pelvic issues such as incontinence, painful intercourse or constipation. Physical therapy Gilbert AZ for the pelvis can address many of these issues and provide relief in tandem with medical therapies. Pelvic floor physical therapy is very common and can drastically improve patients' quality of life.

James Stevermer, M.D., M.S.P.H. Vice chair for clinical affairs Professor of family and community medicine University of Missouri Medical director of MU Health Care Family Medicine–Callaway Physicians

26 Mar USPSTF Reviews Recommendations for Interventions to Prevent Child Maltreatment

Posted at 19:04h in Author Interviews, JAMA, Pediatrics, USPSTF

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_59720" align="alignleft" width="150"]

Dr. Stevermer[/caption] James Stevermer, M.D., M.S.P.H. Vice chair for clinical affairs Professor of family and community medicine University of Missouri Medical director of MU Health Care Family Medicine–Callaway Physicians, Dr. Stevermer joined the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force in January 2021. MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Child abuse and neglect is a serious problem that affects too many kids and teens across the United States. This type of maltreatment can have a profound effect on their health, development, and well-being, both when they are young and into adulthood.