ENRIQUE CHAPMAN, MD

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This study created a detailed questionnaire in four languages to help understand the environmental factors that contribute to canine atopic dermatitis (cAD), a skin condition in dogs. The questionnaire was thoroughly tested and refined, with expert evaluations showing a high level of agreement (0.99) on its content quality and reliability (0.80) when tested multiple times. This tool is important because it can gather valuable information from dog owners that can improve how we understand and manage this common condition. Who this helps: Dog owners and veterinarians treating dogs with atopic dermatitis.

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This study looked at why more pregnant women died during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador between March 2020 and July 2021. Researchers analyzed 62 health policy documents and conducted interviews with decision-makers, healthcare providers, and the families of women who died, finding that issues like disrupted healthcare services, fear of seeking help, and socioeconomic challenges led to a steep decline in access and quality of maternal care. This matters because it highlights critical gaps in maternal healthcare systems during emergencies, which can help improve future responses. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by highlighting the need for better maternal health services during crises.

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This study looked at whether the drug varenicline could help reduce cannabis use in individuals who were trying to quit due to cannabis use disorder. Out of 174 participants, men who took varenicline reduced their cannabis use by about 4 sessions per week, while women showed no change. This is important because it highlights that varenicline may be beneficial for men but not for women with cannabis use disorder. Who this helps: This helps men with cannabis use disorder who are seeking treatment.

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This study focused on understanding how to improve healthcare for people with advanced HIV disease (AHD) in Latin America and the Caribbean. Researchers identified 77 important research questions, primarily concerning issues like opportunistic infections and health system improvements, with a significant focus on tuberculosis, which was mentioned in 44% of the questions about infections. These findings highlight the urgent need for better strategies to detect and treat AHD, especially for vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women, which is crucial for reducing HIV-related deaths in the region. Who this helps: This benefits patients with HIV, especially vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women, as well as healthcare providers and policymakers.

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This study looked at "evidence briefs for policy" (EBPs), which help policymakers understand research and make decisions on important issues. It found that while many organizations produce these documents, only 34% clearly explained their research methods and 60% were created based on the needs of policymakers. This matters because improving the quality of these briefs can lead to better-informed policies that truly address public needs. Who this helps: This helps policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders in various fields.

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This study looked at how using cannabis affects people's ability to quit smoking tobacco. Out of 181 adults, 59% who only smoked tobacco were able to quit, compared to just 33% of those who used both tobacco and cannabis. This matters because it shows that using cannabis while trying to quit smoking can make it harder to succeed, suggesting that treatment plans for quitting tobacco should also consider cannabis use. Who this helps: This helps patients who are trying to quit smoking, especially those who also use cannabis.

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This study focused on a new training program called Education Essentials, designed to help health science educators improve their teaching skills. Over three years, 185 people signed up for the program, and 110 completed various modules aimed at key teaching areas. This matters because it provides a flexible way for educators to learn effective teaching methods, which can improve the quality of education across different health fields. Who this helps: This benefits health science educators and, ultimately, their students and patients.

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This study examined how the age at which children have surgery for a condition called single suture craniosynostosis affects their ability to express language later on. Out of 107 children, 14 (13.1%) had language delays, with those who had surgery later (average age 11.9 months) being more likely to have these delays compared to those who had surgery earlier (average age 6.8 months). Specifically, each additional month of delay in surgery increased the chances of having expressive language delays by 15%. Who this helps: This research is important for children with single-suture craniosynostosis and their families, as it highlights the need for earlier surgery to support better language development.

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This study focused on developing a new drug that selectively targets GRP78, a protein essential for managing stress in cancer cells. Researchers created a compound named 12, which effectively blocked GRP78 and successfully killed lung cancer cells both in flat layers and in 3D clusters. This finding is significant because it offers a more precise way to attack cancer cells without affecting other important proteins, which could reduce side effects of treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients with lung cancer by providing a potential new treatment option.

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This study looked at a radiation therapy method called CyberKnife to treat localized prostate cancer by targeting the most affected area while trying to minimize side effects. Researchers found that two years after treatment, 35% of patients experienced some level of urinary issues, while only 5% had gastrointestinal problems, and there was no severe toxicity reported. Overall, quality of life remained stable, although sexual function did decline slightly for some men, showing the treatment is generally safe but may affect sexual health. Who this helps: This research benefits prostate cancer patients looking for effective treatment options with fewer side effects.

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Researchers studied the effects of the COVID-19 Delta variant on children and teens in Australia three months after they became infected. Out of nearly 11,900 families contacted, about 1,700 responded to a survey, and 203 (or 11.7%) reported ongoing health issues. After further review, only 63 (37.3%) of these cases were diagnosed with a Post COVID Condition, with 21 showing signs of Long COVID, indicating that while some kids do experience lingering symptoms, they're not common. Who this helps: This information benefits pediatricians and families of children who have had COVID-19.

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This study focused on improving the process of creating synthetic DNA constructs using a method called Golden Gate cloning, which allows multiple DNA parts to be assembled together efficiently. Researchers developed a computer-based system that automates the design and verification of these DNA constructs, helping to prevent errors that could occur when doing this manually. Their approach can handle large numbers of designs at once, streamlining the process and potentially saving time and resources. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and scientists working in genetic engineering and synthetic biology.

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Researchers studied a type of skin cancer called cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), which causes painful skin rashes and weakens the immune system. They discovered that CTCL cells are more than five times more sensitive to a drug called bortezomib compared to normal immune cells, and that a specific inhibitor (JG-023) can enhance the effectiveness of treatments while also reducing harmful immune responses associated with CTCL. This research is important because it points to new ways to treat CTCL by targeting the cellular processes that contribute to the disease. Who this helps: This helps patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

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This study focused on how well the combination of two tests, p16 and p53, can help diagnose a certain type of throat tissue change linked to high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). Out of 105 patients, 93% showed classic signs of HPV-related changes, but only one patient developed cancer. This is important because using these tests can accurately identify patients who may not need additional HPV testing, simplifying the diagnosis process. Who this helps: This helps doctors in diagnosing patients with HPV-related oral issues effectively.

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This study looked at how orthoptists, who are eye care specialists, can take on the task of refraction, which is measuring how well someone can see and determining their prescription for glasses. Researchers found that some orthoptists already perform these tasks in hospitals, especially for young children, and doing so could reduce long waiting lists for eye appointments and improve patient care. The group of professionals involved in the study believed that with proper training and supervision, allowing orthoptists to issue glasses prescriptions could greatly benefit the healthcare system. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly children needing quick eye care.

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Researchers studied how to better predict when lung cancer patients might be nearing death by analyzing their urine for specific substances, or metabolites. They found that a model using just 7 metabolites could accurately predict dying within the last 30 days of life, with high accuracy rates of about 86-90% at different time points. This is significant because it allows for earlier recognition of patients who may be dying, leading to improved care during this difficult time. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families by improving end-of-life care.

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This study looked at how to automatically identify tiny plastic particles in the air using advanced computer technology. The researchers found that new deep learning models could accurately classify these particles, achieving scores over 85% for classification and more than 77% for detection accuracy in low-resolution images. This is important because it makes it quicker and easier to monitor airborne microplastics, reducing the need for complicated lab tests. Who this helps: Patients and communities concerned about air quality and health.

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This research studied the role of a gene called CYP4F11 in liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The researchers found that CYP4F11 is frequently overactive in patients with certain mutations that drive HCC growth and that blocking this gene can slow down cancer cell growth and increase the effectiveness of a treatment called sorafenib. Targeting CYP4F11 offers a promising new direction for improving therapies for liver cancer patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver cancer and their doctors looking for more effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how well the JYNNEOS vaccine helps prevent severe cases of mpox, a viral disease. Researchers found that those who got vaccinated before exposure to the virus were 58.8% less likely to develop more severe disease with widespread lesions, and those vaccinated after exposure had only a 15.9% effectiveness. This is important because it shows that getting vaccinated before exposure significantly reduces the likelihood of severe illness and hospitalization from mpox. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk for mpox, especially those who are cisgender men.

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This study looked at the health conditions that may be linked to trigeminal neuralgia (TN), a painful disorder that affects daily life. Researchers analyzed data from over 38,000 hospital patients between 2016 and 2019 and found that TN was strongly associated with conditions like multiple sclerosis, stroke, and lupus, suggesting that these underlying health issues can significantly increase the risk of developing TN; for example, patients with other related nerve issues had more than 60 times the risk of TN. Understanding these connections can guide better diagnosis and treatment of TN. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from trigeminal neuralgia and their doctors in managing their overall health.

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This study looked at cases of ocular mpox (monkeypox affecting the eyes) reported in California from May 2022 to September 2023, finding that out of 2,403 cases studied, 260 (or 10.8%) led to eye symptoms. Most cases occurred in cisgender men, particularly those engaging in male-to-male sexual contact, with higher rates seen in Hispanic/Latinx individuals and those living with HIV. Importantly, receiving at least one dose of the JYNNEOS vaccine appeared to halve the risk of developing eye symptoms, highlighting the need for targeted vaccination efforts in vulnerable populations. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those in high-risk groups like Black and Latinx individuals and people with HIV.

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The study focused on understanding how bone cells called osteoclasts break down collagen in bones. Researchers identified 22 new collagen fragments created during this process, with particular attention given to fragments linked to a key collagen type in bone (COL1A1). They found that certain fragments appeared in the blood and urine of patients after hip surgery, suggesting these could be useful for monitoring bone health and activity in conditions like cancer or after surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from surgery and those monitoring bone health, as well as doctors assessing bone-related conditions.

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The HOPSCOTCH study is working to create a toolbox to improve primary care for young people with life-limiting conditions as they move from children’s hospice care to adult services. Researchers will conduct interviews with young patients, their families, and healthcare professionals to gather insights about the transition experience. This toolbox aims to enhance support during this crucial change, helping around 250 young people impacted by these conditions. Who this helps: Young patients and their families transitioning from children's to adult hospice care.

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This study looked at how effective stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is for men with prostate cancer that has spread to a limited number of other sites in the body (oligometastatic cancer). Among 234 patients treated, only 22.9% remained free of disease recurrence after five years, but the majority, 42.3%, did not need hormone therapy for an extended time. The findings highlight that treatments like SBRT can benefit some patients, especially when combined with hormone therapy. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with oligometastatic prostate cancer and their doctors, helping to inform treatment decisions.

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Researchers looked at the duration of monkeypox virus infections in California from May 2022 to August 2024. Out of 6,469 cases, 82 (1.3%) had prolonged infections lasting more than 28 days, with higher rates found in Black or African American individuals (20.7% compared to 11.6% in nonprolonged cases) and those with HIV (61% for prolonged cases vs. 39.9% for nonprolonged). This study highlights the need for targeted education and outreach about monkeypox vaccination for groups at higher risk of prolonged infections. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those with HIV and from marginalized communities.

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This study examined the presence of microplastics (tiny plastic particles) in soil samples from two archaeological sites in York, UK. Researchers found a total of 66 microplastic particles made up of 16 different types of plastic, with the highest concentration at 20,588 microplastics per kilogram of soil in an older sample. The findings highlight the risk that microplastics pose to archaeological sites, as they could affect the integrity of historical artifacts and the information they provide about the past. Who this helps: Patients, archaeologists, and historians.

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This study focused on how different Hsp70 proteins in humans interact with various partner proteins, finding that these proteins have distinct ways of binding. Researchers discovered that the differences in how Hsp70s recognize their target proteins can affect how effective they are during stressful situations like heat shock; specifically, human Hsp70s did not work effectively in cells missing a related protein called DnaK. This understanding is important for developing treatments for diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration since targeting these specific interactions could lead to better drug designs. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

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This study looked at opioid misuse among Black women in the U.S. over several years, aiming to understand how income levels affected this issue. It found that about 3.14% of Black women reported misusing opioids, with younger women (ages 18 to 25), those with major depression, and those who used alcohol or drugs being at greater risk. Importantly, the study revealed that income did not directly link to opioid misuse, yet higher income appeared to change the impact of depression and alcohol use on misuse rates. Who this helps: This research benefits healthcare providers and policymakers focused on improving support for Black women at risk of opioid misuse.

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This study looked at the presence of microplastics (tiny plastic particles) in urine from healthy people and those with endometriosis. Researchers analyzed 38 urine samples and found 123 microplastic particles in 17 out of 29 healthy samples, while 232 particles were found in 12 out of 19 samples from endometriosis participants. Both groups had similar average levels of microplastics, but the kinds of microplastics varied, suggesting that the types of products people are exposed to might differ based on health conditions. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those with endometriosis, by raising awareness about microplastic exposure in their bodies.

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This study looked at how a medication called tenecteplase affects patients with severe COVID-19-related respiratory failure. Among the 13 patients, 63% of those who received tenecteplase were alive and free of respiratory problems after 28 days, compared to 40% of those who received a placebo. Though there was no significant difference in overall survival or kidney failure rates, the findings suggest that tenecteplase may be beneficial. Who this helps: This helps COVID-19 patients with severe respiratory issues.

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This study examined the tiny organisms living inside brown widow spiders, comparing those from their original home in South Africa to those in places where they've become invasive, like Israel and the United States. Researchers found that 86% of the spiders carried a specific type of endosymbiont called Rhabdochlamydia, which was present in all regions studied, while only 14% had another type called Wolbachia. Understanding these organisms is crucial because it helps explain how the spiders adapt and survive in new environments. Who this helps: This benefits researchers studying invasive species and pest control methods.

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Researchers studied the presence of microplastics (tiny plastic particles) in the blood of 20 healthy people. They found that 90% of the donors had microplastics in their blood, with an average concentration of about 2,467 particles per liter, ranging from 1.84 to 4.65 micrograms per milliliter. Most of these microplastics were fragments and included varieties like polyethylene and polystyrene, raising concerns about their potential harmful effects on human health, such as inflammation and changes in immune response. Who this helps: This benefits patients and health professionals who are concerned about the impact of environmental pollution on human health.

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This study looked at a program where incarcerated individuals are trained as peer health educators to improve health knowledge among their peers. The findings revealed that students improved their health knowledge and intentions to behave healthily after release, while peer educators boosted their own health knowledge and confidence in teaching. This matters because enhancing health education in prisons can ultimately lead to better health outcomes for individuals and their communities. Who this helps: This helps incarcerated individuals and their families, as well as the communities they return to.

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This study focused on two new compounds, PBZ1587 and PBZ1038, that could be potential antibiotics targeting a specific protein system, GroES/GroEL, important for bacteria's survival. The researchers found that PBZ1587 binds to GroEL, leading to cell death, while PBZ1038 works similarly but was more effective against certain types of bacteria. These findings show that targeting the GroES/GroEL chaperone system could be a promising strategy for developing new antibiotics against drug-resistant bacteria. Who this helps: This helps patients with infections caused by resistant bacteria.

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This study looked at how allergists choose specific treatments for patients with allergic rhinitis who are sensitive to multiple allergens. Researchers examined data from 419 patients, noting that doctors primarily consider medical history, allergy tests, and pet exposure when selecting treatments. The allergy tests were found to be very accurate, with over 80% sensitivity and specificity, though pet-related sensitivity was somewhat lower at 60%. Understanding how to select the right allergen extracts is important for effectively treating patients with multiple allergies. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from allergic rhinitis and their doctors.

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This study developed a tool to measure four personal strengths that help protect mental health during tough life events. Researchers found that out of 831 young Chinese university students, those with higher levels of these strengths were more mentally healthy than those with lower levels. This matters because it can help identify individuals at risk of mental health issues after bad experiences, allowing for earlier and more personalized support. Who this helps: This helps patients and mental health professionals.

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Researchers tested a new, simple way to collect and analyze tiny plastic particles in the air, using equipment usually designed for monitoring pollen. In a study over 21 days in the UK and South Africa, they found airborne microplastics in 95% of samples, with levels averaging 2.0 particles per cubic meter in Hull during March and increasing to 11.0 in Gqeberha in August. This new method allows for better tracking of air quality and pollution, which is important for public health and environmental monitoring. Who this helps: This helps patients, communities, and environmental health researchers.

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This study looked at how the changing environments in coastal areas affect the ability of marine animals to tolerate temperature changes. Researchers tested 17 species from different climates and found that tropical species face more predictable changes in temperature and oxygen levels compared to those in cooler areas. As a result, these tropical creatures can adjust better to high oxygen levels, even when their safety margins are tight. Who this helps: This benefits marine biologists and environmental scientists studying the impact of climate change on ocean life.

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This study looked at the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), a tool used to identify emotional and behavioral issues in adolescents, using a sample of 1,489 young people in Western Australia. The researchers found that the SDQ accurately reflected its intended purpose and had strong connections to related issues like depression and bullying. This is important because it confirms that the SDQ can be reliably used to screen for problems among teenagers in that region. Who this helps: This helps doctors and mental health professionals working with adolescents.

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This study looked at how symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affect peer relationships and mental health in Western Australian teenagers. Researchers followed 1,489 young people over three years and found that those with ADHD symptoms had more problems with friendships and a greater risk of poor mental health as they got older. Specifically, feelings of belonging, quality of friendships, and loneliness played important roles in this connection, suggesting that better peer relationships could improve mental health for these teens. Who this helps: This helps teenagers with ADHD symptoms and their families.

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This study looked at how dogs react to stings from insects like bees and wasps, focusing on which dogs are more likely to have serious allergic reactions. They found that dogs younger than two years, those weighing less than 10 kg, purebred dogs, and dogs stung in the mouth are at higher risk for severe reactions. Additionally, nearly two-thirds of dogs that had serious reactions before experienced the same or worse symptoms after being stung again, suggesting that treatment like venom immunotherapy could be important for these pets. Who this helps: This information helps dog owners and veterinarians manage and treat allergic reactions in dogs.

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This study looked at a rare skin condition called glycogenic acanthosis (GA) that usually appears in the esophagus but was found on the lips of a 55-year-old male smoker. The patient had white bumps on his lips for several years, which were confirmed to be GA through biopsy. Understanding that GA can occur on the lips is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment of similar cases. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients with unusual lip lesions.

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This study focused on improving the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), a skin condition that affects people's quality of life. Researchers created a guide specifically for primary care doctors, identifying common challenges and offering solutions to help them better diagnose and manage AD in patients. The guide includes clear recommendations for both children and adults, making it easier for doctors to provide effective care and improve patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps primary care doctors and their patients suffering from atopic dermatitis.

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This study looked at a new way to treat localized prostate cancer using a type of focused radiation therapy called CyberKnife. Twenty patients received a special dose of radiation that was higher in the areas of most concern, and the results showed that 25% of them experienced mild urinary side effects, while 30% had mild gastrointestinal issues. Importantly, no patients had serious long-term side effects, and none showed signs of cancer returning after treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients with high-risk localized prostate cancer.

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This study looked at a compound called lactoylglutathione (LGSH) and its role in inflammation within immune cells known as macrophages. Researchers found that when they reduced an enzyme that normally breaks down LGSH, the levels of LGSH increased, leading to stronger inflammatory signals in the macrophages after exposure to a specific bacterial component, resulting in over a 50% increase in inflammatory response markers. This matters because understanding how LGSH influences inflammation can help in developing treatments for chronic metabolic disorders linked to persistent inflammation. Who this helps: This helps patients with metabolic disorders and chronic inflammation.

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This study looked at how a small protein modification called SUMO affects the function of a protein named Lem2 in fission yeast. Researchers found that when the enzyme that removes SUMO from proteins is mislocated, it causes problems with the centromeres, which are important for cell division. They discovered that this misplacement led to excessive SUMO attachment that disrupted the normal silencing of centromeres but also improved their clustering together, indicating that SUMO acts like a switch to help Lem2 manage these different functions. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying cell division and could lead to better understandings of genetic regulation in yeast and possibly other organisms.

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This study focused on a molecule called lactoylglutathione (LGSH) and its role in inflammation, specifically in certain immune cells called macrophages. Researchers found that when a key enzyme responsible for breaking down LGSH was not present, levels of LGSH increased significantly, causing a heightened inflammatory response when exposed to certain triggers. This is important because it shows that LGSH is a major player in how the body responds to inflammation, which can be linked to various metabolic disorders. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory conditions and doctors treating metabolic disorders.