DR. JAMES E. MATHIS, M.D.

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This study looked at how to manage pain in the mouth and teeth for both people and animals. It found that dental pain is often ignored, despite being as real and distressing as other types of pain. The research highlights different methods and medications that can effectively treat and prevent this pain, which is important for improving quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients, both human and animal, experiencing dental pain.

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This study examined how chronic alcohol consumption affects liver metabolism in mice. It found that alcohol leads to fat accumulation, inflammation, and stress in the liver, while also causing changes to proteins that affect their function; specifically, the enzymes responsible for breaking down fats became less effective. These findings are important because they highlight potential ways to treat liver damage caused by alcohol by focusing on protein acetylation. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from alcohol-related liver diseases.

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This study looked at how many pregnant women use tobacco, electronic cigarettes, nicotine replacement therapies, and cannabis products. It found that 7.6% of the 262 women surveyed smoked tobacco, 0.8% used electronic cigarettes, 0.4% used nicotine replacement therapies, and 3.8% used cannabis, mostly in the form of CBD. Importantly, only 25% of those who smoked received help to quit smoking, highlighting the need for better support for pregnant women trying to stop using tobacco. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women and healthcare providers focused on maternal and fetal health.

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This study explored the effects of performing a surgery called anterior-only sacrocolpopexy, which is used to fix certain types of pelvic organ prolapse. Researchers observed a 60-year-old woman who, after having this surgery, faced significant bowel issues and a new type of prolapse, which was confirmed through imaging tests. The woman later had a second surgery that successfully resolved her symptoms, indicating that sometimes, attention to the back part of the body (the posterior compartment) is necessary during the initial procedure to prevent complications. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients dealing with pelvic organ prolapse and related bowel issues.

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The study looked at how the brain processes visual information in people with albinism, a genetic condition that affects how the eyes produce color. Researchers tested how different visual stimuli affected brain activity in regions responsible for sight (areas V1-V3) and discovered that when both sides of the visual field were stimulated at the same time, the brain responses were simply combined rather than interacting in a complex way. Specifically, the brain responses to visual contrasts were additive, indicating that the two visual pathways operate independently rather than influencing each other. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with albinism and their healthcare providers by deepening the understanding of their visual processing challenges.

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This study looked at the connections between the left and right temporal lobes of the brain, using advanced imaging techniques to create a detailed map of the pathways that connect these areas. The researchers found that these connections have distinct branches and patterns, as well as some areas where connections are more dense and others where they are absent. This information is important for planning brain surgeries and understanding how different brain regions work together for tasks like speaking and remembering. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing brain surgery and doctors who need to navigate these critical brain areas.

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This study examined the brain's white matter connections in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) by comparing 92 patients to 50 healthy individuals. Researchers found that TLE patients had significant decreases in the size and integrity of these white matter tracts, especially those with cognitive impairments or a history of severe seizures. This information matters because it provides insights into how TLE affects brain structure and could lead to better understanding and treatment options. Who this helps: Patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how well an artificial intelligence tool (Chat-GPT 3.5) answered common questions from older patients, specifically about dementia. It found that the AI's responses were easier to understand and had more depth than those provided by doctors, scoring 4.6 out of 5 compared to the clinicians' average scores (4.3, 4.2, and 3.9). This matters because it shows that AI can effectively communicate complex health information, which could enhance patient care, but there are concerns about distinguishing AI responses from those of real doctors and issues such as misinformation. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially older adults seeking clear health information.

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This study looked at how effective two different methods of inducing labor—using a vaginal insert of dinoprostone versus oral doses of misoprostol—were for women who had never given birth and those who had. It found that while both oral misoprostol methods led to a quicker delivery compared to dinoprostone, the differences were more significant for women who had never given birth, with misoprostol reducing delivery time to around 18 hours compared to 27 hours for dinoprostone. This is important because it highlights how choosing the right induction method can improve outcomes for mothers and babies. Who this helps: Doctors and pregnant women needing labor induction.

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This study examined a rare case of monkeypox in a female patient in Switzerland, highlighting that the virus is now affecting women, not just men. The patient experienced painful lesions in the genital area after having flu-like symptoms, and confirmed test results showed she had monkeypox, which is typically seen in men, particularly those who have sex with men. This finding is important because it indicates that monkeypox is spreading among a broader range of people, signaling a need for increased awareness and monitoring. Who this helps: This information helps healthcare providers and public health officials to better understand and manage the spread of monkeypox.

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This study looked at how satellite technology can be used to locate plastic waste on land in twelve countries in Southeast Asia. Researchers created a system that detected 996 waste sites, including 374 previously unknown locations in Indonesia alone, showing that traditional methods miss a lot of pollution. This is important because nearly one in five of these waste sites is close to waterways, which increases the risk of plastic entering oceans and harming marine life. Who this helps: This research benefits environmental organizations, policymakers, and communities working to reduce plastic pollution.

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This study explored the brain networks of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy using advanced techniques that analyze the shape of data. Researchers found that their new method could show differences in brain structure related to epilepsy without being affected by factors like sex or how the brain images were taken. This matters because it allows for a clearer understanding of how epilepsy affects the brain, which could lead to better treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and their doctors.

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This study looked at how brain networks are affected in people with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) by using advanced imaging techniques on 89 patients and 50 healthy individuals. The researchers found that they could accurately distinguish between those with TLE and healthy controls about 70% of the time, and even better (91%) when looking specifically at patients with different cognitive abilities. The results highlight the potential of using brain network analysis to identify new ways to diagnose and understand TLE and its impact on thinking skills. Who this helps: This helps patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and their doctors.

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This study focused on narcolepsy type 1, a sleep disorder linked to the loss of a brain chemical. Researchers examined genetic factors and found that specific genetic markers, along with an increased risk from the H1N1 flu and a vaccine, could influence the onset of this condition. The study involved over 90,000 participants and identified several new genetic connections that may play a role in narcolepsy, indicating that the disorder is related to immune system responses and other autoimmune diseases. Who this helps: This helps patients with narcolepsy and healthcare providers seeking to understand the disease's origins and risk factors.

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This study looked at whether getting an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in the first trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects. Out of 1450 pregnant women, only one of the 124 vaccinated in the first trimester had a congenital malformation, compared to 11 out of 1326 in the later trimesters. The findings show that there is no increased risk of birth defects for those vaccinated in the first trimester, suggesting that the vaccine is safe for pregnant women during this crucial early stage. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women considering the COVID-19 vaccine and their doctors.

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This study looked at how living in disadvantaged neighborhoods affects brain structure in people with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Researchers found that while all TLE patients had reduced brain connectivity compared to healthy individuals, those living in the most disadvantaged areas showed even greater reductions in white matter integrity. Specifically, the most disadvantaged TLE group had significantly lower brain structure measurements compared to those in more favorable neighborhoods. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with epilepsy, particularly those living in poorer neighborhoods.

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This study looked at how specific brain wave patterns, called interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs), affect people's ability to drive. Researchers found that patients with generalized typical IEDs had reaction times that were slower by 164 milliseconds compared to those with other types of IEDs, leading to a 14.7% chance of missing reactions or crashing during driving simulations. This is important because it helps determine when patients with epilepsy are fit to drive safely, with a risk of crashes increasing significantly based on reaction times. Who this helps: This benefits patients with epilepsy and helps doctors assess their fitness to drive.

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This study looked at how eyelid closure patterns during a wakefulness test can help distinguish between different sleep disorders, specifically idiopathic hypersomnia (IH), nonorganic hypersomnia (NOH), narcolepsy-cataplexy (NC), and healthy individuals. Researchers found that NC patients had their first episode of microsleep much sooner (11 minutes) compared to patients with IH (21 minutes) and NOH (23 minutes), indicating that eyelid behavior could be a key sign in diagnosing these conditions. This matters because better differentiation between these sleep disorders can lead to more accurate diagnoses and targeted treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients with sleep disorders and their doctors.

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This study looked at whether myelin, a protective substance in the brain, changes in people with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) compared to those without the condition. Researchers found that while myelin levels increased with age in both groups, there were no significant differences in myelin content between TLE patients and healthy individuals. This is important because it suggests that myelin changes are not a key factor in TLE, helping guide future research on the condition. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors understand more about the brain changes in epilepsy patients.

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This study looked at the brain networks of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy using advanced imaging technology. The researchers developed a new method to analyze complex brain data without making strong assumptions about the data, which allowed them to identify important brain regions that differ among patients. They found that their technique effectively highlights these differences even when accounting for variations like sex or how the images were taken. Who this helps: This benefits patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and their doctors by improving the understanding of brain network differences.

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This study looked at how hard it is for students at public universities in Massachusetts to get medication abortions. Researchers found that between 600 and 1,380 students seek this service each year, but they face significant challenges, including traveling an average of 19 miles and spending over 100 minutes on public transport to reach the nearest clinic. Additionally, the average cost of a medication abortion is $680, and the wait time for an appointment is typically 8 days, with limited options on weekends. Who this helps: This benefits students, especially women and low-income individuals.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of different sleep tests in diagnosing various sleep disorders, especially those involving excessive sleepiness, by analyzing data from 1,352 patients. The results showed that overall, these tests could accurately identify the correct diagnosis for about 49.5% of patients, but certain tests were particularly good at distinguishing between specific disorders—like narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia. This is important because better diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment plans for individuals suffering from complex sleep disorders. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with sleep disorders, as it aims to improve how doctors diagnose their conditions.

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This study reviewed existing research on normal measurements of female pelvic organs as seen in transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound from 1970 to 2020. It found that transvaginal ultrasounds are more accurate than transabdominal ones for imaging the uterus and ovaries. For instance, a healthy uterus typically measures between 50-80 mm in women of reproductive age, and abnormal endometrial thickness in postmenopausal women can signal health issues. Knowing these normal values is important because they help doctors identify potential health problems in women. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors in gynecology.

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This study looked at a rare skin reaction called interstitial granulomatous drug reaction (IGDR) that can be triggered by certain medications. Researchers found a case where ustekinumab, a drug used to treat inflammation, actually caused IGDR in a patient. This is important because it highlights that, while ustekinumab is typically helpful, it can also lead to new problems for some people. Who this helps: This helps patients who are using ustekinumab, as well as their doctors.

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This study looked at the safety of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines for pregnant women in Switzerland. Out of 1,012 vaccinated women, 88% received both doses, with most reporting minor side effects like pain and fatigue. Only four serious side effects occurred (0.4%), and no stillbirths were reported, suggesting that the vaccine is safe for pregnant individuals without increasing risks for them or their babies. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women making decisions about COVID-19 vaccination.

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This study looked at how brain networks work in people with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) using advanced machine learning techniques. It involved 97 TLE patients and 36 healthy individuals, and found two distinct brain network patterns: one similar to healthy controls and another that was different. The study revealed that the brain structure of TLE patients was linked to a greater number of severe seizures, while cognitive abilities were tied to functional brain networks in healthy individuals, but to structural networks in TLE patients. Who this helps: This research benefits TLE patients and their doctors by providing insights into their brain function and structure.

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This study looked at the occurrence of anal dysplasia, which is abnormal cell growth in the anus, and different types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in women at a hospital in Switzerland. The findings showed that 1% of women without cervical issues had anal dysplasia, while the rates were 15% in those with high-grade cervical dysplasia and 30% in HIV-positive women. Understanding these rates is important because it can improve screening for both cervical and anal dysplasia, potentially leading to better prevention and treatment options. Who this helps: This research benefits patients, especially women with cervical dysplasia or HIV.

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This study looked at the connection between cervical high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and anal HPV in women, finding that 37% of the 275 participants had cervical HR-HPV. Women with cervical HR-HPV were generally younger, had earlier sexual experiences, more sexual partners, and a higher rate of anal HR-HPV (59% compared to 24% in those without cervical HR-HPV). These findings highlight the need for women with cervical HR-HPV to be screened for anal HR-HPV to better manage their health. Who this helps: This benefits women at risk for cervical and anal cancers.

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This study looked at how our brains understand stories by using a technique called magnetoencephalography (MEG) on 31 healthy adults during a listening task. The researchers found that while both sides of the brain were active when processing narratives, there was a noticeable increase in activity in the right side of the brain over time, particularly in regions responsible for understanding complex meanings and social cues. This matters because it highlights the important role the right hemisphere plays in comprehending narratives, which can improve how we teach and understand language skills. Who this helps: This helps patients with language comprehension issues, including those recovering from brain injuries or strokes.

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This study described a case of a 34-year-old pregnant woman who experienced severe abdominal pain at 37 weeks of pregnancy. Despite having no previous medical issues, her condition suddenly worsened, leading to an emergency cesarean section that revealed her uterus had ruptured. This highlights the importance of closely monitoring pregnant women who report unusual pain, as it can indicate serious problems that need immediate attention. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and pregnant women by emphasizing the need for careful monitoring of any unusual symptoms.

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This study looked at cases of narcolepsy type-1 (NT1) in children and adults over the past two decades, particularly after the 2009-2010 H1N1 flu pandemic. Researchers found that the number of new cases peaked in 2010, with a 2.54 times increase in incidence, especially in children (2.75 times). Interestingly, they discovered another peak in 2013 that affected mostly children and was likely not connected to the H1N1 vaccine used earlier. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially children who are at risk for narcolepsy.

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This study examines the importance of housing for people with serious mental illnesses and argues that Medicaid should cover housing costs, similar to how it covers other health services. Currently, housing is not included in Medicaid, which limits resources for those who need it. If Medicaid could support housing, it could help improve mental health outcomes and reduce reliance on expensive healthcare services. Who this helps: This helps patients with serious mental illnesses who need stable housing to manage their health effectively.

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This study looked at sleep tests to see how well they can diagnose narcolepsy and other sleep disorders in 370 patients. It found that patients with narcolepsy type 1 had shorter sleep times and more rapid eye movement (REM) sleep than those with other conditions, making certain sleep test results very reliable for identifying narcolepsy. However, these tests were not perfect; while they were highly specific in confirming narcolepsy, they sometimes missed cases, meaning they can't completely distinguish narcolepsy from other disorders. Who this helps: This benefits patients with sleep disorders and the doctors diagnosing them.

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This study looked at how brain connectivity differs in people with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) compared to healthy individuals. Researchers found that patients had stronger connections in the left hippocampus and amygdala and weaker connections in the right lateral temporal lobe. These changes were linked to more frequent seizures and worse cognitive performance, showing that even though there is a specific area of high activity, the overall brain connectivity can be disorganized. Who this helps: This helps patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and their doctors.

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This study looked at how endometriosis affects women's chances of having babies with assisted reproductive techniques, like in-vitro fertilization (IVF). It found that women with endometriosis are at a higher risk of infertility, so they need specialized care that considers their unique situation. The research highlights the importance of careful treatment planning, incorporating options like surgery, medical therapy, and fertility preservation methods such as freezing eggs or embryos, to improve fertility outcomes and quality of life. Who this helps: Women with endometriosis who are trying to conceive.

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This study focused on finding a way to automatically identify very short sleep episodes, known as microsleep episodes (MSEs), using advanced computer technology instead of relying solely on human scoring. Researchers analyzed data from 76 patients and developed machine learning algorithms that performed nearly as well as human experts in detecting wakefulness and MSEs. This is important because it could lead to more accurate assessments of a person's alertness, which is crucial for managing conditions related to sleepiness, like sleep disorders or driving safety. Who this helps: Patients with sleep disorders and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how people with albinism process visual information in their brains. Researchers found that in individuals with albinism, certain brain areas have overlapping responses to visual inputs from both the left and right sides, which was not seen in people without albinism. Specifically, they discovered distinct clusters of brain activity that show dual responses at specific locations in the visual field, indicating a different way of organizing visual information. Who this helps: This benefits patients with albinism by improving our understanding of their visual processing challenges.

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This research focused on finding a way to automatically detect brief sleep episodes, known as microsleep episodes (MSEs), which last less than 15 seconds. Researchers analyzed the data from 76 patients and found that their methods for classifying MSEs were very effective, with high accuracy rates. Specifically, they used three different algorithms and successfully identified MSEs using features like brain wave patterns and eye movements. Who this helps: This helps doctors and sleep specialists in diagnosing and treating sleep-related conditions.

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This study looked at tiny but dangerous sleep episodes called microsleep episodes (MSEs) that last a few seconds and can make driving unsafe. Researchers tested a new automatic detection method for these episodes in 18 people who became very sleepy after a night without sleep. They found that automatic detection worked well and was related to driving performance, particularly showing that more MSEs led to worse driving outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients who may be at risk of falling asleep while driving.

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This study looked at how aging affects the brains of people with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) compared to healthy individuals. Researchers found that people with TLE have brains that appear on average 6.6 years older in structure and 8.3 years older in function than those without epilepsy. This accelerated aging is connected to more frequent seizures and a larger number of medications, and it leads to declines in cognitive abilities, highlighting the importance of addressing brain health in these patients. Who this helps: This research is beneficial for patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and their doctors.

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This study looked at how to best manage people with inherited BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, which significantly raise the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. It found that BRCA1 carriers should consider having their ovaries and fallopian tubes removed between ages 35 and 40, while BRCA2 carriers should do so between ages 40 and 45. Regular breast cancer screenings are recommended starting at age 30. These findings emphasize the importance of preventive measures and coordinated care to help these individuals lower their cancer risk. Who this helps: This helps patients with BRCA mutations and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how a personality trait called neuroticism, which involves experiencing more negative emotions, affects brain connections in people with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The researchers found that 93 individuals with TLE had higher levels of neuroticism, depression, and anxiety compared to 40 healthy people. They discovered that higher neuroticism was linked to disrupted communication between specific brain regions, even when accounting for depression and anxiety symptoms, highlighting the unique impact of neuroticism on brain function. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and their healthcare providers.

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This study examined different types of cognitive impairments in people with temporal lobe epilepsy by looking at 111 patients and 83 control subjects. Researchers found three main cognitive groups: those with intact function, those with issues in language and memory, and those with more generalized impairments. Notably, the group with generalized impairment started medication earlier, had fewer years of education, more racial diversity, and a higher number of seizures throughout life. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and healthcare providers by informing treatment and support strategies based on cognitive profiles.

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This study looked at how women with early-stage ovarian cancer can preserve their ability to have children through a special type of surgery that removes only part of the affected ovary while keeping the uterus and another healthy ovary intact. The researchers found that this surgery is generally safe for women with specific early-stage cancer types, and while it may lead to a lower chance of natural pregnancy, fertility treatments are still considered effective and safe. Understanding these options matters because it allows young women with cancer to make informed choices about their future families. Who this helps: This helps young women diagnosed with early ovarian cancer who want to preserve their fertility.

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This research looked at ovarian cancer screening methods in the wider population since early detection can greatly improve survival rates. The study reviewed the last 15 years of research and found that current screening techniques, like ultrasound and a blood test for cancer markers, are not effective enough for widespread use due to high rates of false positives and unnecessary procedures. This matters because ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late, leading to poorer outcomes, and while better screening could help, the evidence currently doesn’t support its implementation for everyone. Who this helps: Patients and doctors managing ovarian cancer risk.