JAMA

11 Oct

Posted at 14:08h in Author Interviews, JAMA, Pharmaceutical Companies
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. 

01 Oct

Posted at 19:50h in Author Interviews, Cancer Research, JAMA, Microbiome, NYU/NYMC
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.

23 Aug

Posted at 00:33h in Anemia, Author Interviews, JAMA, OBGYNE
[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.  

05 Jul

Posted at 14:56h in Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Genetic Research, JAMA, Karolinski Institute, Prostate Cancer
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.

03 Jul

Posted at 18:50h in Author Interviews, Heart Disease, JAMA, Lipids
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62223" align="alignleft" width="150"]Evan A Stein MD PhD FACCCOO/CSO LIB Therapeutics Cincinnati. OH USA 45227 Dr. Stein[/caption] Evan A Stein MD PhD FACC COO/CSO LIB Therapeutics Cincinnati. OH USA 45227 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is increasing in rapidly industrializing countries and is projected to cause more than >20 million deaths annually over the next 15 years. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is well established as a major, easily modifiable, risk factor for CVD. Reductions with statins and, more recently, PCSK9 inhibitors, all agents which directly or indirectly upregulate the LDL receptor and enhance LDL-C clearance, have demonstrated CVD event reductions in cardiovascular outcome trials. Extensive data from these trials, provide a rough estimate that every 40 mg/dL reduction in LDL-C will reduce the risk of major CV cardiovascular events by 22% to 24%. Furthermore, trials with PCSK9 inhibitors added to statins which achieve substantial additional LDL-C reduction show and CVD event reduction remains linear to very low LDL-C levels without signals of adverse events. Based on this body of evidence, recent revisions to national and international guidelines, now advocate for greater LDL-C reductions and lower LDL-C treatment goals, for patients not achieving these goals on statins alone. The current consensus target goal for LDL-C in patients with CVD, or who are at very-high risk for of CVD, is now less than <55 mg/dL, and <70 mg/dL for those at high risk. This global trial of over 900 patients with CVD, or at very or high risk for CVD, on maximally tolerated statins assessed the 52-week efficacy and safety of monthly lerodalcibep.

01 Jul

Posted at 14:50h in Author Interviews, Cost of Health Care, JAMA, Kidney Disease, Transplantation
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62111" align="alignleft" width="200"]Amal Trivedi, MD, MPHProfessor of Health Services, Policy & Practice Brown University School of Public Health Prof. Trivedi[/caption] Amal Trivedi, MD, MPH Professor of Health Services, Policy & Practice Brown University School of Public Health MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: On January 1st, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched the mandatory End-Stage Renal Disease Treatment Choices (ETC) Model, which randomly assigned approximately 30% of U.S. dialysis facilities and managing clinicians to financial incentives to increase the use of home dialysis and kidney transplantation. The program is set to run through 2027, with financial incentives and penalties increasing as the model progresses. Our study sought to assess the ETC’s effect on these outcomes of interest in the first two years, as well as to examine outcome changes by race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status.

22 Jun

Posted at 21:36h in Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, JAMA
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.

20 Jun

Posted at 15:27h in Author Interviews, Breast Cancer, Colon Cancer, Genetic Research, JAMA
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62041" align="alignleft" width="150"]Dr. Jeremy L. Davis M.D.Surgical Oncologist Center for Cancer Research Dr. Davis’ research focuses on sporadic and inherited forms of stomach cancer. National Cancer Institute Dr. Davis[/caption] Dr. Jeremy L. Davis M.D. Surgical Oncologist Center for Cancer Research Dr. Davis’ research focuses on sporadic and inherited forms of stomach cancer. National Cancer Institute   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Individuals who are born with a CDH1 gene mutation are at increased risk of developing specific cancers in their lifetime. Those cancers are called diffuse-type gastric cancer and lobular breast cancer. The background that is relevant here is that when mutations in this gene were first identified as the cause of inherited forms of these cancers, the estimated lifetime risk of gastric cancer, for instance, was around 60-83%. Because of this very high risk and because gastric cancer is particularly difficult to treat, many experts recommend prophylactic surgery to remove the stomach. In recent years, as we have seen more families who carry a CDH1 gene mutation, we have also observed that gastric cancer rates did not seem quite as high as those risk estimates would have suggested. We sought to re-evaluate lifetime risk of cancer with a large and diverse cohort of individuals throughout North America.

12 Jun

Posted at 10:57h in Author Interviews, Dermatology, JAMA, Salt-Sodium
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.

10 Jun

Posted at 18:11h in Aging, Author Interviews, Exercise - Fitness, JAMA, USPSTF
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61045" align="alignleft" width="150"]Li Li, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H. The Walter M. Seward Professor and Chair of Family Medicine University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine Director of Population Health at UVA Health Dr. Li Li[/caption] Li Li, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H Walter M. Seward Professor Chair of Family Medicine Director of population health University of Virginia School of Medicine Editor-in-chief of The BMJ Family Medicine Dr. Li 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 of the underlying studies? Response: Falls are the leading cause of injuries in older adults and can lead to serious disability and even death. To help prevent these incidents, the Task Force looked at the current evidence on ways that primary care clinicians can help prevent falls in adults aged 65 and older who live at home and are more likely to fall. We concluded that healthcare professionals should recommend exercise interventions for adults aged 65 and older who are at increased risk for falls. This could include gait, balance, and functional training, as well as strength, resistance, and flexibility training. Clinicians can also talk with their older patients who are most likely to fall about whether additional interventions might be helpful to reduce their risk of falling.

16 May

Posted at 23:19h in Aging, Author Interviews, Frailty, JAMA, Orthopedics
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61725" align="alignleft" width="150"]Chintan V. Dave PharmD, PhDAssistant Professor of Pharmacy and Epidemiology Assistant Director Rutgers Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Science Academic Director Rutgers Center for Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics Rutgers University New Brunswick, New Jersey Dr. Chintan Dave[/caption] Chintan V. Dave PharmD, PhD Assistant Professor of Pharmacy and Epidemiology Assistant Director Rutgers Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Science Academic Director Rutgers Center for Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics Rutgers University New Brunswick, New Jersey MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Our study examined the association between initiation of an antihypertensive medication and its correlation with fracture risk among older nursing home veterans.

07 May

Posted at 20:19h in Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, JAMA, Nutrition
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61650" align="alignleft" width="200"]Marta Guasch-Ferré, PhDAssociate Professor and Deputy Head of Section, Section of Epidemiology University of Copenhagen  Group Leader, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research  Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Nutrition Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health  Dr. Guasch-Ferré[/caption] Marta Guasch-Ferré, PhD Associate Professor and Deputy Head of Section, Section of Epidemiology University of Copenhagen Group Leader, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Nutrition Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response:  Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and contains compounds with antioxidant activity that may play a protective role for the brain. Olive oil as part of a Mediterranean diet appears to have a beneficial effect against cognitive decline. Higher olive oil intake was previously associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. But its association with dementia mortality was unknown.

01 May

Posted at 15:37h in Author Interviews, Breast Cancer, JAMA, USPSTF
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_60752" align="alignleft" width="200"]Dr. Nicholson Dr. Nicholson[/caption] Wanda K. Nicholson, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A. Senior Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Professor of Prevention and Community Health Milken Institute School of Public Health George Washington University Dr. Nicholson was appointed chair of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in March 2024. She served as vice chair from March 2022 to March 2024 and as a member of the Task Force from January 2009 through December 2013. MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Breast cancer is the second most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer deaths for women in the U.S. After reviewing the latest science, the Task Force recommends screening all women for breast cancer every other year starting at age 40 and continuing through age 74. This new approach has the potential to save nearly 20 percent more lives from breast cancer and has even greater potential benefit for Black women, who are much more likely to die from breast cancer.

27 Apr

Posted at 14:00h in Author Interviews, CDC, Infections, JAMA
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61617" align="alignleft" width="161"]Shruti K. Gohil, MDAssistant Professor, Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Associate Medical Director, Epidemiology & Infection Prevention, Infectious Diseases UCI School of Medicine Dr. Gohil[/caption] Shruti K. Gohil, MD Assistant Professor, Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Associate Medical Director, Epidemiology & Infection Prevention, Infectious Diseases UCI School of Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
  • Antibiotic resistance, which occurs when germs like bacteria and fungi mutate to defeat the drugs designed to kill them, is a major public health threat.
  • Data show that 40-50% of patients hospitalized with pneumonia receive broad spectrum antibiotics when they do not need them.
  • Helping clinicians tailor antibiotic prescriptions to individual patients can improve patient outcomes by preserving healthy bacteria in the body and reducing the risk of future antibiotic resistance.

25 Apr

Posted at 00:45h in Author Interviews, COVID -19 Coronavirus, JAMA, Technology, UCSD, Vaccine Studies
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: John W. AyersJohn W. Ayers, PhD MA Vice Chief of Innovation | Assoc. Professor
Div. Infectious Disease & Global Public Health University of California San Diego Since the World Health Organization declared an ‘infodemic’ of misinformation, there have been surprisingly few achievements to celebrate. X's Community Notes have emerged as an innovative strategy to address misinformation as reported in the latest issue of JAMA.
Before the inception of Community Notes, social media companies employed various tactics to tackle misinformation, including censoring, shadowbanning (muting a user or their content on a platform without informing them), and adding generic warning labels to problematic content. However, these efforts were typically undisclosed meaning their effectiveness could not be studied.

In late 2022, X introduced Community Notes. This novel approach empowers volunteer, independent, anonymous, and ideologically diverse contributors to identify posts containing misinformation and to rectify misinformation by appending informative "notes" to suspect posts. The process is controlled by the public, instead of decision-makers at the company. Most importantly the system is open-sourced so it can be studied by external scientists.

01 Apr

Posted at 21:03h in Author Interviews, CDC, Infections, JAMA
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61518" align="alignleft" width="110"]Susan S. Huang, MD, MPHChancellor's Professor, Infectious Diseases School of Medicine Department of Epidemiology and Infection Prevention University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine Dr. Huang[/caption] Susan S. Huang, MD, MPH Chancellor's Professor, Infectious Diseases School of Medicine Department of Epidemiology and Infection Prevention University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you describe the decolonization techniques?  
  • This study arose from a growing concern about the increasing number and presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria causing colonization and infection in hospitals and long-term care. CDC has had a longstanding interest in the value of regional control of these contagious pathogens and they funded this study. The study was actually in two parts:
    • –1) Simulate various infection prevention strategies in a model and see which works best, and then
    • - 2) Do it in real life. The SHIELD project was the real-life example of our simulation finding that decolonization would work the best to prevent harm from antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
  • The regional idea is that it takes all of us working together – hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term acute care hospitals – to prevent the spread and sharing of contagious pathogens. What we can accomplish together is far greater than what any of us can do alone.
  • In this study, decolonization was the use of topical chlorhexidine antiseptic soap and povidone-iodine nasal ointments to reduce potentially harmful bacteria on the body during times when patients and residents may be at risk for infection. We swapped out bathing and showering soap with CHG in participating facilities and ensured that staff knew to clean the body well, including wounds, devices, and rashes where germs can hide and cause infection. For CHG, this involved 4% rinse off product in the shower and 2% no-rinse CHG for bed baths.

26 Mar

Posted at 19:04h in Author Interviews, JAMA, Pediatrics, USPSTF
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_59720" align="alignleft" width="150"]James Stevermer, M.D., M.S.P.H. Vice chair for clinical affairs Professor of family and community medicine University of Missouri Medical director of MU Health Care Family Medicine–Callaway Physicians Dr. Stevermer[/caption] James Stevermer, M.D., M.S.P.H. Vice chair for clinical affairs Professor of family and community medicine University of Missouri Medical director of MU Health Care Family Medicine–Callaway Physicians, Dr. Stevermer joined the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force in January 2021. MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Child abuse and neglect is a serious problem that affects too many kids and teens across the United States. This type of maltreatment can have a profound effect on their health, development, and well-being, both when they are young and into adulthood.

25 Mar

Posted at 23:29h in Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, JAMA, UC Davis
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61484" align="alignleft" width="150"]Charles DeCarli, MD, FAAN, FAHAVictor and Genevieve Orsi Chair in Alzheimer's Research Distinguished Professor of Neurology Director, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and Imaging of Dementia and Aging (IDeA) Laboratory Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience University of California at Davis Sacramento, CA  95817 Dr. DeCarli[/caption] Charles DeCarli, MD, FAAN, FAHA Victor and Genevieve Orsi Chair in Alzheimer's Research Distinguished Professor of Neurology Director, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and Imaging of Dementia and Aging (IDeA) Laboratory Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience University of California at Davis Sacramento, CA  95817   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The overall health of the U.S. population has improved dramatically over the last 100 years, Individuals are also living longer resulting in an increasing percentage of the population at risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD).  Recent data from the Framingham Heart study, however, finds that dementia incidence may be declining.  While many factors such as greater educational achievement and medical management of vascular risk factors may explain part of this effect, early life environmental differences also likely contribute.

19 Mar

Posted at 23:28h in Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Infections, JAMA, Multiple Sclerosis, Neurological Disorders
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61454" align="alignleft" width="125"]Marianna Cortese, MD, PhDSenior Research Scientist Department of Nutrition Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Boston, MA 02115 Dr. Cortese[/caption] Marianna Cortese, MD, PhD Senior Research ScientistDepartment of Nutrition Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBoston, MA 02115   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: In a study published in Science in 2022, we reported compelling evidence that infection with the Epstein-Barr virus is the leading cause of Multiple Sclerosis. This is a follow-up study to investigate more in depth whether the antibody response to EBV is distinct in individuals with MS compared to individuals without MS and whether there is a part of EBV that the immune response is particularly targeting. For this purpose we assessed the immune response to all protein parts (peptides) of EBV and their association with MS. Previous studies could only look at parts of EBV and this is the first study looking at all EBV peptides. Antibodies to EBV (especially to a protein called EBNA1) are known to be overall higher in individuals with MS, so we also tested whether immune response overall or the immune response to specific EBV protein parts was more important. If the immune response to a specific EBV protein part (peptide) would be standing out or distinguishing individuals with MS, we hypothesized, it could point to a specific mechanism of how EBV may cause MS, i.e. it could point for example towards “molecular mimicry”, which is when antibodies targeting a pathogen start targeting a body-own structure (for example in the brain) which resembles the protein parts of the pathogen.

19 Mar

Posted at 21:35h in Author Interviews, Colon Cancer, JAMA
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61447" align="alignleft" width="92"]Eric Montminy MDInterventional Endoscopist Cook County Health and Hospitals System Chicago, Illinois Dr. Montminy[/caption] Eric Montminy MD Interventional Endoscopist Cook County Health and Hospitals System Chicago, Illinois   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: This study was performed in the backdrop of recent colorectal cancer screening guideline updates.  Two national organizations are recommending screening initiation at two different ages: USPSTF recommends initiation at age 45 and the American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends initiation at age 50. With now two national organizations recommending different ages to start screening, patients may become confused (particularly those between 45-50).  Prior confusion has been documented when breast cancer screening recommendations were being changed as well.  Our focus was to examine colorectal adenocarcinoma incidence rates with stage stratification of those who are between the ACP and USPSTF recommendations (ages 46-49). Our study utilized SEER17 data registries over 2000-2020 to collect incidence rates within the U.S. 

08 Mar

Posted at 21:02h in ADHD, Author Interviews, Dermatology, JAMA, Mental Health Research
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61409" align="alignleft" width="125"]Dr. Joy Wan M.D., M.S.C.E.Assistant Professor of Dermatology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Dr. Wan[/caption] Dr. Joy Wan M.D., M.S.C.E. Assistant Professor of Dermatology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: There has been a growing body of literature linking atopic dermatitis with diagnoses such as ADHD and learning disabilities, but studies focusing on symptoms of cognitive impairment (in contrast to relying on reported diagnoses as proxy measures of such) have been fewer and demonstrate inconsistent findings. Thus, we were interested in using data from this nationally representative sample of U.S. children to examine whether atopic dermatitis was associated with symptoms of learning or memory difficulties. Moreover, we wanted to examine how this relationship is influenced by known neurodevelopmental conditions to further characterize whether specific subgroups of children with atopic dermatitis are more susceptible to cognitive impairments.

22 Feb

Posted at 01:42h in Accidents & Violence, Author Interviews, JAMA
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Benjamin N. Breyer, MD, MAS Department of Urology Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics University of California, San Francisco Adrian M. Fernandez, MD Department of Urology University of California, San Francisco MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: This is a cross-sectional study utilizing data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) to identify injuries and hospitalizations related to electric bicycles accidents in the United States from 2017-2022.  The NEISS database collates injury data associated with products, including electric bicycles, and samples a nationally representative selection of emergency departments. National estimates of e-bicycle injuries and hospitalizations were derived using estimates accounting for NEISS complex survey design.

28 Jan

Posted at 14:41h in Author Interviews, Hearing Loss, JAMA, Pediatrics, USPSTF
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61045" align="alignleft" width="150"]Li Li, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H. The Walter M. Seward Professor and Chair of Family Medicine University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine Director of Population Health at UVA Health Dr. Li Li[/caption] Li Li, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H Walter M. Seward Professor Chair of Family Medicine Director of population health University of Virginia School of Medicine Editor-in-chief of The BMJ Family Medicine Dr. Li 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: Speech and language delays and disorders can be challenging for children and their families and can lead to difficulties with reading and writing as children grow up. The Task Force looked at the evidence on screening for speech and language delays and, unfortunately, there is not enough evidence to tell us whether or not it is helpful to screen all children 5 years old and younger for speech and language delays and disorders.

19 Jan

Posted at 01:22h in Accidents & Violence, Aging, Author Interviews, Cannabis, JAMA
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61266" align="alignleft" width="150"]Patricia Di Ciano, PhDScientist, Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology University of Toronto Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute Collaborative Program in Neuroscience Dr. Di Ciano[/caption] Patricia Di Ciano, PhD Scientist, Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology University of Toronto Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute Collaborative Program in Neuroscience MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: It is now fairly well established that cannabis has a detrimental effect on driving. The most consistently reported effect of cannabis on driving is to increase ‘weaving’ on the road. We know that cannabis use is on the rise in people over 65 years of age. In fact, over the past few years cannabis use is increasing the most in this age group. Despite this, there are few studies of the effects of cannabis on people over 65; most studies have been conducted on younger adults. We know that there are important age-related changes in the way the body works that may alter the impact of cannabis on the body. Also, older adults may have more experience with cannabis and this can change the effects of cannabis.

12 Jan

Posted at 18:08h in Author Interviews, JAMA, Nutrition, Sugar
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Scott Kaplan PhD Assistant Professor of Economics United States Naval Academy Annapolis, MD 21402 Scott Kaplan PhD Assistant Professor of Economics United States Naval Academy Annapolis, MD 21402   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Sugar-sweetened beverages (colloquially known as SSBs), which include sodas, fruit drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened coffee drinks, are the leading source of added sugars in the American diet, according to the CDC. They are associated with serious negative health outcomes, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, kidney disease, non-alcoholic liver disease, gum disease, tooth decay, and other conditions. As a result, several cities across the US have implemented sugar-sweetened beverage excise (per ounce) taxes, generally ranging from 1-2 cents per ounce. Most existing studies evaluating the impact of SSB taxes on SSB volume purchased and prices focus on a single city; this study is among the first to provide a composite estimate of the impact of local SSB taxes on purchases and prices of SSBs using retail scanner data from five cities across the US that implemented SSB taxes between January 1, 2017 and January 1, 2018. The five taxed cities we examine are Philadelphia, San Francisco, Oakland, Boulder, and Seattle. 

11 Jan

Posted at 19:00h in Author Interviews, Cost of Health Care, JAMA, Kidney Disease, Medicare
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61226" align="alignleft" width="134"]Kalli Koukounas, MPHPh.D. Student, Health Services Research Brown University School of Public Health Providence, RI Kalli Koukounas[/caption] Kalli Koukounas, MPH Ph.D. Student, Health Services Research Brown University School of Public Health Providence, RI MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response:  On Jan. 1st, 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented the End-Stage Renal Disease Treatment Choices (ETC) Model, one of the largest randomized tests of pay-for-performance incentives ever conducted in the US. The goal of the model was to enhance the use of home dialysis and kidney transplant or waitlisting among kidney failure patients in traditional Medicare. The model randomly assigned approximately 30% of US dialysis facilities and nephrologists to receive financial incentives, ranging from bonuses of 4% to penalties of 5%, based on their patients’ use of home dialysis and kidney transplant/waitlisiting. The payment adjustments apply to all Medicare-based reimbursement for dialysis services. Prior research has demonstrated that dialysis facilities that disproportionately serve populations with high social risk have lower use of home dialysis and kidney transplant, raising concerns that these sites may fare poorly in the payment model. Using data released by CMS, we examined the first year of ETC model performance and financial penalties across dialysis facilities, stratified by the measured social risk of the facilities’ incident patients.

08 Jan

Posted at 16:35h in Author Interviews, Autism, JAMA, Pediatrics, Technology
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Karen F. Heffler, MD Researcher, Autism Spectrum Disorder Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry Drexel University College of Medicine Philadelphia, PA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? children-watching-tv-pexels-photo-4740522 Response: Atypical sensory processing is common in neurodevelopmental disorders, affecting approximately 60% of children with ADHD and up to 90% of children with autism. Sensory symptoms are associated with hyperactivity, restricted/repetitive behavior, irritability, behavioral problems, and emotional dysregulation. Sensory-related meltdowns and symptoms can be very disruptive to family-life, interfere with family participation in community events and are associated with increased caregiver stress. Prior to this study there was little understanding of potential risk factors for atypical sensory processing. The researchers used data from the National Children’s Study to determine the association between early-life screen time and sensory processing outcomes among toddlers.

03 Jan

Posted at 20:05h in Author Interviews, JAMA, Kidney Disease, Salt-Sodium
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61192" align="alignleft" width="150"]Lu Qi, MD, PhD, FAHAInterim Chair, Department of Epidemiolog HCA Regents Distinguished Chair and Professor Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine Director, Tulane University Obesity Research Center Director, Tulane Personalized Health Institute  New Orleans, LA 70112 Dr. Lu Qi[/caption] Lu Qi, MD, PhD, FAHA Interim Chair, Department of Epidemiolog HCA Regents Distinguished Chair and Professor Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine Director, Tulane University Obesity Research Center Director, Tulane Personalized Health Institute New Orleans, LA 70112 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Adding salt to foods is a behavior reflecting long-term preference to salty diets. High sodium intake is a major risk factor for chronic kidney disease. In our previous studies, we have found that adding salt to foods at the table is related to various disorders including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and mortality. 

18 Dec

Posted at 23:18h in Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Dental Research, JAMA, Respiratory
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61154" align="alignleft" width="125"]Michael Klompas MD, MPH, FIDSA, FSHEAHospital Epidemiologist Brigham and Women’s Hospital Professor of Medicine and Population Medicine Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute   Dr. Klompas[/caption] Michael Klompas MD, MPH, FIDSA, FSHEA Hospital Epidemiologist Brigham and Women’s Hospital Professor of Medicine and Population Medicine Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Can teeth be safely brush in patients who are comatose, intubated or have NG tubes? Response: Pneumonia is thought to occur when secretions from the mouth get into the lungs.  Since there are many microbes in the mouth, there’s a risk that secretions from the mouth that get into the lungs will lead to pneumonia.  Toothbrushing may lower this risk by decreasing the quantity of microbes in the mouth. It is indeed safe and appropriate to brush the teeth of someone who is comatose, intubated, or who has an NG tube.  Indeed, our study found that the benefits of toothbrushing were clearest for patients receiving mechanical ventilation.

07 Dec

Posted at 22:03h in Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Case Western, Colon Cancer, JAMA
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61115" align="alignleft" width="125"]Nathan A. Berger, M.D.Distinguished University Professor Hanna-Payne Professor of Experimental Medicine Professor of Medicine, Biochemistry, Oncology and Genetics Director, Center for Science, Health and Society Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Prof. Nathan Berger[/caption] Nathan A. Berger, M.D. Distinguished University ProfessorHanna-Payne Professor of Experimental MedicineProfessor of Medicine, Biochemistry, Oncology and GeneticsDirector, Center for Science, Health and SocietyCase Western Reserve University School of Medicine   [caption id="attachment_61116" align="alignleft" width="125"]Rong Xu, Prof. Rong Xu[/caption] Rong Xu, PhD Professor, Biomedical Informatics Director, Center for Artificial Intelligence in Drug Discovery Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: 75% of the US Population has overweight or obesity and 15% has Type 2 Diabetes. Both overweight/obesity and diabetes promote increased incidence and worse prognosis of colorectal cancer. The new GLP1RA drug class are rapidly becoming the most effective treatment for both diabetes and overweight/obesity. By controlling diabetes and overweight/obesity, we hypothesized that the GLP1RAs might be effective at reducing incidence of colorectal cancer.