CHARLES CRAIG ELKINS, MD

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This study looked at how certain genes might influence the rise in eye pressure caused by glucocorticoids, which are medications often used to treat various conditions. Researchers analyzed data from 1,118 participants, identifying a specific genetic variant linked to significant changes in eye pressure after treatment. Their findings could help predict which patients are more likely to experience increased eye pressure, allowing for better monitoring and management. Who this helps: Patients at risk for eye pressure increases from glucocorticoid treatment.

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This study looked at how sex hormones affect certain immune cells, called Tregs, in fat tissue and how this relates to obesity in female mice. Researchers found that when female mice had low estrogen and high androgen levels, it led to a loss of important Tregs in their fat tissue, which increased inflammation and made them more resistant to insulin. These findings show that changes in sex hormone signaling can worsen metabolic problems, especially in women who are overweight or have hormonal imbalances. Who this helps: This information helps doctors and researchers understand obesity-related health issues in women.

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This study looked at how obesity affects a specific type of immune cell, called regulatory T cells, in body fat. The researchers found that obesity disrupts the cholesterol balance in these cells, leading to more inflammation and insulin resistance, which worsens metabolic health. They discovered that fixing the cholesterol levels in these immune cells could help restore their function in obese mice, pointing to a new way to treat metabolic diseases linked to obesity. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with obesity and related metabolic issues.

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This study looked at how blood pressure changes during pregnancy in women with mild chronic hypertension, both those who developed preeclampsia and those who didn’t, compared to women with normal blood pressure. Researchers found that women with normal blood pressure had their lowest systolic blood pressure around 20 weeks of pregnancy, while those with chronic hypertension without preeclampsia hit their lowest at 24 weeks, and those with preeclampsia at 21 weeks. Knowing these blood pressure trends helps doctors better assess the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women with hypertension. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women with mild chronic hypertension and their healthcare providers.

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This research focused on a type of immune cell called regulatory T cells (Tregs) found in belly fat, or visceral adipose tissue (VAT). The study found that in healthy individuals, these Tregs help control inflammation and keep metabolic health in check, but in people with obesity, the number of VAT Tregs drops significantly, leading to increased inflammation and insulin resistance. Understanding how these Tregs work and how they are affected by obesity is important for developing new treatments for obesity-related health issues. Who this helps: Patients struggling with obesity and its related health challenges.

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This study looked at two-way text messaging follow-ups (2wT) after voluntary male circumcision in Zimbabwe to improve post-surgery care. It found that while 2wT has many benefits — like saving time, cutting costs, and enhancing communication between clients and healthcare providers — there are significant challenges like staff shortages and technical issues that hinder its wider use. Increasing training for staff, making the service free for clients, and integrating it more effectively with existing health systems are key suggestions for successfully expanding the program. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving circumcision and healthcare providers involved in the procedure.

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This study looked at hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a painful skin condition that doesn't always respond well to treatment. Researchers found that special structures in the skin called tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) play a key role in worsening the disease by helping immune cells multiply and produce harmful antibodies. Understanding how these TLSs work could lead to better treatments for HS. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from hidradenitis suppurativa.

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This study looked at a new device called the Cross-Seal, which is designed to close blood vessels after certain medical procedures that use large tubes. The researchers found that the device allows doctors to stop bleeding quickly, taking just 0.4 minutes on average, and it was effective in about 92% of cases. Only 9.2% of patients needed extra help to control bleeding, and 94.3% faced no major complications after the procedure. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing procedures that require large-sheath technology, as it can lead to safer and faster recovery.

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This study looked at how obesity affects certain immune cells in the skin that usually help control inflammation, particularly in conditions like psoriasis. Researchers found that in obese situations, a specific type of immune cell called PPARγ Treg cells was reduced, leading to increased skin inflammation from IL-17A, a molecule that promotes inflammation. Specifically, they noted that when mice gained weight from diet, the number of these helpful Treg cells decreased, which worsened inflammation. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from psoriasis or other inflammatory skin diseases linked to obesity.

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This study looked at how well children with clubfoot in Uganda stick to wearing braces after their initial treatment. It found that kids who had a specific procedure called tenotomy were 74% more likely to consistently wear their braces, while those living in rural areas who had long travel times to clinics were more likely to stop using them. Importantly, children who adhered to wearing their braces for at least two years had much better outcomes, with a 2.6 times lower chance of their foot deformities returning. Who this helps: This research helps patients, families, and healthcare providers by highlighting the challenges of treatment adherence and suggesting ways to improve support for caregivers.

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This study looked at women who had mild high blood pressure during pregnancy and followed them for 5 to 7 years to see how many developed severe high blood pressure afterward. Out of 647 women, 236 (or about 36.5%) ended up with severe high blood pressure during that time, with Black women experiencing faster progression than White women, and smokers also being at higher risk. This is important because it highlights a significant risk for women with mild high blood pressure after pregnancy, which could lead to serious health issues. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly women with a history of mild chronic hypertension during pregnancy.

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This study looked at a rare type of skin cancer called Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) that had spread to the stomach, leading to severe anemia in a patient. The findings showed that after the patient underwent partial surgery to remove part of the stomach, they not only survived but also had stable blood levels a year later, which is promising given that 67% of similar patients die within four months. This is important because it suggests that surgery could be a treatment option to help improve outcomes for patients with this rare and aggressive cancer. Who this helps: Patients with Merkel Cell Carcinoma that has spread to the stomach.

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This study looked at special immune cells called regulatory T cells (Tregs) that live in fat tissue and help control inflammation and metabolic problems, especially in people with obesity. Researchers found that these Tregs are disrupted in obesity, leading to increased inflammation and metabolic issues. Understanding how these Tregs are regulated by the environment around them and by various substances in the body can help in developing new treatments for obesity-related health issues. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with obesity and related metabolic diseases.

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This study developed a new training program for nurses focused on helping patients with substance use issues. The program aimed to increase the number of advanced practice nurses skilled in treating these patients in a team-based care setting, and it successfully improved nurses' knowledge about using telehealth for substance use treatment. Enhancing training for health providers can lead to better care for people struggling with substance use in regular medical environments. Who this helps: This benefits patients dealing with substance use problems and the healthcare providers treating them.

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This study looked at how well self-collected nasal swabs and saliva samples work for testing COVID-19 compared to samples collected by healthcare workers. Out of 1,076 participants, only 8% tested positive for the virus, with self-collected nasal swabs correctly identifying the virus in 59% of cases and saliva samples in 68%. However, for those tested a few days after showing symptoms, the self-collected nasal swabs were more effective at 80% and saliva samples at 85%. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing more options for COVID-19 testing.

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This study looked at how different lighting periods affect the photosynthesis of lettuce plants. Researchers found that when lettuce was given the same amount of light spread over a longer time, its ability to use that light for photosynthesis improved significantly. For instance, with a 22-hour light period, the amount of electrons transported through the photosystem II increased to nearly 5.8 moles per day, compared to just 2.7 moles with a 7-hour period, which shows that extending the light time helps plants absorb and utilize light better. Who this helps: This benefits farmers and producers who cultivate lettuce, as it can improve crop yields and efficiency in lighting usage.

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This study examined how long-term smokers experience social interactions related to their smoking. Researchers interviewed 39 people and found that smokers often feel looked down upon, humiliated in public, and blamed for their health issues because of their habit. These negative experiences can lower their self-esteem and make it harder for them to quit smoking. Who this helps: This benefits smokers by highlighting the need for supportive and respectful approaches to smoking cessation.

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This study looks at how doctors can better manage cholesterol problems in children, which can lead to heart disease later in life. It found that most kids with mild to moderate cholesterol issues can be effectively treated by their regular doctors, who need to follow certain guidelines for screening, lifestyle changes, and medications. This is important because early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of serious heart problems as these children grow up. Who this helps: This helps children at risk for high cholesterol and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the experiences of African American women over 50 who had heart attacks, focusing on their lives before and after the event. Interviewing seven women, researchers found that they commonly discussed their lives before the heart attack, warning signs they noticed, and the importance of cardiac rehabilitation and family support afterward. The study highlights the need for lifestyle changes to prevent future heart problems, which is crucial for improving health and quality of life. Who this helps: This helps African American women at risk of heart disease and their healthcare providers.

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This paper studied how the gut and nasal bacteria in our bodies affect health, particularly in response to different doses of bacteria or drugs. It found that when healthy microbial communities (the microbiota) are disrupted by factors like antibiotics or illness, they can no longer protect us from harmful germs, leading to a range of health issues. Understanding this relationship is important because it could help develop better treatments and health strategies that consider our microbial health. Who this helps: This benefits patients, doctors, and researchers working on gut health and infection prevention.

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This paper looks at high levels of triglycerides in the blood, which can increase the risk of heart disease. It highlights that this condition often has multiple genetic causes and can be managed through various treatments. Primary care nurse practitioners are in a great position to help patients deal with high triglyceride levels, leading to better health outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with high triglyceride levels and heart disease risk.

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This study looked at how different types of vaccines—whole cell vaccines (WCVs) and acellular vaccines (ACVs)—affect immune system development in mice. The researchers found that WCVs significantly boost the number of specific blood cell types, including multipotent progenitor cells, which are crucial for fighting infections. For example, WCV-immunized mice had increased amounts of white blood cells and changes in their immune organs, leading to a more robust response during infections. Who this helps: This research benefits vaccine developers and healthcare providers aiming to improve vaccine effectiveness for patients.

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This study looked at how burnout and depression levels change among medical students during their first and third years. Researchers found that 28.5% of participating students showed signs of depression, and third-year students experienced much higher burnout, with their emotional exhaustion levels more than two points above those of first-year students. This matters because it highlights that medical students may face increasing mental health challenges as they progress through their education, which can affect their well-being and professional performance. Who this helps: This helps medical students and educational institutions address mental health issues.

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This study focused on a bacteria called Haemophilus ducreyi, which causes a sexually transmitted disease known as chancroid. Researchers identified a specific part of a key protein called DsrA that the bacteria use to resist the immune system and stick to human cells. They found that a particular antibody could partially block DsrA from attaching to important proteins in the body, hinting that this antibody could help prevent infection. Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk of contracting chancroid by potentially leading to a vaccine.

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This study looked at patients with a type of skin cancer called primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma (PCBCL) at The Ohio State University from 1998 to 2012. They found that among 55 patients with PCBCL, the type of treatment they received (either focused skin treatment or radiation) did not change the likelihood of the cancer coming back, regardless of how advanced the cancer was. This research is important because it shows that thorough staging is crucial at diagnosis, but treatment choices may not influence recurrence for less aggressive forms of this skin lymphoma. Who this helps: This helps patients with PCBCL and their doctors understand the implications of treatment choices.

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This study compared the effectiveness and safety of two types of hylastan injections and a single steroid injection for relieving knee pain from osteoarthritis in patients aged 40 and older. All three treatments resulted in significant pain reduction, with similar decreases reported: a change of -0.9 for two hylastan injections, -0.8 for one hylastan injection, and -0.9 for steroid treatment, indicating relief at a level statistically significant (P < 0.0001). The findings suggest that while both hylastan doses were effective and safe, they did not perform better than the steroid injection, highlighting the need for more research on the effectiveness of hylastan compared to other treatments. Who this helps: This benefits patients with knee osteoarthritis seeking pain relief options.

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This study looked at whether granulomas, which are small clusters of immune cells found in tissue, were linked to acute reactions after patients received injections of a treatment called hylan G-F 20 for knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Among 121 patients, granulomas were found in nine people, mostly those who received the treatment, but there was no clear connection between these granulomas and acute reactions; only three out of six patients with granulomas had a local reaction. The findings show that these granulomas aren't harmful and should not stop patients from using hylan G-F 20 for their knee pain. Who this helps: Patients with osteoarthritis experiencing knee pain.

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This study looked at ticks collected from soldiers in the Midwest and Northeast US from 1997 to 2012 to see how common certain pathogens were in these ticks and how the ticks behaved throughout the seasons. It found that ticks from Minnesota had higher rates of infections with specific pathogens, including Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia microti, compared to ticks from Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Additionally, the Ehrlichia muris-like pathogen was only found in ticks from Minnesota and Wisconsin, which is important because it suggests that this pathogen is mainly a concern in the upper Midwest. Who this helps: This helps military personnel and health officials understand tick-borne disease risks based on geographic location.

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This study looked at how to do knee surgeries more effectively by examining fluid flow inside the knee. Researchers used special imaging to analyze how water moved in the knee joint during surgeries with different setups. They found that fluid flowed better in certain areas, particularly near the entry points, and that simply adding more entry points (portals) during surgery didn't make a difference. This is important because it shows that for patients with infected knees, surgeons need to be thorough in treating all areas of the joint to avoid treatment failures. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing knee surgery, especially those with infections.

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This study focused on a bacteria called Haemophilus ducreyi, which causes genital ulcers. Researchers discovered that a specific protein named DsrA on the bacteria's surface is a key player in helping it bind to fibrinogen, a protein involved in blood clotting. They found that when DsrA was missing, the bacteria had significantly less ability to bind fibrinogen, indicating its importance in infection. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors treating patients with chancroid by providing insights into how the bacteria causes disease.

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This study looked at a protein, HgbA, from the bacteria Haemophilus ducreyi, which causes a sexually transmitted infection called chancroid. It found that pigs given an antibody treatment specific to this protein were protected from reinfection with the same bacteria, but not from different strains. This is important because it shows that a vaccine targeting HgbA could help prevent chancroid infections in humans by blocking the bacteria's access to crucial nutrients. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk for chancroid and healthcare providers working on prevention strategies.

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This study looked at a situation where a specific type of water germ, Cupriavidus pauculus, was mistakenly thought to be causing infections at an outpatient clinic. Researchers found that several strains of this germ were present because culture swabs had been moistened with tap water before taking samples from patients. This mistake led to 10 different strains being identified, even though there were no real infections among the patients. Understanding this helps prevent unnecessary alarm over false infections and improves patient safety by ensuring proper sample collection methods. Who this helps: This helps doctors and clinics by providing clearer guidelines to avoid contamination during patient testing.

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This study looked at a vaccine made from a part of the Haemophilus ducreyi bacteria, which causes chancroid, to see if it could protect pigs from infection. The researchers found that the vaccine worked well against a specific strain (35000HPhgbAI), providing complete protection, but did not protect against a different strain (35000HPhgbAII). This matters because it shows that while the vaccine is effective against one version of the bacteria, it may need to be modified to protect against other variants. Who this helps: This helps researchers and vaccine developers working on treatments for bacterial infections.

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This study looked at how the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi avoids being killed by the body's natural defenses and how it binds to specific proteins that help it attach to cells. Researchers found that a part of a protein called DsrA is essential for the bacteria to resist serum and attach to two important proteins, fibronectin and vitronectin. They discovered that although binding is not necessary for resistance, a modified version of DsrA still allowed H. ducreyi to resist being killed by serum. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors treating patients infected with H. ducreyi, especially those with skin and sexually transmitted infections.

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Researchers studied a protein called HgbA from the bacteria that causes the sexually transmitted infection chancroid. They found that specific sections of this protein are crucial for binding to hemoglobin, which the bacteria need to grow. Particularly, deleting parts of the protein known as loops 5 and 7 completely blocked this binding. This research indicates that these protein sections could be useful for developing a vaccine against the infection. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for chancroid by providing a potential new vaccine option.

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Researchers studied how a bacterium called Haemophilus ducreyi, which causes genital ulcers, attaches to fibronectin, a protein found in the body's extracellular matrix. They found that the bacterium binds to fibronectin more effectively when grown with heme and that a specific protein called DsrA is the main reason for this binding. In experiments, a strain of H. ducreyi with a mutated DsrA bound much less fibronectin compared to the normal strain, highlighting the importance of DsrA in this process. This research matters because understanding how this bacterium attaches to human tissues can help in developing better treatments for infections caused by H. ducreyi. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working on treatments for skin infections like chancroid.

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This study looked at a tick protein called Salp20, which can stop a part of the immune system called the complement pathway from working properly. Researchers found that Salp20 binds to a protein named properdin, which usually helps keep the complement pathway active. When Salp20 binds to properdin, it causes the complement pathway to break down faster, which could have implications for understanding infections and immune responses. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors looking for new ways to manage immune-related conditions.

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This study looked at specific proteins in the bacteria Haemophilus ducreyi to understand their role in causing disease in humans. Researchers found that while the hemoglobin receptor (HgbA) is crucial for the bacteria to be harmful, the other two proteins (TdhA and TdX) aren't necessary for this process. In controlled infections, both the normal and mutated strains of the bacteria caused similar amounts of disease, indicating that only HgbA is needed for the bacteria to thrive in people. Who this helps: This research helps patients at risk of infections caused by Haemophilus ducreyi and could inform future vaccine development.

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This study examined a protein called Salp20 found in the saliva of Ixodes scapularis ticks, which are known to carry diseases like Lyme disease. Researchers discovered that Salp20 is about 48 kDa in size and can block a part of the immune system called the complement pathway, allowing the ticks to feed without being attacked by the host's immune defenses. This finding is important because it shows how ticks and the diseases they carry can evade the human immune system, which could lead to better treatments for tick-borne illnesses. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from tick-borne diseases, especially those affected by Lyme disease.

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This study looked at a bacteria called Haemophilus ducreyi, which can cause skin pustules, and specifically examined a mutated version of it (DltA mutant). The researchers found that while the normal strain caused pustules in 46.7% of the tested sites, the mutated strain only caused them in 6.7% of the sites, suggesting it is less able to cause disease. This is important because it indicates that targeting the DltA protein could help reduce the severity of infections caused by this bacteria. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of developing skin infections from Haemophilus ducreyi.

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Researchers studied an experimental vaccine targeting a protein called HgbA from the bacteria Haemophilus ducreyi, which causes chancroid. They found that this vaccine effectively prevented infection in pigs—no viable bacteria were found in any of the pigs that received the vaccine, while all unvaccinated pigs showed signs of infection. This is important because it offers a possible new way to prevent chancroid, which is transmitted through sexual contact. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for chancroid and healthcare providers seeking effective prevention strategies.

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This study looked at a bacteria called Haemophilus ducreyi, which can cause infections. Researchers found that this bacteria comes in two types based on a protein called DsrA: one type (class I) has a specific version of DsrA, while the other (class II) has a different version that still helps the bacteria survive in human blood. The presence of these different types matters because it could influence how the bacteria responds to treatments and how infections spread. Who this helps: This research helps doctors and researchers understand how to better treat infections caused by Haemophilus ducreyi.

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This study looked at how a specific bacterium, Haemophilus ducreyi, is killed by human serum, focusing on a mutation that makes it more vulnerable to this action. The researchers found that the mutated bacteria were killed five to ten times more effectively than the regular strain when exposed to human immunoglobulin M (IgM), a type of antibody, and that a particular pathway in the immune system called the classical complement pathway plays a crucial role in this process. Understanding how this mechanism works is important because it can help develop new treatments against infections caused by this bacterium. Who this helps: This helps patients with infections caused by Haemophilus ducreyi.

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This research focused on a protein called DltA in the bacteria Haemophilus ducreyi, which is responsible for a sexually transmitted infection called chancroid. The study found that bacteria lacking DltA were more vulnerable to the killing effects of human blood serum, showing that DltA works alongside another protein, DsrA, to protect the bacteria (mutant bacteria were up to 5 times more susceptible to serum). Understanding DltA's role is important because it helps explain how H. ducreyi evades the immune system, which could lead to better treatments for infections. Who this helps: This helps patients with chancroid and healthcare providers working on effective treatments.

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This study looked at how a type of bacteria called Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, which affects pigs, can use hemoglobin and hemin as sources of iron for growth. The researchers found that most of the bacteria can use these iron sources, isolating a specific protein around 75 kDa that binds to them. Identifying this protein is important because it may play a role in how the bacteria obtain iron, which is crucial for their survival and growth in pigs. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and livestock farmers manage infections in pigs more effectively.

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This study focused on developing a quick test to diagnose Haemophilus ducreyi, the bacteria that causes chancroid, a sexually transmitted infection that can make it easier to spread HIV. The researchers created a test that can give results in just 15 minutes and found that it correctly identified all tested H. ducreyi strains, resulting in a 100% accuracy rate for distinguishing these bacteria from others. This rapid test can significantly help with diagnosing chancroid, especially in regions where the disease is common. Who this helps: Patients with suspected chancroid and healthcare providers in endemic areas.

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This study focused on a bacterium called *Haemophilus ducreyi*, which causes the sexually transmitted infection chancroid. Researchers investigated a specific protein, DsrA, and found that it helps the bacterium attach to human skin cells called keratinocytes. In tests, the bacteria without DsrA were less harmful, showing that this protein plays a crucial role in how the disease develops. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with chancroid by providing insights that could lead to better treatments.

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This study focused on a specific protein called D15 from the bacteria Haemophilus ducreyi, which is known to cause certain infections. The researchers found that this protein is present in all strains of the bacteria they tested, and when they created a vaccine based on D15, it offered some protection to rabbits against infections. This research is important because it helps in the development of a potential vaccine that could protect against H. ducreyi infections. Who this helps: This benefits patients who are at risk for infections caused by Haemophilus ducreyi.

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Researchers studied how a strain of E. coli, which has specific proteins and molecules, invades the cells lining the human fallopian tubes. They found that E. coli with certain proteins attached to the cells up to 44 times better and invaded them 500 times more than normal bacteria. This is significant because it shows how these factors can enhance bacterial infection and could help inform treatments for infections, particularly in women. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially women at risk of pelvic infections.