BOBBY L. GRAHAM JR., M.D.

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This study looked at how online sexual harassment affects young women's attitudes towards eating and their feelings about their bodies. It found that young women who faced online harassment were more likely to develop unhealthy eating behaviors and experience body shame. Specifically, online harassment directly influenced disordered eating attitudes and also did so by increasing feelings of body shame. Who this helps: This helps young women who may be struggling with body image and eating issues.

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This study looked at a type of motor neuron disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and how a specific gene change (C9ORF72) affects brain cells called microglia that are involved in inflammation. Researchers created lab models using human cells from ALS patients and found that these microglia showed a weaker response to inflammation compared to healthy cells, suggesting they aren't working properly. This is important because understanding how inflammation affects ALS can lead to better treatments for those with the disease. Who this helps: Patients with ALS and researchers studying potential therapies.

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The researchers studied a compound called sALT629 that blocks a specific process in the tuberculosis bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), which is essential for making fats necessary for its growth and survival. They found that sALT629 disrupts the bacteria's ability to produce these fats, leading to a significant decrease in fat storage within the bacteria. However, some bacteria could develop resistance through changes in their genes, which could weaken them but is unlikely to happen in patients. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients fighting tuberculosis, especially in the face of antibiotic resistance.

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Researchers studied whether using a mobile app could help people with knee osteoarthritis stick to their home exercise routines better than those without the app. They found that after 26 weeks, 36% of participants using the app completed all their prescribed exercises compared to only 16% in the group that didn’t use the app, showing a significant increase in adherence (risk ratio of 2.1). However, this improvement in sticking to the exercises did not lead to better overall function in the knees. Who this helps: This benefits patients with knee osteoarthritis looking to improve their exercise adherence.

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This study examined how the SARS coronavirus assembles and exits cells by focusing on specific areas of the cell's membrane called lipid rafts. Researchers found that when certain proteins from the virus were present in human kidney cells, virus-like particles formed and primarily budded from these lipid rafts. They discovered that disrupting these rafts significantly reduced the virus-like particle production, indicating that these rafts are essential for the virus's assembly. This research is important because it opens up potential new methods for developing vaccines and treatments that target these lipid rafts. Who this helps: This helps patients by guiding new vaccine and antiviral therapies.

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This study looked at whether equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are taken into account in early-phase surgical studies that test new procedures. The researchers found that many of these studies do not include diverse groups of patients, which could lead to a lack of crucial safety and effectiveness information for different populations. This is important because if new surgical methods are tested only on a narrow group of people, they might not be safe or effective for everyone who needs them. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, by ensuring that new surgical treatments are safe and effective for all.

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This study looked at how certain proteins in the body interact with a specific structure in DNA called nucleosomes, which is important for controlling gene activity. Researchers used a technique called Nucleosome Mass Spectrometry to analyze these interactions in detail and found that different proteins prefer to bind to certain modified versions of histones, which are proteins that help package DNA. For example, one protein, BRD4, mostly attaches to modified histones with two or three acetyl groups, which has implications for understanding gene regulation. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying gene regulation and potential disease treatments.

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This study looked at a new type of spinal cord stimulation designed to help people with chronic low back pain. After a year, 65.6% of the 24 participants felt at least 50% less pain, and 56.5% experienced pain relief of 80% or more; they reported significant improvements in their quality of life and overall satisfaction with the treatment. This matters because it shows that this new treatment method may provide a safe and effective option for managing chronic low back pain. Who this helps: Patients suffering from chronic neuropathic low back pain.

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This study looked at how active duty U.S. military members got vaccinated against COVID-19 between 2020 and 2022, especially after a vaccine mandate was introduced in August 2021. Out of nearly 1.8 million service members, 90% received at least one vaccine dose and 77% started their vaccination before the mandate, with over 80% completing the initial vaccination series. This research is important because it shows that the military vaccination strategies can inform future public health efforts for both military and civilian populations during pandemics. Who this helps: Patients, military members, and public health planners.

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This study looked at how certain proteins called transcription activators help other proteins, called coactivators (specifically the SAGA complex), get involved in activating genes in yeast. The researchers found that without an activator, SAGA quickly attaches to DNA that isn't wrapped around proteins called nucleosomes, but when an activator is present, SAGA sticks around much longer and binds more easily. In fact, with an activator, SAGA binding rates increased by ten times or more, showing how important these interactions are for gene activation. Who this helps: This benefits researchers studying gene regulation and could improve our understanding of diseases related to gene expression.

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This study looked at why some people in British Columbia stop using opioid agonist therapy (OAT), a treatment for opioid addiction, among those visiting harm reduction services. It found that 43.8% of the 194 surveyed participants had stopped OAT in the past six months, and those who had overdosed recently were three times more likely to discontinue treatment. The reasons for stopping included ineffective treatment and difficulty accessing pharmacies or clinics. Who this helps: This information benefits patients struggling with opioid addiction and healthcare providers looking to improve treatment access and support.

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This study looked at how mosquitoes infected with different strains of the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) can mix these viruses, potentially creating new versions of the virus. The researchers found that about 2% of virus types from cells co-infected in the lab were new combinations, but this number rose to as high as 60% when mosquitoes were infected through their diet. This is important because it shows that mosquitoes can significantly influence how the virus evolves and spreads, which has serious implications for controlling outbreaks in areas where the virus is common. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and researchers working to prevent disease outbreaks.

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Researchers studied the midguts of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus (WNV) to understand how different cell types respond to the virus. They identified 20 different cell types in the midgut and found that while most cell types could be infected by WNV, enteroendocrine cells showed the highest levels of viral presence, indicating they may amplify the virus. This research is important because it reveals how WNV interacts with specific cells in mosquitoes, which could help in developing strategies to control the spread of the virus. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and researchers working on mosquito-borne diseases.

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This study looked at how clinical nurse specialists (CNS) and clinical nurse leaders (CNL) work together at a hospital in the Midwest. Researchers spoke with 17 nurses and identified six key themes about their experiences, including communication challenges and the need for better-defined roles. Understanding these relationships is crucial for hospital leaders to improve nursing practices and patient care. Who this helps: This helps nurses and hospital administrators improve teamwork and patient outcomes.

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This research looked at how certain experiences during pregnancy and shortly after birth, known as perinatal intrusions, affect the mental health of mothers. The study found that these intrusions are linked to a higher risk of anxiety disorders, which can seriously impact mothers' well-being. Understanding these factors is important because mental health issues are a major cause of preventable deaths in mothers around childbirth. Who this helps: This helps mothers and healthcare providers by highlighting the importance of mental health support during and after pregnancy.

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This study looked at patients who had a type of stroke and received treatment more than six hours after their last known well state. Researchers wanted to see if the amount of time it took to get treatment affected patient outcomes three months later. They found that, regardless of how long the patients waited, there was no significant link between wait times and how well patients recovered, suggesting that doctors might be selecting patients who are less likely to get worse, making wait times less important. Who this helps: This helps stroke patients who receive treatment later and their doctors in understanding treatment timings.

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This study looked at the relationship between DNA damage and the abnormal protein alpha-synuclein in people with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Researchers found that individuals with DLB had high levels of DNA damage and damaged alpha-synuclein in their brain tissue, which was also present in a specific mouse model before symptoms appeared. This is important because understanding how DNA damage interacts with protein abnormalities can lead to better diagnosis and treatments for DLB and related diseases. Who this helps: Patients with dementia and related neurodegenerative disorders.

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This study looked at how natural products can help treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a common condition that causes heartburn and discomfort. It found that these natural options, like plant extracts and probiotics, have beneficial properties that can reduce inflammation and support healing in the esophagus. Using these natural treatments alongside traditional medications could offer safer and more effective care for GERD patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with GERD seeking more natural treatment options.

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This study explored the two different shapes of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)—spherical and filamentous—and how these shapes might impact the virus's ability to spread and cause illness. The researchers found that the filamentous particles had more of a certain protein that makes them potentially more dangerous, and only about 25% of the virus particles studied were actually able to infect cells. Understanding these differences is important because it can lead to new treatments that target how the virus is formed and spread. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for RSV infections, especially infants and elderly individuals.

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This study looked at the challenges healthcare providers face when screening newborns for lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs), a group of rare genetic conditions. The survey found that 75% of providers struggle with interpreting screening results, and 68% have changed their clinic practices to include more teamwork among specialists. Improving screening methods is crucial because it helps identify at-risk infants and ensures they receive the right care. Who this helps: This benefits healthcare providers and newborns who may be affected by lysosomal storage disorders.

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This paper studied double outlet right ventricle (DORV), a complex heart defect seen in newborns. The authors explained that DORV can vary significantly in its structure and symptoms, and highlighted that more than half of the heart's important vessels can connect to the right ventricle instead of the left. Understanding these variations helps doctors provide better, personalized care for each patient, allowing for targeted treatments that can improve health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers who care for newborns with heart defects.

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This study looked at how certain proteins connect with nucleosomes, which are DNA-protein structures that help regulate the genome. Using a method called Nucleosome Mass Spectrometry, researchers found that the BPTF protein binds best to nucleosomes with specific modifications on the histone proteins, showing that different proteins interact with nucleosomes in unique ways based on their chemical tags. For example, BRD4 prefers particular configurations of acetylated histones, while DNMT3A-MPP8 and PtSHL show a preference for methylated histones, which broadens our understanding of how these proteins may influence gene expression. Who this helps: This research helps scientists studying gene regulation and the mechanisms of diseases tied to epigenetic modifications.

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This study looked at how young adults who were bullied view their experiences and whether these views are linked to ongoing issues like social anxiety and post-traumatic stress. Researchers interviewed 20 people aged 18-29, finding that those with higher symptoms of anxiety and stress were more likely to have negative beliefs about themselves and others, which can affect their relationships. This matters because changing these harmful beliefs could help improve mental health and social skills for those still impacted by bullying. Who this helps: Young adults who have experienced bullying.

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This study looked at how lung development differs between Black and White infants and whether these differences affect health outcomes in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Researchers analyzed over 2,100 articles and found that while there were some differences in lung maturation between the two groups, race alone did not cause these differences. Instead, health disparities related to race likely influence the outcomes seen in NICU care. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers by raising awareness of biases and encouraging better care for all infants.

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This study looked at how garlic extract affects human leukemia cells. The researchers found that garlic extract decreased the number of live leukemia cells significantly, with an effective concentration being around 4.72 mg/mL, and it caused DNA damage and halted the cell cycle. These results suggest that garlic extract could play a role in treating leukemia by hurting cancer cells and preventing their growth. Who this helps: This research helps patients with leukemia and healthcare providers seeking alternative treatments.

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This study looked at how effective different combinations of tuberculosis (TB) treatments are in mice, focusing on a specific type called BALB/c. Researchers tested three treatment regimens over four and eight weeks and found that the most effective combination, rifampicin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide (RHZ), reduced TB bacteria in the lungs by about 99.9% after four weeks and almost completely cleared the bacteria in most mice after eight weeks. This research matters because it provides a clear way to measure and compare the effectiveness of TB treatments, which can help in developing better therapies for humans. Who this helps: This benefits patients with tuberculosis and the doctors treating them.

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The study looked at how a local government partnered with community organizations to improve mental health for people from marginalized groups, like those from minority ethnic backgrounds and low-income households. Researchers conducted interviews and observations and found that trust and collaboration between organizations were essential. While the limited funding timeline created challenges, the flexible approach allowed for better support and connections, resulting in improved mental well-being for users and enhanced outreach for public health teams. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially those from marginalized communities, and the doctors who serve them.

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The study focused on the mental health of women after complicated pregnancies, such as those with high blood pressure issues or gestational diabetes. Researchers found that these medical complications make women more likely to face mental health challenges after giving birth, particularly depression, while the links to anxiety and PTSD are less clear. This matters because poor mental health in new mothers can affect their well-being and that of their children, highlighting the need for better mental health support during the postpartum period. Who this helps: This helps mothers who have had complicated pregnancies and need mental health support after giving birth.

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This study examined how students feel about different teaching methods in a General Microbiology course that includes both traditional lectures and active learning practices, like group work and flipped classes. Researchers found that most students believe lectures and flipped activities help them learn effectively, and they particularly enjoy the flipped activities, with many wanting to see more of these in future courses. This finding suggests that adding more active learning practices can enhance students' understanding and engagement. Who this helps: This benefits students in science courses by improving their learning experience.

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This research studied how dengue virus infection affects the metabolism of children in Nicaragua, looking at 535 patients. The researchers found significant changes in the metabolism of those with severe dengue, identifying 28 specific metabolites that can accurately classify patients as having mild or severe disease with 96.88% accuracy. These findings are important because they can lead to better diagnostics and treatments for dengue, especially as cases continue to rise globally. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers by improving how they diagnose and treat pediatric patients with dengue.

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This study looked at the links between COVID-19 and a health issue called dysautonomia, which affects the body's automatic functions, in active duty US military members. Out of nearly 1.4 million people studied, 158 had dysautonomia after COVID-19, and factors like being younger, female, and having more severe COVID-19 were linked to a higher chance of developing this condition. Understanding these connections is important because it can help doctors recognize and manage dysautonomia in patients who have had COVID-19 more effectively. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by improving awareness and care strategies for those experiencing post-COVID symptoms.

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This study looked at how effective a procedure called endovascular treatment (EVT) is for stroke patients who have large vessel blockage and arrive at the hospital more than six hours after their last known well condition. Researchers found that 46.8% of patients treated with EVT in a real-world setting had a good recovery after 90 days compared to only 26.3% of patients who did not receive EVT. This is important because it shows that EVT can still be beneficial for stroke patients even when there is a delay in treatment. Who this helps: This helps stroke patients who arrive at the hospital later than usual.

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This research studied how certain signals can change the state of the DNA packaging in immune cells, which is crucial for their development. The scientists discovered that a specific chemical change to histone proteins (H3 serine 28 phosphorylation) disrupts the tightly packed state of chromatin and allows genes to become active, helping cells transition into different types. They found that this change can override existing repression mechanisms in the cell and is important for cell differentiation, specifically showing that H3 phosphorylation helps immune cells quickly respond to signals. Who this helps: This benefits patients by improving our understanding of immune cell functions, which can lead to better treatments for immune-related diseases.

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This study examined a 52-year-old man with myasthenia gravis (a condition that weakens muscles) who went to the hospital due to breathing difficulties after stopping his medication. Initially thought to be having a typical crisis, doctors discovered he had a large tumor on his thymus gland, which was pressing on his breathing muscles and making it hard for him to lie down. The patient successfully had the tumor removed, but he needed extra support afterward, emphasizing the importance of recognizing potential tumors in myasthenia gravis patients who have unusual breathing issues. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors treating myasthenia gravis patients by helping them identify serious complications sooner.

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This study looked at COVID-19 cases in the U.S. Military Health System and compared them to the overall U.S. population to see how well the military system predicted infections. Researchers found over 2.2 million cases among military members and their families, with 27.4% confirmed through lab tests, while others were probable or possible based on medical evidence. The results showed that active duty personnel experienced higher infection rates, particularly among younger adults, which is important for improving national pandemic tracking and response strategies. Who this helps: This benefits patients, military personnel, and public health officials.

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The study examined how well three different measurements—right ventricular global longitudinal strain (RVGLS), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and fractional area change (FAC)—can predict outcomes for patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Researchers looked at 315 patients and found that RVGLS was the best predictor of both 5-year survival and hospitalizations, unlike TAPSE, which did not show a significant connection to mortality. This matters because using RVGLS could help identify patients at higher risk and improve their care. Who this helps: This benefits patients with pulmonary hypertension and their doctors.

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This study looked at women with severe obesity who were seeking metabolic or weight loss surgery to see how often they experienced unusual uterine bleeding, which could indicate a higher risk for endometrial cancer. Out of 1,371 women, nearly half (664, or 48.4%) showed signs of abnormal bleeding and were referred for further evaluation. The findings highlight that younger women, those with higher body mass indexes (BMI), and Black or African American women are particularly at risk, making it important to include regular screening for this issue in their healthcare. Who this helps: This helps women with severe obesity seeking bariatric surgery and their healthcare providers.

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This study focused on creating a new survey to measure how well undergraduate STEM students can engage in inclusive science communication, which values diverse voices and perspectives. The researchers developed a 26-question survey called the PB-ISC Scale, which evaluates students' attitudes, self-confidence, intentions, and behaviors regarding inclusive communication. It matters because this tool will help educators understand the effectiveness of training programs aimed at improving how students communicate science inclusively. Who this helps: This helps educators and researchers working with undergraduate STEM students.

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This study looked at how well automated tools can analyze heart images taken from scans in the UK Biobank study. The researchers found that over 95% of the scans passed their quality check, meaning the automated analysis produced reliable results. They also found that a simpler method of checking the data, called statistical outlier removal, worked just as well for healthy individuals. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and researchers who analyze heart images, making their work faster and more efficient.

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This study looked at how trainee ophthalmologists and their supervisors feel about the feedback they receive after a major exam. Researchers interviewed 19 trainees and 10 supervisors and found that the feedback was often not helpful, with trainees unable to understand their mistakes or how to improve for a retake. The lack of information about the exam format and the chance to discuss performance with examiners was also concerning. Improving the feedback process and allowing trainees to review their exam materials could lead to better preparation and success rates for future exams. Who this helps: This helps medical trainees preparing for high-stakes exams.

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This study looked at how specific brain cells help mice move towards a reward based on their surroundings. Researchers found that the balance between two types of brain cells (dSPNs and iSPNs) changed depending on where the mice were and what they saw, leading to different movements. Understanding this balance is important because it shows how the brain adjusts to different situations when navigating environments. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors understand movement-related disorders and develop better treatments.

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This study looked at how Indigenous youth and young adults with chronic health conditions, which began in childhood, move from children's to adult healthcare services in Alberta, Canada. Researchers found that these individuals face significant challenges, such as systemic inequality and intergenerational trauma, but having strong, long-term relationships with healthcare providers can help. It's crucial to improve healthcare services tailored specifically for Indigenous youth to support their transition and include their cultural beliefs. Who this helps: This helps Indigenous youth with chronic health conditions and the healthcare providers who support them.

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This study focused on the challenges of diagnosing a specific brain pattern known as the "butterfly" pattern, which can show up in several serious conditions, including tumors and multiple sclerosis. The researchers found that misdiagnosing these conditions can lead to unnecessary and aggressive treatments; for example, a 70-year-old woman was initially thought to have a brain tumor, but a biopsy revealed she actually had tumefactive multiple sclerosis, which improved with steroids. Understanding these distinctions is important because it prevents patients from undergoing harmful procedures that are not needed. Who this helps: This benefits patients with neurological conditions and their doctors.

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This study focused on how to improve health and medical research policies in Australia to better consider differences between sexes and gender. Researchers found that current practices often overlook these differences, which can lead to ineffective healthcare. They outlined seven important steps to ensure that health policies include sex and gender considerations, making research stronger and more applicable to real patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially those affected by diseases that differ by sex or gender.