Blog – Medical Research News and Interviews

23 Mar

Posted at 18:39h in Legal-Malpractice
malpractice-legalissues-virginiaWhen you visit your doctor, you expect to receive accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment. However, medical professionals can sometimes make mistakes that have serious consequences for patients. If you believe you have been the victim of a misdiagnosis in Virginia, you may be wondering about your legal options. Can you sue your doctor for a wrong diagnosis? Consider the hypothetical case of Sarah, a hardworking professional plagued by persistent fatigue and headaches. After a series of tests with ambiguous results, her physician diagnoses her with chronic fatigue syndrome. Feeling a sense of relief at finally having an answer, Sarah diligently follows the recommended treatment plan and makes significant lifestyle changes. Despite her efforts, her health continues to deteriorate. Seeking a second opinion, Sarah discovers that she actually has a tumor which, while treatable, has gone undetected and caused substantial harm. Sarah's story illustrates the potentially devastating impact of a misdiagnosis, leaving her with both emotional trauma and severe medical issues.

21 Mar

Posted at 09:57h in Mental Health Research, Social Issues
dating-tirachard-kumtanom-450050Dating is a process in which you get to know another person. If you connect both emotionally and romantically, the relationship could become permanent. However, honesty is needed for this relationship to last. For some people, this might become an issue. If you have taken part in a residential mental health treatment program, should you share that with the other person? If so, when should this be done? The main thing to consider is when this level of intimacy is valued. Don't overshare on a first date, but don't wait until you have been in the relationship for a few years before sharing. When might this be?

19 Mar

Posted at 23:52h in Author Interviews, OBGYNE
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61457" align="alignleft" width="125"]Chelsea A DeBolt, MDAssistant Professor, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Dr. DeBolt[/caption] Chelsea A DeBolt, MD Assistant Professor, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Significant immunological shifts, systemically and at the maternal-fetal interface, are required for a successful pregnancy. Yet, there is a paucity of comprehensive data investigating the systemic immune changes within the same individual transitioning from the non-pregnant to pregnant state.

19 Mar

Posted at 23:28h in Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Infections, JAMA, Multiple Sclerosis, Neurological Disorders
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61454" align="alignleft" width="125"]Marianna Cortese, MD, PhDSenior Research Scientist Department of Nutrition Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston, MA 02115 Dr. Cortese[/caption] Marianna Cortese, MD, PhD Senior Research ScientistDepartment of Nutrition Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBoston, MA 02115   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: In a study published in Science in 2022, we reported compelling evidence that infection with the Epstein-Barr virus is the leading cause of Multiple Sclerosis. This is a follow-up study to investigate more in depth whether the antibody response to EBV is distinct in individuals with MS compared to individuals without MS and whether there is a part of EBV that the immune response is particularly targeting. For this purpose we assessed the immune response to all protein parts (peptides) of EBV and their association with MS. Previous studies could only look at parts of EBV and this is the first study looking at all EBV peptides. Antibodies to EBV (especially to a protein called EBNA1) are known to be overall higher in individuals with MS, so we also tested whether immune response overall or the immune response to specific EBV protein parts was more important. If the immune response to a specific EBV protein part (peptide) would be standing out or distinguishing individuals with MS, we hypothesized, it could point to a specific mechanism of how EBV may cause MS, i.e. it could point for example towards “molecular mimicry”, which is when antibodies targeting a pathogen start targeting a body-own structure (for example in the brain) which resembles the protein parts of the pathogen.

19 Mar

Posted at 21:35h in Author Interviews, Colon Cancer, JAMA
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61447" align="alignleft" width="92"]Eric Montminy MDInterventional Endoscopist Cook County Health and Hospitals System Chicago, Illinois Dr. Montminy[/caption] Eric Montminy MD Interventional Endoscopist Cook County Health and Hospitals System Chicago, Illinois   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: This study was performed in the backdrop of recent colorectal cancer screening guideline updates.  Two national organizations are recommending screening initiation at two different ages: USPSTF recommends initiation at age 45 and the American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends initiation at age 50. With now two national organizations recommending different ages to start screening, patients may become confused (particularly those between 45-50).  Prior confusion has been documented when breast cancer screening recommendations were being changed as well.  Our focus was to examine colorectal adenocarcinoma incidence rates with stage stratification of those who are between the ACP and USPSTF recommendations (ages 46-49). Our study utilized SEER17 data registries over 2000-2020 to collect incidence rates within the U.S. 

14 Mar

Posted at 20:15h in Addiction, Technology
In recent years, technology has been increasingly harnessed to transform the landscape of substance addiction treatment and recovery. Technology integration has revolutionized traditional approaches, from innovative mobile applications to virtual reality therapy and artificial intelligence-powered interventions. In this article, we will explore the diverse range of tech-driven solutions that are reshaping addiction treatment. These advancements offer new avenues for personalized, accessible, and effective care, significantly impacting the lives of individuals struggling with substance use disorders.

14 Mar

Posted at 19:43h in Author Interviews, Environmental Risks, Infections, PNAS
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61436" align="alignleft" width="125"]Dr. Fangqun Yu Dr. Fangqun Yu[/caption] Dr. Fangqun Yu PhD Senior Research Faculty Atmospheric Sciences Research Center University Albany, State University of New York https://www.albany.edu/~yfq   [caption id="attachment_61437" align="alignleft" width="125"]Dr. Arshad Arjunan Nair Dr. Arshad Nair[/caption] Dr. Arshad Arjunan Nair PhD Postdoctoral Associate Atmospheric Sciences Research Center University at Albany, State University of New York https://www.albany.edu/~an688965   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Dr. Fangqun Yu: Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia with a fatality rate of 10-25% caused by inhaling or aspirating Legionella, bacteria that thrive in built environment water systems. Those most vulnerable to this disease are male, over 50 years of age, have a history of smoking, have chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, are immunocompromised, and/or minorities. The US observed a nearly nine-fold increase in Legionnaires’ disease between 2000 and 2018, with New York State having one of the highest increases in disease rates. The reasons for the increase in incidence were unclear prior to this study. In our study, we found: (1) Declining sulfur dioxide concentrations (SO2) are strongly correlated with the increase in legionellosis cases and a physical mechanism explaining this link is proposed, (2) A geostatistical epidemiological analysis links the disease with exposure to cooling towers, and (3) Climate and weather are ruled out as factors responsible for the long-term increase in case numbers (outside of seasonal trends).

14 Mar

Posted at 18:42h in Author Interviews, COVID -19 Coronavirus, Infections, NYU/NYMC
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61434" align="alignleft" width="150"]Mukundan G. Attur, PhDAssociate Professor, Department of Medicine NYU Grossman School of Medicine Dr. Attur[/caption] Mukundan G. Attur, PhD Associate Professor, Department of Medicine NYU Grossman School of Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response:  The study investigates the potential protective effects of a genetic variant of IL1RN against inflammation and severe outcomes, particularly in COVID-19. Previous research indicates that carriers of this genetic variant may experience less severe radiographic knee osteoarthritis and decreased inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Given the emergence of cytokine release syndrome in COVID-19 patients, the researchers sought to understand whether the same genetic variant could offer protection against inflammation and potential death in COVID-19 cases.

14 Mar

Posted at 17:54h in Addiction
 There are individuals from many walks of life who get themselves into trouble with drugs. These people might start using a substance and think it’s harmless experimentation. They may get to the point where they’re using their drug of choice regularly, though. Their use of this drug, or multiple drugs, may last for years. Tricare addiction rehab facilities are always an option if you find yourself in the grip of drug abuse or addiction. You might also be wondering whether long-term drug use can physically alter your brain, though. It’s a subject worth considering, so let’s talk about it right now. 

12 Mar

Posted at 20:41h in Author Interviews, Sleep Disorders
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61426" align="alignleft" width="125"]Soomi Lee, PhDAssociate Professor | Department of Human Development and Family Studies | Center for Healthy Aging Director of STEALTH Lab: https://sites.psu.edu/stealth/ The Pennsylvania State University Dr. Lee[/caption] Soomi Lee, PhD Associate Professor | Department of Human Development and Family Studies | Center for Healthy Aging Director of STEALTH Lab: https://sites.psu.edu/stealth/ The Pennsylvania State University MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response:  Sleep quantity and quality decline with advancing age; a risk of chronic conditions also increases with age. While previous studies report that poor sleep is a significant risk for chronic conditions, many have focused solely on a single dimension of sleep, such as duration, thereby limiting the ability to assess multiple co-occurring dimensions and their associations with chronic conditions. This study aimed to evaluate multiple dimensions of sleep health, including regularity, satisfaction, alertness, efficiency, and duration. By analyzing data from a national sample of adults (n=3,683) collected over two time points spanning a decade, the study identified four distinct sleep health phenotypes: good sleepers, insomnia sleepers, weekend catch-up sleepers, and nappers.

11 Mar

Posted at 17:28h in Nutrition
Combining different plants to make them more effective has been an important part of traditional healing for a very long time. People from old times, like the Egyptians and Greeks, and modern times, like Chinese doctors, have thought about herbal synergy. This piece explores the historical roots and working principles of herbal mixtures. It also includes real-life case studies that show how combining plants can greatly affect health. We reveal the complex web of herbal synergy in healthcare by examining the usefulness and important factors of combining plants. Historical perspective on herbal synergy Image attributed to Pexels.comHerbal synergy has been around for hundreds of years. In the past, therapists naturally mixed different plants to make them more effective. From the Egyptians to the Greeks to the Chinese, people have known for a long time that mixing certain herbs can have powerful effects. These old ways of doing things paved the way for modern studies of how complex plant chemicals interact, helping us understand how herbal mixtures work together to make them more powerful. We are now looking into the possibilities of these old practices in fresh ways. For example, you can now buy hemp flower online, which makes these potentially helpful plant products more available to more people.

09 Mar

Posted at 13:39h in Author Interviews
Precision in healthcare isn't just important; it's an absolute non-negotiable. Consider how anxiety-inducing a world where health information wasn't treated with absolute care, accuracy, and precision would be. Transcription, the process of converting spoken words into written text, is indispensable to the medical world. Medical scribes transcribe by recording important details of physician-patient encounters, while clinical researchers must convert their findings into analysable written text to ensure their validity and create opportunities for further learning and understanding of their results. So, let's explore six main ways transcription supports the precision and integrity of healthcare.

Enhancing Accuracy and Precision

medical-scribes-dictationSkilled medical scribing entails meticulous transcription of patient encounters, procedures, or treatment plans from spoken word into written text, capturing every detail and nuance. Transcription is a pivotal tool for ensuring that the physician follows the proper procedure and that medical records, reports, and documentation have perfect levels of accuracy. Medical scribing is a skilled profession that requires solid knowledge of the worker's chosen healthcare field. Any misinterpretation of patient information has the potential to lead to ill-informed future decisions regarding a patient's health. Healthcare organisations must also adhere to strict guidelines regarding the documentation of patient care, billing processes, and confidentiality protocols. Skilled medical scribes with specialised knowledge and expertise in their industry can protect organisations from costly lawsuits and ensure that patients are treated with the correct level of integrity. In today's world, time is money. Successful medical scribes improve efficiency and take the burden off physicians having to personally record data, enabling them to see more patients and listen more attentively, ultimately contributing to reaching the healthcare company's overall productivity and financial aims. One study found that medical scribes cut costs by $31.15 per hour, with no risk added risk to patient safety.

08 Mar

Posted at 21:02h in ADHD, Author Interviews, Dermatology, JAMA, Mental Health Research
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61409" align="alignleft" width="125"]Dr. Joy Wan M.D., M.S.C.E.Assistant Professor of Dermatology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Dr. Wan[/caption] Dr. Joy Wan M.D., M.S.C.E. Assistant Professor of Dermatology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: There has been a growing body of literature linking atopic dermatitis with diagnoses such as ADHD and learning disabilities, but studies focusing on symptoms of cognitive impairment (in contrast to relying on reported diagnoses as proxy measures of such) have been fewer and demonstrate inconsistent findings. Thus, we were interested in using data from this nationally representative sample of U.S. children to examine whether atopic dermatitis was associated with symptoms of learning or memory difficulties. Moreover, we wanted to examine how this relationship is influenced by known neurodevelopmental conditions to further characterize whether specific subgroups of children with atopic dermatitis are more susceptible to cognitive impairments.

07 Mar

Posted at 22:36h in Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Microbiome
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61404" align="alignleft" width="128"]Dr Ashray GunjurMBBS (Hons), B. Med Sci, MPHTM FRACP Clinical Research Training Fellow Melbourne, Australia Dr. Gunjur[/caption] Dr Ashray Gunjur MBBS (Hons), B. Med Sci, MPHTM FRACP Clinical Research Training Fellow Melbourne, Australia   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: As background, the last ~5 years have seen a surge of interest in the relationship between gut microbiota and cancer response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). We know that though a fraction of many different cancer types will respond to these therapies, it is currently very hard to predict who that will be- so ‘microbiome’ based biomarkers to select patients, or even strategies to change a patient’s microbiome to enhance their chance of responding, are very attractive. A key challenge, however, has been a lack of consistency in the microbes associated with response or non-response across different studies from different regions. While geographic, methodological, and technical variation likely contribute to this, most studies examined the gut microbiome at a genus- or species- taxonomic rank level, while we know there is significant intra-species (strain-level) diversity. As such, one of our key research questions was whether we could improve the reproducibility of microbial ‘signatures’ of response across cohorts using higher resolution approaches- with our hypothesis being that strain-resolution signatures would outperform species- or lower resolution signatures. We obtained our signature by analysing baseline faecal samples from the CA209-538 clinical trial, a wonderful investigator-initiated study sponsored by the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (Melbourne, Australia). I was fortunate enough to work on this trial as a clinical investigator while training to be a medical oncologist.

07 Mar

Posted at 20:21h in Mental Health Research
psychiatry-psychiatric-care-mentalhealthIn recent years, the field of psychiatric care has undergone a revolutionary transformation. This is because of groundbreaking research that has redefined our understanding of mental health and treatment methodologies. From innovative therapies to advanced diagnostic tools, transformative research has played a pivotal role in reshaping the landscape of psychiatric care. In this article, we will explore the key contributions that researchers have made in this field. We will also talk about how their work is influencing the way mental health is approached and treated.

07 Mar

Posted at 19:42h in Nursing
With its combination of fulfilling work, job security, and growth opportunities, nursing continues to be a sought-after profession. Specifically in Virginia, there are numerous compelling reasons why you should consider pursuing nursing as your career path. Whether you're embarking on your medical journey or seeking a career change, Virginia's nursing landscape caters to diverse aspirations and backgrounds. This blog post will talk about a few strong reasons why you should seriously consider becoming a nurse in the beautiful state of Virginia.

07 Mar

Posted at 19:35h in Heart Disease, Technology
Heart disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite advances in medical technology and treatment modalities, managing heart disease remains challenging. This is particularly true in remote or underserved areas with limited access to specialized healthcare. However, remote patient monitoring (RPM) has transformed the landscape of cardiac care, offering innovative solutions for proactive management and early intervention. The market for remote patient monitoring was projected to be valued at $14.0 billion in 2023, according to PR Newswire. By 2028, it is anticipated to increase to $41.7 billion. This article explores the significance of remote patient monitoring in effectively managing heart disease and its evolving role in enhancing patient outcomes.

07 Mar

Posted at 11:16h in Nursing
Nurses have shown incredible leadership in confronting recent healthcare obstacles—from lost insurance access to once-in-a-generation pandemic disruptions. As policies, technologies, and social factors transform health systems, expert nurses guide communities through uncertainty with care models that enhance well-being. In this blog post, we will highlight the contribution of nurses in leading innovations in quality, safety, and equitable access.

Quality Care Revolutionaries

nurses-nursing-trailblazersThe seminal Institute of Medicine's “To Err Is Human” publication sounded alarms in 1999 about the silent epidemic of American medical errors contributing to nearly 98,000 annual deaths. With time, the stakes intensified for systemic improvement. Nurse leadership emerged, accelerating cultural transformations and pioneering processes that saved countless lives. Take Children’s Hospital Solutions for Patient Safety Network (SPS), for example. Founded by nurse scientist Marlene Miller in 2001, it aims to unite children’s hospitals to develop evidence-based harm reduction tactics and tools. By adopting the best practices across their network, their hospitals are making significant strides in preventing serious harm. As of November 2023, this nationwide network of child healthcare has spared over 25,000 children from harm, resulting in an estimated cost savings of $500 million. Similarly, medical experts around the world credit ICU nurses’ relentless systems analysis and testing of solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic for lifting outcomes.

05 Mar

Posted at 20:10h in Nursing
nurse-practitionerNurse practitioners (NPs) contribute boundless compassion with their specialized expertise across healthcare fields. However, have you wondered what an average day looks like for a women’s health NP compared to an acute care specialist? Or have you pondered distinctions in clinical environments between mental health and pediatric NPs coordinating youth care teams? In this blog post, we will shed light on four distinct NP specialties by peeking into realistic scenarios covering typical patients, evolving roles, and meaningful differences impacting their daily rounds.

05 Mar

Posted at 20:09h in Nursing
Embarking on a rewarding career path in nursing can be a noble and fulfilling choice. But before immersing yourself in a nursing program, pause to confirm it resonates with your aspirations and strengths. This introspection is vital, as a nursing degree lays the foundation for a demanding yet deeply impactful profession. Below, we've curated seven crucial questions to aid your self-discovery and determine if a nursing major aligns with your aspirations.

1. Is Nursing Right for You?

Nursing major, nursingThere is no doubt that nursing is a promising and rewarding career. Registered Nurses earned a median salary of $81,220 in 2022, as reported by US News. The top 25% earned $101,100, while the bottom 25% earned $66,680. But, before committing to a nursing major, consider if it resonates with your passions and values. Nursing entails dedication, empathy, and resilience beyond academic excellence to address patient care's challenges and rewards effectively. Assessing alignment with your aspirations is pivotal for a fulfilling nursing career. Consider your innate qualities and personal motivations. Are you genuinely drawn to helping others in their times of need? Do you thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments where critical thinking and problem-solving skills are paramount? Reflecting on these aspects can offer invaluable insight into whether nursing is the right path for you.

05 Mar

Posted at 19:44h in Cancer Research, Social Issues
Caring for a spouse battling cancer presents unique challenges, often requiring a delicate balance of physical, emotional, and logistical support. Providing care in the comfort of a home can offer a sense of familiarity and warmth during a challenging time. The aim must be to create a supportive environment, manage medical needs, and seek emotional support. It will empower spouses as they embark on this journey of care and compassion. According to the AACR Cancer Progress Report, cancer survivors have significantly improved from 50 years ago. It constituted only 1.4 percent of the US population earlier, but they have increased considerably. The number of cancer survivors is estimated to grow to 26 million by 2040. All they need is proper treatment and support to battle it. In this article, we'll delve into effective approaches and available aids for spouses managing the intricate challenges of caring for cancer patients. These insights and resources aim to enhance the quality of life for their beloved partners while safeguarding their own health and wellness.

Establishing a Supportive Environment

When caring for a wife with cancer at home, it is paramount to establish a supportive environment for her. It includes creating a calm and comfortable space that promotes relaxation. Ensure the environment is clean, organized, and free from clutter. Additionally, it's essential to maintain open communication with healthcare providers and loved ones to coordinate care effectively. Establishing a routine that accommodates the wife's and the caregiver's needs will create a sense of predictability and stability. It is crucial during this challenging time.

05 Mar

Posted at 19:43h in Pharmaceutical Companies
In today's fast-paced society, advancements in technology, changes in patient demographics, and shifts in healthcare policies are continuously reshaping the role of pharmacists. To stay relevant and effective in your profession, it's essential to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to these emerging trends. Pharmacy TrendsAs a future pharmacist, you are positioned at the forefront of patient care, entrusted with ensuring the safe and effective use of medications. To fulfill this role effectively, you must remain informed and adaptable to the latest advancements in pharmacy practice. Before delving into these trends, let’s first look at some relevant statistics. With the industry witnessing constant evolution, the demand for pharmacists continues to soar even more. In the first three quarters of 2023, there were about 60,882 job postings for pharmacists. This marked an increase of 17.9% from 2022, indicating a significant push in demand for these professionals. The data from AACP’s Pharmacy Demand Report indicates that the time is opportune to enter the industry and gain a competitive edge. However, you must be aware of the prevalent trends to reap the benefits.  Utilizing free MPJE practice questions can also help you prepare effectively for your licensure exam. In this blog, we'll explore a few essential trends that every aspiring pharmacist should know.

05 Mar

Posted at 19:41h in Nursing
If you're seeking a career change with a meaningful impact, transitioning to nursing offers the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people's lives. Nursing is a calling that allows you to play a vital role in the healthcare system, providing care to those in need. Considering the demand for healthcare professionals, it's vital to acknowledge the critical role nurses play in meeting healthcare needs effectively. The healthcare industry is continuously evolving, with an increasing emphasis on preventive care, chronic disease management, and patient-centered approaches. Thus, the increasing demand for skilled nurses in diverse specialties offers abundant opportunities for career entry and advancement in the field. According to research by McKinsey, the United States is anticipated to face an acute nursing shortage in the coming years. The study predicts a shortage of 200,000 to 450,000 nurses in the nation by 2025. Such a massive demand must be met by new nurses to maintain the efficient workflow of the healthcare industry. Moreover, this trend acts as a strong catalyst for many individuals to enter the nursing profession. This blog will explore the factors that motivate individuals to pursue a career in nursing.

05 Mar

Posted at 19:40h in Nursing
Nursing is a dynamic and far-reaching field, yet many people still hold a traditional view of the profession. When you hear the word "nurse," you might picture a hospital setting with bedside care, injections, and patient charts. However, the world of nursing extends far beyond these familiar images. Today's nurses fill a remarkable array of specialized roles that are revolutionizing healthcare. In this article, we'll explore seven incredible nursing jobs that will shatter your preconceptions and reveal the vast possibilities this rewarding profession holds.

1. School Nurse Practitioner

Amid academic life, school nurse practitioners serve as beacons of health and wellness. They balance the vital tasks of promoting health education and delivering clinical care. Their efforts cultivate safe, nurturing environments essential for optimal student and staff well-being and learning. These nursing professionals administer first aid, manage chronic conditions, and conduct health screenings within schools. They collaborate with educators, administrators, and families to address health barriers and promote health literacy. Their efforts advocate for holistic well-being among students from diverse backgrounds. According to the National Association of School Nurses, 39.3% of schools have full-time nurses. Over 25% lack a school nurse entirely. Additionally, 35.3% employ part-time nurses. The data highlights the critical need for nursing expertise within educational institutions nationwide.

05 Mar

Posted at 11:35h in Nursing, Pediatrics
Have you ever wondered how children with disabilities navigate their journey to empowerment? You're not alone. In today's world, where inclusivity and support are paramount, pediatric nurses play a pivotal role in uplifting these young individuals. We all imagine a world where every child, regardless of their capabilities, can flourish and achieve their maximum potential. Pediatric nurses are the guiding light in this journey, offering personalized care and unwavering support to each child they encounter. From tailored care plans to emotional encouragement, their role encompasses compassion and dedication to improving the lives of these remarkable individuals. pediatric-nursing-childrenThe importance of external support systems becomes even more crucial as the number of children with disabilities and other developmental disorders continues to surge. This trend is apparent in academic settings, where there is a rising number of students with disabilities. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly 7.3 million students with disabilities receive education from public K-12 schools in the U.S. In the midst of this growing trend, pediatric nurses play a vital role in empowering children with disabilities. In this blog, we'll explore the vital support these professionals offer to empower children with disabilities.

29 Feb

Posted at 01:16h in Author Interviews, Cognitive Issues, COVID -19 Coronavirus, Imperial College, NEJM
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61356" align="alignleft" width="150"]Prof. Adam Hampshire Ph.D.Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences Professor in Restorative Neurosciences Imperial College London Prof. Hampshire[/caption] Prof. Adam Hampshire Ph.D. Faculty of Medicine, Department of Brain Sciences Professor in Restorative Neurosciences Imperial College London MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Cognitive symptoms after coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), are well-recognized. Whether objectively measurable cognitive deficits exist and how long they persist are unclear.

27 Feb

Posted at 12:07h in AHA Journals, Author Interviews, Biomarkers, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Heart Disease
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61359" align="alignleft" width="150"]Dr. Hoshi Dr. Hoshi[/caption] Rosangela Akemi Hoshi, Ph.D. Lemann Foundation Cardiovascular Research Postdoctoral Fellowship Center for Lipid Metabolomics Divisions of Preventive and Cardiovascular Medicine Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston, MA  MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you describe the IgG N-glycan profile? Response: Glycans are sugar coatings of proteins, made of monosaccharide building blocks, that are involved in a variety of biological pathways.  Different sugar structures can dictate or modify the protein’s activity through specific interactions with cellular receptors. For example, proteins lacking glycans have a reduced level or a complete loss of function. Glycans are of such importance that the 2022 Nobel Prize in chemistry was awarded for glycan-based science. In this study, we examined glycans attached to Immunoglobulins G (IgG) and their link with incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to their impact on IgG inflammatory properties. Since inflammation is not only a cause, but also an aggravating factor and a mediator of a worse prognosis in cardiometabolic disorders and CVD, we investigated whether different glycan structures may characterize an at-risk phenotype for CVD development. Determining glycan profiles involved in multiple conditions can serve prognostic and diagnostic purposes. Yet, unlike other types of macromolecules, glycans are still not as much explored, characterizing a promising but underappreciated class that should be further investigated.

26 Feb

Posted at 20:01h in Author Interviews, Nature, Technology, University of Pittsburgh
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61350" align="alignleft" width="150"]Jishnu Das, Ph.D.Center for Systems Immunology Departments of Immunology and Computational & Systems Biology, Assistant Professor School of Medicine University of Pittsburgh Dr. Das[/caption] Jishnu Das, Ph.D. Center for Systems Immunology Departments of Immunology and Computational & Systems Biology, Assistant Professor School of Medicine University of Pittsburgh MedicalResearch.com:  What is the background for this study? How does this new AI model work?  How is it different from other models? Response: Modern multi-omic technologies generate an enormous amount of data across scales of organization, and with differing resolution. While recent machine learning methods have harnessed these to predict clinical/physiological outcomes, they are often black boxes that do not provide meaningful inference beyond prediction. Differences in data generation modalities, redundancy in the data, as well as large numbers of irrelevant features make inference of biological mechanisms from high-dimensional omic datasets challenging. To address these challenges, we developed a machine learning technique called SLIDE (Significant Latent Factor Interaction Discovery and Exploration). We reasoned that features that are directly measured by current technologies are constrained by strengths and weaknesses of current platforms. So, while some observed features may be excellent correlates of outcomes of interest, inferring biological mechanisms from these multi-omic datasets requires us to delve beyond the observable into the hidden states, i.e., latent factors. These hidden states encapsulate the true drivers of underlying biological processes and capture a complex multi-scale interplay between entities measured by these datasets. Our method moves beyond simple biomarkers/correlates (“the what”) to hidden states that actually explain clinical/physiological outcomes (“the how” and “the why”).

22 Feb

Posted at 01:42h in Accidents & Violence, Author Interviews, JAMA
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Benjamin N. Breyer, MD, MAS Department of Urology Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics University of California, San Francisco Adrian M. Fernandez, MD Department of Urology University of California, San Francisco MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: This is a cross-sectional study utilizing data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) to identify injuries and hospitalizations related to electric bicycles accidents in the United States from 2017-2022.  The NEISS database collates injury data associated with products, including electric bicycles, and samples a nationally representative selection of emergency departments. National estimates of e-bicycle injuries and hospitalizations were derived using estimates accounting for NEISS complex survey design.

19 Feb

Posted at 16:44h in Aging, Author Interviews, Dermatology
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61338" align="alignleft" width="150"]Frank Wang Dr. Frank Wang[/caption] Frank Wang MD William B. Taylor Endowed Professor of Clinical Dermatology Associate Professor, Dermatology Associate Chair for Education Assistant Program Director, Dermatology Residency Program University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? How is the cross-linked hyaluronic acid obtained? Where was it injected? Response: As the skin undergoes photoaging due to chronic exposure to ultraviolet light, it loses dermal collagen, which in turn leads to wrinkling, lines, and loss of support. The loss of collagen is, in large part, due to reduced function of the skin’s collagen-producing cells, dermal fibroblasts. We wanted to investigate whether it was possible to reverse the decreased function of fibroblasts in photodamaged skin, by introducing a space-filling material into the dermis, injected CL-HA dermal filler. The CL-HA filler we used was donated to us for research purposes. We performed injections of CL-HA into the mid-dermis (as is normally done when injected into the face) of severely photoaged forearm skin of human participants over the age of 60. We then examined skin samples at various time points, including 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-injection.