Author Interviews, Orthopedics, Pain Research, Surgical Research / 20.11.2024

Discussion and Explanation of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery by: Brent A. Felix, M.D Spine Surgery, Bone & Joint Surgery Salt Lake Orthopaedic Clinic Suite 4050 Salt Lake City, UT 84124 and Alpine Orthopaedic Specialists North Logan, UT 8434  

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) has become a game changer in orthopedic surgery, offering patients safer and less painful options for treating spinal issues. Dr. Brent Felix, a leading orthopedic spine surgeon, is at the forefront of this movement, advocating for these innovative techniques that provide multiple benefits over traditional methods.

What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Minimally invasive spine surgery, or MISS, is a technique that allows surgeons to address spine conditions with much smaller incisions compared to traditional surgery. Rather than making large cuts to access the spine, Dr. Felix and his team use special instruments and imaging tools to perform surgery through small incisions. These tools include tiny cameras or endoscopes, which provide a clear view of the spine without the need for large openings.

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Author Interviews, Genetic Research, Leukemia, Personalized Medicine / 12.11.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Professor Ong Sin Tiong Cancer & Stem Cell Biology Signature Research Programme Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore Dr Yu Mengge Research Fellow, Cancer & Stem Cell Biology Signature Research Programme Duke-NUS Medical School MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The background of this study is rooted in the observation that certain genetic variations among East Asian populations, notably the BIM deletion polymorphism (BDP), impact treatment outcomes in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Patients with the BDP show resistance to conventional treatments, specifically tyrosine kinase inhibitors like imatinib. This resistance stems from the variant's role in promoting cancer cell survival, which leads to more aggressive disease progression. (more…)
Author Interviews, Pharmacology / 12.11.2024

medical medicine box You might have noticed the key details mentioned on medical medicine boxes whenever you pick them up from a pharmacy. Information, precautions, symbols, and brand details mentioned on these boxes are important for individuals who are going to consume these medicines. Custom medicine boxes thus serve as an effective means of conveying the desired insights to the exact audience who is going to benefit from the relevant medicines for curing their specific health issues. Brands make sure to keep the details mentioned on medical medicine boxes highly relevant and assure the safety of individuals at all times while keeping them informed of the right dose of the medicine they are going to consume. This post explores how important are these custom packaging solutions for your pharmaceutical brand and what are the key features of medical medicine boxes. (more…)
Author Interviews, Lyme / 08.11.2024

    Own a dog? Then your vet must have shared a thing or two about the risks of ticks and even warned you about Lyme disease.  But is your furry friend only at risk of this bacterial infection? You’re wrong if you think so. Humans can also get Lyme disease if a black-legged tick carrying the borrelia bacteria bites them. Just recently, the comedian and actress Miranda Hart opened up about how she struggled with chronic fatigue syndrome after she was diagnosed with Lyme disease.  Many other famous people say they have been struck by this tick-borne bacterial infection. Those include Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Yolanda Hadid and her daughter, model Bella Hadid, comic Amy Schumer, actor Ben Stiller, and singer Justin Bieber.  As high-profile names share their struggles, awareness of Lyme is spreading fast. But so are the myths. So, let’s separate the facts from the fiction surrounding this disease.

Myth #1: Lyme Disease Is Only a Problem in the Northeast

The Northeast does see a lot of Lyme disease cases, and that is mainly because it has a high population of black-legged ticks. But it is not confined to New England.   Lyme-carrying ticks can be found across much of the United States, especially in the upper Midwest and along the West Coast. In 2022, the largest number of Lyme disease cases were reported in the Middle Atlantic region—New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York.  There has also been a rapid surge in the number of cases in the northern New England states of New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine, reports Mount Sinai.  So, why the misconception? Part of it comes down to awareness—doctors in the Northeast are more used to spotting it, which can lead to better diagnosis rates. Meanwhile, in other areas, this bacterial infection might be misdiagnosed or underreported, which is why it flies under the radar.  (more…)
Author Interviews, Neurology, Sexual Health, STD / 06.11.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Sagar S. Patel, MBS Department of Medical Education Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton, PA 18509 MedicalResearch.com: What was the background for this research? Response: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by a gram-negative bacterium called Treponema pallidum. This infection promotes the cell death of microglia and can cause a variety of symptoms. It is commonly observed in developing countries such as sub-Saharan Africa. Neurosyphilis is a complication of syphilis that affects the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS undergoes multiple stages of deterioration and can include personality changes and hearing abnormalities. Diagnosing neurosyphilis is challenging because its symptoms mimic other neurodegenerative diseases. Diagnosis relies on clinical studies, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and neuroimaging techniques. (more…)
AI and HealthCare, Author Interviews, Breast Cancer, Genetic Research / 06.11.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Prof. Dina Schneidman-Duhovny PhD Academic researcher Hebrew University of Jerusalem MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: The study analyzed genetic data of 12 families (~ 40 patients) with high incidence of breast cancer cases. Most families originate from ethnic groups that are poorly represented in public resources. All participants were tested negative to all known breast cancer predisposing genes. We developed a novel approach to study genetic variants utilizing state-of-the-art deep learning models tailored for analysis of familial data. The study highlighted 80 high-risk genes (out of > 1200 genes) and narrowed down on a group of 8 genes circulating in 7 out of 12 families in the study. These genes are involved in a cellular organelle called the peroxisome and play a role in fatty acids metabolism. We show that  these genes significantly affect breast cancer survival and use 3-dimensional protein structural analysis to illustrate the effect of some of the variants on protein structure. These provide strong evidence of the peroxisome involvement in breast cancer predisposition and pathogenicity, and provide potential targets for patient screening and targeted therapies. (more…)
Author Interviews, Ovarian Cancer / 04.11.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Alessia Baccarini, PhD Assistant Professor Dept. of Immunology and Immunotherapy (DII) Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York, New York 10029 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Ovarian cancer is characterized by a complex tumor microenvironment (TME) that significantly contributes to resistance against immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies like anti-PD-1. Understanding the extracellular signals—such as cytokines and chemokines—that ovarian cancer cells utilize to create an immunosuppressive TME is critical for improving treatment outcomes. Our research focuses on elucidating how these signaling factors contribute to tumor growth and immune evasion. We utilized a novel genomic functional approach called Perturb-map to study intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH) in ovarian cancer within a mouse model, allowing us to investigate the communication between ovarian cancer cells and immune cells.  (more…)
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Leukemia, Stem Cells / 01.11.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Eirini Papapetrou, MD, PhD Professor of Oncological Sciences Professor of Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology Director, Center for Advancement of Blood Cancer Therapies Co-Director, Stem Cell Engineering Core Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York, NY 10029   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: RAS in the most commonly mutated oncogene in human cancers. Particularly in acute myeloid leukemia, about one third of cases have RAS mutations. We set out to understand the role of these mutations in the development of leukemia and in response to treatment. We found that RAS mutations happen late in the course of the disease as progression mutations because they are acquired by more mature leukemic cells coming from preexisting leukemia stem cells (LSCs). Importantly, these more mature cells, upon acquisition of RAS mutations, become leukemia stem cells (LSCs) with different properties than the previous LSCs. Most critically, they develop resistance to a recently FDA-approved drug for the treatment of leukemia, venetoclax (VEN). In addition, these RAS-mutated LSCs give rise to leukemia cells with monocytic differentiation. Both RAS mutations and monocytic differentiation of AML have previously been associated with VEN resistance in clinical studies. We show that it is the RAS mutations that cause both the monocytic differentiation and the VEN resistance. Thus, poor patient outcomes after VEN therapy are driven by RAS mutations and not by monocytic disease.  (more…)
Author Interviews, Health Care Systems, JAMA, Pharmacology, University of Pittsburgh / 31.10.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Katie J. Suda, PharmD, M.S., FCCP Professor of medicine with tenure Associate Director, Center for Pharmaceutical Policy and Prescribing University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Our pharmaceutical supply chain is global where the manufacturing process for one drug may occur in multiple countries. Sometimes there are breakdowns in the pharmaceutical supply chain which may threaten access to medicines. Breakdowns in the supply chain occur for medicines manufactured in the U.S. and by international partners. While breakdowns in the supply chain occur for hundreds of drugs each year, not all result in a decrease in available supply (a “drug shortage”) because of action taken by manufacturers, pharmacies and drug regulators (e.g., the U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA]). Drug shortages are a critical concern to public health as pharmacies, clinicians, and patients struggle to identify safe and effective alternatives. In addition, drug shortages have been associated with adverse patient outcomes and medication safety events. Recently, drug shortages have gotten worse with shortages occurring with increasing frequency and lasting longer. There has also been a shift in the types of medicines in shortage from drugs primarily used in hospitals, such as injectables, to oral medicines frequently used to manage outpatient conditions. Countries have different regulatory authority and policy which may impact how drug supply chain breakdowns result in drug shortages. We wanted to know if there are differences between the U.S. and Canada in the frequency that national drug shortages occur after supply chain breakdowns are reported in both countries. Canada is a good comparator to the U.S. because Canada has similar drug regulatory standards and manufacturing inspections. Prescription drug coverage is also similar for the two countries where half of prescriptions are reimbursed through public insurance and half through private insurance and out-of-pocket. (more…)
Author Interviews, Diabetes, Kidney Disease, Nature, Semaglutide / 31.10.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview on publication of: Prof. dr. H.J. (Hiddo) Lambers Heerspink Clinical Pharmacologist Faculty of Medical Sciences University of Groningen MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: The diabetes drug semaglutide, also known as Ozempic, has a positive effect for patients with chronic kidney damage and obesity. The amount of protein in their urine decreased, as did the degree of inflammation of their kidneys and their blood pressure. Hiddo L. Heerspink got the idea for this study at the beginning of the corona pandemic. Earlier, he had discovered that another class of drugs against diabetes-2, the so-called SGLT2 inhibitors also appeared to work well for patients with chronic kidney damage without diabetes. He therefore wanted to investigate whether semaglutide would also work positively for patients with chronic kidney disease and obesity. (more…)
Author Interviews, Mental Health Research, University of Michigan / 27.10.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Daniel J. Kruger, PhD University of Michigan MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: A team of researchers from the University of Michigan and University at Buffalo teamed up with psychedelic advocates and therapists to document some of the challenges with psychedelics. They surveyed over a thousand psychedelic users about their adverse experiences and the experiences they have heard from others. Most reported being frightened, sadness, loneliness, and feeling their body tremble or shake at times. Some people experienced panic, paranoia, felt that they are dead, or that the state they were in would last forever. One in ten participants had adverse physical reactions.  For most people having these experiences, they are rare or happen sometimes, but they are still significant. Most of the people that experienced a severe adverse event did not have guidance from someone who was knowledgeable about psychedelics. A small portion of participants knew about an incident of inappropriate sexual contact by a psychedelic sitter, guide, or practitioner, the perpetrators were mostly underground guides and friends or acquaintances. (more…)
Author Interviews, Biomarkers, Personalized Medicine / 27.10.2024

  Advanced screening techniques are changing healthcare by making it easier to find and treat diseases earlier. These new technologies are helping doctors and researchers improve the way they diagnose these diseases and create better treatments. A key area where these techniques are making a big impact is in antibody discovery. It helps scientists find important proteins that can be used to fight diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders. In this article, we’ll look at how advanced screening techniques are changing healthcare, how they help with antibody discovery, and what the future might hold for these technologies. (more…)
Author Interviews, Emergency Care / 26.10.2024

Whether preparing for emergencies or stocking a medical facility, having the right medical supplies can mean the difference between life and death. What are the most needed medical supplies? First aid kits, bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, prescription medications, and personal protective equipment (PPE) are the most essential medical supplies. These items account for over 80% of basic medical needs in emergency and routine situations.   While this list covers the basics, it's important to keep reading because the specific medical supplies you need can vary significantly based on your situation – whether you're stocking a home first aid kit, preparing for a natural disaster, or equipping a medical facility. Understanding these scenarios will help you make better-informed decisions about which supplies to prioritize. (more…)
Author Interviews, Breast Cancer, Surgical Research / 26.10.2024

Breast Reconstructive Surgery:

According to BreastCancer.org, the decision to have breast reconstructive surgery doesn’t have to be decided immediately following surgery to remove the breast. It can be done during mastectomy surgery or following surgery, so those who are uncertain about their decision have time to weigh the options before deciding on their best option. There are many things to consider breast reconstruction surgery, including the toll it will take on your body and how your appearance may change from before until after the surgery. Here are some things to consider if you have undergone a mastectomy. These are presented by Cancer.gov:
  • Breasts can be rebuilt using implants that contain either saline or silicone. They can also be rebuilt by using tissue elsewhere in the body.
  • The surgery can be done at the same time as the mastectomy (an immediate reconstruction) or after the surgery when the skin and incisions have had time to heal. Often, treatment is conducted during this healing time.
  • A nipple and areola can be added to the breast during the initial surgery or at a later time.
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Addiction, Author Interviews / 20.10.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Karen Arscott, DO Department of Medical Education Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton PA 18509 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: “Substance Use Disorder Risk Assessment (SUDRA)” is a proposed screening tool and possible source of prevention for substance use disorder (SUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD).  The US opioid overdose epidemic continues to escalate with over one-hundred thousand deaths in a single year. The current screening tools used for assessing SUD identifies persons already suffering with advanced disease. Our investigation brings to light a simple screening tool which can be used to identify a person with “Preaddiciton” potential. For many years I have asked persons (both patients and nonpatients) the question how they felt the first time they took an opioid. Their answers have been astonishing. Probably the one answer that struck me the strongest was a professional colleague who answered that when she was prescribed Vicodin following a surgical procedure it made her feel so amazing that it scared her, and she never took another opioid. She reported to me that it would have been too easy to take regularly for the wonderful feeling – she however, recognized the danger of that feeling and avoided a potential substance use disorder. What if this risk was provided to all – what if parents and patients understood the risk if faced with that “feeling”? How many lives could be saved? We are very confident that these timely findings will be discussed and presented widely. The paper will be highly downloaded and cited by many interested in the prevention of substance use disorder – a new concept and much improved over the current treatment of advanced disease. (more…)
Author Interviews, COVID -19 Coronavirus, JAMA, OBGYNE, Pediatrics / 16.10.2024

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

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

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

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

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

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

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Jiyoung Ahn, PhD Professor of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine Associate Director for Population Science, NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center NYU Langone Health Smilow Research Building New York, NY 10016 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: We found that oral bacterial species are linked to a collective 50% increased risk of developing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Some of these microbes have previously been shown to contribute to periodontal disease, a serious gum infection that can erode the jawbone and the soft tissues surrounding the teeth. (more…)
Author Interviews, Genetic Research, Nutrition, Pediatrics / 25.09.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr Zeynep Nas Ph.D. Postdoctoral Research Fellow Department of Behavioural Science and Health Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care University College London MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: We were interested in why some children are more selective in their food intake and more reluctant to try new foods compared to those who are not. We investigated this question in a twin study, which compares identical twins (who share all of their genes) to non-identical twins (who share half) to understand the relative influence of genetics versus the environment in shaping individual differences in fussy eating. (more…)
Author Interviews / 17.09.2024

Editor's note: If you purchase semaglutide or similar medications, be sure to be followed by your health care provider and verify that the supplier is reputable before your purchases. When it comes to weight loss, it often feels like everyone has an opinion. Some swear by keto, while others say it's all about intermittent fasting. And let’s not forget the ever-popular crash diets that promise instant results but leave you feeling sluggish and starving. With so much conflicting advice, how can you figure out what actually works? This post attempts to break down the science behind weight loss, cutting through the noise and getting to the core of what really makes a difference in shedding those extra pounds—without the fads. weight-obesity-scale

Calories In, Calories Out: The Basics

At its most fundamental level, weight loss comes down to one basic principle: calories in versus calories out. The idea is simple—if you consume fewer calories than your body needs, you'll lose weight. This is known as creating a calorie deficit. Your body has to find energy somewhere, and when you're not giving it enough through food, it starts to use stored fat. However, it's not always as straightforward as it seems. People have different metabolic rates, meaning some burn calories faster than others. Plus, hormones, genetics, and lifestyle factors can all affect how easy or difficult it is to drop pounds. This is why two people on the same diet might experience different results. Key takeaway: To lose weight, you need to consistently eat fewer calories than you burn. But keep in mind that individual factors can influence how quickly (or slowly) this happens for you. (more…)
Aging, Author Interviews, BMJ, Heart Disease, Statins / 11.09.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Borislava Mihaylova, DPhil Associate Professor & Senior Health Economist Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, UK & Professor of Health Economics Wolfson Institute of Population Health Queen Mary University of London, UK MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Despite high risks of heart disease and stroke in people over 70 years old and high need for preventive treatment such as statins, fewer older people use statins [compared to middle-aged people]. This, at least in part, is likely due to fewer older people, particularly those without previous heart attacks and strokes, included in the randomized studies of statin treatment. This has led to more limited evidence among them with larger uncertainty. Thus, we set to re-examine the value of statin treatment using the latest evidence and contemporary population data. (more…)
Author Interviews, Dental Research, Pediatrics / 10.09.2024

Are you considering Invisalign for your child in South Surrey but wondering how it differs from the treatment adults receive? This particular procedure has become a popular choice for orthodontic care, offering a discreet and convenient way to straighten teeth. However, the approach for children can differ significantly from that for adults. This article will explain what you need to know about Invisalign for kids and how it stands apart from adult dental treatments in South Surrey.

Understanding Invisalign for Kids

Invisalign South Surrey for Kids is specifically designed to cater to the unique dental needs of growing children. The treatment focuses on aligning teeth and guiding the proper jaw and teeth development. This early intervention is crucial in preventing more severe orthodontic issues later in life. While the clear aligners work similarly to those for adults, the process and considerations are different. (more…)
Author Interviews, Technology / 29.08.2024

The astonishing growth in technology is one of the most important events that has led to groundbreaking changes in the healthcare industry. The impact is increasingly due to the growing usage of mobile devices to track and monitor health. A mobile health monitoring app is a software application program that can be installed on a smartphone or a tablet computer to collect, store, and transmit information relating to personal health. Mobile health apps heavily depend on the data provided by various devices such as fitness trackers, and other wearables. The increasing number of mobile health apps reflects the great potential, with an expected global market value of $33.17 billion by 2023, with an anticipated rise to $88.70 billion in 2032.  

Benefits of Mobile Health Monitoring Apps

Real-Time Health Tracking: Using these applications individuals can easily track and monitor their health vitals to get instant insights and take timely actions if needed. Improved Patient Engagement: By having regular details about their health individuals can stay motivated to maintain their health at the top level. In this way, following treatment plans becomes easier. Remote Monitoring: mHealth apps open the door to remote treatment by allowing doctors to track the health vitals of patients from anywhere. Personalized Health Insights: Individuals get personalized advice from these health monitoring software solutions which simplifies health management. Cost Savings: Health monitoring applications can help identify serious medical conditions early. Early identification and treatment can save huge medical expenses. (more…)
Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews / 29.08.2024

stethoscope-alzheimers-article

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common condition that leads to a gradual loss of memory and thinking skills. It’s marked by the buildup of plaques and tangles in the brain. It’s one of many different areas where Anavex Life Sciences is focusing its research as part of its mission to develop effective therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders. In 1984, researchers discovered that a protein called amyloid beta is a key part of the plaques that aggregate in the brain. This led to the theory that Aβ is central to Alzheimer’s, known as the "amyloid cascade hypothesis." Since then, most Alzheimer’s treatments have targeted Aβ. However, many of these treatments have failed in clinical trials, leading to questions about this approach. Aβ is created from a larger protein called amyloid precursor protein through a series of steps involving different enzymes. Normally, APP is processed in a way that prevents the formation of Aβ. However, under certain conditions, the enzymes BACE1 and γ-secretase cut APP in a way that produces Aβ. Once formed, Aβ needs to be cleared from the brain to prevent harmful buildup. Aβ clearance involves several pathways, including enzyme degradation, transport across the blood-brain barrier, and removal through the brain’s fluid drainage systems. The blood-brain barrier is a network of cells that controls what enters and leaves the brain. Specific proteins help move Aβ out of the brain, but for those with Alzheimer’s, these proteins don’t work as well, leading to Aβ accumulation. Genetic studies show that Aβ buildup plays a significant role in the disease. For example, people with Down syndrome, who have an extra copy of the APP gene, often develop Alzheimer’s. Mutations in genes related to APP processing can also cause early-onset Alzheimer’s, while certain mutations can protect against it. Both genetic and lifestyle factors, like diabetes and lack of exercise, can increase Aβ production or hinder its clearance. Despite setbacks, there are promising developments in Aβ-based therapies. Aducanumab, an antibody that targets Aβ, was approved by the FDA for its ability to reduce Aβ plaques in early Alzheimer’s patients. Another antibody, donanemab, has shown even better results in clearing Aβ from the brain. Similarly, lecanemab, which targets soluble forms of Aβ, has been shown to reduce amyloid levels and improve cognitive function. Another drug, Anavex 2-73 (blarcamesine), has shown potential in reducing Alzheimer’s symptoms and brain changes in animal studies and a late stage human trial. Blarcamesine is a formulation of Anavex, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that develops therapeutics for the treatment of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other central nervous system disorders. These advances offer new hope that targeting Aβ could still be a valid approach to treating Alzheimer’s. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cognitive Issues, Environmental Risks, NIH, Pediatrics / 27.08.2024

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