Author Interviews, Depression, JAMA, LSD-Psychodelics / 19.05.2026

Editor's note: This piece discusses mental health issues. If you have experienced suicidal thoughts or have lost someone to suicide and want to seek help, you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting "START" to 741-741 or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. [caption id="attachment_73822" align="alignleft" width="200"]Hampus Yngwe, MD, MScCentre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, and Stockholm Health Care Services Stockholm, Sweden Dr. Hampus Yngwe[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Hampus Yngwe, MD, MSc Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, and Stockholm Health Care Services Stockholm, Sweden MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Depression is a common and disabling condition and current treatments do not work for all patients. Psilocybin has shown promise as a rapid-acting treatment, but more controlled studies are needed to clarify its effects, durability and safety.
AI and HealthCare, Emergency Care, Heart Disease, JAMA / 18.05.2026

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Nimit Desai, BA Medical Student and Affiliate Researcher UC San Diego School of Medicine and Qualcomm Institute John W. Ayers, PhD, MA Vice Chief of Innovation, Head of AI, and Professor UC San Diego School of Medicine, Altman Clinic and Translational Research Institute, and Qualcomm Institute Christopher Horvat, MD, MHA, MSIT Associate Professor of Critical Care Medicine, Pediatrics, Biomedical Informatics, and Clinical & Translational Science Associate Director, Safar Center for Resuscitation Research More than 350,000 Americans go into cardiac arrest outside a hospital every year, yet only about 2% of the population is certified in CPR. When someone collapses, most bystanders call 911 and wait — and even when dispatchers walk callers through CPR instructions, it often takes nearly three minutes before chest compressions begin. Researchers at UC San Diego set out to close that gap with AI. The result is ChatCPR, an open-source AI system built on actual 911 dispatcher training protocols and decades of CPR evidence. In head-to-head comparisons using real, de-identified 911 calls, ChatCPR outperformed human dispatchers on every measure — scoring 15 percentage points higher on basic steps and 36 points higher on advanced steps.

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

Response: There are over 178,000 published articles about AI in medicine. But "when will AI actually save lives?" We didn't have a good answer. So that question became the starting point. We looked at where AI could make the biggest immediate difference, not in documentation or billing or any of that, but in a moment where seconds literally determine whether someone lives or dies. And the answer was obvious: out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. More than 350,000 Americans go into cardiac arrest outside a hospital every year. Yet, only about 2% of us are certified in CPR. When someone collapses from an arrest, most people just call 911 and wait, and wait, and wait. And even when dispatchers eventually walk callers through CPR instructions, they're juggling multiple tasks and it often takes nearly 3 minutes before chest compressions even start. We thought AI could close that gap.
Breast Cancer, Cancer Research, JAMA, Weight Research / 13.05.2026

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_73639" align="alignleft" width="125"]Bernard F. Fuemmeler, PhD, MPHProfessor and Gordon D. Ginder, MD Chair in Cancer Research Associate Director of Population Science, Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Director of Research, Family Medicine and Population Health Dr. Fuemmeler[/caption] Bernard F. Fuemmeler, PhD, MPH Professor and Gordon D. Ginder, MD Chair in Cancer Research Associate Director of Population Science, Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Director of Research, Family Medicine and Population Health [caption id="attachment_73640" align="alignleft" width="125"]Kristina L. Tatum, PsyD, MSInstructor Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences School of Public Health Dr. Tatum[/caption] Kristina L. Tatum, PsyD, MS Instructor Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences School of Public Health A large population-based analysis of more than 841,000 breast cancer patients across the United States examines whether GLP-1 receptor agonist use is associated with improved survival and lower recurrence risk — with findings that researchers describe as very promising.
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1RAs, have been used since 2005 and as the GLP1RAs treatments and delivery methods have improved, their use has markedly increased. Now it is estimated that nearly 1 in 8 US adults report ever using a GLP-1RA, which includes many people who are using them to treat obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea. There has been some preclinical data from mouse models to suggest that maybe GLP1RAs have an anticancer effect reducing the effects of obesity on tumor growth or progression. We were interested to understand to what extent GLP1RA use among cancer patients might be associated with cancer outcomes, like length of survival after cancer treatment or the chance of recurrence. In our large population-based study using an aggregate of de-identified electronic health record data from more than 841,000 patients with breast cancer across the US, we found that GLP-1 RAs use was associated with significantly improved survival and lower recurrence risk among patients with obesity or type 2 diabetes. Among patients with obesity, GLP-1 RAs use was associated with approximately 65% lower risk of death and a 56% lower risk of recurrence over 10 years compared with nonuse. We also observed substantially improved outcomes among patients with type 2 diabetes compared with insulin or metformin.
Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, Genetic Research, JAMA, Karolinski Institute / 24.03.2026

[caption id="attachment_72900" align="alignleft" width="200"]MedicalResearch.com Interview with:Jakob Norgren | PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS) | Karolinska Institutet Division of Clinical Geriatrics | Center for Alzheimer Research Huddinge, Sweden Jakob Norgren, Ph.D.[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Jakob Norgren | PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS) | Karolinska Institutet Division of Clinical Geriatrics | Center for Alzheimer Research Huddinge, Sweden     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: This study tested the hypothesis that people with APOE 3/4 and 4/4 would have a reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia with higher meat intake, based on the fact that APOE4 is the evolutionarily oldest variant of the APOE gene and may have arisen during a period when our evolutionary ancestors ate a more animal-based diet.
Author Interviews, Cannabis, JAMA, Mental Health Research / 22.02.2026

Editor’ note:  Cannabis and THCA/HEMP CBD products should have an active ingredient list on the container and have a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Discuss your use of THC, Cannabis or CBD products with your health care provider.  Dosing of Cannabis products is variable, especially since they are not FDA regulated. Cannabis/CBD may interfere with other medications and should not be used in individuals with certain health conditions, including liver issues. CBD skin care products can be absorbed through the skin and have similar effects. Do not use Cannabis products including edibles, drinks and CBD if you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant. Do not use cannabis products if driving or operating difficult or dangerous machinery. Children should not be exposed to cannabis or CBD products. MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72552" align="alignleft" width="200"]Kelly Young-Wolff, PhD, MPHLicensed clinical psychologist and Research Scientist Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research Associate Professor, Psychiatry School of Medicine UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences Dr. Young-Wolff[/caption] Kelly Young-Wolff, PhD, MPH Licensed clinical psychologist and Research Scientist Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research Associate Professor, Psychiatry School of Medicine UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Cannabis is widely used by adolescents, and it’s often first used during the same developmental window when many psychiatric disorders begin to emerge. At the same time, cannabis has become more accessible and more socially accepted. While prior studies have linked adolescent cannabis use to mental health symptoms, fewer large studies have examined whether it’s associated with later clinically diagnosed psychiatric disorders. We wanted to address that gap.
Author Interviews, Cannabis, JAMA / 25.11.2025

Editor’ note:  Cannabis and THCA/HEMP CBD products should have an active ingredient list on the container and have a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Discuss your use of THC, Cannabis or CBD products with your health care provider.  Dosing of CBD is variable, especially since it is not FDA regulated. Cannabis/CBD may interfere with other medications and should not be used in individuals with certain health conditions, including liver issues. CBD skin care products can be absorbed through the skin and have similar effects. Do not use Cannabis products including edibles and CBD if you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant. Do not use cannabis products if driving or operating difficult or dangerous machinery. Children should not be exposed to cannabis or CBD products. [caption id="attachment_71501" align="alignleft" width="157"]Dr. Swartz Dr. Swartz[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: James A. Swartz, PhD Professor, Jane Addams College of Social Work University of Illinois Chicago MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: For the past 5 1/2 years, my project team has been charged with monitoring the public health effects of adult cannabis use legalization in Illinois. To fulfill that obligation, we have monitored state data and have tried to keep informed about ongoing research on cannabis legalization and public health. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) rose to the surface of this continual monitoring through a growing number of publications indicating the prevalence of this condition was on the rise and clinical case reports. As context, for any readers unfamiliar with the clinical syndrome, CHS is a paradoxical reaction to long-term, heavy cannabis use. Instead of relieving nausea, cannabis in some people appears to trigger cycles of severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Patients often present repeatedly to emergency departments, undergo extensive workups, and only much later does someone connect the dots and consider CHS. Resource use is substantial. CHS visits often involve repeat ED presentations, imaging, laboratory testing, and sometimes hospital admission. Even though CHS is rarely life-threatening, it is not a trivial condition from either the patient’s or the system’s perspective.

Most of the existing literature has been case reports, small series, or single-center studies. Those reports clearly show that CHS can be debilitating and is frequently misdiagnosed, but they don’t tell us much about the bigger picture:

  • How often Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is showing up in emergency departments nationally
  • How those rates have changed over time, especially as cannabis policies and patterns of use have shifted
  • What the typical patient profile looks like at a population level

Our goal was to step back and use a large national emergency department database to describe CHS at scale in the United States from 2016 through 2022.

Author Interviews, Cannabis, JAMA, Opiods / 13.11.2025

[caption id="attachment_71419" align="alignleft" width="150"]MedicalResearch.com Interview with:Victoria Bethel, MSN Department of Public Administration and Policy University of Georgia, Athens Victoria Bethel[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Victoria Bethel, MSN Department of Public Administration and Policy University of Georgia, Athens   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: From the same pool of commercially insured patients, we found that cannabis dispensary openings were associated with reduced opioid prescribing among patients with non-cancer pain. For this study, we examined whether cannabis dispensary openings were also associated with reduced opioid prescribing among commercially insured patients who do have a cancer diagnosis. Similar to patients without cancer, we estimated reductions in opioid prescribing after medical and recreational cannabis dispensaries open. These findings may suggest that patients who experience cancer pain are able to manage their pain with cannabis instead of requiring opioids, although we cannot directly observe substitution.
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, JAMA, Weight Research / 02.11.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_71229" align="alignleft" width="125"]Dr. Bian Jiang Dr. Bian Jiang[/caption] Jiang Bian, PhD Associate Dean of Data Science Walther and Regenstrief Professor of Cancer Informatics Professor of Biostatistics & Health Data Science Adjunct Professor, Biomedical Engineering and Informatics Chief Data Scientist, Regenstrief Institute Chief Data ScientistCustomize & Schedule Social Media Posts Indiana University Health [caption id="attachment_71230" align="alignleft" width="125"]Serena Jingchuan Guo Dr. Serena Guo[/caption] Serena Jingchuan Guo, MD PhD Assistant Professor Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy University of Florida College of Pharmacy [caption id="attachment_71231" align="alignleft" width="125"]Hao Dai, PhD Dr. Hao Dai[/caption] Hao Dai, PhD Postdoctoral Fellow Department of Biostatistics & Health Data Science Indiana University School of Medicine       MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Obesity and type 2 diabetes are both known to increase the risk of several cancers. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have become very popular for both glycemic control and weight loss, but their long-term effects on cancer risk are still unclear. Using a large real-world dataset, we emulated a target trial comparing more than 43,000 GLP-1RA users to matched non-users. We found that GLP-1RA use was associated with a significantly lower overall cancer risk.
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Dental Research, JAMA, Microbiome, NYU/NYMC, Pancreatic / 13.10.2025

[caption id="attachment_70956" align="alignleft" width="125"]Jiyoung Ahn, PhDProfessor of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine Associate Director for Population Science, NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center  NYU Langone Health New York, NY 10016 Dr. Jiyoung Ahn[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Jiyoung Ahn, PhD Professor of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine Associate Director for Population Science, NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center NYU Langone Health New York, NY 10016 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: About 10 years ago. we reported that people with poor oral health seem to have a greater risk of pancreatic cancer development.  We suspected that this could be due to oral microbiota.  More recently, animal studies, by other groups, showed that bacteria from the mouth can actually travel through saliva into the pancreas. But we didn’t know which exact species of bacteria or fungi might be involved in pancreas cancer development. We therefore conducted this large human study to examine the oral microbiome — including whole bacteria and fungi profiles in the mouth, and to see which bacteria and fungal taxa are associated with subsequent risk of pancreatic cancer development.
Author Interviews, Dermatology, Hair Care, JAMA / 11.10.2025

[caption id="attachment_70946" align="alignleft" width="200"]dr-brett-king Dr. King[/caption] Brett King, MD, PHD  Dr. King was named an American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) “Patient Care Hero” for his work treating patients with severe alopecia areata Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut Fairfield, Connecticut MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly explain the condition of Alopecia Areata? Response: Alopecia Areata (AA), an autoimmune form of hair loss, is common and its treatment has been revolutionized in the past ~3 years with approvals of 3 JAK inhibitors, bariticinib, ritlecitinib and deuruxolitinib. Prior to these approvals, off label treatments included the JAK inhibitors tofacitinib and ruxolitinib.   In a world of multiple treatments, especially when those treatments belong to the same medicine class, the question arises “If patients do not achieve treatment success with one medicine, might they achieve treatment success with another one?”
Author Interviews, Autism, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, JAMA / 06.10.2025

Memantine to Treat Social Impairment in Youths With ASD

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70898" align="alignleft" width="143"]Gagan Joshi, MDDirector, The Alan & Lorraine Bressler Clinical and Research Program for Autism Spectrum Disorder Associate Director, The Pediatric Psychopharmacology Research Program Associate Program Director, MGH Fellowship in Autism Spectrum Disorder Rovee Endowed Chair in Child Psychiatry Massachusetts General Hospital Associate Professor of Psychiatry Harvard Medical School Dr. Joshi[/caption] Gagan Joshi, MD Director, The Alan & Lorraine Bressler Clinical and Research Program for Autism Spectrum Disorder Associate Director, The Pediatric Psychopharmacology Research Program Associate Program Director, MGH Fellowship in Autism Spectrum Disorder Rovee Endowed Chair in Child Psychiatry Massachusetts General Hospital Associate Professor of Psychiatry Harvard Medical School MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Intellectually capable individuals with autism often face significant challenges in social functioning, yet pharmacologic treatments specifically targeting social impairments are lacking. Our prior neuroimaging research identified abnormally elevated brain glutamate levels in intellectually capable youth with autism, suggesting a potential neurochemical pathway underlying social difficulties. Based on these findings, we examined the effects of memantine—a glutamate-modulating medication—for the treatment of autism.
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Dermatology, JAMA / 06.10.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70681" align="alignleft" width="167"]Dr. Wheless Dr. Wheless[/caption] Lee Wheless, MD, PhD Assistant Professor Department of Dermatology Department of Medicine, Division of Epidemiology Vanderbilt University Medical Center Staff Physician Tennessee Valley Health System VA Medical Center MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Nicotinamide has been in use for skin cancer prevention for at least a decade. A more recent trial among solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) specifically concluded that there was no benefit in this population. While that study had a number of issues, it really led dermatologists to question whether it was efficacious. This coupled with another study around the same time that suggested that metabolites of nicotinamide might increase the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). My group earlier this year conducted a similar study to this one showing that we really did not observe any increase in MACE at the population level. We then turned to address of the question of if nicotinamide was actually useful in reducing skin cancer risk.
Anemia, Author Interviews, Hematology, JAMA, Pain Research, Pediatrics / 03.09.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70522" align="alignleft" width="150"]Ibrahim Gwarzo, DrPH, MPH, MBBSResearch Scientist at Nemours Children’s Health Delaware Valley, Delaware USA Dr. Gwarzo[/caption] Ibrahim Gwarzo, DrPH, MPH, MBBS Research Scientist at Nemours Children’s Health Delaware Valley, Delaware USA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly explain the condition of sickle cell disease and why young people frequently present to the ER with severe pain? Response: Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells. It is passed down as an autosomal recessive disorder, meaning a person must inherit the defective gene from both parents to have the disease. The condition primarily impacts hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells, which leads to changes in the shape and stability of these cells. The complications associated with the disease, including recurrent and severe pain episodes, are a direct result of these changes. These pain episodes are debilitating and unpredictable, resulting in frequent emergency department visits where they are typically treated with pain medications, including opioids. It is estimated that around 100,000 people in the United States have sickle cell disease, with about 40,000 being children. The disease has a significant prevalence in the Afro-Latino population.
Author Interviews, Geriatrics, JAMA, Pharmacology / 05.08.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70179" align="alignleft" width="220"]Emily G. McDonald MD MSc (Epi) FRCPCScientist | Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre Associate Professor of Medicine | General Internal Medicine | McGill University Health Centre Associate Chair of Quality and Safety | Department of Medicine | McGill University Director | Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE) Montreal, QC Dr. McDonald[/caption] Emily G. McDonald MD MSc (Epi) FRCPC Scientist | Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre Associate Professor of Medicine | General Internal Medicine | McGill University Health Centre Associate Chair of Quality and Safety | Department of Medicine | McGill University Director | Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE) Montreal, QC https://www.medsafer.org/ https://www.deprescribingnetwork.ca/   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Polypharmacy (taking multiple medications) is common among older adults and can lead to serious side effects like memory problems, falls, fractures, and hospitalization. Deprescribing (the process of stopping some medications that may no longer be beneficial or where the harms outweigh the benefits) is a great solution. This study found that an electronic tool to support prescribers increased deprescribing more than 3 times compared to usual care without the software support.
Accidents & Violence, Author Interviews, JAMA, USPSTF / 12.07.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_69498" align="alignleft" width="200"]Dr. David Chelmow, M.D.Leo J. Dunn professor of obstetrics and Chair of the Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine Richmond, Virginia Dr. Chelmow joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2022 Dr. Chelmow[/caption] Dr. David Chelmow, M.D. Leo J. Dunn professor of obstetrics and Chair of the Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine Richmond, Virginia Dr. Chelmow joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2022 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Intimate partner violence, also known as domestic violence, affects millions of people in the United States and can have devastating consequences for one’s health and wellbeing. Clinicians can make a real difference for those affected—evidence shows that there are screening tools that can detect intimate partner violence in women, including those who are pregnant, as well as interventions that work to reduce future violence. As a result, the Task Force recommends that clinicians screen all women of reproductive age, including those who are pregnant and postpartum, for intimate partner violence and refer those who screen positive to ongoing services so they can get the care they need to stay safe. The Task Force also recognizes that caregiver abuse of older and vulnerable adults is an important issue. Unfortunately, right now there is not enough evidence to recommend for or against screening for caregiver abuse and neglect of older and vulnerable adults, so we are calling for more research in these important areas.
Author Interviews, JAMA, Osteoporosis, USPSTF / 24.06.2025

[caption id="attachment_69170" align="alignleft" width="200"]Dr-Davis_Esa Dr. Davis[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Esa M. Davis, M.D., M.P.H. Vice chair, USPSTF Professor of Family and Community Medicine Senior Associate Dean of Population and Community Medicine University of Maryland School of Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and break or fracture more easily. It is more common as people age and can lead to serious disability, chronic pain, loss of independence, and even death. The Task Force looked at the evidence and found that all women who are 65 and older should be screened for osteoporosis. Menopause causes hormone changes that affect a person's bone density and causes their bones to break down faster than they can rebuild, thereby increasing a person's risk of osteoporosis. As a result, women younger than 65 who have already gone through menopause and have at least one additional risk factor for osteoporosis should receive a formal risk assessment to determine whether they should then be screened. It's important to note that men can also get osteoporosis and have similar risk factors as women, but unfortunately there is not enough evidence to determine whether or not screening and then treating men can help prevent fractures.
Author Interviews, Cognitive Issues, JAMA, OBGYNE, Pediatrics / 15.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_67904" align="alignleft" width="150"]Samson Nivins PhDPost-doc | Neonatology Karolinska Institutet Developmental Neuroscientist Liggins Institute Dr. Nivins[/caption] Samson Nivins PhD Post-doc | Neonatology Karolinska Institutet Developmental Neuroscientist Liggins Institute   [caption id="attachment_67905" align="alignleft" width="150"]Ulrika Ådén PhDProfessor of Neonatology Department of Women's and Children's Health Karolinska Dr. Ådén[/caption] Ulrika Ådén PhD Professor of Neonatology Department of Women's and Children's Health Karolinska     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Children born preterm are at higher risk of cognitive impairment during childhood and later in life. However, an important unresolved question is whether these impairments primarily reflect genetic susceptibility or are driven by the biological consequences of being born too early. Cognitive development is known to have a strong heritable component (~70 %), and previous studies have attempted to disentangle genetic and environmental contributions, for example through sibling comparison designs. Although informative, such approaches have inherent limitations. In this study, we aimed to investigate long-term cognitive outcomes across a range of gestational age groups including very preterm, moderately preterm, late preterm, and early term, compared to children born full term. Importantly, we accounted for genetic influences as well as a range of potential confounding factors, including prenatal risks and child-specific factors. This approach provides a more nuanced understanding of the extent to which cognitive outcomes associated with preterm birth reflect biological versus inherited risk.
Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, Diabetes, JAMA, Weight Research / 09.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_67848" align="alignleft" width="150"]Dr. Catriona Reddin MDFourth year Specialist Registrar in Geriatric Medicine  and an Irish Clinical Academic Training (ICAT) fellow University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland Dr. Reddin[/caption] Dr. Catriona Reddin MD Fourth year Specialist Registrar in Geriatric Medicine  and an Irish Clinical Academic Training (ICAT) fellow University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Dementia is a leading cause of disability globally, which is projected to affect approximately 75 million people by 2030. Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for dementia, it was unclear if glucose lower therapies reduce the risk of dementia. The research, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 clinical trials involving over 160,000 participants, found that while most glucose-lowering therapies were not significantly associated with a reduction in dementia risk, one class of drugs—GLP-1Ras—was linked to a significant reduction.
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.
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.
Author Interviews, Cannabis, JAMA, Pediatrics, UCSD / 30.01.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_66243" align="alignleft" width="150"]John Bellettiere, PhDAssistant Adjunct Professor Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science University of California, San Diego Dr. Bellettiere[/caption] John Bellettiere, PhD Assistant Adjunct Professor Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science University of California, San Diego MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response:  Smoking is the most common method of cannabis use and generates harmful emissions.  Cannabis is often smoked indoors, which exposes non-smokers, including children, to these emissions. Our research analyzed in-home cannabis smoking practices to determine if there is an association between this behavior and the detection of cannabis biomarkers in children.
Author Interviews, Cannabis, Cognitive Issues, JAMA, Memory, Mental Health Research / 28.01.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_66219" align="alignleft" width="200"]Joshua Gowin PhDAssistant Professor, Radiology Anschutz Medical Campus University of Colorado  Dr. Gowin[/caption] Joshua Gowin PhD Assistant Professor, Radiology Anschutz Medical Campus University of Colorado  MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Many people want to know how cannabis affects their brain and cognitive abilities. Previous studies have shown that cannabis use can impair learning and verbal memory function. Some evidence has shown that cannabis use is associated with smaller volume of areas of the prefrontal cortex. Our study investigated how cannabis use is associated with brain function. We examined brain function across 7 tasks in 1,000 adults. 88 of them had used cannabis over 1,000 times in their lives.
Author Interviews, Cannabis, JAMA / 25.01.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_66106" align="alignleft" width="200"]Silvia S. Martins, MD, PhDAssociate Dean for Faculty Professor of Epidemiology Director, Substance Use Epidemiology Unit Co-Director, Substance Abuse Epidemiology T32 Program Department of Epidemiology Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health New York, NY Dr. Martins[/caption] Silvia S. Martins, MD, PhD Associate Dean for Faculty Professor of Epidemiology Director, Substance Use Epidemiology Unit Co-Director, Substance Abuse Epidemiology T32 Program Department of Epidemiology Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health New York, NY MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Much has been speculated on whether the enactment of medical and recreational cannabis laws can have a role in decreasing prescriptions for opioid pain relievers, opioid use and misuse, opioid use disorder, and overdose in the U.S. However, findings on the associations of medical cannabis laws alone and recreational cannabis las + medical cannabis laws with opioid-related outcomes are mixed. By the end of 2019, 32 U.S. states had adopted medical marijuana laws (MCL) alone. All states that went on to adopt recreational marijuana laws (RCL) had previously adopted an MCL.
Author Interviews, Cannabis, JAMA, Mental Health Research / 22.11.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_64963" align="alignleft" width="200"]Belén Blasco Belén Blasco[/caption] Belén Blasco PhD Student in Neuroscience - MD Psychiatry Clinical and Translational Sciences (CaTS) Lab Integrated Program in Neuroscience McGill University | Douglas Research Centre Montreal, Canada MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Our research is centered on uncovering the early brain changes that might contribute to psychosis development. Using innovative brain imaging techniques, we aimed to measure synapsis in individuals with early psychotic symptoms or who are considered at high clinical risk. Synapses are the crucial points of connection between neurons, allowing communication across the brain. A key aspect of our study was to understand how lifestyle factors, like cannabis use, might impact these brain changes, particularly since cannabis consumption has been associated with an increased risk of developing psychosis in young people.
Author Interviews, Health Care Systems, JAMA, Pharmacology, University of Pittsburgh / 31.10.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_64457" align="alignleft" width="200"]Dr. Katie Suda Dr. Suda[/caption] Katie J. Suda, PharmD, M.S., FCCP Professor of medicine with tenure Associate Director, Center for Pharmaceutical Policy and Prescribing University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Our pharmaceutical supply chain is global where the manufacturing process for one drug may occur in multiple countries. Sometimes there are breakdowns in the pharmaceutical supply chain which may threaten access to medicines. Breakdowns in the supply chain occur for medicines manufactured in the U.S. and by international partners. While breakdowns in the supply chain occur for hundreds of drugs each year, not all result in a decrease in available supply (a “drug shortage”) because of action taken by manufacturers, pharmacies and drug regulators (e.g., the U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA]). Drug shortages are a critical concern to public health as pharmacies, clinicians, and patients struggle to identify safe and effective alternatives. In addition, drug shortages have been associated with adverse patient outcomes and medication safety events. Recently, drug shortages have gotten worse with shortages occurring with increasing frequency and lasting longer. There has also been a shift in the types of medicines in shortage from drugs primarily used in hospitals, such as injectables, to oral medicines frequently used to manage outpatient conditions. Countries have different regulatory authority and policy which may impact how drug supply chain breakdowns result in drug shortages. We wanted to know if there are differences between the U.S. and Canada in the frequency that national drug shortages occur after supply chain breakdowns are reported in both countries. Canada is a good comparator to the U.S. because Canada has similar drug regulatory standards and manufacturing inspections. Prescription drug coverage is also similar for the two countries where half of prescriptions are reimbursed through public insurance and half through private insurance and out-of-pocket.
Author Interviews, COVID -19 Coronavirus, JAMA, OBGYNE, Pediatrics / 16.10.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_64046" align="alignleft" width="200"]Eleni G. Jaswa, MD, MScAssistant Professor, Ob/Gyn, Reproductive Science UCSF Dr. Jaswa[/caption] Eleni G. Jaswa, MD, MSc Assistant Professor, Ob/Gyn, Reproductive Science UCSF MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Some infections during pregnancy have been associated with abnormal neurodevelopment in children. This is likely due to the infection itself, or the maternal immune system response to infection. We sought to determine whether maternal COVID-19 infection during pregnancy, a now common occurrence, was associated with changes in children's neurodevelopment out to 24-months-old, compared to control children not exposed to maternal COVID-19 in utero.
Author Interviews, JAMA, Pharmaceutical Companies / 11.10.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_63939" align="alignleft" width="200"]David-Dan Nguyen MDCM MPHDoctoral Student Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation and Resident Physician Division of Urology University of Toronto Dr. Nguyen[/caption]

David-Dan Nguyen MDCM MPH Doctoral Student Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation and Resident Physician Division of Urology University of Toronto

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Peer reviewers are crucial to the academic publishing process. While there’s been significant scrutiny of potential conflicts of interest among authors and editors of major journals, the potential for conflicts of interest among peer reviewers has been relatively unexplored. As such, our study aimed to quantify and characterize industry payments made to peer reviewers of top medical journals—The BMJ, JAMA, The Lancet, and The New England Journal of Medicine—to better understand the extent of these financial relationships. 
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, JAMA, Microbiome, NYU/NYMC / 01.10.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_63665" align="alignleft" width="211"]Jiyoung Ahn, PhDProfessor of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine Associate Director for Population Science, NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center  NYU Langone Health Smilow Research Building New York, NY 10016 Prof. Ahn[/caption] Jiyoung Ahn, PhD Professor of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine Associate Director for Population Science, NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center NYU Langone Health Smilow Research Building New York, NY 10016 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: We found that oral bacterial species are linked to a collective 50% increased risk of developing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Some of these microbes have previously been shown to contribute to periodontal disease, a serious gum infection that can erode the jawbone and the soft tissues surrounding the teeth.
Anemia, Author Interviews, JAMA, OBGYNE / 23.08.2024

[caption id="attachment_60875" align="alignleft" width="133"]Esa M. Davis, M.D., M.P.H , F.A.A.F.P Professor of Medicine and Family and Community Medicine Associate Vice President of Community Health and Senior Associate Dean of pPopulation Health and Community Medicine University of Maryland School of Medicine Dr. Davis joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2021 Dr. Davis[/caption] Esa M. Davis, M.D., M.P.H , F.A.A.F.P Professor of Medicine and Family and Community Medicine Associate Vice President of Community Health and Senior Associate Dean of pPopulation Health and Community Medicine University of Maryland School of Medicine Dr. Davis joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2021     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Iron is important to overall health, and people need more iron when they are pregnant. This can make pregnant people at increased risk for iron deficiency, which can progress to anemia and cause complications for both moms and their babies. After reviewing the latest available research, the Task Force found that there is not enough evidence on whether pregnant people who do not have signs or symptoms of iron deficiency or anemia should be screened—or take iron supplements—to improve their health or the health of their baby.  
Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Genetic Research, JAMA, Karolinski Institute, Prostate Cancer / 05.07.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62249" align="alignleft" width="204"]Anna Plym PhDDepartment of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health Department of Urology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts Dr. Plym[/caption] Anna Plym PhD Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health Department of Urology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death among men, with approximately one third of the deaths occurring before the age of 75 years. There is a need for a better understanding of the risk factors for those early deaths. Our previous research has indicated that inherited factors play a major role.