BRUCE JONES, D.O.

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This study looked at how young adult cancer survivors find and interact with online cancer communities, as well as the obstacles they face. Twelve participants shared their experiences, revealing five main ways they discover these communities and five significant challenges, such as feeling overwhelmed by emotions and being unsure about how to navigate different platforms. This research highlights the need for better-designed online spaces that are inclusive and easier to access, helping survivors connect and share support effectively. Who this helps: This benefits young adult cancer survivors seeking community and support.

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This study looked at how to effectively check if biomarker tests (which help detect disease markers in the body) are working properly by comparing their results against standard samples. It found that there is a need for clear guidelines on how to carry out these checks, how many samples to use, and how to analyze the results to ensure accuracy. This is important because reliable biomarker tests can lead to better diagnosis and treatment for patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing accurate disease detection and doctors who rely on dependable test results.

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Researchers studied mutations in the GLP-1 receptor, which is important for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. They found that altering specific parts of this receptor can increase its ability to activate beneficial signals while reducing less desired processes, like internalization. For example, changes to three specific sites in the receptor allowed for stronger G protein signaling, enhancing cell signaling and activity. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity by potentially leading to more effective treatments.

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This study looked at the effectiveness and safety of switching HIV treatment to a new combination of medications (dolutegravir and rilpivirine) in patients who had a history of a specific mutation (K103N) and maintained a low viral load of less than 50 copies of HIV per milliliter. Over 96 weeks, 84.2% of patients who switched immediately to the new treatment maintained viral suppression, compared to 73.3% who switched later. This is important because it shows that many patients can safely switch to a new treatment without losing control of the virus. Who this helps: This benefits patients with HIV who are considering changing their treatment plan.

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This paper introduces the COMPASS Guidelines, which help researchers conduct studies on animal behavior changes while ensuring animal welfare is prioritized. The guidelines emphasize crucial aspects like rigorous study design, transparency, and ethical standards to ensure that animal welfare remains the focus of such research. By providing detailed instructions, the guidelines aim to enhance the credibility and ethical considerations of studies that modify animal behavior. Who this helps: These guidelines benefit animal researchers, ethics committees, and ultimately the animals involved in such studies.

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This study looked at the variety of emotions experienced by young adults in the U.S. (ages 18-30) and how it relates to their health and well-being. Researchers found that having a mix of positive emotions was linked to better current health, but it didn’t predict future well-being. In contrast, experiencing a mix of negative emotions wasn’t a good indicator of current health but was associated with some aspects of future health. Who this helps: This research benefits young adults by highlighting the importance of emotional experiences for their overall health.

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This study looked at how adults with and without intellectual disabilities view the attractiveness of faces and how they see their own desirability. The researchers found that adults with intellectual disabilities rated the attractiveness of faces consistently and often felt that they were desirable to others. This matters because it highlights that people with intellectual disabilities can make thoughtful judgments about attractiveness and generally maintain a positive self-image. Who this helps: This helps individuals with intellectual disabilities by supporting their self-esteem and social perceptions.

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This study looked at how effective a 12-week exercise program is for children and young adults with McArdle disease, a condition that limits their ability to exercise. Out of 10 eligible participants, 5 joined the program, and while they didn’t show significant improvements in overall fitness or strength, 4 completed most of the sessions and reported less pain during exercise. This matters because it shows that a structured exercise program is safe and acceptable for these patients, even if major fitness gains weren’t seen. Who this helps: This helps children and young adults with McArdle disease.

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This study looked at how race, income, and food insecurity affect the health of mothers and their babies during pregnancy in Louisiana. Researchers found that low-income individuals facing food insecurity were 1.73 times more likely to have babies with low birth weights and 1.43 times more likely to experience negative infant health outcomes compared to higher-income individuals without food access issues. Black individuals with food insecurity were found to be 2.49 times more likely to have low birth weight infants than White individuals without food insecurity. This research highlights the need to address food insecurity, especially among low-income pregnant individuals, to improve health outcomes for mothers and babies. Who this helps: This helps low-income pregnant individuals and their babies.

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This study looked at how muscles recover after intense exercise that causes damage, using a method called near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to measure how well muscles are getting oxygen. Researchers found that while there weren't major changes over time for muscle health indicators like creatine kinase or jumping performance, some small changes in muscle oxygenation were noted, particularly right after the exercise. For instance, the oxygen levels in muscles dropped significantly one hour after the damage-inducing exercise and then showed a small increase in the 24 hours that followed, suggesting that NIRS can help monitor muscle recovery. Who this helps: This information benefits athletes and trainers by providing a way to track muscle recovery more effectively.

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This study looked at a gene variant known as A316T and its effects on people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Researchers created mice models with this human variant and found that these mice had lower blood sugar levels and gained weight more slowly compared to normal mice, even when eating a fat-rich diet. However, these mice did not respond as well to certain diabetes medications, which is important for understanding how genetic differences can affect treatment outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity, especially those with the A316T gene variant.

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This study looked at how a drug called Thiamet-G affects the aggregation of a protein called alpha-synuclein, which is linked to Parkinson's disease, in a special type of mouse. Over ten months, the drug significantly reduced harmful alpha-synuclein clumps in the brains of these mice, while also helping maintain their movement abilities. This finding is important because it suggests a way to potentially slow the progression of Parkinson's disease by preventing the formation of these toxic protein aggregates. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Parkinson's disease and their doctors.

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This study examined a substance called 4β-Hydroxycholesterol, which acts as a marker to measure the activity of an enzyme (CYP3A) involved in breaking down drugs in the body. Researchers found that this marker is reliable for tracking long-term changes in CYP3A activity but is less useful for quick changes. For instance, it can accurately show responses to moderate to strong inducers of CYP3A, which helps predict how the body will process certain medications. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients who rely on medications that are affected by the CYP3A enzyme.

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This study looked at how the resources available at rugby academies in England affect their ability to develop players who make it to the Premiership. The research found that while most academies had similar financial investments, the number of players they produced did not significantly depend on those resources. In fact, having more staff actually correlated with fewer appearances in the Premiership. This shows that simply having more resources doesn’t guarantee better outcomes; how those resources are used is likely more important. Who this helps: Coaches and sports program administrators looking to improve talent development in rugby.

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This paper discusses the importance of improving indoor air quality (IAQ) to lower risks of respiratory diseases. Researchers argue that combining knowledge from engineering and health can fill gaps in our understanding of how airborne pathogens spread. They recommend that policymakers and building designers collaborate on studies to learn more about infection factors and effective solutions, ultimately aiming to provide safer indoor environments that could benefit everyone. Who this helps: This helps patients and anyone spending time indoors, like students and workers.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the emotional well-being of nurses and nursing students in Wales. Researchers surveyed 287 participants and found that many experienced high levels of moral distress, especially those who had been moved to different roles or who cared for many COVID-19 patients; for example, those with 2-6 years of experience reported stronger feelings of distress. This matters because the stress and trauma from their work can lead to depression and cause some nurses to consider leaving the profession, highlighting the need for support systems for healthcare workers. Who this helps: This helps nurses and nursing students cope better with their emotional challenges during difficult times.

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This study looked at whether an online and phone-based program for parents could help young children (ages 4-7) at risk for anxiety do better than children who only received regular school support. The research involved nearly 1,200 children across 95 schools, and while the rates of anxiety disorders were similar after a year—6.8% in the program group versus 11.5% in the regular group—the program showed significant improvements in other areas, like reducing anxiety symptoms and behavior issues. This is important because even without a large drop in diagnosed disorders, the program seems to help children feel better and manage risks for future anxiety. Who this helps: This benefits young children at risk for anxiety and their parents.

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This study looked at how much effort students put into physical education (PE) classes affects their fitness over four years. Researchers found that higher effort in PE led to better fitness results, especially in aerobic fitness, with significant benefits for students who consistently engaged in the classes. For example, girls showed lower fitness levels initially and made smaller improvements than boys, and those living in disadvantaged areas also started off less fit. Who this helps: This is beneficial for students, especially girls and those from lower-income backgrounds, as it emphasizes the importance of engagement in PE for improving health and fitness.

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This study looked at how the way rugby players tackle and how ball carriers avoid tackles affects the risk of head injuries. Researchers analyzed 446 head injury events and found that the highest risk of injury happened when ball carriers didn't try to evade tackles and when the tacklers placed their heads in front of the ball carrier. This is important because it shows that improving how players tackle and evade could help reduce head injuries in rugby, which is crucial for player safety. Who this helps: This benefits players, coaches, and medical staff in rugby.

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This study looked at the levels of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], a marker linked to heart disease, in 250 patients who had two or more tests over an average of 17 months. Researchers found that the levels of Lp(a) varied significantly, with a variation rate of about 19% and sometimes reaching 33.6%. This is important because it means that repeating Lp(a) tests is usually not necessary, except for patients near risk thresholds or those considering treatments to lower Lp(a) levels. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for heart disease and their doctors make better decisions about testing and treatment.

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This study looked at the financial benefits of accelerated 3-year medical programs compared to traditional 4-year programs. Researchers found that graduates from the 3-year programs ended up with $240,349 more in net present value than those from the 4-year programs, mainly because they earned a year's extra salary, paid less in tuition, and had lower student debt. This matters because it shows a way to help ease the financial burden on medical students and may improve the doctor shortage. Who this helps: This helps medical students and graduates considering their education options.

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Researchers focused on defining what "independence" means for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who are in remission. They found that a good initial definition is "Being able to do what you want, when you want, in the way you want to do it," but some participants wanted refinements and pointed out cultural differences in how independence is viewed. This definition is important because it will help develop tools to better measure independence for people with RA, ultimately improving their care and support. Who this helps: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis in remission will benefit from this research.

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This study looked at how two respiratory viruses, RSV and SARS-CoV-2, affect the immune systems of infants. Researchers tested blood samples from 49 infants (19 with RSV and 30 with SARS-CoV-2) to understand their immune responses. They found that RSV caused more severe reactions, with lower natural killer cell levels in severe cases, while SARS-CoV-2 triggered a stronger inflammatory response. Understanding these differences helps healthcare providers tailor treatments for infants based on the virus they have. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers working with infants.

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The RADIO-STAR trial is a study looking at a new way to treat patients with ventricular arrhythmia (VA), a serious heart condition that causes irregular heartbeats and can be hard to manage with traditional medications. Researchers tested whether targeted radiation therapy could safely disrupt the nerves in the stellate ganglia, which may help reduce these irregular heartbeats without the risks of surgery. They plan to evaluate the safety of this treatment in 13 patients by monitoring any serious side effects and measuring how well the treatment works. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with recurrent ventricular arrhythmia who struggle with standard treatment options.

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This study looked at whether using intraoperative cell salvage (ICS), which collects and reinfuses a patient’s own blood during surgery, is acceptable and feasible for women with advanced ovarian cancer. The researchers included 57 women and found that 62% of those in the ICS group received their salvaged blood, while 48% of the control group needed donor blood. These findings show that many women are open to using ICS as an option instead of traditional blood transfusions, highlighting the need for a larger study to confirm these results. Who this helps: This helps women undergoing surgery for ovarian cancer by offering them an alternative to blood transfusions.

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This study looked at how a compound called indole, produced by gut bacteria, affects blood sugar levels in mice with diabetes. The researchers found that indole increased the secretion of a hormone called GLP-1, which helps manage glucose levels, leading to better blood sugar control and improved insulin sensitivity in diabetic mice. Specifically, it enhanced GLP-1 secretion and increased the number of L cells, which are important for glucose regulation. Who this helps: This benefits patients with type 2 diabetes and those at risk of developing it.

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This study looked at how Māori rights to control their own data are being put into practice in New Zealand. The researchers reviewed 32 pieces of literature and found 21 key Māori concepts that are important for understanding and implementing Māori Data Sovereignty, such as 'Kaitiakitanga' (guardianship) and 'Rangatiratanga' (self-determination). This research helps ensure that Māori voices are included in decisions about data that affects their communities, which is vital for their empowerment and well-being. Who this helps: This helps Māori communities and organizations.

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This paper reviews how AlphaFold, an advanced AI tool that predicts protein shapes, is being used in various areas of science. The authors found that AlphaFold can help design enzymes, develop new drugs and vaccines, create materials from proteins, and model complex biological processes. Understanding these applications is important because it can lead to significant advancements in medicine and biotechnology. Who this helps: Patients, researchers, and drug developers.

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This study looked at how well novice and expert clinicians agree on identifying signs of concussion from video footage of head injuries in rugby matches. Out of 636 incidents, the overall agreement on recognizing these signs was fair, but experts were much better at it than novices. For instance, they had almost perfect agreement on identifying impact seizures, while they struggled a bit more with signs like motor incoordination. This matters because improving how concussions are identified can lead to better player safety. Who this helps: This helps players, coaches, and medical staff in contact sports.

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This study looked at a new treatment called ARD-101, which is designed to reduce hunger and help with weight loss. In tests with mice, ARD-101 cut weight gain by up to 43% and reduced body weight by about 18.8%. For adults with obesity, ARD-101 led to a weight loss of 0.8 kg after 28 days, and 1.3 kg by the end of the study, while also decreasing feelings of hunger. Who this helps: This research benefits individuals struggling with obesity and may also aid patients with specific genetic disorders like Prader-Willi syndrome.

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This review looked at what causes negative physical and mental health effects in rugby players, such as injuries or changes in their social well-being. Out of over 9,000 studies, 151 were included in the final analysis. Key factors contributing to these negative effects included past injuries (mentioned in 26 studies), physical traits (32 studies), and training or game loads (30 studies). Understanding these contributors is important because it can help improve player safety and health in rugby. Who this helps: This helps players, coaches, and medical staff working with rugby athletes.

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This study focused on improving skin cancer detection by using both images of skin lesions and written clinical notes from doctors. Researchers analyzed 5,481 images and corresponding clinical texts from nearly 4,500 patients, discovering that using these texts alongside visual data significantly boosted the accuracy of skin cancer classification—up to 97% accuracy when using all available information. This improvement matters because it enhances early detection of skin cancer, potentially saving lives by identifying malignancies more effectively. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers improve their ability to detect skin cancer early in patients.

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This research explored a new treatment targeting a specific gene involved in pain for patients with peripheral neuropathies, which affect millions of people in the US. Researchers used a method called engineered zinc finger repressors (ZFRs) to reduce the activity of the gene responsible for pain sensation in both mice and nonhuman primates. They found that in nonhuman primates, the treatment reduced the gene's activity by 50% after six months, without causing significant harmful effects. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from chronic pain related to peripheral neuropathies.

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This study looked at the physical traits and fitness levels of young female rugby league players in England, specifically those aged 13 to 17. Researchers tested 80 amateur players and found that as players got older, their body mass and strength increased, with strong links between strength and sprinting speed. The findings underscore the importance of customized training programs to help young players be ready for higher levels of competition. Who this helps: This helps coaches and trainers develop better training programs for youth female rugby players.

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This study looked at how people who receive donor sperm feel about their experiences and the decisions they make about sharing that information. It found that most recipients, including heterosexual couples, same-sex female couples, and single women, had positive feelings and little regret about their choices, though attitudes toward donors varied between groups. The importance of tailored psychological support for these individuals was highlighted, as many do not receive it, and inconsistent regulations around sperm donation can lead some to seek treatment in other countries, which may affect care quality. Who this helps: This research benefits patients using donor sperm, helping them understand their experiences better and recognize the need for support.

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This study looked at how well a ketamine sedation protocol worked for children receiving treatment for cancer at a hospital in Tanzania. After training 50 healthcare workers on how to safely use ketamine for sedation, their knowledge scores improved from about 7 to 9 out of 10, and their confidence levels went up as well. This is important because it shows that healthcare workers in areas with fewer resources can effectively use this sedation method, ensuring better care for young patients during treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly children with cancer, and the healthcare providers caring for them.

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This study looked at how often female rugby league players experience head acceleration events (HAEs) during games, which can impact brain health. Researchers tracked 136 players over 48 matches using special mouthguards, finding that the average number of HAEs exceeding 25 g ranged from 0.40 to 0.66 per match for backs and 0.54 to 0.66 for forwards. While the overall incidence of HAEs is lower compared to similar sports, some players experienced significantly more, indicating the need for continued monitoring to manage risks. Who this helps: This helps players, coaches, and sports health professionals monitor and ensure player safety.

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This study looked at how people recover both physically and mentally after tearing their Achilles tendon while playing sports. Out of 142 people studied, only 23% returned to their sport at the same level, while nearly 44% did not return to sports at all. The biggest reason for not returning was fear of getting hurt again, even for those who had recovered physically. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from Achilles tendon injuries and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how changing the height of tackles in men's professional rugby league affects the number of concussions and head acceleration events (which can lead to concussions). Researchers analyzed data from over 23,000 tackles involving 92 players and found that lowering tackle height could significantly reduce concussions for ball-carriers—from 16 concussions under the current rules to between 8 and 9 with lower tackle heights. However, while this lower tackle height helped the ball-carriers, it might increase or maintain risks for the players tackling. Who this helps: This research benefits players and league officials by providing evidence for safer playing regulations.

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This research looked at how effective and safe a two-drug treatment for HIV-1, called dolutegravir/lamivudine (DTG/3TC), is for adults who also have a history of hepatitis B exposure but are not currently infected with it. Out of almost 2,800 people studied, 76 had this specific condition, and the results showed that 78% of those starting with no previous treatment achieved a very low level of HIV-1 after over 3 years, with no cases of hepatitis B reactivation reported. This matters because it confirms that DTG/3TC is as effective as more complex treatments while showing no additional risks for these patients. Who this helps: Patients with HIV-1 who have had past exposure to hepatitis B.

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This study looked at a 6-week program called GRACE aimed at helping women with metastatic breast cancer improve their spiritual well-being, quality of life, and mental health. The results showed that, out of 54 women, their spiritual well-being and overall quality of life improved significantly right after the program and continued to be better even six months later. This matters because it shows that GRACE can provide lasting support for women facing serious health challenges. Who this helps: This helps women with metastatic breast cancer.

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This study looked at how an artificial intelligence (AI) tool could help speed up the review process for clinical quality measures, which are used to evaluate healthcare performance. The AI assessed 64 claims related to a pneumonia diagnostic measure and took about 5 hours to complete this task, while manual reviews can take over 2400 hours. About 69% of the AI's conclusions agreed with those of a human expert, showing that this technology can significantly improve the efficiency of evidence evaluation. Who this helps: This benefits healthcare organizations and policymakers working to improve the quality of care.

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This study looked at how common high blood pressure is among adults with HIV who are starting or continuing treatment with different antiretroviral drugs. Researchers found that about 4.16 cases of high blood pressure occurred for every 100 people per year in those new to treatment, and 4.60 cases for those already on treatment. The type of HIV medication didn't significantly affect these rates, suggesting that other factors beyond the choice of antiretroviral therapy may influence the risk of developing high blood pressure. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients with HIV understand that medication choices may not be the main cause of high blood pressure in these individuals.

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This study looked at how professional male soccer players manage their energy needs during pre-season training. Over 14 days, researchers found that the players used about 13.25 megajoules of energy per day, but their food intake only provided about 10.95 megajoules, meaning they weren't consuming enough to match their energy expenditure. This matters because not meeting energy needs can affect players' performance and recovery, suggesting that better nutrition plans are needed during intense training periods. Who this helps: This helps soccer players and their coaches optimize their training through better nutrition strategies.

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This study looked at a new way to give high-dose radiation therapy to patients with advanced lung cancer. Researchers tested a treatment plan that involves 30 Gray of radiation delivered over just six sessions instead of the traditional longer schedule. They found it to be safe and effective, which is important because it could help patients spend less time in treatment while still receiving effective care. Who this helps: This benefits patients with advanced lung cancer who need radiation therapy.

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This research focused on creating a tool to identify early inflammatory arthritis patients who are at high risk of losing their jobs. The study found that about 10.1% of patients lost their jobs after three months, with manual workers facing a higher risk than non-manual workers (14.1% vs. 7.8%). By considering factors like age, type of work, and mental health, the researchers developed a scoring system to categorize patients into low, medium, and high risk for job loss, which can help in planning better support for those at greatest risk. Who this helps: This benefits patients with early inflammatory arthritis, especially those in manual jobs, who may face a higher risk of employment loss.

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This research looked at a specific part of the eye called the trabecular meshwork (TM), which helps control eye pressure and is important in glaucoma. The study found three types of TM cells, with one type (TM3) showing problems in their energy-producing structures called mitochondria. When the researchers treated mice with vitamin B3, it notably prevented increases in eye pressure, suggesting that this vitamin could help protect against glaucoma. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk for glaucoma.

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The study looked at how a highly drug-resistant bacteria, known as XDR P. aeruginosa ST235, spread within a military hospital. Researchers found that bacteria from patients and the environment, such as sink drains, were very similar genetically, indicating they could be transmitted between patients and from the surroundings, with one patient’s bacteria matching closely with a strain from the Philippines. This is significant as it highlights the need for monitoring and improved infection control in hospitals, especially for patients who have come back from areas where these bacteria are common. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by improving safety measures in hospitals.

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This paper discusses a large workshop that took place in 2025, gathering over 1,200 professionals from the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory agencies to tackle important issues in bioanalysis—the study of biological samples. Key recommendations from the workshop include better practices for using advanced technology in testing methods and improving compliance with regulations, focusing on different areas like gene and cell therapies. These findings are important because they aim to enhance the quality and accuracy of tests that ensure new medical treatments are safe and effective. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers involved in new therapies and drug development.