MICHAEL T. INGRAM, MD

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This study focused on improving the way doctors assess knee ligaments during surgeries by using a special type of ultrasound to measure how much these ligaments stretch. The researchers found that their new method could accurately track the strain in the medial collateral ligament with an impressive correlation of 0.992 and for the lateral collateral ligament with a correlation of 0.988. This is important because accurate measurements can lead to better surgical outcomes and improved patient recovery times. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing knee surgeries and their surgeons.

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This study looked at sexual violence among young people, revealing that more than 70% of children who reported being sexually victimized were harmed by other youth. It found that in most cases (60.2%), the person who caused the harm was also under 18, and 66.6% of incidents involved peers aged 13 to 17. This shows that many cases happen between young people of similar ages, highlighting the need for prevention programs that focus on healthy peer relationships. Who this helps: This research helps young people, parents, and educators by guiding effective prevention strategies.

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This study looked at a new ultrasound tool designed to track the scaphoid bone in real time during a minimally invasive surgery. Researchers found that this tool achieved an accurate median translation error of only 0.48 mm and a median rotation error of 3.90 degrees, which is good enough for surgical use. This is important because it provides a safer, radiation-free option for doctors, improving the accuracy of scaphoid surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing scaphoid surgeries and their doctors.

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This article outlines eight practical tips for improving teamwork in research within integrated healthcare settings, especially for those not focused on research. The authors emphasize the importance of forming diverse teams, using technology for better communication, and keeping regular meetings to stay organized. These strategies are designed to help busy healthcare workers contribute to research and ultimately improve care quality. Who this helps: This benefits healthcare workers and ultimately the patients they serve.

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This study examined how to better monitor older injectable drug products that may have unclear production processes. By applying a new heightened monitoring strategy, researchers found that the total time taken from adding active ingredients to final packaging significantly influenced impurity levels in the drugs. This approach allowed them to transform previously vague controls into clear measurements, ultimately improving how these drugs are monitored for quality. Who this helps: This benefits patients receiving legacy injectable medications by ensuring higher quality and safety standards.

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The study looked at sexual violence experienced by children and found that over 70% of these cases involve other young people, with 60% of the behaviors initiated by someone under 18. It discovered that most incidents (67%) happen between adolescents of similar ages, suggesting that prevention efforts should focus on teaching young people about healthy relationships and peer interactions. This is important because helping youths understand these dynamics can reduce instances of nonconsensual behavior. Who this helps: This helps young people, their parents, and educators.

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This study looked at how community health workers (CHWs) can help reduce harmful chemical exposure in small auto repair and beauty shops, mostly staffed by Latino workers in Tucson, AZ. While the results weren't statistically significant, beauty shops saw a 27% reduction in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful to health, while auto shops experienced a 28% increase. This matters because many beauty shops had dangerously high levels of VOCs and poor ventilation, indicating a need for better health and safety measures. Who this helps: This research helps workers in small beauty and auto repair businesses.

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This study looked at how involving communities can improve efforts to prevent child sexual abuse. Researchers from the CDC shared experiences from nine projects and found that successful engagement helps build trust and makes prevention programs more effective. For example, it showed that listening to community voices leads to better strategies and outcomes. Who this helps: This helps children and families by creating more effective child sexual abuse prevention programs.

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This study looked at the connection between obesity and mental health issues, like depression and anxiety, in over 40,000 children in the U.S. It found that obese children are more likely to experience these mental health problems, with odds of depression being more than double (2.08 times) compared to their normal-weight peers and 1.48 times more likely to have anxiety. The research highlights the importance of tackling bullying and improving family mental health as factors that can influence these outcomes. Who this helps: This information is beneficial for parents, healthcare providers, and mental health professionals working with children.

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This study looked at how community health workers helped Latino adults in Yuma County, Arizona, feel more connected to their health through a research project about stress and resilience. Out of 192 participants, many reported positive outcomes such as feeling more emotionally supported, gaining useful health information, and making healthier lifestyle changes like improving their diet and increasing physical activity. This matters because it shows that community health workers can create a trustworthy space that encourages people to take charge of their health, ultimately making research more inclusive for immigrant communities. Who this helps: Patients, especially Latino adults in border regions.

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This study looked at an online training program designed to help school staff recognize and report child sexual abuse. It found that after the training, educators’ understanding of important topics like grooming and their reporting duties improved significantly, with positive changes noted right after the training and again two to three months later. This is important because it shows that proper training can help create safer school environments by preparing educators to act on signs of abuse effectively. Who this helps: This benefits teachers, school administrators, and ultimately, students.

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This research paper compares two methods for studying how our surroundings affect our thinking and behavior. The first method looks at how our environments have influenced our psychology over a long time, while the second method focuses on how current situations shape our minds. Both approaches are useful for understanding the relationship between the environment and human psychology. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and psychologists working to understand human behavior.

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This study looked at how self-esteem and social support affect feelings of hopelessness and thoughts about suicide among 154 adults attracted to children. It found that many in this group have experienced suicidal thoughts and behaviors, with lower self-esteem and less social support linked to higher risks of these issues. Addressing these factors could help improve mental health and reduce suicide risks for these individuals. Who this helps: This helps patients who are attracted to children by identifying ways to improve their mental health and support systems.

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This study looked at how Mexicans living in the Arizona border region understand the connection between stress and health. Researchers interviewed 30 participants and found that they were very aware of how stress affected their bodies and health, using various strategies to manage it. This understanding of stress helps explain why many Mexicans have better health outcomes than expected, even in stressful situations. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers by offering insights into effective stress management in this community.

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This study looked at using virtual reality (VR) headsets during radiation therapy to help reduce anxiety in patients undergoing treatment. Results showed that 100% of patients who started using VR in their first week of treatment felt less distressed after their first session, compared to only 17% of those who began using VR in the second week. The findings indicate that VR can be a helpful tool to improve the treatment experience, especially for patients who start with higher levels of anxiety. Who this helps: This helps patients going through radiation therapy, especially those with anxiety.

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This research examined the connection between two medical findings—pneumatosis and portal venous air—and the need for surgery. It discovered that the actual death rate for patients with these conditions is about 31%, much lower than the previously believed 70%. Specifically, those with associated bowel ischemia had a much higher death rate of 69%, while those without ischemia had a much lower rate of 14%. This information is important because it suggests that doctors should consider a patient's overall health before deciding on surgery in cases of pneumatosis or portal venous air, rather than relying solely on these imaging results. Who this helps: This helps doctors make better surgical decisions for patients with these conditions.

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This study looked at the effects of screening for Lynch syndrome (LS) in colorectal cancer patients and how testing their at-risk family members could prevent cancer. The research found that when all eligible family members are tested, there could be a 61% drop in colorectal cancer cases and a 78.5% reduction in related deaths. This matters because early detection and prevention can greatly improve health outcomes and lower treatment costs. Who this helps: This benefits patients with colorectal cancer and their families.

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This study focused on developing a new algorithm to accurately estimate the shape of a flexible ultrasound device based on signals it receives. Researchers found that the algorithm could predict the device's shape with very small errors—just 0.18 wavelengths for simulated data and 0.4 wavelengths for real data—and it did so quickly, in about 300 milliseconds. This is significant because it means the technology can provide precise measurements that improve the quality of ultrasound images and diagnostics. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing ultrasound examinations and the doctors performing them.

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This study looked at how disabled people in Ontario, Canada are affected by unsolicited advice from others. Researchers interviewed 15 disabled individuals and found that this advice often leads to feelings of shame and blame but can also spark resistance, allowing disabled people to shift from negative feelings to other emotions like apathy and sadness. Understanding these emotional reactions is important because it highlights how disabled individuals navigate these interactions and seek empowerment despite the pressures they face. Who this helps: This helps disabled individuals by validating their experiences and providing insight into emotional resilience.

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This study looked at how Community Health Workers (CHWs) are used in two health departments in Southern Arizona. Researchers interviewed 14 staff members and found that CHWs help build trust in the community, provide essential services, and address important social issues affecting health. However, challenges such as hiring practices and funding can hinder their effectiveness. Who this helps: This benefits patients and communities by improving access to health services and support.

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This research looked at the different types of lubricants used during the harvesting of split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) to help close hard-to-repair wounds. The study reviewed 173 records and found that there are various lubricants like mineral oil and ultrasound gel, but there isn't a clear best option. This matters because doctors need reliable, safe lubricants that work well with newer techniques like Meek grafting to ensure better patient care. Who this helps: Patients needing skin grafts and their doctors.

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This study looked at how auto repair workers in Tucson, Arizona, are exposed to harmful chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during their shifts. The researchers found that workers experienced very high spikes in VOC exposure, especially when using products like brake cleaner and paint, with acetone and toluene present in all samples tested. Understanding these exposure patterns is important because these chemicals can have serious health effects, and identifying them can help improve safety measures in the workplace. Who this helps: This helps auto repair workers and health advocates aiming to create safer work environments.

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This study looked at how well a new method called shear wave elastography can predict heart filling pressures compared to traditional echocardiography. Researchers found that measuring the speed of shear waves in the heart strongly correlates with left ventricular filling pressures, achieving a very high accuracy of 95% in predicting elevated pressures. This is important because accurate assessment can lead to better management of heart conditions, particularly for patients with heart failure. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients with heart conditions.

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This study focused on creating a set of standard measures to evaluate type 2 diabetes treatments around the world. Out of 153 potential measures, experts agreed on 49 core measures that should always be included, while 58 were considered optional and 46 were rejected. Establishing these standards is important because it enables researchers to compare diabetes interventions across different countries and situations more effectively. Who this helps: This helps researchers and healthcare providers working on diabetes treatment improvements.

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This study looked at a tool called high-density surface electromyography (HD-sEMG) to evaluate different muscle and nerve disorders. Researchers reviewed 200 studies and found 55 that showed HD-sEMG effectively identifies issues in muscle function and nerve activity. For instance, in conditions like anterior horn cell disorders, they observed changes in muscle firing and nerve excitability, while muscle disorders showed reduced muscle activity signals. This matters because using HD-sEMG can help diagnose and understand neuromuscular disorders better, even though its use in clinics is limited by a lack of standard procedures. Who this helps: This helps patients with neuromuscular disorders and their doctors.

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This research paper reviews three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging, a technology that allows doctors to see detailed views of the body's structures in real-time without using ionizing radiation. The study found that 3D ultrasound is useful in various medical fields like pregnancy care, heart health, and cancer treatment, though it still generally supports traditional 2D ultrasound rather than replacing it. It highlights ongoing challenges and suggests that future improvements in technology could make 3D ultrasound more widely available and effective. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing various medical examinations, as well as doctors who need accurate imaging for diagnosis and treatment.

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This study focuses on improving the quality of injectable drugs that undergo a drying process called lyophilization, which helps preserve these medications. Researchers developed a new method for assessing the consistency of these drugs by analyzing variability in their production, revealing that a well-structured sampling plan can greatly improve understanding of factors like moisture levels and purity. Ensuring consistent quality in these drugs is crucial, as it impacts their effectiveness and safety for patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients receiving injectable medications, as well as healthcare providers ensuring these medications are safe and effective.

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This study looked at what people in Uganda prefer in HIV prevention methods, particularly injectable drugs and vaccines. Researchers surveyed 376 individuals at risk for HIV, finding that severe side effects were a major concern, influencing preferences by a factor of -0.69, while a 30% increase in the effectiveness of the drug was valued positively at 0.39. The findings highlight the need for affordable HIV prevention options with minimal side effects to encourage more people to use them. Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk for HIV, particularly young women, sex workers, and LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda.

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This study looked at a resilience measurement tool called the IRES, which is designed for Spanish-speaking Latino/as in the U.S., specifically in South Yuma, Arizona. Researchers found that the IRES is a reliable and valid way to assess resilience, showing strong consistency and fitting well with the data over time. This matters because understanding resilience can help develop better support systems and health policies that address the unique challenges faced by Latino/as, ultimately improving their health outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits Latino/a patients and healthcare providers working with them.

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This study focused on increasing COVID-19 vaccination among Hispanic communities in Southern Arizona, which faced significant barriers to access. The researchers found that 93.3% of Hispanics had received a COVID-19 vaccination, compared to 84.8% of non-Hispanics, indicating higher vaccination rates among Hispanics despite higher COVID-19 infection rates of 41.9% versus 20.3% for non-Hispanics. Addressing these barriers and misinformation was crucial for improving vaccination rates and community health during the pandemic. Who this helps: This helps Hispanic patients, especially those in rural and underserved areas.

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This research studied how a specific program called Community of Practice (CoP) can help clinical supervisors in behavioral health improve their skills and confidence. Over four years, 14 supervisors participated in workshops where they reported high satisfaction and increased confidence—specifically, many felt better prepared to supervise students in integrated health and telehealth settings. This is important because it helps ensure that those training in behavioral health are well-supported, which ultimately benefits patient care in both rural and urban primary care environments. Who this helps: This helps clinical supervisors, behavioral health students, and patients receiving care in primary settings.

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This study focused on understanding suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adults who are attracted to children. Researchers interviewed 15 individuals from this group and found that they often struggle with low self-esteem, feel overwhelmed by the stigma surrounding their attraction, and worry about their future. These factors significantly increase their risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. Addressing issues like negative self-view and feelings of isolation, while fostering hope, is crucial for improving their mental health and preventing suicide. Who this helps: This research helps adults attracted to children who are struggling with suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

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This study introduced a new modeling framework called COSMIC-dFBA to better predict how cells behave during biomanufacturing processes, which are crucial for producing products like antibodies. The researchers found that their model could accurately predict the final cell density within 10% of actual measurements and improved predictions of cell density and antibody production by 90% and 72% compared to standard methods. This advancement is significant because it helps manufacturers design more efficient bioprocesses for creating important biological products. Who this helps: This helps biomanufacturers and researchers in the field of biotechnology.

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This study looked at how the density of Hispanic/Latino residents in neighborhoods affects the number of nearby blood donation opportunities in Maricopa County, Arizona. Researchers found that for every 10% increase in Hispanic/Latino population, the chances of having a blood drive in that area dropped by 12%. This matters because less access to blood donation sites makes it harder for Hispanic/Latino individuals to donate blood, contributing to their underrepresentation among donors. Who this helps: Patients in need of blood transfusions and the healthcare system overall.

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This study looked at how to improve health in U.S.-Mexico border communities by blending scientific research with local cultural insights. Researchers and community members worked together to apply a model that highlights how culture affects health, leading to activities like storytelling and sharing traditional foods. They found that cultural practices, like how people communicate and work together, play a big role in promoting health for Mexican-origin and Latinx populations. Who this helps: This benefits patients and families in border communities seeking better health outcomes.

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This study looked at how effective occupational therapy (OT) is for children with sensory processing challenges and whether the improvements made during therapy last over time. Researchers found that children made significant progress during therapy sessions, which continued to be maintained 6 to 12 months after therapy ended; however, they did not make additional progress once the therapy stopped. Parents valued the increased frequency of sessions and the knowledge and skills of the therapists, seeing the overall benefit of the OT program. Who this helps: This helps children with sensory processing challenges and their families.

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This research focused on creating a new type of simulator that can mimic how the heart works for testing medical devices. The team developed a realistic, soft robotic model of the left ventricle that replicates the unique conditions of different patients, helping to test devices under various heart conditions. Their simulator was able to accurately represent three different patient profiles, which is important for ensuring devices function well in real-life scenarios. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and medical device developers by improving testing accuracy and patient outcomes.

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This study looked at loneliness among 213 mostly Mexican-origin adults in Southern Arizona, focusing on how social support and hope affect feelings of loneliness. It found that those with higher social support and hope are less likely to feel lonely. Specifically, people who felt lonely for 5-7 days had a 24% higher risk of physical health problems compared to those who did not feel lonely, highlighting the importance of social connections for health. Who this helps: This helps patients and community health workers by highlighting the need for social support in improving emotional and physical well-being.

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This study examined how different hospitals in the U.S. adopted a balanced approach to blood transfusions for injured patients over five years. Among nearly 172,500 patients, only 17.6% received balanced transfusions, with rates increasing from 11% in 2016 to nearly 26% in 2021. The results showed that factors like hospital type significantly affected these rates, with verified level I hospitals using balanced transfusion practices much more often than community hospitals. Who this helps: This information benefits patients who are injured and need blood transfusions, as improved practices can lead to better care.

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This study looked at how a training program helped cancer doctors improve their ability to involve patients in decision-making about their treatment. The researchers interviewed six oncologists who participated in this program and found that it helped them become more engaged and collaborative, leading to better care for patients. The training made them more comfortable with shared decision-making, which is important for enhancing patient experience and clinical outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with non-small cell lung cancer by ensuring they receive more personalized and effective care.

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This study focused on training healthcare providers in shared decision-making (SDM) with patients who have non-small cell lung cancer. The training led to a 17% to 37% improvement in how well clinicians incorporated patients' goals and preferences into their care plans, with notable successes in understanding patients' treatment tolerances and values. This matters because it enhances the partnership between providers and patients, making patients more involved in their own care decisions. Who this helps: This helps patients with lung cancer by ensuring their voices and preferences are considered in their treatment.

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This study looked at how community health workers (CHWs) can help identify and address social issues that affect health in primary care settings in Arizona. Researchers found several barriers to effectively using CHWs for screening and referrals, highlighting the need for better organization and resources. Improving how CHWs are integrated into healthcare can lead to better support for patients facing social risks, which is crucial for enhancing overall health outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly those with social issues affecting their health, and healthcare providers working to support them.

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Researchers studied a new method to improve proton therapy for cancer treatment by using special tiny droplets that change into bubbles when exposed to protons. They found that these droplets were safe for use and that they reliably produced ultrasound images that correlate with how deeply protons penetrate tissue, showing this response could be adjusted based on the droplet concentration. This is important because it could lead to more precise radiation therapy, resulting in better treatment outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing proton therapy.

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This study looked at the experiences of people living in San Luis, Arizona, near the U.S.-Mexico border to understand their challenges and strengths related to health. Researchers interviewed 30 local residents and found that living close to the border fosters strong family ties, access to affordable healthcare, and cultural connections, leading to a new 9-item Border Resilience Scale to measure these benefits. The initial results from 60 participants indicate that these positive community attributes might help combat environmental stressors that affect health. Who this helps: This research benefits border residents and health care providers working in these communities.

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This study looked at why many adults are hesitant to recommend COVID-19 vaccines for young children, especially those under 5 years old, in a rural area near the U.S.-Mexico border. It found that only 9% of children aged 6 months to 4 years and about 30% of children aged 5 to 11 years were vaccinated. A key finding was that adults who are vaccinated themselves are more likely to recommend vaccines for their children, highlighting the need for efforts to increase adult vaccination rates to improve children's vaccination numbers. Who this helps: This research helps parents and public health officials working to increase vaccination rates among young children.

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This study looked at factors influencing depression in Mexican-origin adults living in the US-Mexico border region, with data from 206 people. It found that 26.8% of participants experienced depressive symptoms, and those who reported higher physical pain experienced more depression, while higher levels of hope and social support were linked to lower depression levels. Understanding these factors is important for improving mental health care and addressing health inequalities in this community. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those of Mexican origin living in border regions, by highlighting the importance of social support and hope in mental health.

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This study looked at factors linked to diabetes in Mexican-origin adults in Southern Arizona, finding that 39.4% of participants had diabetes. People with high blood pressure were more than twice as likely to have diabetes, while those with more education had lower odds of diabetes. These findings highlight the need for healthcare systems to pay attention to the higher diabetes risk among Mexican-origin adults with hypertension and less education. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers understand diabetes risks in specific communities.

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This study looked at how much volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Latino workers breathe in while working in small beauty salons and auto repair shops. Researchers monitored VOC exposure for more than 500 hours among 47 workers and found these workers are exposed to unhealthy levels of VOCs during their shifts. It matters because understanding these exposures can lead to better health protections for these workers, who often lack adequate safety resources. Who this helps: This helps Latino workers in beauty salons and auto repair shops.

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This study looked at the air quality in beauty salons in Tucson, Arizona, focusing on harmful chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in beauty products. Researchers found that the levels of these VOCs varied significantly between different salons, with one common chemical called 2-Propanol (isopropyl alcohol) detected in all salons and all work shifts. Understanding these differences is important because it can help identify which salons pose the highest risk to workers' health based on the products they use and how well their spaces are ventilated. Who this helps: This research benefits salon workers, especially those in smaller businesses in Latino communities.

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Researchers studied the preferences of Mexican-origin women who survived breast cancer, focusing on their health behaviors and lifestyle changes. They found that these survivors valued shared meals and culturally relevant dietary habits over strict exercise routines, emphasizing social support and leisure activities that reduce anxiety connected to their cancer experience. This research is important because it highlights the need for health programs tailored to the specific cultural and emotional needs of these survivors. Who this helps: This helps breast cancer survivors, particularly those from Mexican backgrounds, by informing better support programs.