Author: Marie Benz MD FAAD

13 May

Posted at 19:05h in Orthopedics, Pediatrics
[caption id="attachment_73742" align="alignleft" width="200"]MedicalResearch.com Interview with:Anna J. Rambo, MD Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon Nemours Children's Health, Jacksonville Dr. Rambo[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Anna J. Rambo, MD Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon Nemours Children's Health, Jacksonville  

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you describe what is meant by FAST spine MRI? Does it require any new technology or learning curve?

 
Response: Full sequence spine MRIs are routinely performed as screening studies in pediatric patients with idiopathic scoliosis; however, they may take up to 60 minutes or require sedation. Limited sequence or "FAST" spine MRI scans require less time and a less frequent need for sedation, but they may decrease diagnostic accuracy. Limited sequence MRI scans perform fewer imaging sequences compared to full sequence MRI scans. The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility and safety of limited sequence MRI scans as a screening tool in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. The learning curve is not steep to become comfortable in evaluating limited sequence spine MRI images or reports.

13 May

Posted at 15:50h in Breast Cancer, Cancer Research, JAMA, Weight Research
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_73639" align="alignleft" width="125"]Bernard F. Fuemmeler, PhD, MPHProfessor and Gordon D. Ginder, MD Chair in Cancer Research Associate Director of Population Science, Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Director of Research, Family Medicine and Population Health Dr. Fuemmeler[/caption] Bernard F. Fuemmeler, PhD, MPH Professor and Gordon D. Ginder, MD Chair in Cancer Research Associate Director of Population Science, Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Director of Research, Family Medicine and Population Health [caption id="attachment_73640" align="alignleft" width="125"]Kristina L. Tatum, PsyD, MSInstructor Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences School of Public Health Dr. Tatum[/caption] Kristina L. Tatum, PsyD, MS Instructor Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences School of Public Health A large population-based analysis of more than 841,000 breast cancer patients across the United States examines whether GLP-1 receptor agonist use is associated with improved survival and lower recurrence risk — with findings that researchers describe as very promising.
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1RAs, have been used since 2005 and as the GLP1RAs treatments and delivery methods have improved, their use has markedly increased. Now it is estimated that nearly 1 in 8 US adults report ever using a GLP-1RA, which includes many people who are using them to treat obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea. There has been some preclinical data from mouse models to suggest that maybe GLP1RAs have an anticancer effect reducing the effects of obesity on tumor growth or progression. We were interested to understand to what extent GLP1RA use among cancer patients might be associated with cancer outcomes, like length of survival after cancer treatment or the chance of recurrence. In our large population-based study using an aggregate of de-identified electronic health record data from more than 841,000 patients with breast cancer across the US, we found that GLP-1 RAs use was associated with significantly improved survival and lower recurrence risk among patients with obesity or type 2 diabetes. Among patients with obesity, GLP-1 RAs use was associated with approximately 65% lower risk of death and a 56% lower risk of recurrence over 10 years compared with nonuse. We also observed substantially improved outcomes among patients with type 2 diabetes compared with insulin or metformin.

12 May

Posted at 14:56h in Infections
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Daniel Pastula MD, MHS Professor of Neurology, Medicine (Infectious Diseases), and Epidemiology University of Colorado School of Medicine & Colorado School of Public Health Daniel Pastula MD, MHS Professor of Neurology, Medicine (Infectious Diseases), and Epidemiology University of Colorado School of Medicine & Colorado School of Public Health Hantavirus infections have drawn renewed attention following recent outbreak reports.  Dr. Pastula explains that hantavirus is not a single disease but a family of viruses with distinct characteristics depending on geographic region and rodent host — and that mortality rates can approach 40% in the most severe form found in the Americas.

12 May

Posted at 14:13h in Dermatology

Please note: Supplements are generally not FDA tested or approved. Some supplements can interfere with medications including blood pressure meds and anticoagulants. Do not delay seeking medical attention for medical concerns by taking supplements without medical advice. Combining supplements can increase the risk of toxicity and side effects. Statements and product contents have not been independently confirmed by MedicalResearch.com or Eminent Domains Inc. Please discuss any and all supplements you take or are considering taking with your health care provider. Ratings in this post are the opinions of the contributing writer and not MedicalResearch.com or Eminent Domains Inc. GHK-Cu is NOT FDA approved for oral use and is sold for topical use only. Do not use peptides in any form without the express approval of your medical provider. Most injectable or oral peptides are not legally dispensed for non-research purposes.

Copper peptides are gaining traction in skincare and haircare for their ability to revitalize skin and support hair growth. To understand what sets copper peptides apart, it's crucial to examine the scientific research and their growing popularity in beauty routines. A detailed GHK-Cu peptide research guide can help consumers integrate these ingredients more effectively. Designed to work at the cellular level, copper peptides play vital roles in supporting youthful skin and encouraging healthy hair. Exploring the mechanisms behind these compounds offers practical insights for consumers and explains why they are included in many modern formulations.

12 May

Posted at 00:21h in Cannabis, Pediatrics
Editor's note: This piece discusses mental health issues. If you have experienced suicidal thoughts or have lost someone to suicide and want to seek help, you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting "START" to 741-741 or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

Please note: Cannabis laws and regulations vary by state and locality. Cannabis use may have significant health risks, particularly for adolescents, pregnant individuals, and those with a history of mental health conditions. Cannabis has not been approved by the FDA for most uses and may interact with medications. Do not use cannabis as a substitute for medical treatment. The information in this post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about cannabis use. Do not use cannabis products if pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant.  Children should never be exposed to cannabis products.

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_73658" align="alignleft" width="130"]Prof. Shu-Hong Zhu Prof. Shu-Hong Zhu[/caption] Shu-Hong Zhu, Ph.D. Professor of Family Medicine and Public Health and Director of the Center for Research and Intervention in Tobacco Control (CRITC) University of California, San Diego MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Cannabis use in the U.S. has steadily increased over recent decades. As use rates increased, perceptions that cannabis use is harmful have trended in the opposite direction. Declining harm perceptions in the broader population are concerning in part because of their influence on adolescents. Regular cannabis use during adolescents can negatively impact overall functioning, cognition, and educational achievement. It can lead to depression, psychosis, and suicidality. If young people don’t perceive cannabis as harmful, they are more likely to use it and suffer these effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which adolescents view the everyday and occasional use of cannabis as harmful, and to compare their perceptions of cannabis to their perceptions of alcohol, cigarettes, and nicotine vapes. It used data from over 160,000 students who took the 2019−2020 California Student Tobacco Survey and over 16,000 who took the 2024 California Youth Tobacco Survey.

11 May

Posted at 16:06h in OBGYNE
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_73653" align="alignleft" width="150"]Bailey MilnePhD Graduate Student | Epidemiology Queen's University | Department of Public Health Sciences Kingston, ON Bailey Milne[/caption] Bailey Milne PhD Graduate Student | Epidemiology Queen's University | Department of Public Health Sciences Kingston, ON A large population-based study using health administrative data from Ontario examines whether endometriosis is associated with an increased risk of congenital anomalies in offspring — with findings that suggest increased monitoring may be warranted for affected pregnancies.
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? The study was conducted using health administrative data in Ontario. The data was from 2006 to 2021, which resulted in over 1.4 million mother-baby pairs. Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition where the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus, which can result in painful menstruation, intercourse and bowel movements. Roughly 10% of reproductive aged patients have endometriosis, and of those, 30–60% have infertility.

06 May

Posted at 14:47h in Colon Cancer
[caption id="attachment_73601" align="alignleft" width="135"]MedicalResearch.com Interview with:Mythili Menon Pathiyil, MBBS Gastroenterology Fellow SUNY Upstate Medical University Dr. Pathiyil[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Mythili Menon Pathiyil, MBBS Gastroenterology Fellow SUNY Upstate Medical University Colorectal cancer mortality is currently the leading cause of cancer-related death in individuals below the age of 50 in the United States. A new analysis presented at DDW 2026 quantifies those patterns and identifies which populations are most at risk — with the goal of informing earlier recognition, targeted screening, and equity-focused prevention.

05 May

Posted at 15:10h in Orthopedics
[caption id="attachment_73589" align="alignleft" width="200"]Teppo Järvinen MD PhDProfessor of Orthopaedics and Traumatology University of Helsinki, HUS Dr. Järvinen[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Teppo Järvinen MD PhD Professor of Orthopaedics and Traumatology University of Helsinki, HUS MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) is one of the most frequently performed orthopedic procedures worldwide, particularly for middle-aged and older patients with knee pain and a degenerative meniscal tear. Over the past 15–20 years, multiple randomized trials have questioned the effectiveness of this procedure, showing no meaningful benefit compared with non-operative care (typically, exercise or physical therapy) or even placebo (sham) surgery in the short to medium term. Our study reports the 10-year follow-up of the FIDELITY trial, a randomized, placebo-surgery controlled trial.

30 Apr

Posted at 11:39h in Sleep Disorders, Weight Research
[caption id="attachment_73537" align="aligncenter" width="500"]fix-sleep-fix-diet.jpg Pexels[/caption] You're tracking your food. You're showing up at the gym. The scale isn't moving. The clothes still fit the same. And somewhere underneath the frustration is a quieter symptom you've been ignoring because it doesn't seem related: you haven't actually slept well in months. Here's the part most weight loss conversations skip. The relationship between sleep and weight isn't a wellness slogan. It's a measurable physiological mechanism, and for a meaningful number of people, fixing the sleep is the missing variable that finally lets the rest of the work pay off.

The Mechanisms Are More Specific Than People Realize

Three things happen when sleep is chronically short or fragmented, and they stack.

Hunger Hormones Shift

Two hormones regulate appetite: ghrelin (which says "eat") and leptin (which says "stop"). After even a few nights of restricted sleep, ghrelin rises and leptin drops. The result, measured repeatedly in controlled studies, is that sleep-deprived people eat several hundred extra calories the next day without registering any change in willpower or intention.

Cravings Get More Specific

Sleep loss specifically increases cravings for high-calorie, high-carbohydrate foods. Brain imaging shows reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex (decision-making) and increased activity in reward centers when sleep is short. The food choices feel like preference. They're partly chemistry.

Insulin Sensitivity Drops

Even short stretches of poor sleep reduce insulin sensitivity, meaning the body processes carbohydrates less efficiently and stores more of them as fat. This is one of the more striking findings in recent metabolic research — and it shows up after as little as a week of restricted sleep in otherwise healthy adults.

29 Apr

Posted at 10:56h in Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Genetic Research
[caption id="attachment_73528" align="alignleft" width="200"]Dr. Yuval Malka, PhDFaculty of Medicine Hebrew University and Founder & CEO of Modular Therapeutics BV Dr. Yuval Malka, PhD[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with Dr. Yuval Malka, PhD Faculty of Medicine Hebrew University and Founder & CEO of Modular Therapeutics BV and Dr. William Faller PhD University of Bristol discussing their new study on RNA dicing — a fundamental mechanism that generates multiple functional protein outputs from a single mRNA molecule — and its implications for cancer biology and therapeutics.

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: This study is a follow-up to previous work published in recent years (Malka et al., Nature Communications 2017; Malka et al., Molecular Cell 2022), in which we discovered that the mRNA of thousands of genes can be further processed into smaller fragments that translate into shorter proteins. On one hand, this finding helps bridge the gap between our understanding of the transcriptome - traditionally limited to ~20,000 genes and the proteome, which contains hundreds of thousands to potentially millions of distinct protein and peptide isoforms. On the other hand, those earlier studies did not provide sufficient biological insight into this extensive and robust process. The current study represents the third part of this trilogy, introducing a new concept in RNA biology termed "RNA dicing." We show that RNA dicing in eukaryotic systems enables the production of multiple functional protein outputs from a single mRNA molecule. How does this work? Most proteins consist of several domains, each with a distinct function, for example, mediating protein–protein interactions, determining subcellular localization, or carrying catalytic activity. We demonstrate that RNA dicing selectively removes portions of the mRNA template, resulting in the translation of shorter proteins lacking specific domains. This leads to substantial changes in protein function, localization, and interaction partners. In simple terms, RNA dicing mediates modular gene expression.

28 Apr

Posted at 22:27h in Author Interviews, Pain Research, Surgical Research
MedicalResearch.com Interview with a VERTEX Spokesperson discussing suzetrigine (JOURNAVX®), a first-in-class non-opioid pain signal inhibitor, and new Phase 4 data presented at the 2026 Annual Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine meeting.

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: There is a critical need for effective, safe non-opioid analgesics to help manage pain and reduce reliance on opioids. Despite significant safety and tolerability concerns such as addiction, opioid use disorder (OUD) and gastrointestinal side effects, opioids remain a common approach for managing moderate-to-severe acute pain. Our recent phase 4, single-arm study assessing suzetrigine in patients who underwent arthroscopic orthopedic procedures or laparoscopic abdominal or gynecological procedures highlighted the transformative potential for suzetrigine to be used as part of an opioid-free multimodal therapy for patients with moderate-to-severe acute pain. JOURNAVX® (suzetrigine) is a first-in-class, prescription non-opioid pain signal inhibitor for the treatment of moderate-to-severe acute pain, including postoperative pain, in adults. It works by selectively inhibiting the NaV1.8 sodium channel on peripheral nociceptors and, therefore, is not believed to have the addiction potential and tolerability issues associated with centrally acting opioids.

27 Apr

Posted at 19:27h in Cannabis
[caption id="attachment_73447" align="alignleft" width="142"]Edward Liu, MDGeisinger College of Health Sciences Scranton, PA 18509 Dr. Edward Liu[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Edward Liu, MD Geisinger College of Health Sciences Scranton, PA 18509 Medicalresearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Prescription drugs have high levels of uniformity that plant-based products cannot achieve.  Given the liberalization of state-laws regarding medical marijuana1 over the past three-decades and increasing evidence of evidence of cannabis for conditions like chronic pain,2 we were interested in the use of the prescription formulation of delta(Δ)9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).  A prior pharmacoepidemiology report found that prescription THC (dronabinol) to Medicaid patients decreased from 2016 to 2020. There were also pronounced state-level disparities in prescribing with a 130-fold difference when correcting for population between the highest and lowest states. There was no research on this topic among Medicare patients. To address this gap, we obtained prescription numbers nationally and at a state level from 2014 to 2019 for Medicare Part D patients.

24 Apr

Posted at 19:42h in Health Care Systems, Infections
Infection prevention is often discussed in terms of cleaning protocols, hand hygiene, and clinical procedures, but the built environment also plays a direct role in how healthcare spaces function. Air conditions, moisture levels, pressure relationships, and mechanical system performance all affect the quality and consistency of the indoor environment. When those elements remain stable, facilities are better equipped to support patient care, protect sensitive spaces, and reduce conditions that allow contaminants to linger or spread. Environmental control matters because healthcare buildings operate under demands that go far beyond ordinary comfort. Patient rooms, treatment areas, support spaces, and specialized environments all rely on HVAC performance to maintain conditions appropriate for their use. Small shifts in humidity or airflow can create larger operational issues over time, especially in buildings with aging equipment or systems that are difficult to monitor closely. In many cases, problems begin quietly. A system may still be running, but coils may be losing efficiency, sensors may be providing poor readings, or controls may be drifting away from intended settings. Those changes can affect moisture removal, airflow consistency, and the ability of the space to perform as designed.

15 Apr

Posted at 18:50h in Weight Research
[caption id="attachment_73307" align="aligncenter" width="500"]weight-loss-myths.png Photo courtesy of Pexels[/caption] If you’ve ever looked up weight loss tips, you’ve probably seen a mix of advice that sounds convincing but doesn’t always hold up in real life. Just like you might check a healthy Costco snacks guide to make smarter choices, it’s just as important to filter out myths that can slow down your progress. Let’s break down some of the most common ones and what actually works instead. Let's break down some of the most common weight loss myths — and what actually works instead.

1. "Healthy" Packaged Foods Always Help With Weight Loss

Just because something is labeled "healthy" doesn't mean it's good for weight loss. Many packaged foods are still high in calories, sugar, or portion sizes that are easy to overeat. Even healthier options can slow progress if you're not mindful. Do your research on what healthy snacks are available — you can start by checking a healthy Costco snacks guide to understand better options and make more informed food choices. Check portion sizes rather than just labels, keep snacks simple (nuts, fruit, yogurt), and avoid mindless eating even with "healthy" foods.

03 Apr

Posted at 14:48h in COVID -19 Coronavirus
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Jamie I Forrest PhD, MPH Scientific Director, Health Equity & Resilience Observatory (HERO) Faculty of Applied Science University of British Columbia MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: We’ve known since early in the pandemic that many people don’t fully recover after COVID-19. Fatigue is one of the most persistent and disabling symptoms, and it significantly reduces quality of life — affecting people’s ability to work, care for their families, and participate in daily life. Until now, there have been very few treatment options backed by solid evidence. Doctors have largely focused on supportive care — helping patients manage their symptoms through rest, pacing, and multidisciplinary teams — because no medication had been shown to work in a well-designed clinical trial. Several smaller or uncontrolled studies had suggested certain drugs might help, but robust randomized controlled trial evidence was scarce. Interestingly, metformin had previously been shown to reduce the risk of developing Long COVID when taken during the acute phase of infection. Our study asked a different question: can these drugs help people who already have established Long COVID? Long COVID — also called post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2, or PASC — is a condition where people continue to feel sick for months or even years after recovering from a COVID-19 infection. The most common and debilitating complaint is fatigue: a profound, persistent exhaustion that doesn’t get better with rest and can make even simple daily activities feel impossible. Despite affecting an estimated tens of millions of people worldwide, there are almost no proven treatments. We wanted to test whether two existing, widely available, and affordable medications could help. The first was fluvoxamine — an antidepressant that also has potent anti-inflammatory effects and acts on brain pathways involved in fatigue. The second was metformin — a common diabetes medication that reduces inflammation and may support cellular energy production. Both had biological reasons to think they might work against Long COVID fatigue, but neither had been rigorously tested for this purpose in a proper clinical trial.

25 Mar

Posted at 18:32h in Cannabis
Editor’ note:  Cannabis and THCA/HEMP/ CBD products should have an active ingredient list on the container and have a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Discuss your use of THC, Cannabis or CBD products with your health care provider. Dosing of Cannabis products is variable, especially since they are not FDA regulated. Cannabis/CBD may interfere with other medications and should not be used in individuals with certain health conditions, including liver issues. CBD skin care products can be absorbed through the skin and have similar effects. Do not use Cannabis products including edibles, drinks and CBD if you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant. Do not use cannabis products if driving or operating difficult or dangerous machinery. Children should not be exposed to cannabis or CBD products.l MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72930" align="alignleft" width="200"]Meagan Robichaud, PhD, MPHPost-Doctoral Associate Center for Rapid Surveillance of Tobacco Rutgers Institute for Nicotine & Tobacco Studies Meagan Robichaud, Ph.D.[/caption] Meagan Robichaud, PhD, MPH Post-Doctoral Associate Center for Rapid Surveillance of Tobacco Rutgers Institute for Nicotine & Tobacco Studies MedicalResearch.com: What is delta-8 THC? Response: To understand delta-8 THC, it’s first important to understand the primary components of cannabis: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC—typically referring to delta-9 THC—is the primary intoxicating substance in cannabis—it’s what makes consumers feel “high.” CBD is also abundant in cannabis but is non-intoxicating. Delta-8 THC is an isomer of delta-9 THC—meaning it has the same chemical formula as delta-9 THC but with a slightly different arrangement of atoms. While early research suggest that delta-8 THC is less potent than delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC is still an intoxicating substance. Delta-8 THC naturally exists in very small amounts in cannabis plants but can be synthesized from CBD.

24 Mar

Posted at 23:42h in Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, Genetic Research, JAMA, Karolinski Institute
[caption id="attachment_72900" align="alignleft" width="200"]MedicalResearch.com Interview with:Jakob Norgren | PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS) | Karolinska Institutet Division of Clinical Geriatrics | Center for Alzheimer Research Huddinge, Sweden Jakob Norgren, Ph.D.[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Jakob Norgren | PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS) | Karolinska Institutet Division of Clinical Geriatrics | Center for Alzheimer Research Huddinge, Sweden     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: This study tested the hypothesis that people with APOE 3/4 and 4/4 would have a reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia with higher meat intake, based on the fact that APOE4 is the evolutionarily oldest variant of the APOE gene and may have arisen during a period when our evolutionary ancestors ate a more animal-based diet.

24 Mar

Posted at 17:37h in Author Interviews, Medical Research Journals, Mental Health Research
[caption id="attachment_72893" align="alignleft" width="200"]MedicalResearch.com Interview with:Francis J. Gesel Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton, Pennsylvania Francis J. Gesel[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Francis J. Gesel Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton, Pennsylvania MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Conflicts of interest (COIs) in psychiatric research represent a longstanding ethical challenge, given the close relationship between the pharmaceutical industry and psychiatry. Journals require authors to disclose these relationships, while the U.S. Open Payments database, created under the Sunshine Act, provides a record of payments from manufacturers to physicians. However, whether physician-authors in psychiatry’s most influential journals consistently disclose these relationships had not been systematically assessed. We focused on the American Journal of Psychiatry (AJP) and JAMA Psychiatry (JAMA-PSY), two of the highest-impact journals in the field, to evaluate the prevalence and magnitude of undisclosed financial COIs.

24 Mar

Posted at 14:57h in Author Interviews, Pain Research
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72890" align="alignleft" width="195"]Dr. Jay Solgama Dr. Jay Solgama[/caption] Jay P. Solgama, MD Department of Medical Education Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton, PA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The United States (U.S.) continues to face a severe opioid crisis, with nearly 80,000 opioid-related deaths reported in 2023. Prescription opioids play a central role in this epidemic, with a large proportion of misuse involving commonly prescribed pain relievers such as oxycodone. Prior research has shown that oxycodone (brand names OxyContin, Roxicodone, OxyIR, RoxyBond, and Percocet) is one of the most widely consumed and misused opioids in the U.S., with notable geographic variation in its distribution across states [1–3]. Against this backdrop, the present study aimed to comprehensively characterize oxycodone distribution across the U.S. from 2000 to 2023. Using three complementary data sources—the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS), Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (M-SDUD), and the Medicare Part D Prescribers dataset (M-PDP)—we sought to evaluate national and state-level patterns, as well as identify strengths and weaknesses of each dataset [4,5]. The Medicaid program serves low-income and Medicare serves elderly patients.

23 Mar

Posted at 11:24h in Author Interviews, CMAJ, Race/Ethnic Diversity
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72842" align="alignleft" width="200"] Bukola Salami, Ph.D.[/caption] Bukola Salami, RN, BScN, MN, PhD, FCAN, FAAN (She/Her) Full Professor Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Black and Racialized Peoples Health Department of Community Health Sciences Cumming School of Medicine University of Calgary MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Black people experience disproportionately poor health outcomes, with access to healthcare recognized as a key determinant of health. Although prior research has examined factors influencing healthcare access among Black populations, there is limited evidence on medication access and use. This gap is particularly important in the context of emerging Pharmacare policy in Canada. In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of cost-related prescription nonadherence among Black adults in Canada and to examine racial disparities in comparison to White adults, while accounting for demographic, socioeconomic, and insurance-related factors as potential mediators.

17 Mar

Posted at 12:09h in Health Care Systems, Health Care Workers
[caption id="attachment_72802" align="aligncenter" width="500"]why-doctors-choose-locum-tenems.jpg Pexels[/caption] The landscape of physician employment has shifted considerably over the past decade. More doctors are stepping away from permanent positions and opting instead for temporary clinical work, also known as locum tenens. The reasons are varied, but the trend is clear and growing.

Flexibility Is The Main Draw

At its core, locum tenens gives physicians control over their own schedules in a way that traditional employment simply does not. A doctor can choose when to work, where to work, and for how long. That kind of autonomy is rare in medicine, and many physicians find it genuinely life-changing. For those managing family obligations, pursuing advanced training, or simply recovering from years of burnout, the ability to pick up assignments on their own terms makes a significant difference. Some physicians work locum assignments exclusively. Others blend them with part-time permanent roles.

Burnout Is Pushing Physicians To Reconsider

The burnout crisis in medicine is well-documented. Long hours, administrative overload, and shrinking autonomy within health systems have left many doctors questioning their career paths. Locum tenens offers a real alternative. It removes physicians from environments that may have become toxic or unsustainable, at least temporarily, and gives them a chance to reset. When a physician decides to find a domestic locums placement, they often discover that the work itself feels rewarding again. The clinical demands remain, but the bureaucratic weight tends to lighten considerably.

12 Mar

Posted at 22:35h in Author Interviews, Infections
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72776" align="alignleft" width="148"]dr_william_schaffner.jpg Dr. Schaffner[/caption] Dr. William Schaffner M.D. Professor of Medicine Preventive Medicine, Health Policy Division of Infectious Diseases Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Interview arranged with the assistance of the Infectious Disease Society of America. MedicalResearch.com: What are the symptoms of HMPV? How is it transmitted? Are some individuals more susceptible to infection or more serious disease?  Response: Human metapneumovirus (HMPV)  is a seasonal respiratory virus that has a worldwide distribution, causing late winter/early spring outbreaks in temperate zones.  It cocirculates with other seasonal respiratory viruses including influenza, COVID, and RSV.  Virtually all children have experienced infection by age 5; persons experience HMPV reinfections throughout life.  The virus is transmitted through close personal contact, most efficiently indoors.  Infection with HMPV can produce a spectrum of clinical symptoms ranging from a common cold to acute respiratory distress.  Persons at increased risk of severe disease include older persons and those with chronic medical conditions.

12 Mar

Posted at 19:12h in Addiction, Author Interviews, Cannabis, Memory
Editor’ note:  Cannabis and THCA/HEMP CBD products should have an active ingredient list on the container and have a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Discuss your use of THC, Cannabis or CBD products with your health care provider.  Dosing of Cannabis products is variable, especially since they are not FDA regulated. Cannabis/CBD may interfere with other medications and should not be used in individuals with certain health conditions, including liver issues. CBD skin care products can be absorbed through the skin and have similar effects. Do not use Cannabis products including edibles, drinks and CBD if you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant. Do not use cannabis products if driving or operating difficult or dangerous machinery. Children should not be exposed to cannabis or CBD products. MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72752" align="alignleft" width="200"]Carrie Cuttler, Ph.D.The Health & Cognition (THC) Lab Associate Professor Director, Experimental Psychology Doctoral Program Co-Director, Cannabis Research Center (CRC) Department of Psychology Washington State University Dr. Cutttler, Ph.D.[/caption] Carrie Cuttler, Ph.D. The Health & Cognition (THC) Lab Associate Professor Director, Experimental Psychology Doctoral Program Co-Director, Cannabis Research Center (CRC) Department of Psychology Washington State University MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: One of the most well-documented effects of acute cannabis intoxication is impairment in memory. However, memory is not a single process. It is a complex system made up of multiple distinct subsystems that rely on different neural mechanisms and support different types of remembering. Most prior research examining the acute effects of cannabis in humans has focused on a relatively narrow set of memory tests—primarily verbal memory tasks, which involve recalling lists of words, and working memory tasks, which require temporarily holding and manipulating information in consciousness. Far fewer studies have examined how cannabis affects other types of memory that are more relevant to everyday life. These include temporal order memory (remembering the order in which events occurred), prospective memory (remembering to perform tasks in the future), source memory (remembering where information came from), false memory (recalling information that was never presented), and episodic content memory (recalling personally experienced events). To address this gap, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examining the acute effects of cannabis across multiple memory domains. In total, 120 participants were randomly assigned to vaporize either a placebo, a moderate dose of cannabis (20 mg THC), or a high dose of cannabis (40 mg THC).

10 Mar

Posted at 14:41h in Heart Disease
Global Destination for Advanced Heart Care Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, making access to timely and high-quality cardiac care critically important. In recent years, patients from many countries — including the United States — have increasingly looked beyond their local healthcare systems for advanced treatment options. One destination gaining international attention is Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov), widely recognized as a leading cardiology hospital in Israel. Located in the heart of Tel Aviv, Ichilov has built a strong reputation for providing cutting-edge cardiology in Israel, combining advanced medical technologies with internationally trained specialists and a patient-centered approach. Each year, thousands of international patients travel to the medical center for heart treatment in Israel, seeking highly specialized procedures, innovative therapies, and the opportunity to receive treatment without long waiting lists. This unique combination of medical expertise, efficiency, and international experience has made Ichilov one of the most prominent destinations for cardiovascular disease treatment in Israel.

10 Mar

Posted at 02:04h in Addiction
[caption id="attachment_72712" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Online Suboxone Treatment in Ontario Photo by MART PRODUCTION[/caption] Virtual care makes addiction treatment easier to access in Ontario. Aegis Medical offers confidential online support through comprehensive addiction care in Ontario. This guide explains opioid recovery in simple terms so readers can decide what’s right for them.

Understanding Opioid Addiction in Ontario

Opioid addiction is a serious problem in Ontario. Painkillers, fentanyl, and heroin can cause dependence fast. Many people start with a valid prescription before cravings and tolerance develop.

The 5 Ws and H of Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction can be explained in clear terms:
  • Who: Ontario adults affected by opioid use
  • What: A chronic illness that impacts brain function
  • When: It develops over time with continued use
  • Where: Across communities throughout Ontario
  • Why: Due to changes in brain chemistry
  • How: Through evidence-based treatment and follow-up care
Addiction is medical, not moral. The right treatment makes recovery possible.