MedicalResearch.com - Latest news, interviews, and insights into medical research, health and wellness, fitness and addiction.
Author Interviews / 11.07.2025

Medical research is at the heart of clinical advancement. Whether evaluating the safety of new treatments or analyzing trends across patient populations, the integrity and efficiency of research practices have direct implications on healthcare delivery. Among the most labor-intensive tasks in medical research are literature reviews and meta-analyses—two foundational methodologies that aggregate findings from multiple studies to draw broader, evidence-based conclusions. With the volume of published medical literature increasing exponentially each year, traditional methods of reviewing research have become less sustainable. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to play a transformative role in this process, offering ways to streamline literature searches, extract relevant data, reduce bias, and increase reproducibility. AI isn't replacing researchers—it’s empowering them with tools that can manage scale, speed, and complexity in ways manual methods cannot match. (more…)
Clinical Trials, Electronic Records / 11.07.2025

Every clinical trial produces mountains of data. From patient enrollment logs and lab results to adverse event reports and protocol deviations, clinical data is the backbone of every decision made during drug or device development. Yet, collecting data is only the beginning — it’s how that data is managed, validated, and interpreted that determines a study’s success. In the age of decentralized trials, real-time analytics, and global regulatory oversight, the importance of reliable clinical data management can’t be overstated. High-quality data doesn’t just support regulatory submissions — it protects patient safety, ensures compliance, and strengthens confidence in results.

Why Is Clinical Data Management No Longer Just a Technical Task?

Gone are the days when data management was treated as an afterthought or a purely technical role. Today, it’s central to trial strategy. From the very beginning of a study, data management professionals are involved in shaping case report forms (CRFs), planning how endpoints will be measured, and ensuring systems are in place to capture data accurately and securely. This shift in thinking is due to the increasing complexity of trial protocols, the rise in remote data capture tools, and the growing pressure from regulators for traceable, auditable datasets. Sponsors and CROs alike are realizing that data management is no longer an isolated function — it’s the foundation of trial integrity.

What Does a Modern Clinical Trial Data Management Service Include?

A robust clinical trial data management service goes far beyond database design. It encompasses an ecosystem of systems, people, and processes designed to ensure that every data point collected is clean, consistent, and ready for analysis. Typical services include:
  • CRF design tailored to protocol endpoints
  • Electronic Data Capture (EDC) system configuration
  • Real-time data monitoring and discrepancy resolution
  • Medical coding using standard dictionaries (e.g., MedDRA, WHO Drug)
  • Query management and investigator communication
  • Data cleaning, validation, and database lock support
The goal is simple: to transform complex, multi-source data into a reliable and statistically sound dataset that regulators can trust — and that sponsors can use to make decisions. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cancer Research / 07.07.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Hideyuki Saya, MD, PhD Director, Oncology Innovation Center Fujita Health University Toyoake, Japan MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Benzaldehyde, a simple aromatic compound found in the natural aroma of almonds and apricots, has long been reported to have anticancer activity, with clinical trials even conducted in Japan in the 1980s. However, the molecular mechanism underlying its anticancer effect has remained unclear for decades. Our study was initiated by Dr. Jun Saito, whose father was one of the original researchers studying benzaldehyde. Driven by a personal motivation to clarify the scientific basis of this compound’s effect, Dr. Saito spent over a decade in our lab to finally uncover its mechanism of action. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Chemotherapy, Melanoma, NYU / 27.06.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Tomas Kirchhoff, PhD (corresponding author) Associate ProfessorLaura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center New York University School of Medicine Robert Ferguson PhD Senior Scientist at NYU Langone Medical Center Kelsey Monson, PhD Immuno-Oncology Postdoctoral Researcher Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly explain how mitochondrial DNA differs from chromosomal DNA? TK: Immune checkpoint blockade has changed the way we treat several cancers, including advanced melanoma. Before these therapies, the treatment options were very limited, but now more than half of patients experience significant tumor shrinkage or disease control. KRM: Despite these advances, many patients still do not respond to treatment. One of the main challenges in cancer medicine today is to find ways to predict which patients will benefit from these therapies before treatment begins. This approach is key to personalizing care and improving outcomes. RF: Mitochondria are small structures inside our cells that produce the energy needed for cells to function. Unlike most of our DNA, mitochondrial DNA is inherited only from the mother. Scientists can categorize this mitochondrial DNA into groups called haplogroups, based on unique variations in the genetic code. These haplogroups can provide insight into how cells produce energy and may affect a person’s health or response to cancer treatment. (more…)
Laboratories / 22.05.2025

In clinical and research settings, precision and control are everything. Whether conducting patient care, handling biological specimens or operating within a sterile lab environment, every person involved must operate with safety in mind. While much attention is often given to technical procedures and scientific outcomes, the foundation that makes these environments functional is a shared understanding of workplace safety. This is where an OSHA compliance certification becomes essential. Medical and research facilities are not immune to hazards. Everyday, professionals work with chemical agents, compressed gases, sharps lab equipment and occasionally volatile substances. These environments demand more than professional skill; they require a framework that reinforces how to prevent incidents before they occur. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, provides exactly that framework through its compliance standards and training programs. (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…)
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, 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…)
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 https://www.cityofhope.rg/aditya-shreenivas 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, 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, Cannabis, Medical Imaging, OBGYNE, Pediatrics / 10.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Sam (Seyedmehdi) Payabvash, MD Associate Professor of Radiology Columbia University Medical Center MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Prenatal marijuana use is on the rise, largely due to increasing legalization and shifting public perception of its safety during pregnancy. Although prior studies have linked prenatal marijuana exposure to adverse neonatal and behavioral outcomes, the long-term neurodevelopmental effects, especially as assessed through advanced neuroimaging techniques, remain underexplored. (more…)
Author Interviews, Biomarkers, Parkinson's / 08.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Prof. Hermona Soreq The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC) and The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Science at the Hebrew University MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are tRFs and how do they impact neurodegeneration?

Response:   tRFs: The molecular SOS of early life stress

If you remember your high school biology classes, you might remember that tRNAs are molecules that help assemble proteins based on encoding amino acids. In recent years, scientists discovered that when these molecules break down it’s not merely cellular garbage – it can be gold. Specifically, tRNAs can be sliced into short pieces, called tRNA fragments (or tRFs), which act like little regulators, switching translation on and off in ways we’re still trying to understand. Think of a tRNA as a Swiss army knife. It has structure, function, and folds on itself. But under certain conditions - like stress - it's chopped up into smaller pieces, each with a distinct signal. These fragments aren't random junk; they’re more like emergency messages, scattered through the bloodstream, reflecting the body’s internal state. That idea - of tRFs as biological SOS signals - led us to wonder: could these fragments tell us what the fetus experiences in utero? Could they show us, in molecular form, the impact of maternal psychosocial stress? (more…)
Addiction, Author Interviews, Mental Health Research / 31.03.2025

Parita K. Ray

Medical Student

Department of Medical Education

Geisinger College of Health Sciences

Scranton, PA 18509

 

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

  • Citalopram and escitalopram are two of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the U.S. and are widely used for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), along with various off-label indications. While both medications share similar mechanisms of action, escitalopram was introduced as a purified version of citalopram’s active enantiomer. Despite little evidence showing a clear superiority of escitalopram over citalopram in efficacy or tolerability, prescribing trends appear to favor escitalopram, raising concerns about "evergreening"—a practice where pharmaceutical companies promote newer formulations of existing drugs to extend market exclusivity. Prior research has shown variations in the prescription rates of psychotropic medications across states and within specific populations, particularly among Medicaid and Medicare patients. However, little is known about the long-term prescribing patterns of citalopram versus escitalopram in these populations and whether these trends reflect potential evergreening practices.

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Author Interviews, Weight Research / 20.03.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Prof. Marwan EL GHOCH Professore Associato in Scienza dell'Alimentazione e Tecniche Dietetiche Applicate MEDS-08/C Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Metaboliche e Neuroscienze Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia Modena, 41125, Italy MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Body mass index (BMI) is an easy-to-use tool to determine an individual’s by classifying him/her as having normal weight, overweight, or obesity, and this is based on universal cut-off points suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO) for all age groups. Not taking into account the potential changes that may occur to body composition compartments during the individual’s lifespan. In fact, little is still known about this topic in people with overweight and obesity. For this reason our study aimed to compare the body composition compartments between three different age groups (young, middle-age, and older adults), adopting a design that matched these 3 age groups by BMI. (more…)
Race/Ethnic Diversity, Technology, Telemedicine / 20.03.2025

  Healthcare inequality remains one of the most pressing global challenges, affecting billions of people worldwide. Despite advancements in medical science and healthcare infrastructure, access to quality healthcare services remains unequal across different regions, socioeconomic groups, and communities. Disparities in healthcare access, affordability, and outcomes persist due to factors such as income level, geographic location, race, gender, and social status. However, technology has emerged as a powerful tool in bridging these gaps and democratizing healthcare. From telemedicine and wearable devices to artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, innovative technologies are transforming the healthcare landscape and making healthcare more accessible, affordable, and efficient. Healthcare software developers play a crucial role in this transformation, creating the digital platforms, applications, and tools that enable these technological advancements to reach a wider audience. (more…)
Trials / 11.03.2025

clinical-trials-faster-research-outcomes Clinical trials are essential for advancing medical science and developing new treatments. However, the process can often be slow and cumbersome, delaying the delivery of innovative therapies to patients in need. Emerging technologies are transforming this landscape, providing tools that make clinical trials more efficient and effective. As you explore the world of clinical trials, understanding the importance of efficient tools becomes paramount. These tools significantly accelerate clinical trial timelines, ensuring quicker access to vital medical interventions. The healthcare industry is witnessing a rapid evolution in how research is conducted, with technology playing a pivotal role in this transformation. Platforms like Patiro are instrumental in this shift, offering innovative ways to connect qualified patients with clinical trials.

The Impact of Technology on Clinical Trials

Technology is reshaping the way clinical trials are conducted, primarily by reducing enrollment delays. This crucial phase often poses significant challenges due to stringent criteria and the necessity for a diverse pool of participants. With advanced platforms leveraging data analytics and AI-driven solutions, researchers can swiftly identify and recruit suitable candidates. This expedites the process and enhances the quality of research outcomes by ensuring a representative sample. The integration of digital tools has further enabled remote monitoring and virtual trials, reducing geographical barriers that traditionally hindered participant enrollment. This shift broadens access and allows continuous data collection in real-time, increasing accuracy and reliability. The time saved in these processes directly contributes to faster trial completion and quicker dissemination of results. In addition to enrollment efficiencies, technological innovations facilitate better data management throughout the trial phases. Automation in data entry and processing minimizes human error, maintaining high standards of accuracy and compliance. Consequently, this fosters a more streamlined workflow, significantly cutting down on administrative burdens faced by research teams. Machine learning algorithms have revolutionized patient matching and protocol optimization, reducing the time spent on manual screening processes by up to 60%. These intelligent systems can analyze vast amounts of electronic health records, identifying potential participants who meet specific trial criteria within minutes rather than weeks. Additionally, predictive analytics help researchers anticipate and address potential bottlenecks before they impact trial timelines, ensuring smoother execution throughout the study lifecycle. (more…)
AI and HealthCare, Health Care Workers, Technology / 11.03.2025

Technology is no longer a futuristic concept in healthcare — it's the present reality, reshaping everything from patient care to administrative tasks. This rapid evolution creates both challenges and unprecedented opportunities for those in healthcare careers. Understanding how technology impacts these roles is crucial for anyone looking to thrive in this dynamic field.

The Rise of the Machines? How Automation Is Reshaping Traditional Roles

Automation is changing the landscape, impacting tasks previously considered exclusively human. As a result, many healthcare jobs are in danger of going extinct. How are roles adapting?

The Digitalization of Healthcare Administration

Gone are the days of endless paper files and manual data entry. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are now standard, streamlining workflows and making patient information readily accessible. This shift requires healthcare administrators to be tech-savvy, adept at managing digital systems and ensuring data security. Skills like data analysis and cybersecurity are now highly valued in administrative roles. Tasks like scheduling, billing, and insurance claims are increasingly automated, freeing up staff to focus on patient interaction and complex problem-solving. (more…)
Author Interviews, Critical Care - Intensive Care - ICUs, Genetic Research, Pediatrics / 10.03.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Ricki S. Carroll, MD Complex Care and Palliative Care Physician, Skeletal Dysplasia and Palliative Care Teams Nemours Children’s Hospital Wilmington, Delaware MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Individuals with Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) are often classified into one of four subtypes: type I (mild/nondeforming), type II (perinatal lethal), type III (severe/progressively deforming) and type IV (moderately deforming); however, this classification system continues to evolve with increasing knowledge (Sillence, 1979; Van Dyke & Sillence, 2014). Those with a mild phenotype are often diagnosed postnatally or in the pediatric setting after experiencing multiple unexplained fractures. Concerns for moderate to severely presenting OI are often noted in utero when fractures, shortening, and/or bowing of the long bones are found on prenatal ultrasound (Marini et al, 2017). When Osteogenesis imperfecta is suspected and/or molecularly confirmed in the prenatal period, families may be counseled that the diagnosis is lethal or severely life-limiting based on prenatal ultrasound observations and previously reported genotype-phenotype correlations (Yoshimura et al., 1996; Krakow et al., 2009). Ultrasound parameters for predicting lethality in skeletal dysplasias have been studied and include the chest-to-abdominal circumference ratio of <0.6 and femur length-to-abdominal circumference ratio of <0.16 (Yoshimura et al., 1996; Rahemtullah et al., 1997; Ramus et al., 1998). However, there are nuances to this strategy, for instance in cases where bowing deformities and fractures limit the accuracy of true femur length measurements (Milks et al., 2017). While genotype-phenotype correlations are also considered when predicting lethality, there can be a range of clinical variability even among those with the same genotype (Rauch et al., 2004, Marini et al, 2017). Some specialized delivery centers have reported on the accuracy of these methods in predicting lethality, yet many of the pregnancies evaluated are ultimately terminated, further limiting the ability to draw conclusions (Yeh et al., 2011). These limitations pose a challenge for perinatal providers counseling families on the diagnosis and attempting to prognosticate postnatal survival probability. Consequently, this information can cloud conversations surrounding delivery planning and influence access to potential life-saving therapies including invasive mechanical ventilation and feeding support. Advancements in medical technology and the option for life-sustaining interventions have significantly altered the prognoses for severely affected infants. In this manuscript, we describe perinatal outcomes of infants referred to a single specialized center after receiving a prior diagnosis of possibly lethal, lethal or type II OI where parents sought medical intervention after birth. We also outline advances in respiratory and feeding support needs, as well as length-of-stay for these neonates. The success of this multidisciplinary approach to neonatal OI care both challenges previously defined expectations for this patient population and offers a chance at survival. (more…)
Author Interviews, Infections, NEJM, STD / 06.03.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Lenka Vodstrcil PhD Senior Research Fellow Deputy Head, Genital Microbiota and Mycoplasma Group President, Sexual Health Society of Victoria Associate Editor, Sexually Transmitted Infections School of Translational Medicine, FMNHS, Monash University Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, The Alfred Hospital Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, University of Melbourne Catriona Bradshaw MMBS(Hons), PhD, FAChSHM, FAHMS Professor (Research), Head of Research Translation and Mentorship and of The Genital Microbiota and Mycoplasma Group Melbourne School of Translational Medicine, Monash University and Alfred Hospital Principal Research Fellow at the Burnet Institute   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: One in three women globally have bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition that causes a malodourous discharge, and associated with serious gynaecologic and obstetric sequelae (including miscarriage and preterm birth) and increases the risk sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. Women with symptoms are treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, however, over 50% of women experience BV recurrence within 3-6 months. The recurrence rate is even higher at 60-80% among women with an ongoing regular partner. Current practice is to simply retreat women experiencing BV recurrence with the same antibiotics, which leaves them (and clinicians) frustrated and distressed. We and others have accumulated a body of evidence to show that BV has the profile of an STI. BV-associated bacteria are detected in men in the distal urethra and on penile-skin, and couples share these organisms. However, to date, has not been recommended for BV as it is for other STIs. This is largely because men do not usually have any symptoms, and past partner-treatment trials in the 1980s and 1990s, which only used oral antibiotics for men, failed to prevent BV recurrence, which was taken as conclusive evidence against sexual transmission. Reviews of these trials have since identified their limitations. Given the evidence of male carriage of BV-associated bacteria at two genital sites, we hypothesised that both sites needed to be targeted with antimicrobial therapy to prevent re-infection post-treatment. The aim of our study was to assess if male partner-treatment concurrently with female treatment using a combination of oral and topical antibiotics for the first time, would decrease BV recurrence over 12 weeks compared to the current standard practice of treating women only. (more…)
Gambling / 18.02.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Atharva Yeola, B.S. The Qualcomm Institute at UC San Diego MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: We initiated this study because, in the wake of the 2018 Murphy v. NCAA decision, sportsbooks began to proliferate at an unprecedented pace—expanding from a single state in 2017 to 38 states by early 2024. Accompanying that surge, the total amount bet on sports skyrocketed from $4.9 billion in 2017 to $121.1 billion in 2023, with 94% of wagers during 2023 occurring online. However, public health discussions lagged behind this explosive growth. We wanted to gauge whether this rapid adoption of sports betting, especially via easily accessible online platforms, was associated with increases in problem gambling and gambling addiction. (more…)
Antibiotic Resistance, Author Interviews, Infections / 18.02.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Jennifer Machado Soares Affiliation: University of São Paulo and Texas A&M University Institute of Physics of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, SP, Brazil. MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Antibiotic treatments are becoming less effective due to the increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Alternative treatments such as Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) have emerged and can act as an adjuvant to traditional antibiotic therapy. aPDT utilizes a photosensitizer activated by light to generate reactive oxygen species that can inactivate pathogens. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Colon Cancer, Stem Cells / 14.02.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Slim Mzoughi, PhD Assistant Professor Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Department of Oncological Sciences Hess Center for Science and Medicine New York, NY 10029 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Resistance to current cancer treatments remains one of the biggest challenges in oncology, often leading to cancer recurrence even after patients appear to be in remission. To overcome this obstacle, we first need to understand the mechanisms behind this resistance. For a long time, treatment resistance in colorectal cancer (CRC)—the second deadliest cancer worldwide—has been attributed to a specific group of cells known as LGR5+ cancer stem cells. However, recent studies suggest that simply targeting these cells is insufficient for achieving long-term cancer control. That’s where our study comes in—to uncover why this is the case. MedicalResearch.com:  What are the main findings? Response:  Our study reveals that, early in tumor formation, LGR5+ cancer stem cells undergo molecular changes that render them unrecognizable. These changes cause them to resemble those found in the developing fetal intestine. In a way, this transformation reminds me of the legend of Edward Mordake, where these now fetal-like cells act as the “demon face” of cancer stem cells, resisting and surviving treatment. Crucially, we have identified the mechanism driving this reversion to a fetal-like state, which we term oncofetal-reprogramming. Excitingly, when we targeted the oncofetal cell state alongside existing chemotherapy treatments, this significantly enhanced treatment effectiveness and extended survival in preclinical models, offering new hope for CRC patients. (more…)
Author Interviews, Gender Differences, JAMA, University of Michigan / 14.02.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Farrah Madanay, PhD Postdoctoral Research Fellow Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine Michigan Medicine University of Michigan MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Patients are increasingly using online forums to evaluate their physicians, with not only star ratings but also written narrative reviews. These reviews tend to fall into two dimensions: interpersonal manner, which includes comments about the physician’s attitude, behavior, and communication; and technical competence, which includes comments about the physician’s knowledge, skill, and outcomes. These two dimensions are important for patient-centered care and align with research from social psychology. Whereas prior studies have revealed gender differences in workplace assessments and overall star ratings of physicians, little is known about physician gender differences in patients’ online written reviews. We were curious whether physician gender differences were prevalent in patients’ written reviews and consistent across physician specialties, from generalists, like primary care physicians, to proceduralists, like surgeons. We collected physician profile, rating, and review data from one of the largest commercial physician rating and review websites. We focused on physicians from three primary care specialties (family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics), and three surgical specialties (general surgery; orthopedic surgery; and cosmetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgery). Our final sample included 345,053 online reviews received by 167,150 U.S. physicians between 2015 and 2020. We used hand-coded reviews to train an advanced natural language processing algorithm to classify all reviews for the presence and valence of patients’ comments of physicians’ interpersonal manner and technical competence. We then conducted multilevel logistic regressions to analyze differences by female or male physician gender in interpersonal manner and technical competence comments and whether those comments were associated with review star ratings. (more…)
Allergies, Author Interviews, NEJM, Pediatrics / 11.02.2025

Editor's note:  Do not attempt immunotherapy for peanut or other allergens without the express direction of your health care provider. Life-threatening reactions may occur. MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Scott H. Sicherer, MD Elliot and Roslyn Jaffe Professor of Pediatrics, Allergy and Immunology Director, Jaffe Food Allergy Institute Division Chief, Pediatric Allergy Medical Director, Clinical Research Unit Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Jack and Lucy Clark Department of Pediatrics Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital New York, NY 10029 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: About 2% of people have a peanut allergy.  While many of them are exquisitely allergic to tiny amounts, about half can tolerate a half a peanut kernel or more before they have symptoms, although the symptoms can be severe. Current studies and FDA approved treatments for peanut allergy have typically focused on people reacting to about half a peanut or less.  We thought that those with higher threshold may be more easily treated. We focused on children ages 4-14 years who we identified through a medically supervised feeding test as having allergic reactions from 443 to 5043 mg of peanut protein.  A peanut kernel is about 250 mg of peanut protein. The 73 children were randomized to a treatment (oral immunotherapy, OIT) using home-measured, store bought peanut butter versus continuing the standard of care, avoidance.  OIT involves medically supervised dosing going from a small amount to gradually increasing larger amounts.  The increases are done under direct allergist supervision, then the tolerated dose is taken at home daily. Families are given instructions about avoiding things that can cause a reaction from dosing, such as exercise after a dose, and to skip dosing for illness.  Dosing can cause reactions and they were instructed on how to recognize and treat any such reactions.   We did increases every 2 months. Most of the children (62) stayed in the study to be tested after the period of treatment, that aimed for having a level tablespoon of peanut butter each day. All of the treated children who completed testing (32) were able to eat 9 grams of peanut.  Only 3 of 30 who continued to avoid peanut were able to do this. (more…)
Author Interviews, Mental Health Research, Microbiome / 10.02.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Associate Professor Shawn Je Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What questions were you trying to address?  Response: The project started in 2013 when I met Professor Sven Petterson, then a visiting professor from the Karolinska Institute, during his time at the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) in Singapore. At the time, our lab was studying autism, and we discovered that many children with autism also had gastrointestinal problems. This sparked my interest in the relationship between gut microbiota and brain disorders. Professor Petterson had already established a germ-free facility at NCCS to study the link between cancer and gut microbiota. I asked him if he could create germ-free C57BL/6 mice, a strain often used to study learning, memory and brain disorders. After developing the mice, we subjected them to behavioural testing at the Duke-NUS Behavioural Phenotyping Facility to assess their emotional responses (fear, anxiety, depression), cognitive abilities (learning and memory), and social interactions. We were surprised to find that the germ-free C57BL/6 mice exhibited increased anxiety, although no significant changes in social behaviours typical of autism were observed. Anxiety was assessed using tests in which mice were placed in an elevated arena with open and closed sections, and the time spent in each area was measured. The increased anxiety in these germ-free mice had not been reported before, so we repeated the tests several times to confirm the findings. Interestingly, other researchers had observed hyperactivity in germ-free mice of different strains, but our C57BL/6 mice showed unusual anxious behaviour, even though this strain typically has lower anxiety. This led us to investigate the underlying mechanisms behind the increased anxiety in these mice, with the goal of discovering why this particular strain exhibited such pronounced anxiety. (more…)
Author Interviews, JAMA, Salt-Sodium, Stroke / 09.02.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Xiong Ding, MPH School of Public Health Wuhan University Wuhan, China MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Patients who have previously experienced a stroke are at high risk of recurrence, and in China, this risk is even higher than the global average. It is well established that high blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke recurrence, and lowering blood pressure is an effective preventive strategy. Salt substitutes, which replace part of sodium chloride with potassium chloride, have been shown to lower blood pressure by reducing sodium intake and increasing potassium intake. However, before our study, there was limited direct evidence demonstrating whether salt substitutes could reduce the risk of stroke recurrence and death. Therefore, we conducted this research as part of the Salt Substitute and Stroke Study (SSaSS), specifically focusing on stroke survivors to determine the long-term health effects of salt substitution in this high-risk population. (more…)
Alzheimer's - Dementia, Infections / 19.12.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Benjamin Readhead PhD Research Associate Professor Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center Biodesign Institute Arizona State University MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Our study describes a surprising link between an intestinal infection with a common virus, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), and the development of Alzheimer’s in a subset of people with the disease. In a study published earlier this year in the journal Nature Communications, we found that research participants with Alzheimer’s disease were more likely than those without it to harbor a particular immune cell type (“CD83(+) microglia”) in their brains. While trying to uncover what might be driving the presence of these CD83(+) microglia, we discovered an antibody (IgG4) in the intestine of these same subjects that were suggestive of the possibility that some kind of infection might contribute to this form of the disease. (more…)