Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Colon Cancer, Stem Cells / 14.02.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_66601" align="alignleft" width="200"]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 Dr. Mzoughi[/caption] 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.
Author Interviews, Gender Differences, JAMA, University of Michigan / 14.02.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_66556" align="alignleft" width="200"]Farrah Madanay, PhDPostdoctoral Research Fellow Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine Michigan Medicine University of Michigan Dr. Madanay[/caption] 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.
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: [caption id="attachment_66501" align="alignleft" width="130"]Scott H. Sicherer, MDElliot 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 Dr. Sicherer[/caption] 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.
Author Interviews, Mental Health Research, Microbiome / 10.02.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_66462" align="alignleft" width="200"]Associate Professor Shawn JeNeuroscience and Behavioural Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School Shawn Je[/caption] 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.
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.
Alzheimer's - Dementia, Infections / 19.12.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_65601" align="alignleft" width="200"]Benjamin Readhead PhDResearch Associate Professor Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center Biodesign Institute Arizona State University Dr. Readhead[/caption] 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.
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, NEJM, NIH, OBGYNE / 05.12.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_65321" align="alignleft" width="92"]Diana W. Bianchi, M.D.Senior Investigator Center for Precision Health Research Director, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Institutes of Health Dr. Bianchi[/caption] Diana W. Bianchi, M.D. Senior Investigator Center for Precision Health Research Director, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National Institutes of Health MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The ability of prenatal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) sequencing to incidentally detect maternal cancers has been demonstrated by several retrospective studies from commercial or national laboratories. However, there are no standardized approaches to the identification and medical management of prenatal screening results that might indicate a maternal cancer. We sought to prospectively identify DNA sequencing patterns and other biomarkers that could distinguish which women with nonreportable or unusual cfDNA sequencing results had cancer and to determine the best approach for diagnostic work-up of pregnant people who receive these results.
Author Interviews, COVID -19 Coronavirus, Mental Health Research, Pulmonary Disease / 30.11.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_65216" align="alignleft" width="200"]Sean B. Fain, Ph.D.Professor and  Vice Chair for Research Department of Radiology Affiliate Appointments BME and ECE University of Iowa Iowa City, IA Dr. Fain[/caption] Sean B. Fain, Ph.D. Professor and Vice Chair for Research Department of Radiology Affiliate Appointments BME and ECE University of Iowa Iowa City, IA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: This study uses MRI to investigate connections between lung and brain function. We employ an advanced MRI technique that uses hyperpolarized xenon gas as a contrast agent. This approach allows us to image which parts of the lung are effectively inhaling xenon gas and which parts are not (i.e. ventilation). Additionally, xenon provides insights into lung gas exchange (i.e. oxygen transfer into and out of the blood), as it freely diffuses into alveolar tissue and binds to red blood cells. Using this technology, we hypothesized that the severity of lung injury in individuals with Long COVID would correlate with the degree of cognitive dysfunction and brain imaging.
Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, Cost of Health Care, Medicare, UCLA / 15.10.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_64014" align="alignleft" width="150"]Frank F. Zhou  |  he/himMD Candidate, Class of 2025 David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Frank F Zhou[/caption] Frank F. Zhou  |  he/him MD Candidate, Class of 2025 David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What is Lecanemab used for?  How is it given to patients? Response: Lecanemab is a new infusion therapy for Alzheimer's disease. Its dosing is based on each patient's body weight (10 mg/kg every two weeks), but the drug is only available in 500 mg and 200 mg single-use vials, meaning that any leftover drug in vials must be thrown away. Given that lecanemab is expected to cost Medicare billions of dollars each year, we hypothesized that discarded drug could result in significant wasteful spending.
Infections / 27.09.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_63559" align="alignleft" width="150"]Dr De Alwis, Ruklanthi (Rukie)Deputy Director, Centre for Outbreak Preparedness Assistant Professor, Emerging Infectious Diseases Programme Duke-NUS Medical School Dr. De Alwis[/caption] Dr De Alwis, Ruklanthi (Rukie) Deputy Director, Centre for Outbreak Preparedness Assistant Professor Emerging Infectious Diseases Programme Duke-NUS Medical School MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The COVID19 pandemic highlighted both the need for strengthened infectious disease surveillance and the critical importance of pathogen genomics in surveillance. However, prior to the pandemic, the technology used for pathogen genomics (i.e. next generation sequencing) was not widely used for public health and mostly available in high-resource countries. The Asia Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Asia PGI) was set up after the pandemic to enhance regional health security through the strengthening of pathogen genomic surveillance in in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) across Asia. This study, conducted through the Asia PGI, aimed to assess the baseline capacities and gaps in pathogen genomic surveillance in lower-resourced countries in the region.
Dermatology / 05.08.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Hannah CederHannah Ceder Department of Dermatology and Venereology Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg Gothenburg, Sweden   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Many facial basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are currently excised without prior biopsy, often resulting in incomplete surgical excisions. This practice is concerning because histopathologically high-risk BCCs have an increased risk of postoperative recurrence, necessitating a more meticulous surgical approach. For facial high-risk BCCs, Mohs micrographic surgery is the recommended treatment method. Given these challenges, there is a clear need for simple, preoperative methods to help physicians identify high-risk tumors. By improving preoperative assessment, these methods could enhance treatment planning, reduce incomplete excisions, and optimize the use of Mohs micrographic surgery for high-risk cases.
Author Interviews, Cancer Research / 01.08.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62690" align="alignleft" width="180"]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 Dr. Meena Rafiq[/caption] 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.
Author Interviews, Parkinson's / 25.07.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62555" align="alignleft" width="200"]Gus Alva, MD, DFAPAMedical 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 Dr. Gus Alva[/caption] 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.
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.
Allergies, Author Interviews, Duke / 25.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62084" align="alignleft" width="200"]Professor Soman Abraham PhDGrace 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 Prof. Abraham[/caption] 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.
Author Interviews, Diabetes, Environmental Risks / 24.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62064" align="alignleft" width="200"]Todd Hagobian, Ph.D.pronouns he/him/his Department Chair & Professor, Kinesiology and Public Health Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA FRANK H 2016 ilyfrankh.com Dr. Hagobian[/caption] 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.
Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, JAMA / 22.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62050" align="alignleft" width="150"]Mabel Seto, PhDHarvard 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 Dr. Seto[/caption] 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.
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.
Author Interviews, Genetic Research, Heart Disease, Nature / 14.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61964" align="alignleft" width="136"]Ben Omega Petrazzini, B.Sc.Associate Bioinformatician Ron Do Laboratory Ben Petrazzini[/caption] Ben Omega Petrazzini, B.Sc. Associate Bioinformatician Ron Do Laboratory [caption id="attachment_61965" align="alignleft" width="143"]Ron Do, Ph.D.Professor, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences Director, Center for Genomic Data Analytics Associate Director in Academic Affairs, The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine Charles Bronfman Professor in Personalized Medicine Dr. Ron Do[/caption] Ron Do, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences Director, Center for Genomic Data Analytics Associate Director in Academic Affairs, The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine Charles Bronfman Professor in Personalized Medicine Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Rare coding variants directly affect protein function and can inform the role of a gene in disease. Discovery of rare coding variant associations for coronary artery disease (CAD) to date have only had limited success. Genetic studies typically use standard phenotyping approaches to classify cases versus controls for CAD. However, this phenotyping approach doesn’t capture disease progression or severity in individuals. We recently introduced an in-silico score for CAD (ISCAD) that tracks CAD progression, severity, underdiagnosis and mortality (Forrest et al. The Lancet, 2023, PMID 36563696). ISCAD was built using a machine learning model trained on clinical data from electronic health records (EHR). Importantly, ISCAD is a quantitative score that measures CAD on a spectrum. The quantitative nature of the score provides an opportunity to discover additional rare coding variant associations that may not have been detected with the standard case-control phenotyping approach. Here in this study, we performed a large-scale rare variant association study in the exome sequences of 604,915 individuals for ISCAD, a machine learning-based score for CAD.
Author Interviews, Critical Care - Intensive Care - ICUs, Heart Disease, Kidney Disease, NEJM / 13.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61951" align="alignleft" width="150"]Prof Giovanni Landoni, MDAssociate Professor Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele Milan, Italy Prof. Landoni[/caption] Prof Giovanni Landoni, MD Associate Professor Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele Milan, Italy MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects approximately 10-15% of hospitalized patients, and up to 50% of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. In cardiac surgery one patient out of three will face AKI during the postoperative period, and this will lead to higher morbidity and mortality. AKI is associated with an elevated risk of chronic kidney disease, as well as, in the most severe cases, with the use of renal replacement therapy, which may double hospitalization costs, reduce quality of life, and increase long-term mortality. So far, no preventive measure with level I of evidence did exist for AKI. The PROTECTION trial is a multinational, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, conducted at 22 centers in 3 different countries. We recruited 3,511 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass to receive an intravenous infusion of amino acids (AA) (Isopuramin 10%, Baxter), at 2g/kg/day up to a maximum 100g/day, or an equivalent dose of placebo (Ringer’s solution), for a maximum of 72 hours. The primary outcome was the incidence of any stage of AKI, according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) 2012 creatinine criteria.
Author Interviews, Dermatology, JAMA, Salt-Sodium / 12.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61942" align="alignleft" width="200"]Katrina Abuabara, MD, MA, MSCEAssociate Professor of Dermatology, UCSF Associate Adjunct Professor of Epidemiology UC Berkeley School of Public Health Dr. Abuabar[/caption] Katrina Abuabara, MD, MA, MSCE Associate Professor of Dermatology, UCSF Associate Adjunct Professor of Epidemiology UC Berkeley School of Public Health MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) has become increasingly common over recent decades, especially in industrialized countries, suggesting that environmental or lifestyle factors like diet could impact rates of disease. It is well established that sodium, consumed primarily in the form of salt, increases the risk of hypertension and heart disease through pro-inflammatory mechanisms. The role of sodium on other chronic inflammatory conditions like eczema has been less well-studied.
Nursing / 05.06.2024

Nursing is a demanding yet incredibly rewarding profession that requires a unique blend of skills and qualities. Successful nurses must possess more than just medical knowledge; they must embody characteristics that enable them to provide exceptional care, navigate complex situations, and foster strong relationships with patients and colleagues. Understanding these essential qualities can help aspiring nurses and those currently in the field strive for excellence. This article will explore the key attributes that define a successful nurse, highlighting the traits that contribute to their ability to deliver high-quality healthcare and compassionate support.

1.    Strong Communication Skills

Effective communication is a crucial quality for a successful nurse. Nurses must be able to convey information clearly and accurately to patients, families, and other healthcare professionals. This involves both verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as the ability to adapt messages for different audiences. Clear communication is essential for ensuring that patients understand their diagnoses, treatment plans, and medication instructions. Miscommunication can lead to confusion, non-compliance, and even medical errors, so it is vital for nurses to articulate information in a way that is easy to comprehend. This might include using layman’s terms, providing written instructions, or demonstrating procedures. In addition to patient communication, nurses must collaborate effectively with other healthcare team members. This requires active listening, assertiveness, and the ability to provide and receive constructive feedback. Strong communication skills also involve being able to navigate difficult conversations, such as discussing prognosis or delivering bad news, with sensitivity and professionalism.
"Strong communication is a key trait in nursing, where clear information exchange can impact patient outcomes. Applying effective negotiating tactics like active listening and tailored messaging can greatly enhance a nurse’s ability to communicate complex information compassionately and accurately." - the founder of Shapiro Negotiations Institute shares.
 
For nurses looking to enhance their communication skills, pursuing advanced education can be beneficial. An online MSN nursing degree, for example, can provide specialized training in communication strategies and leadership, further preparing nurses for the complexities of the healthcare environment.
Author Interviews, Colon Cancer, Gastrointestinal Disease, Immunotherapy / 04.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61859" align="alignleft" width="130"]Steven H. Itzkowitz, MD, FACP, FACG, AGAFProfessor of Medicine and Oncological Sciences Director of the GI Fellowship Program Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Dr. Itzkowitz[/caption] Steven H. Itzkowitz, MD, FACP, FACG, AGAF Professor of Medicine and Oncological Sciences Director of the GI Fellowship Program Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: This study looked at patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who had a history of cancer in the past 5 years and asked whether the medications they received for their IBD might have affected their rates of getting future cancer (new or recurrent cancers). Because many of the medicines that are used to treat IBD can affect the immune system in various ways, there has been concern that the medicines might predispose to subsequent cancers. We found that patients who received immunosuppressive medications had a numerically increased risk of subsequent cancer, this was not statistically higher than those who had not been exposed to these medications. While previous studies have looked at this question retrospectively, this is the first report that analyzed this issue prospectively using individuals from the United States.  Moreover, this study represents a multi-institutional collaboration among gastroenterologists at most of the major NYC healthcare systems.
Alcohol, Author Interviews, CMAJ / 03.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61837" align="alignleft" width="125"]Rahel Zewude, MD FRCPCInfectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology, PGY-5 University of Toronto Dr. Zewude[/caption] Rahel Zewude, MD FRCPC Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology, PGY-5 University of Toronto MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you describe the syndrome of Auto-brewery syndrome? Response: Auto-brewery syndrome refers to a syndrome where the gut ferments alcohol from carbohydrates leading to high blood alcohol levels and intoxication without any consumption of alcoholic drinks.
Author Interviews / 29.05.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61816" align="alignleft" width="125"]Dr. Larry Kosinski, MDGastroenterologist and SonarMD Founder & Board Member Dr. Kosinski[/caption] Dr. Larry Kosinski, MD Gastroenterologist and SonarMD Founder & Board Member MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly explain what is meant by the IBD group of diseases? Response:  Affecting up to 70 million Americans, the U.S. spends $136 billion each year on digestive health as these conditions are complex to predict, treat and manage. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) includes people specifically diagnosed with either ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, and these conditions require close monitoring to reduce the risk for complications that lead to lengthy hospital stays and significant medical spend. In addition to providing a holistic health program, the SonarMD digital platform risk stratifies patients and performs continuous symptom checks to identify deteriorating symptoms sooner and communicate changes to physicians, meaning that care teams can intervene faster to keep patients healthier and lower the overall cost of care. The two large, longitudinal studies that we presented at Digestive Disease Week 2024 evaluated several major drivers of medical costs in people living with IBD and enrolled in the SonarMD end-to-end, digital care coordination program to determine if SonarMD’s program reduced healthcare utilization and concurrently produced better health outcomes. To assess this, we looked at Emergency Department visits and In-patient Admissions compared to risk-matched control groups.
Exercise - Fitness / 29.05.2024

cycling-biking-health-benefits Remember those hot summer days when all we wanted was to come home from school and ride a bike around the neighborhood? Is this a familiar scenario for you? If yes, you've come to the right (digital) place because we discuss the benefits of cycling for all generations.

Why Pedaling?

You know how they say, once you learn to ride a bike, you never forget it. If you have a two-wheeler abandoned in some corner of your storage or basement, it's time to consider taking it for a ride. Here's why
  • Cycling is a low-impact aerobic activity
  • Riding a bike activates almost all muscles
  • Pedaling improves your concentration, coordination, stamina, and strength
  • Regular bike rides help you lose weight
  • Rides are as intense as you want them to be
  • It is a cost-effective, eco-friendly transportation option
Education, Nursing / 29.05.2024

A nursing career is one that can be both rewarding and challenging. It’s a profession that demands compassion, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning. According to Indeed, in the US, the typical hourly wage for a Registered Nurse stands at $43.91. Working in such a noble field is an amazing opportunity. However, before embarking on this career, it’s essential to step back and ask yourself some important questions. This will help you determine if nursing is the right path for you. Here are a few questions to consider before choosing a career in nursing.

#1 Am I Passionate about Helping Others?

Ask Yourself Before Choosing a Career in NursingAccording to the Daily Nurse, nursing is fundamentally about caring for others during their most vulnerable moments. It requires kindness and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Besides, nurses, particularly those working with diverse populations, need to consistently practice empathy to enhance the quality of their care. Reflect on whether you have a passion for helping others and derive satisfaction from providing comfort and support to those in need. If the answer is yes, then nursing might be a perfect fit for you.
AHA Journals, Author Interviews, Blood Pressure - Hypertension, OBGYNE / 29.05.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61675" align="alignleft" width="150"]Emmanuel Bujold, ReproductionMother and Child Health Unit CHU De Québec-Université Laval Research Center Université Laval Québec, QC Canada Dr. Bujold[/caption] Emmanuel Bujold, Reproduction Mother and Child Health Unit CHU De Québec-Université Laval Research Center Université Laval Québec, QC Canada     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly describe what is meant by preeclampsia? Response: Preeclampsia is a complication of the second half of pregnancy, manifesting as high blood pressure and renal dysfunction. The only current treatment is to deliver the baby before it becomes complicated by damage to maternal organs or fetal distress. A few years ago, we demonstrated that aspirin started in the 1st trimester can prevent the majority of preeclampsias in pregnant women at risk. It has therefore become urgent to identify pregnant women at risk as early as the 1st trimester.
Addiction, Author Interviews, Health Care Systems / 25.05.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61782" align="alignleft" width="150"] Srivastava Kodavatiganti, MBS[/caption] Srivastava Kodavatiganti, MBS Department of Medical Education Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton, PA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Prescription and illicit opioid misuse and overdoses have continued to escalate in the U.S. with annual overdoses exceeding 110,000[1]. There was a substantial rise from 2013 to 2022 in the number of opioid-related overdoses due to synthetic opioids [2]. Even nonfatal opioid-involved overdoses increased 4% quarterly between January 2018 and March 2022 as observed by encounters by emergency medical services [3]. Although the eastern U.S. has been particularly impacted by fatal overdoses, annual increases have increased as of last year in the western states including in Nevada (+27.9%), Washington (+36.9%), Oregon (+38.6%), and Alaska (+45.9%).  In contrast, other states have seen more modest changes (New Mexico = +1.3%) including decreases (South Dakota = -2.4%, Nebraska = -19.5%) [1]. These findings underscore the importance for understanding patterns in usage of prevention and treatment strategies. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. This crucial lifesaving tool is administered as an injection or as a nasal spray. This study characterized the patterns of naloxone prescriptions in Medicaid patients from 2018 – 2021 and Medicare patients for 2019. State level differences were also quantified as the fold difference in prescribing between the highest and lowest states when correcting for the number of enrollees in each state.