Newsroom
Call for Submissions - Advances in Rheumatic Disease Treatments
Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and osteoarthritis affect millions of patients worldwide. While often chronic and debilitating, recent years have brought exciting advances in pharmacological treatments and non-pharmacological therapies. Cureus requests original research articles, review articles, technical reports, and case reports that explore novel therapeutic approaches and agents for rheumatic disease management. We aim to provide clinicians with cutting-edge insights into optimized care for this complex patient population. Please include the keyword "Rheumatic Diseases" in your submission. Example topics include: Impact of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 on Provision of Medical Care to Patients With Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease and the Practice of Rheumatology Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Takayasu Arteritis: A Review of Current Advances Oral Microbiome in Pre-Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Role of Aggregatibacter Actinomycetemcomitans in Bacterial Composition Dairy Consumption: Does It Make an Impact on Self-Reported Disease Activity of Inflammatory Arthritis? Submission Deadline: October 31, 2023 Published articles will be promoted through our social media channels, a dedicated email campaign, and article roundups, ensuring maximum impact and exposure to a wide audience of medical professionals. Don’t miss this opportunity to share your work on the future of rheumatology.
Sep 05, 2023
Call for Submissions Complete: AI and Robotics in Healthcare
We are living through a time of unprecedented innovation and advancement in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. With these advancements, healthcare is undergoing revolutionary changes, bringing about new methodologies, challenges, and opportunities. In light of this evolution, Cureus is calling for submissions of articles focusing on the impact of AI, robotics, or both of these technological advancements in healthcare. How are either or both of these technologies reshaping diagnostics, treatments, patient care, or the medical profession at large? What are the ethical implications, challenges, or limitations faced? How might be anticipate the role of these technologies in future healthcare scenarios? We invite physicians, medical practitioners, researchers, engineers, and others working in this fascinating intersection of technology and health to share their insights, experiences, and findings. We will consider: Original Research Review Articles Technical Reports Case Reports Editorials Example topics could include but are not limited to: The Use of AI in Diagnosing Diseases: Present and Future Robotics in Bariatric Surgery: Benefits, Limitations, and Challenges How AI and Robotics are Improving Patient Care and Experience AI in Medical Imaging: Opportunities and Concerns Ethical Implications of AI and Robotics in Healthcare To be included in this collection, please add the keyword "AI & Robotics in Healthcare" to your submission. All submissions will be featured on our email campaign and newsroom page. We eagerly anticipate your contributions as we navigate and comprehend the impact of AI and robotics in the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare.
Aug 28, 2023
Rheumatoid Arthritis Associated with Increased Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke, Finds Meta-Analysis
An article published in Cureus was recently mentioned by Managed Healthcare Executive in an article about the association between rheumatoid arthritis and the rick of heart attack and stroke. "A new meta-analysis confirms that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and for myocardial infarction and stroke, in particular. The report, which was published in the journal Cureus, is believed to be the first to incorporate recent new studies on RA and CVD incidence." Read the full article from Managed Healthcare Executive here.
Jul 27, 2023
Cureus Impact Factor Announcement
We're excited to share a significant milestone with you all. The annual release of Clarivate’s Journal Citation Report (JCR) revealed that The Cureus Journal of Medical Science has been awarded its first Impact Factor (IF). This is a noteworthy achievement for our community, and we are proud to share it with you. Both the 2022 two-year IF and five-year IF are 1.2. These Impact Factors place us in the mid-ranking for medicine, a commendable achievement for a journal that prides itself on inclusivity and accessibility. Impact Factors, alongside other metrics such as turnaround time, downloads and social media mentions can help to provide an overall assessment of journal quality and its research output in the community. Cureus metrics: Average Submission to Publication Time: 33 Days Total 2022 Article Views: 40.5 Million Articles Published for Free: 31% While we celebrate this achievement, we wish to restate that Cureus is a DORA signatory and reaffirm our commitment to assessing individual research articles on their own merits, rather than on an aggregate citation count for the journal. This is why we provide article-level metrics on every article page. We understand the importance of Impact Factor to many in the academic community, and as an academic publisher closely attuned to the needs of the research community, we acknowledge its significance. We believe that our inclusion in the Web of Science, and the subsequent Impact Factors, will be beneficial for many academics whose research output is still measured by metrics such as IF. We hope that, alongside this information, our article-level metrics and transparent publishing process will encourage more physicians and medical researchers to submit their work to Cureus, and thus benefit from broad readership and high-quality peer review. Your contributions, whether as authors, reviewers, or readers, have played a crucial role in this accomplishment. We encourage you to continue with us on our journey to democratize medical publishing. - The Cureus Team
Jun 30, 2023
Call for Submissions: Healthcare Systems Around the World
Screwed-up medical systems are a global problem, but successful healthcare models also exist in surprising locations. Quality, cost, equity, innovation, regulation, and more - where does your country fall short in its healthcare systems, and where does it excel? This call for submissions aims to foster a global dialogue among physicians and public health researchers deep in the medical trenches on important issues that inevitably impact patient care and outcomes. We encourage authors to reflect on personal experiences as healthcare providers, policymakers, or even medically knowledgeable patients. By sharing these perspectives, we can envision better healthcare systems for all. Eligible submissions from authors of all backgrounds, including healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers, will undergo editorial and peer review prior to publication. Due to the high quality of submissions we have received so far, we have decided to continue this “Healthcare Systems Around the World” call for submissions indefinitely. Requirements: Eligible submissions must include an author with publishing experience who has completed residency training. Submissions must include the keyword “Global Healthcare Systems”. Submissions must adhere to Cureus publishing guidelines and, if applicable, may be subject to Preferred Editing fees. Example editorials: Challenges faced by Pakistani healthcare system: Clinician's perspective Lebanese Healthcare System: How Will the Aftermath Look? COVID-19 Pandemic and Challenges for Socio-Economic Issues, Healthcare and National Health Programs in India The Healthcare Model: Concepts and Challenges for Primary Healthcare in Brazil An Assessment of Canada’s Healthcare System Weighing Achievements and Challenges
Jun 01, 2023
Psychoactive Drug Treatment Submissions
We’d like to thank all of the authors who participated in our “Therapeutic Psychoactive Drug Treatments” call for submissions. Once thought to be a dangerous and taboo part of counterculture, psychoactive drugs are gaining mainstream acceptance in the medical community. Several states and cities in the United States and countries around the world are beginning to legalize or decriminalize psilocybin and other psychoactive drugs for therapeutic or medicinal purposes. (1) Click below to view the articles published on this topic, and stay on the lookout for new calls for article submissions on major clinical topics.
May 19, 2023
Brain Awareness Article Submissions
Authors submitted research regarding Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s, as well as neurological and neuropsychological disorders. We'd like to thank all of the authors who participated in this call for articles. Stay on the lookout for new calls for article submissions on major clinical topics.
May 19, 2023
Score and Comment on Articles from our ChatGPT Contest
We recently hosted a call for submissions contest for case reports, but our authors didn’t submit alone. They had help from ChatGPT, the cutting-edge language model trained to assist with natural language processing. With ChatGPT's assistance, authors have submitted detailed case reports. Now, we're curious - do you think there's a place for ChatGPT in medical publishing? Does this technology have the potential to revolutionize the way we approach medical research and publishing or could this lead us down a dangerous path? We invite you to read the published articles (more are on the way) and see for yourself. We would love to hear your thoughts on this exciting topic, so please read, rate (using our SIQ scoring system), and comment on the case reports. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to discussing the future of medical publishing with you.
May 19, 2023
The Wall of Shame and Recentering the Focus on the Academic Record
Let’s talk about the Wall of Shame. As a peer-reviewed medical journal, we have a fundamental responsibility to ensure that potentially dangerous medical misinformation is not published. With traditional research integrity methods sometimes falling short, we decided to conduct an experiment by highlighting authors who have committed egregious ethical violations as well as the institutions that enabled them. While we will never abandon this responsibility, we have decided to remove the Wall of Shame tomorrow, May 12th, 2023. Why, you may be asking? Especially when the Cureus community of authors, readers and reviewers were overwhelmingly supportive? We recognize that this is an ongoing problem, but we have determined that there are better ways of addressing academic fraud and dishonesty than by publicly sharing lists of authors. We wish to recenter the focus on correcting the academic record, as that is the ultimate goal of any correction or retraction. We will continue to vigorously investigate allegations of academic fraud and dishonesty, and we will do so objectively, without levying judgment on authors deemed to have acted unethically.
May 11, 2023
Disparities in Ownership and Use of Digital Health Technology Between Rural and Urban Adults
An article published in Cureus was recently picked up by mHEALTH INTELLIGENCE. "Published in Cureus, new research indicated that although rural residents were just as likely as their urban counterparts to own and utilize digital health tools, they used these resources for communication with providers less, prompting the need for investigation of geographical digital access disparities. Specifically, the researchers indicated that more research into differences in broadband access, plus development of “low connectivity” apps, will be key to closing technology access disparities. Despite the constant growth of digital health tools, there is limited research surrounding differences in adoption between rural and urban residents. In this study, researchers used a National Inpatient Survey to examine statistics on the ownership and use of digital health tools among patients in various geographies..." Read the full article here.
May 11, 2023
Video Abstract Submissions
Submit a Video Abstract As technology becomes more integrated into our lives, our attention spans have shortened, and we've grown accustomed to receiving information in condensed formats. This shift in information consumption extends to scientific research, necessitating a change in how content is presented. This guide offers a comprehensive walkthrough for creating a video abstract, from its inception to production, and finally, submission. It aims to help you produce your own video abstracts, regardless of your available equipment or budget. You will be in charge of the project from start to finish. Be aware that our team will evaluate all video abstracts for appropriateness, and publication is not guaranteed. In some instances, you may be asked to make minor adjustments to your video. Remember that you may only submit a video abstract after your paper has been accepted. Do not send a video abstract when initially submitting your manuscript. If you have any questions during the process, please reach out to [email protected], and our Digital Marketing Manager will contact you. What is a Video Abstract? A video abstract is a supplementary feature for research articles designed to capture viewers' interest in the scientific paper. The purpose of a video abstract is to showcase the key findings of your research or case report. Ideally it should not only present the main results and conclusions but also offer something unique compared to the written paper. A successful video abstract engages viewers by narrating a story, often starting with a specific discovery, question, or theme around which the story develops. Creating a compelling video about a serious subject doesn't require a large budget or cutting-edge technology. Modern technology allows for the production of high-quality videos at a relatively low cost, as detailed in these guidelines. The focus should be on capturing your audience's attention and inspiring them to read your paper. Top Tips for an Effective Video Abstract Maintain a relaxed and friendly tone in your video. When writing a script, use conversational language as if explaining your research to a non-expert. Video abstracts target a scientific audience but should be accessible to a broader audience, including journalists and students. While writing your paper, consider potential footage and other media for your video abstract. You can often find relevant stock videos on websites like Adobe that can be used to help make your video more engaging. To ensure your message is effectively communicated and keeps the viewer's attention, aim for a concise video, no longer than 4 minutes. The full research details can be found in the written article, so the video should not detract from the paper itself. Budget Solutions for Video Abstracts High-End Budget (Up to 4 minutes in length) Creating a comprehensive story with top-quality elements If you have access to advanced equipment, whether personally, through your university's media department, or by outsourcing production, your video abstract can incorporate (some of) the following features: Author(s) appearing on camera Engaging footage and/or graphics 3D animations Re-enactments to demonstrate medical procedures or consultations Contextual footage (laboratories, key aspects of the study) General footage relevant to the medical or scientific context Medium to Low Budget (Up to 4 minutes in length) Innovative storytelling with limited video elements A video abstract in this budget range may feature the author(s) providing a voiceover alongside professional animations (avoid using PowerPoint presentations or low-quality images/graphics). Potential components include: Author(s) on camera Engaging footage Graphics (with simple animations rather than static images) Contextual footage (laboratories, key aspects of the study) General footage relevant to the medical or scientific context You can email your video to [email protected]. Please include any social media handles for you, your co-authors, and your institution so we can tag everyone properly. Don't forget to click below to subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Apr 26, 2023
Peptide Therapy
There are many potential benefits of peptide therapy in different medical fields. This Cureus article explores the expression of antimicrobial peptides and cytokines in the human omentum following abdominal surgery, with the aim of understanding how these peptides can aid in the prevention of postoperative infections. The article below focuses on the effects of Mechano-Growth Factor (MGF) peptide, which has been shown to have favorable impacts on muscle growth, wound healing, cartilage repair, and brain development in animal studies. MGF peptide has also been shown to activate muscle stem cells and enhance heart health, among other benefits. There is a growing interest in peptide therapy as a potential solution to various medical problems, from muscle loss to postoperative infections. Sponsored Content Cardiological Effects of MGF Peptide Mechano-Growth Factor (MGF) peptide is a splice variant of insulin-like growth factor [i] that has been demonstrated to have cardiological effects, favorably influencing muscle growth, wound healing, cartilage repair, and brain development in animal studies. MGF C-terminal has been shown to enhance muscle healing after damage and hasten recovery time. Moreover, some evidence is that it helps shield tissues from the mechanical stressors incurred during weight training and jogging, according to research. Do you have a Ph.D. or MD and need to purchase MGF peptides for your research? You can find high-quality, affordable peptides online. What is the Mechano Growth Factor? In contrast to IGF1, the peptide known as Mechano growth factor (MGF) [ii] have a slightly modified sequence. According to studies, it significantly impacts youngsters' growth and development. There's more, however. Animal studies support that MGF peptide may promote tissue repair and development by activating muscle stem cells and increasing protein synthesis for tissue growth. Researchers are now exploring this peptide as a potential therapy for disorders that cause muscle loss and wasting in animals. Mechanism of Action of the MGF Peptide According to research, IGF and muscle growth factor (MGF) work together to cause hypertrophy and speed up the healing process after muscle injury. Overtraining the muscle and increasing tissue healing are two ways that MGF shows itself. Muscle satellite cells, also known as stem cells, are activated with their help, per clinical trial results. [v] The IGF-1Eb isoform, as it's more often known, protects neurons, mitigates the atrophying effects of insulin, and speeds up the healing of damaged muscle tissue in animals. Studies in rats have shown the efficacy of this peptide. After muscular damage, high levels of MGF were found in the rats' muscles, which promoted skeletal muscle cell development. Research on MGF treatment for disorders that cause muscle wasting or tissue damage is limited, but early results are encouraging. Advantages of MGF Peptides According to the scientific community's findings, MGF peptides have a wide range of applications. In a nutshell, here's what it can do, according to animal studies: Encourage the growth of new muscle by stimulating stem cells Facilitate healing, repair, and cell division Facilitate the reduction of inflammation Maximize workouts Improve mental well-being and growth Enhance heart health Muscle Growth Factor's Effects Recent studies have shown that MGF (Mechanical growth factor) may stimulate satellite cells in the body, leading to increased hypertrophy, larger muscles, and even muscle regeneration. According to animal studies, MGF administered to mice for three weeks resulted in a 25% increase in muscle growth. Researchers think this peptide has the potential to double the health benefits of exercise and cure muscle-wasting disorders. An animal's basal metabolic rate and the pace at which it burns calories at rest benefit from muscle gain. Thus the animal may see more than simply an aesthetic advantage from exercising. Animal studies have demonstrated that increased lean body mass helps alleviate various diseases and health problems linked to obesity. Transplantation of myogenic precursor cells enhances dystrophin expression, which may explain why MGF therapy is effective in the context of some muscle-wasting illnesses like Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). As a result, the negative consequences of these states are mitigated. Despite the treatment's encouraging name, post-transplant survival statistics are dismal. Animal studies suggest that C-terminal peptide may improve transplant outcomes by increasing the number of myogenic precursor cells that survive the procedure. Results of MGF on Injury Repair Injuries, inflammatory diseases like arthritis, and overuse of joints may all lead to cartilage breakdown. Experts agree that poor blood flow and a lack of stem cells prevent cartilage from regenerating properly. Yet, research on MGF peptides in animals showed that they might assist in overcoming many of the obstacles to cartilage regeneration. Research indicates that C-terminal [iii] MGF helps chondrocytes (cells that promote cartilage health and repair) endure exposure to noxious stimuli, including damage and physical stress. By increasing cell survival, MGF supplementation aids in protecting and repairing cartilage when mechanical stress is applied, as per studies. Rodent studies showed that MGF peptide might stop disc degeneration by stopping cell apoptosis. [iv] Cardiological Consequences Evidence from animal trials of acute myocardial infarction in sheep suggests that MGF peptide therapy may prevent heart muscle damage caused by ischemia. Researchers also found that cardiomyocyte damage was reduced by 35% when MGF peptide was administered. Effects on Neuronal Health In 2010, scientists proved that MGF peptide was present in the brains of rats, proving the medication's potent neuroprotective properties. Research in mice further indicates that MGF protein is expressed in the context of brain hypoxia and that it may protect neurons. Studies show that treatment with MGF peptide relieves the increasing muscular weakness seen in Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) and slows down the underlying cause of the illness, the degeneration of motor neurons. Researchers have observed that Mechano-growth factor peptide protects neurons from disease progression more effectively than any other isoform. It may also aid in the recovery of brain tissue damaged by ischemia. Scientists have high hopes that MGF peptide, with further study, may prove to be therapeutic that can save motor neurons from dying. References [i] Philippou A, Papageorgiou E, Bogdanis G, Halapas A, Sourla A, Maridaki M, Pissimissis N, Koutsilieris M. Expression of IGF-1 isoforms after exercise-induced muscle damage in humans: characterization of the MGF E peptide actions in vitro. In Vivo. 2009 Jul-Aug;23(4):567-75. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19567392/ [ii] Moriggl, R, V Gouilleux-Gruart, R Jähne, S Berchtold, C Gartmicen, X Liu, L Hennighausen, A Sotiropoulos, B Groner, and F Gouilleux. “Deletion of the Carboxyl-Terminal Transactivation Domain of MGF-Stat5 Results in Sustained DNA Binding and a Dominant Negative Phenotype.” Molecular and Cellular Biology 16, no. 10 (October 1996): 5691–5700. doi:10.1128/mcb.16.10.5691. [iii] Esposito, Simone, Koen Deventer, and Peter Van Eenoo. “Characterization and Identification of a C-Terminal Amidated Mechano Growth Factor (MGF) Analogue in Black Market Products.” Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry 26, no. 6 (February 10, 2012): 686–692. doi:10.1002/rcm.6144. [iv] Liu X, Zeng Z, Zhao L, Chen P, Xiao W. Impaired Skeletal Muscle Regeneration Induced by Macrophage Depletion Could Be Partly Ameliorated by MGF Injection. Front Physiol. 2019 May 17;10:601. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31164836/ [v] Mills P, Dominique JC, Lafrenière JF, Bouchentouf M, Tremblay JP. A synthetic mechano growth factor E Peptide enhances myogenic precursor cell transplantation success. Am J Transplant. 2007 Oct;7(10):2247-59. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17845560/ Editor's Note: This blog post was sponsored by Core Peptides LLC.
Mar 28, 2023
