Author Interviews, Autism, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Genetic Research / 26.08.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Caroline Dias, M.D., Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Pediatrics-Developmental Pediatrics University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus       Christopher Walsh, M.D., Ph.D. Chief, Division of Genetics and Genomics Bullard Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology at Harvard Medical School and researcher who has used material donated to the brain bank     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Many different types of genetic variants contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. Copy number variants are large pieces of genetic material that are duplicated or deleted. We have known for many years that many copy number variants at certain genetic locations are linked to autism. Because these copy number variants may include lots of different genes, it has been difficult to understand how these copy number variants alter human brain function. Furthermore, although animal models are important, autism is in many ways defined by differences in uniquely human cognitive and social functioning. Better understanding of how these copy number variants change human brain function will shed light on universal mechanisms that regulate neurodevelopment. We studied a copy number variant called dup15q, that is associated with almost 40-fold higher rates of autism vs. the general population. We studied post-mortem human brain tissue from individuals with dup15q, individuals with autism not related to dup15q, and neurotypical controls, to better understand how the human brain is impacted by dup15q. We focused on frontal cortex, an important brain region in executive function and social perspective taking. We applied cutting edge techniques that allow us to assess individual cells in the brain.  (more…)
Author Interviews / 23.08.2024

Editor’s note:  “FDA warns patients and health care providers about potential risks associated with compounded ketamine products, including oral formulations, for the treatment of psychiatric disorders”. Do not take ketamine without the supervision of a health care professional trained in the specific use of ketamine. How Ketamine Therapy is Transforming Depression Treatment in NYC Depression is a pervasive mental health condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Traditional treatments like antidepressants and psychotherapy can be effective, but they often take weeks to show results and may not work for everyone. Ketamine therapy has emerged as a groundbreaking approach, offering new hope for those struggling with severe depression. In this article, we’ll explore ketamine therapy for depression in New York City and what you need to know about this innovative therapy. What is Ketamine Therapy? Ketamine therapy involves using ketamine, a medication originally developed as an anesthetic, to treat depression. In recent years, research has shown that ketamine can have rapid and profound effects on mood, particularly in individuals with treatment-resistant depression. (more…)
Anemia, Author Interviews, JAMA, OBGYNE / 23.08.2024

Esa M. Davis, M.D., M.P.H , F.A.A.F.P Professor of Medicine and Family and Community Medicine Associate Vice President of Community Health and Senior Associate Dean of pPopulation Health and Community Medicine University of Maryland School of Medicine Dr. Davis joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2021     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Iron is important to overall health, and people need more iron when they are pregnant. This can make pregnant people at increased risk for iron deficiency, which can progress to anemia and cause complications for both moms and their babies. After reviewing the latest available research, the Task Force found that there is not enough evidence on whether pregnant people who do not have signs or symptoms of iron deficiency or anemia should be screened—or take iron supplements—to improve their health or the health of their baby.   (more…)
Author Interviews, Science, Sleep Disorders / 18.08.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Azahara Oliva PhD Assistant Professor Department of Neurobiology and Behavior Cornell University   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: The background is that we knew for a while now that neurons work hard to consolidate into memories each experience that we have during the day. But at the same time, it is known that sleep restore activity of our body and physiology. How was that possible? How can the neurons in our brain "work hard" during the time that we are supposed to be restoring our vitals? We found that in between their hard work, during sleep, our neurons take "breaks of activity" so our brain can build memories with precision. (more…)
Addiction, Author Interviews, Cannabis / 05.08.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Luke Cavanah, BS Department of Medical Education Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton, PA 18509 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Amphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, and methylphenidate, are first-line treatments for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and are classified as Schedule II stimulants due to their risk of addiction. (1–3) There has been high and increasing use and misuse of these medications with inadequate explanation. (4)  Since chronic cannabis use can result in similar cognitive effects as ADHD 5–7, we wondered if more stimulants were prescribed for what appeared to be ADHD but was a consequence of chronic cannabis use. In other words, has the legalization of cannabis contributed to this inadequately explained increase in stimulant use? A recent study by our lab group that looked at the slopes of stimulant distribution rates over time -- before and after medical cannabis legalization -- did not support this.(8) Given the prevalence and increasing legalization of recreational cannabis, we wanted to determine how slopes of stimulant distribution rates compared before and after recreational cannabis legalization. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cancer Research / 01.08.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr Meena Rafiq | Academic GP & Clinical Research Fellow FRACGP MRCGP MBBS BSc MSc Epidemiology of Cancer and Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) Group, UCL Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne UCL Department of Behavioural Science and Health     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Almost all patients with cancer will first see their GP with symptoms and half of these patients will have vague, non-specific symptoms. As a GP I know it can be challenging to pick up patients with possible cancer in a 10 minute GP appointment, especially if they have vague non-specific symptoms. We know that many of these patients are already having blood tests done by their GP. So, we wanted to see if any of these blood tests could be used to help pick up with patients who see their GP with vague abdominal symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating are most likely to have cancer and need to be urgently referred. (more…)
AI and HealthCare, Author Interviews, Technology / 29.07.2024

Imagine a world where your health plan is as unique as your fingerprint. That's not a far-off dream - it's happening right now. In 2022, the global wellness industry hit a staggering $5.6 trillion, showing just how much people care about their health. But here's the thing: we're all different. What works for your neighbor might not work for you. That's where personalized wellness plans come in, and they're getting a big boost from technology. Think of it as having a super-smart health coach in your pocket. Thanks to AI in healthcare, we can now crunch huge amounts of data to create health plans that fit you perfectly. From your DNA to your daily habits, these tech tools consider it all. This article will explore how these amazing technological advancements are changing the game in wellness. We'll see how they're making it possible to create health strategies that are truly tailored to you, helping everyone live their best, healthiest life. (more…)
Author Interviews, Parkinson's / 25.07.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Gus Alva, MD, DFAPA Medical Director, ATP Clinical Research Medical Director, Senior Brain Health, Hoag Hospital, Newport Beach, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience University of California, Riverside, CA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: This trial evaluated the effects of pimavanserin compared to placebo in frail older adults and elderly patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms related to Neurodegenerative disorder (NDD), such as hallucinations and delusions, to better understand the safety of pimavanserin in this population. The study was a phase 3b, 8-week treatment (study duration of up to 16 weeks) with the primary endpoint being safety and tolerability, measured by treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Secondary safety endpoints were change from baseline in motor and cognitive function; exploratory endpoints included suicidality, sleep quality, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The reason for doing this study is that there is a high degree of interest in further understanding the safety of pimavanserin, as many antipsychotics used off label often have significant and serious adverse effects, including risk of falls, parkinsonism, and death. (more…)
Author Interviews, Diabetes, Pediatrics / 23.07.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Prof. Richard Oram PhD Associate Professor, Diabetes UK Harry Keen Fellow Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science and NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility University of Exeter MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: In contrast to most autoimmune diseases, male sex is a risk factor for type 1 diabetes (T1D). This raises the hypothesis that either immune, metabolic, or other differences between sexes may impact risk or progression through stages of T1D. However, understanding the mechanisms for this could inform future interventions or risk stratification of individuals at-risk of T1D. (more…)
Author Interviews, Diabetes, Johns Hopkins, Nutrition / 22.07.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Shutong Du Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: We know that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are high in salt, added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives and have undergone multiple industrial processes. These foods have been linked to adverse health outcomes like weight gain and cardiovascular diseases. Despite these risks, current diabetes guidelines do not address UPFs. (more…)
Author Interviews, OBGYNE, Radiology / 22.07.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Nicole Lamparello, M.D Interventional Radiologist Assistant Professor of Radiology Weill Cornell Medicine Assistant Attending Radiologist NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly describe the condition of Uterine Fibroids? Response: A uterine fibroid (leiomyoma) is a type of tumor that grows in the uterus..  Most fibroids are benign growths that do not spread to other regions of the body.  However, fibroids can cause a variety of symptoms that severely impact a woman’s quality of life, including pelvic pressure or pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, abdominal bloating, urinary urgency/retention and infertility. Often, women with uterine fibroids are presented with hysterectomy as a treatment option, and are not informed about less-invasive options, such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a non-surgical procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. (more…)
Author Interviews / 12.07.2024

The integration of Proposal Automation with customer relationship management (CRM) systems is revolutionizing the way businesses create, manage, and track their sales proposals. This synergy unlocks efficiencies, enhances customer interactions, and provides valuable insights that drive business growth. Understanding this integration is vital if you aim to streamline your sales processes and establish deeper customer connections. Below, we discuss the transformative impact of combining these technologies on your sales strategy.

Understanding the Synergy Between Proposal Automation and CRM Systems

A team in an office discussing proposal automation during a meetingAt its core, Proposal Automation streamlines the creation of complex sales proposals, allowing businesses to generate accurate, personalized proposals swiftly. This is particularly beneficial in today's fast-paced market where quick turnaround times can be a competitive edge. Meanwhile, CRM systems are designed to manage customer interactions and data throughout the customer lifecycle. They help companies understand their customers, manage relationships, and analyze data for better decision-making. When Proposal Automation is integrated with CRM systems, it allows for seamless access to customer data and insights. This integration helps in customizing proposals based on past interactions, purchasing history, preferences, and more. Proposal creation becomes significantly faster and more personalized, which resonates well with potential clients. By leveraging these combined capabilities, businesses can create highly targeted sales pitches that align with customer expectations. The marriage of these systems is not just about convenience—it's also about leveraging data to make informed decisions. A CRM laden with valuable customer data, when connected with proposal automation, enables sales teams to craft data-driven proposals. This strategic approach can significantly increase the chances of closing deals, as proposals are backed by insights rather than assumptions. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cost of Health Care, Telemedicine / 09.07.2024

The United States currently has a doctor-patient ratio of 2.6 in 1000, and although it is above the recommended 1:1000, medical practitioners are still having a hard time finding the right system to balance administrative tasks and patient care. Healthcare providers are struggling to keep up with the ever-increasing demands of their patients. That is why there is now a fast-growing demand for Virtual Patient Coordinators. Virtual Patient Coordinators are skilled individuals who work remotely to assist medical practices in managing their patients' needs. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including scheduling appointments, coordinating referrals, and organizing medical records. By utilizing advanced technology and secure communication platforms, virtual patient coordinators are able to efficiently handle these tasks from anywhere in the world, ensuring that patients receive the care they need in a timely manner. Let’s find out the ways they are changing the game for busy medical practices. (more…)
Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Genetic Research, JAMA, Karolinski Institute, Prostate Cancer / 05.07.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Anna Plym PhD Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health Department of Urology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death among men, with approximately one third of the deaths occurring before the age of 75 years. There is a need for a better understanding of the risk factors for those early deaths. Our previous research has indicated that inherited factors play a major role. (more…)
Author Interviews, Heart Disease, JAMA, Lipids / 03.07.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Evan A Stein MD PhD FACC COO/CSO LIB Therapeutics Cincinnati. OH USA 45227 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is increasing in rapidly industrializing countries and is projected to cause more than >20 million deaths annually over the next 15 years. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is well established as a major, easily modifiable, risk factor for CVD. Reductions with statins and, more recently, PCSK9 inhibitors, all agents which directly or indirectly upregulate the LDL receptor and enhance LDL-C clearance, have demonstrated CVD event reductions in cardiovascular outcome trials. Extensive data from these trials, provide a rough estimate that every 40 mg/dL reduction in LDL-C will reduce the risk of major CV cardiovascular events by 22% to 24%. Furthermore, trials with PCSK9 inhibitors added to statins which achieve substantial additional LDL-C reduction show and CVD event reduction remains linear to very low LDL-C levels without signals of adverse events. Based on this body of evidence, recent revisions to national and international guidelines, now advocate for greater LDL-C reductions and lower LDL-C treatment goals, for patients not achieving these goals on statins alone. The current consensus target goal for LDL-C in patients with CVD, or who are at very-high risk for of CVD, is now less than <55 mg/dL, and <70 mg/dL for those at high risk. This global trial of over 900 patients with CVD, or at very or high risk for CVD, on maximally tolerated statins assessed the 52-week efficacy and safety of monthly lerodalcibep. (more…)
Addiction, Author Interviews, Opiods / 03.07.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Elena Stains Elena Stains Medical Student Department of Medical Education Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton, PA   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Opioid use has been an increasing problem since the early 2000s in the United States (US) with a surge around 2010. Twenty-five percent of those having abused pain relievers in 2013 and 2014 got those drugs from physicians1. Physicians are particularly well-known for fueling the opioid crisis in Florida in the 2000s. Of the United States’ top 100 opioid prescribing physicians in 2010, an astounding 98 were prescribing in Florida2. Florida taking the main stage of the opioid crisis can be attributed to several factors, including ability of physicians to dispense opioids directly from their offices to patients (i.e. without pharmacists) and the presence of many infamous “pill mills” in the state3–6. The researchers at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine aimed to analyze the amount of hydrocodone (including brand names of Vicodin and Lortab) and oxycodone (OxyContin and Percocet) distributed in Florida from 2006 to 2021, paying close attention to the peak year of the opioid crisis, 2010. The team used the Washington Post and the US Drug Enforcement Administration’s Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS) databases to compile this compelling information. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cost of Health Care, JAMA, Kidney Disease, Transplantation / 01.07.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Amal Trivedi, MD, MPH Professor of Health Services, Policy & Practice Brown University School of Public Health MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: On January 1st, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched the mandatory End-Stage Renal Disease Treatment Choices (ETC) Model, which randomly assigned approximately 30% of U.S. dialysis facilities and managing clinicians to financial incentives to increase the use of home dialysis and kidney transplantation. The program is set to run through 2027, with financial incentives and penalties increasing as the model progresses. Our study sought to assess the ETC’s effect on these outcomes of interest in the first two years, as well as to examine outcome changes by race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cannabis, Education / 27.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Ahmed El Fatmaoui Ph.D. Candidate Department of Economics University of Oklahoma Norman, Oklahoma MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The impetus for this research was the growing trend of recreational marijuana legalization (RML) and its potential impact on higher education. With increasing marijuana use among college students, it was crucial to understand how RML might influence college enrollment decisions. Specifically, it is important to examine whether recreational marijuana is regarded by some students as another college amenity, similar to Greek life and other amenities. (more…)
Allergies, Author Interviews, Duke / 25.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Professor Soman Abraham PhD Grace Kerby Distinguished Professor of Pathology Duke University. Dr. Abraham led the research when working in the Emerging Infectious Diseases Research Programme at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The degranulation of mast cells (MCs) is a process that leads to allergic symptoms, ranging from itching, redness, and swelling of the tissue to severe and potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis involving multiple organ systems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 10 per cent of the global population suffers from food allergies. As allergy rates continue to rise, so does the incidence of food-triggered anaphylaxis and asthma worldwide. In view of the fact that allergic diseases are difficult to prevent or treat, we sought to understand the underlying basis for anaphylactic reactions. (more…)
Author Interviews, Pediatrics, USPSTF, Weight Research / 25.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: John M. Ruiz, Ph.D Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology Department of Psychology University of Arizona Dr. Ruiz is the incoming editor-in-chief of the American Psychological Association (APA) journal, Health Psychology Dr. Ruiz joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2022 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Almost 20 percent of children and teens in the United States have a high body mass index (BMI), the standard measure of obesity. However, there are proven ways that clinicians can help kids and teens manage their weight and stay healthy. We found that intensive behavioral interventions can help children age 6 and older who have a high BMI both achieve a healthy weight and improve their quality of life.  (more…)
Author Interviews, Diabetes, Environmental Risks / 24.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Todd Hagobian, Ph.D. pronouns he/him/his Department Chair & Professor, Kinesiology and Public Health Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Previous observational studies have shown that urinary BPA is related to Type 2 diabetes risk. Meaning, higher urinary BPA is related to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. However, no published study to date has determined whether several days of BPA administration (participants consume BPA) increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes. MedicalResearch.com: Where is bisphenol found?  Can exposure to bisphenol be limited in everyday life? Response:  BPA and other bisphenols are found in canned foods and plastics. BPA is one of the most widely used synthetic chemicals and we consume foods that are packed in this chemical. Most of BPA exposure comes from canned foods, and 93% of the US populations has detectable urine levels of BPA. We can limit BPA by reducing canned foods (or purchased BPA free cans) and plastic use. (more…)
Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, JAMA / 22.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Mabel Seto, PhD Harvard Aging Brain Study, Department of Neurology Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment Department of Neurology Brigham and Women’s Hospital Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville, Tennessee   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The background for this study is that individuals with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease (i.e., one or more first-degree relatives) have a higher risk for the disease than individuals that don’t have a family history. Previous studies suggested a preferential maternal inheritance of AD, though they were limited in sample size and statistical power. In our study, we wanted to focus on a larger, cognitively unimpaired sample. Using data from the Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer’s (A4) study, a randomized clinical trial aimed at AD prevention, we examined the relationship between a parental history of significant memory impairment as a proxy for AD (as some individuals may not have pursued formal diagnosis) and amyloid-beta burden in the offspring. (more…)
Author Interviews, PLoS, Sexual Health / 22.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Karyn Anderson (she/her) PhD Candidate, Evolutionary Anthropology Lab of Dr. Julie Teichroeb University of Toronto, Scarborough MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: We sought out to determine if there were observations of same-sex sexual behavior in mammals that exist beyond the published record. We found that more people observe same-sex sexual behavior than they publish on it, and this appears to be due to a perception of researchers that same-sex sexual behavior is very rare. We found, however, that it was commonly observed by our survey participants. (more…)