MedicalResearch.com - Latest news, interviews, and insights into medical research, health and wellness, fitness and addiction.
Author Interviews, Pain Research / 14.05.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Brian J. Piper, PhD Department of Medical Education Center for Pharmacy Innovation & Outcomes Geisinger College of Health Sciences Scranton, PA 18509   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Dr. Piper: Tapentadol has an unusual mechanism of action. This opioid is similar to morphine in that it activates mu, the main opiate receptor which is important for pain. This drug also acts similar to an antidepressant like duloxetine (Cymbalta) with equal ability to block both the norepinephrine and the serotonin transporters (Figure 1). The combination of opioid and monoaminergic activity may influence both therapeutic and side effect profiles. Tapentadol is approved in the US for moderate to severe acute pain, moderate to severe chronic pain, and neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. However, tapentadol is not generally considered first-line for any of these indications. Although this agent has a high potential for abuse and is classified as a Schedule II substance, a manufacturer of extended release tapentadol (Grunenthal) has conducted a misinformation campaign claiming tapentadol has a “minimum potential of abuse”, does not cause respiratory depression (a well-known opioid effect), does not cause any euphoric feelings, has no street value, and is not an opioid [2]. Prior pharmacoepidemiological studies have examined the use patterns of other prescription opioids that can be misused like oxycodone [3], fentanyl [4], meperidine [5] and methadone [6] but there is limited national information about the use of tapentadol. (more…)
Author Interviews, Ophthalmology / 13.05.2025

When you experience a new or sudden symptom, especially concerning the eyes, it can be quite worrying. The problem is that modern life is very fast-paced, and many people struggle to fit appointments into their day. However, your health is the most important thing of them all, and ignoring symptoms can lead to worsening problems down the road. If you experience any of the following eye-related symptoms, book an appointment as soon as you can.

Sudden Blurry Vision

Many people in the world experience blurry vision. In fact, sometimes, the solution is as simple as getting a pair of mens reading glasses. However, sudden blurry vision can be a sign of something more serious, including:
  • Macular Edema
  • A Detached Retina
  • Glaucoma
  • Cataracts
As such, you must book an appointment as soon as possible. You might find you just need a new pair of glasses, or you may have an eye condition that requires treatment. (more…)
Author Interviews, Gastrointestinal Disease, Hepatitis - Liver Disease / 13.05.2025

MedicalResearch.com discussion with: Dr. Bertus Eksteen PhD, MBChB, FRCP Founder of the Calgary PSC Clinic Member of the Calgary Liver Unit and the Southern Alberta Liver Transplant Clinic Aspen Woods Clinic Calgary, Canada Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a liver disease characterized by progressive inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts. PSC still has no known cause or cure and often leads to liver failure or cancer. For patients and clinicians, the lack of answers is deeply frustrating. But that's beginning to change. Thanks to genetic research, we’re uncovering clues about PSC’s origins—and why it behaves differently from patient to patient. By learning more about the genomic underpinnings of PSC, researchers can create new treatment targets, devise risk profiles for early diagnosis, and even develop better clinical tools for detecting the disease in its earliest stages.  And that path forward doesn’t just start with new treatments — it begins in the lab.

Genetic Clues to PSC Onset

PSC isn't directly inherited, but genetics likely play a significant role in determining who develops the disease. Several immune-related gene variations, particularly those related to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex, have increased the risks of developing PSC.  These variations don’t cause PSC on their own— researchers believe they interact with intestinal bacteria and other environmental factors, prompting the immune system to launch an attack on the bile ducts. Understanding these genetic foundations provides a roadmap for following this disease very early. Instead of reacting to symptoms, we can start asking why specific people are predisposed in the first place. That insight is key to prevention and long-term disease management. (more…)
Accidents & Violence, Author Interviews / 09.05.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Jingzhen Ginger Yang, PhD, MPH Principal Investigator at the Center for Injury Research and Policy Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Epidemiolog in The Ohio State University College of Public HealthJingzhen Ginger Yang, PhD, MPH Principal Investigator at the Center for Injury Research and Policy Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Epidemiolog in The Ohio State University College of Public Health MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens. Newer vehicles and driver assistance technologies show promise in reducing crashes and injury severities. Our study found that driving vehicles 6-15 years old had a 19% greater risk of driver death in fatal crashes, and driving vehicles older than 15 years had a 31% greater risk, both compared to driving vehicles 5 years old or newer, regardless of driver age. Additionally, each driver assistance technology already present in vehicles was associated with a 6% reduction in the risk of driver death in fatal crashes. (more…)
AACR, Author Interviews, Cancer Research / 08.05.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Andrei Bakin, PhD, Associate Professor of Oncology, Department of Cancer Genetics & Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center – first author of “A novel combination immunotherapy for p53 mutant metastatic breast cancer leveraging vulnerabilities in the DNA damage response” and senior author of “Novel triple-drug combination strategy for p53 mutant cancers leveraging their DNA damage response liabilities” Christos Fountzilas, MD, FACP, Associate Professor of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center - and senior author of “A novel combination immunotherapy for p53 mutant metastatic breast cancer leveraging vulnerabilities in the DNA damage response” Mohammed Alruwaili, MS, PhD, newly graduated doctoral candidate in Cancer Genetics & Genomics at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, first author of “Novel triple-drug combination strategy for p53 mutant cancers leveraging their DNA damage response liabilities” (more…)
AACR, Author Interviews, Breast Cancer, Cancer Research / 08.05.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview responses from: First author Gokul Das, PhD, Professor of Oncology and Co-Director of the Breast Translational Group, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Chetan Oturkar, PhD, Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, first author on the study MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?  Dr. Gokul Das: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a very aggressive subtype of breast cancer for which effective targeted therapies are not available, and which rapidly becomes resistant to chemotherapy. TNBC tumors are negative for estrogen receptor α (ERα), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER-2/neu receptor. Endocrine therapy or HER2-targeted therapies are not effective against TNBC. Currently available options including immunotherapy benefit only some patients. They are cost-prohibitive and have severe adverse effects. Therefore, there is an unmet need for rationally designed therapies for TNBC. Although ERα is absent in TNBC, majority of these tumors express estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), a structurally related but functionally distinct isoform of the estrogen receptor coded by a different gene. Tumor suppressor protein p53 is mutated in the majority (80%) of TNBC. p53, when mutated, loses its tumor suppression capabilities, and instead gains oncogenic or tumor-driving functions.  One of the major oncogenic functions of mutant p53 is to bind and inactivate another tumor suppressor named p73.  The Das laboratory has been focusing on the mechanisms underlying the estrogen receptor β-p53-p73 axis for discovering rational and effective therapeutic strategies against TNBC. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Gastrointestinal Disease / 07.05.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Mohamed Tausif Siddiqui, MD The study’s lead author and a Gastroenterology fellow Cleveland Clinic. MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Our study looked at how the stage of gastric cancer diagnosis has changed over the past two decades in the U.S., using national SEER data. Gastric cancer has long been a challenge because it’s often diagnosed late, when treatment options are limited and survival rates are poor. But with advancements in endoscopic technology—like high-definition imaging, narrow-band imaging, and endoscopic ultrasound—we wanted to see if these tools were making a difference in catching cancers earlier. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Colon Cancer, Gastrointestinal Disease, HPV / 07.05.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Ashley Robinson, MD, lead author Second-year internal medicine resident Advocate Lutheran General Hospital MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Briefly, anal cancer makes up around 1% of gastrointestinal cancers and more than 90% of all anal cancers are caused by chronic human papillomavirus or HPV infections. In previous research, it has been noted that women over the age of 65 have rates that were increasing more than other groups and myself along with my colleagues and the principal investigator of this project, Dr. Eli Ehrenpreis, wanted to further characterize these findings, looking into more specific details of these previously noted trends. Using data from a public database ran by the National Cancer Institute called the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results program, also known as SEER, and their statistical analysis software, SEER*Stat, we analyzed anal cancer incidence trends, looking at differences between sex, age, and ethnicity in order to further identify specific groups that have more rapidly increasing rates than others. (more…)
Author Interviews, Surgical Research / 07.05.2025

Surgeon-scientists represent a critical intersection between clinical practice and scientific innovations. Their unique dual roles allow them to identify pressing clinical challenges and pursue evidence-based solutions through research. However, external pressures in academic medicine have introduced additional obstacles, from institutional shifts in priorities to dwindling time for research. Dr. Melina Kibbe MD  notes how these challenges are compounded by mounting clinical demands, financial pressures, and insufficient support structures, all of which threaten the sustainability of this vital career pathway. Dr. Kibbe is Dean, UVA School of Medicine; Chief Health Affairs Officer, UVA Health; Editor-in-Chief, JAMA Surgery. As academic centers reassess their values, there's growing recognition of the need to better support these professionals. (more…)
Author Interviews, Laboratories, Pets / 07.05.2025

Author: Iuliia Dakhno, PhD in Veterinary Medicine Affiliation: Independent Researcher, USA Correspondence: juliadakhno@gmail.com | +1 (347) 778-1295 Abstract: This article presents a methodologically validated ELISA approach for detecting Dirofilaria repens infection in dogs. Given the emerging risk of parasite introduction to the United States, especially through imported animals and climate-related changes in vector distribution, the proposed diagnostic tool has important applications in both veterinary and public health contexts. Introduction Dirofilaria repens is a filarial nematode responsible for subcutaneous dirofilariasis in domestic and wild canids, felids, and humans. Unlike Dirofilaria immitis, which causes cardiopulmonary disease and is endemic to North America, D. repens tends to reside in subcutaneous tissues, where it forms nodules or migratory swellings. D. immitis is widely studied and routinely screened, while D. repens remains underdiagnosed due to its subtle presentation and emerging zoonotic recognition (Genchi & Kramer, 2017; Capelli et al., 2018). (more…)
Author Interviews, Gastrointestinal Disease, Hepatitis - Liver Disease, Weight Research / 07.05.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr. Katilyn Gernhard DO Internal Medicine Resident Allegheny Health Network Pittsburgh MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The background for this study is the steadily rising prevalence of obesity in the United States, which has been accompanied by an increase in related comorbid conditions, including Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). Bariatric surgery and GLP-1 receptor agonists are two commonly used treatment options to address obesity and its associated complications. While both have demonstrated benefits in weight loss and metabolic improvement, there has been limited direct comparison of their effectiveness specifically in patients with MASLD. Our study aimed to address this gap by comparing clinical outcomes in patients with MASLD treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists versus those treated with bariatric surgery. (more…)
Author Interviews, Gastrointestinal Disease / 07.05.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr. Simon Steenson PhD Postdoctoral Research Associate Department of Nutritional Sciences King’s College London MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Chronic constipation is something that can be embarrassing, but it affects 1 in 10 people globally. It has a big impact on people’s quality of life and treating constipation has substantial costs for the healthcare system. Dried fruits are recommended for managing constipation, but there are very few studies that have actually tested whether following this advice is helpful. To fill this gap in our knowledge, we completed the largest clinical trial to date to see whether dried fruits and fruit juices could benefit constipation symptoms.  (more…)
Author Interviews, Colon Cancer, Gastrointestinal Disease, Race/Ethnic Diversity / 04.05.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Douglas Corley, MD, PhD Chief Research Officer, The Permanente Medical Group Kaiser Permanente, Northern California MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) is an integrated health care system that designs and implements population-based programs that support cancer prevention and early detection. In 2006, KPNC began to implement a comprehensive colorectal cancer screening program with the goal of increasing member screening rates, preventing colorectal cancer through polyp removal, and reducing cancer mortality. The initiative identifies whether screening-eligible KPNC members are up to date with their colorectal cancer screening test by either a colonoscopy or by stool-based tests, such as a fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) kit. If they are not up to date with screening, it mails them a FIT kit for at-home testing. Members can also choose other options for colorectal cancer screening, such as a colonoscopy, through their physician. (more…)
Author Interviews / 02.05.2025

Public health is an expansive field that focuses on improving the well-being of communities and populations. It involves promoting healthy lifestyles, preventing diseases, ensuring access to healthcare, and creating policies that support a healthier society. As global health challenges grow, the demand for skilled public health professionals continues to rise. If you are passionate about making a positive impact on the health of individuals and communities, a career in public health may be a perfect fit. This article explores various career paths in public health, including opportunities for education and the roles you can pursue in this dynamic and essential field.

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Author Interviews, Cannabis, Colon Cancer, UCSD / 30.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Raphael E. Cuomo, PhD, MPH, CPH, FRSPH Professor, School of Medicine University of California, San Diego MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Colon cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Recent years have seen a substantial increase in cannabis use, but limited research has explored its potential influence on cancer outcomes. We conducted a large-scale retrospective cohort study using real-world clinical data to investigate whether a diagnosis of cannabis use disorder prior to colon cancer diagnosis was associated with survival outcomes. (more…)
Addiction, addiction-treatment, Author Interviews / 28.04.2025

How to Manage Your Recovery Upon Returning Home from Drug Treatment Finishing drug treatment is an exciting accomplishment, but your work in recovery is never done! It’s time to live your life on its terms and meet the challenges you face. After all, one of the reasons you went away from home was to get away from everyday stress and triggers. When you get home, you’ll need to manage those while staying sober. Managing your recovery requires commitment, flexibility, and willingness. You’ll need to rely on the tools you’ve learned during treatment to solidify new behaviors. Here are some ways to stay on track and continue your journey when you’re home.

Create a Structured Daily Routine

One of the biggest challenges after treatment is adjusting to a new lifestyle without drugs or alcohol. Structure is crucial for maintaining stability and reducing the risk of relapse. Plan your days or keep a calendar that schedules your productive activities such as work, school, or aftercare, along with self-care and goal-oriented tasks. It helps to:
  • Have a consistent waking time and bedtime every day. Planning at least 8 hours of sleep into your day can help your body continue to recover from addiction and keep stress levels low.
  • Focus on staying healthy in body and mind. This means getting exercise, eating healthy foods and meals, and spending time relaxing or recuperating from a long day.
  • Schedule time for something you love! Many people in 12-step meetings share interests in common, such as surfing or meditating. Make sure you take time to do things you enjoy!
  • Attend recovery meetings and therapy sessions. Completing treatment doesn’t mean graduating from recovery. Instead, it means it’s time to get serious.
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AACR, Author Interviews, Cancer Research / 28.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Aditya Shreenivas M.D.,  M.S. Assistant Professor Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research City of Hope MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a highly aggressive tumor of the head and neck region with a distinct geographical distribution, with incidence rates as high as 30 per 100,000 in endemic regions like Asia and North Africa but less than 1 per 100,000 worldwide. Despite comprehensive curative intent therapy, up to 30% of patients with advanced NPC experience treatment failure, primarily due to recurrence and/or metastasis. This high mortality rate highlighted the urgent need for effective treatments. Clinical trials (JUPITER-02, CAPTAIN-1st, and RATIONALE-309) showed improved progression-free survival by adding anti-PD-1 antibodies to chemotherapy for first-line treatment of recurrent or metastatic NPC. However, these studies were conducted exclusively in Asian populations. Penpulimab is a humanized anti-PD-1 antibody that's unique because it is a  IgG1 subtype with a modified Fc segment. This structure potentially improves efficacy and safety compared to other anti-PD-1 drugs through lower immune-related adverse events. (more…)
Author Interviews, Genetic Research, OBGYNE / 25.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Prof. Hermona Soreq Professor of Molecular Neuroscience The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences Department of Biological Chemistry The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences The Hebrew University of Jerusalem The Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram Jerusalem Israel and Shani Vaknine, Ph.D. candidate Brain and Behavioral Sciences The Hebrew University     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: We’ve long known that maternal stress during pregnancy can affect her baby’s development, but the molecular mechanisms behind this remained unclear. In our study, we explored how psychosocial stress experienced by the mother in late pregnancy influences tiny molecular fragments in the newborn’s blood. These fragments, called transfer RNA fragments or tRFs, were considered for many years to be disposable, but have recently been shown to have important biological functions. (more…)
Author Interviews, Gastrointestinal Disease, Genetic Research, Hepatitis - Liver Disease / 25.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Ashley Jowell, MD, Internal Medicine Resident Physician Duke University   Cynthia Moylan, MD Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology Duke University Health System       MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Metabolic dysfunction can lead to several health problems including metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is driven by different factors, including: a person’s behavioral or lifestyle factors, environmental factors, and genetics. Limited research exists regarding genetic , epigenetic, or other factors that might impact development of metabolic dysfunction and MASLD. Our group has previously shown that alterations in DNA methylation (a type of epigenetic change), identifiable both in liver tissue and in blood, associate with MASLD and its progression to more severe liver disease.  Whether DNA methylation that impacts imprinted gene expression also associates with metabolic dysfunction and MASLD risk remains largely unknown. In this project, we explored imprinted genes: imprinting is a normal process that regulates genes by silencing one parental copy (either the maternal or the paternal) so that only one copy is expressed. Imprinting is an important biological process for development and has a disproportionate impact on disease  - in fact, imprinted genes are hypothesized to affect 1-6% of the human genome. We sought to explore how altered DNA methylation of imprint control regions (ICRs) that help ‘control’ these imprinted genes might impact development of metabolic dysfunction in children (and hence potentially even in adults).
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Genetic Research / 25.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Ulysses Ribeiro M.D., PhD Associate Professor of Digestive Surgery Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, and the 3th leading cause of cancer-related death. Although the diagnosis and treatment have substantially improved in recent years, the five-year survival rate of gastric cancer is still low due to local recurrence and distant metastasis. Gastric cancer is a complex and heterogeneous disease that involves a series of genetic, epigenetic and phenotypic changes. Still, differences in prognosis and response to chemotherapy or immunotherapy are frequently seen in tumors with the same histological type and stage due to various genetic mutations and abnormal signaling pathways underlying the progression of this disease. Thus, the purpose of this study was to perform a whole-gene sequencing to identify variants in genes with prognostic value in patients with gastric cancer who underwent curative surgery. (more…)
Author Interviews, Mental Health Research / 22.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com with: Luke Cavanah, BS Department of Medical Education Geisinger College of Health Sciences Scranton, PA, 18509 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Almost a third of patients with medication-treated major depressive disorder will fail at least two depressants—many patients failing more.1 Esketamine is an intranasal medication that was FDA-approved in 2019 for such patients when used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant.2 Esketamine also is unique from the more traditional oral antidepressants in its mechanism of action, quick onset, and evidence for treatment of acute suicidality.3 While esketamine has been of much interest for these last few years, a recent study found low and geographically variable use of this medication within the Medicaid population.4 We were interested in investigating esketamine treatment utilization among Medicare patients in 2019 and 2020. (more…)
Author Interviews / 22.04.2025

Editor's note: Please remember you need a valid prescription to purchase Ozempic in the US or online. Online semaglutide purchases may not be FDA approved and may carry some additional risks.  Purchases online of Ozempic or products are not warranted or guaranteed by MedicalResearch.com. With weight loss medications taking center stage in health discussions, Ozempic has become a household name. While originally developed to treat and control type 2 diabetes, it has gained global attention for its potential role in weight loss. For individuals exploring new avenues to support their health goals, getting Ozempic border free emerges as a convenient way to access the medication. In this article, we'll break down how Ozempic works, its effectiveness for weight loss, possible side effects, and what you should consider before starting it. Whether you're dealing with weight-related health issues or simply exploring safe, medical fat loss aids, this guide will help clarify your options. (more…)
Author Interviews / 19.04.2025

broken-tailbone-coccyx.jpg   A broken tailbone may not sound very serious at first. But if you have ever hurt your tailbone, you know how painful and difficult it can be. Even sitting down or standing up can become a big problem. If your injury was caused by someone else’s carelessness, you might be wondering if you can file a lawsuit. The good news is that you can, but there are a few important things you should know first. Before filing a case, it is important to understand the symptoms of a broken tailbone. Some of the common symptoms include sharp discomfort in the bottom part of your spine, discomfort while standing or sitting for extended periods, bruises, swelling, and numbness. In case you have these symptoms following a fall, automobile accident, or some other injury, see a physician immediately. Proper diagnosis is the first step before thinking about a legal case. Let’s talk about when you can file a lawsuit and what you should keep in mind. (more…)
Accidents & Violence, Annals Internal Medicine, Author Interviews, CDC, Emergency Care / 16.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: The Study Authors at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention MedicalResearch.com: How were the states selected in this analysis and how does this compare to firearm injuries in other states Response: Jurisdictions included were part of CDC’s Firearm Injury Surveillance Through Emergency Rooms (FASTER) program: District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. FASTER collected near real-time emergency department data for firearm and violence-related injuries from 2020 to 2023. This timely state- and local-level data can support hospitals and health systems in responding to health problems and improving clinical services. (more…)
Author Interviews / 16.04.2025

Please note: Supplements are generally not FDA tested or approved. Some supplements can interfere with medications and/or cause side effects. Do not delay seeking medical attention for medical concerns by taking supplements without medical advice. Excessive magnesium can cause cardiac arythmias as well as other serious side effects. Please discuss any and all supplements you take with your health care provider.   Magnesium is one of the most essential minerals that our bodies need for optimal functioning. It plays a pivotal role in over 300 biochemical reactions, including energy production, muscle function, and nervous system regulation. However, despite its importance, magnesium deficiency is quite common, with many people not getting enough of it from their diet alone. To combat this, various magnesium supplements have flooded the market, and one of the most advanced options is Glycinate 3-in-1. Developed by leading brands like Vinco Supplements, this formula promises superior absorption, offering a solution to the age-old problem of low magnesium intake. In this article, we’ll explore what Glycinate 3-in-1 is, how it works, and why it's becoming a game-changer in magnesium supplementation. (more…)
Author Interviews, Blood Pressure - Hypertension, Salt-Sodium / 16.04.2025

Editor's note:  Not everyone should eat a potassium-enriched diet.  Too much potassium can be toxic and cause serious side effects including cardiac arrhythmias.  Hyperkalemia, or elevated potassium levels, is a particular concern for patients with impaired kidney function or on certain medications, including some blood pressure medications and diuretics (water pills).  Do not start a higher potassium diet without the approval of your health care provider. MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Anita T. Layton PhD Canada 150 Research Chair in Mathematical Biology and Medicine Professor of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Pharmacy and Biology University of Waterloo MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Why did you decide to examine a potential link between potassium intake and lowering blood pressure? Response: Our diet is so very different from our long-ago ancestors, especially in terms of sodium-to-potassium ratio. We eat so much sodium and so little potassium, that ratio is reversed in our ancestors as well as people in isolated tribes, where high blood pressure is very rare. So, let's figure out why and thus this stud MedicalResearch.com: In layman's terms, how the ratio of potassium to sodium can both negatively and positively impact the body? Response: Having more potassium in your body would encourage the kidneys to pee out more sodium (and water), which lowers blood pressure. (more…)
Author Interviews, Diabetes / 16.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com with: Dr. David Klonoff MD Medical Director of the Dorothy L. and James E. Frank Diabetes Research Institute of Mills-Peninsula Medical Center Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCSF   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this the FITTER Forward expert recommendations?
  • The focus of healthcare professionals (HCPs) tends to be primarily on the drug and overall treatment, while the administration of insulin and other peptide medications—which can play a critical role in outcomes—is often overlooked. The Fitter Forward group, consisting of 16 diabetes experts from 13 countries, decided to update a previous set of recommendations that was almost a decade old, with newly published evidence and materials. This new report, published in the April 2025 edition of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, highlights recent advances in needle technology, the physiology of insulin injections, and proper injection techniques.
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Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Genetic Research / 15.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Myvizhi Esai Selvan, PhD Instructor of Genetics and Genomics Zeynep H. Gümüş, PhD Associate Professor Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The germline genome of each individual person has a unique combination of millions of genetic variants that influence virtually all biological processes throughout life, including cancer evolution. In this study, we have investigated the impact of germline variants – genetic defects one is born with – on gene expression and protein abundance in tumors across cancer types. MedicalResearch.com: Would you describe the technique of precision peptidomics? Response: We have leveraged a cohort of 1,064 patients with multiple cancer types to explore the impact of germline variations on cancer-relevant genes through multiple-omics layers: from DNA to RNA, protein abundance and post-translational modifications. To assess the effects of coding variants and their association with cognate proteins, we used precision peptidomics, which is the quantification of peptides carrying genetic variants from individual patients. Through this approach, we mapped 337,469 protein coding germline variants onto patient peptides, revealing their potential impact on protein modifications, protein stability, allele-specific expression, and protein structure by leveraging the relevant protein databases. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cognitive Issues, JAMA, OBGYNE, Pediatrics / 15.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Samson Nivins PhD Post-doc | Neonatology Karolinska Institutet Developmental Neuroscientist Liggins Institute   Ulrika Ådén PhD Professor of Neonatology Department of Women's and Children's Health Karolinska     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Children born preterm are at higher risk of cognitive impairment during childhood and later in life. However, an important unresolved question is whether these impairments primarily reflect genetic susceptibility or are driven by the biological consequences of being born too early. Cognitive development is known to have a strong heritable component (~70 %), and previous studies have attempted to disentangle genetic and environmental contributions, for example through sibling comparison designs. Although informative, such approaches have inherent limitations. In this study, we aimed to investigate long-term cognitive outcomes across a range of gestational age groups including very preterm, moderately preterm, late preterm, and early term, compared to children born full term. Importantly, we accounted for genetic influences as well as a range of potential confounding factors, including prenatal risks and child-specific factors. This approach provides a more nuanced understanding of the extent to which cognitive outcomes associated with preterm birth reflect biological versus inherited risk. (more…)
Author Interviews, Dermatology, Medical Imaging, Melanoma / 14.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Pau Rosés-Gibert, MD Dermatology Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona University of Barcelona, Fundació Clínic per la recerca biomédica, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica August Pi i Sunyer, IDIBAPS Diagnosis Dermatologica, Dermavision Solutions Barcelona, Spain and Dermatology Department, Hospital de Figueres, Figueres, Spain MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Skin cancer monitoring, particularly in high-risk patients with atypical mole syndrome, traditionally relies on total body photography (TBP) combined with digital dermoscopy. This approach, though effective, is slow, labor-intensive, and prone to oversight since clinicians must manually locate and image individual lesions. Recent improvements in automated imaging systems, lighting, and dermoscopy software have raised the potential for fully autonomous systems to streamline this process — leading to the development of the autonomous total body photographic and dermoscopic device tested in this study. (more…)