PATRICK R. MILLER, M.D.

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This study looked at how often paramedics in Ontario used special instructions that allow them to treat and send patients home instead of taking them to the hospital. Out of 1,596 potential cases, only 35 patients (2.2%) were discharged by paramedics, while 1,085 (68.0%) were taken to the emergency department (ED). Those discharged by paramedics had shorter call times (45 minutes) than those transported to the ED (87 minutes), which indicates this approach could help reduce hospital visits and save time and resources. Who this helps: This benefits patients and the healthcare system by reducing unnecessary hospital trips.

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This study looked at how tiny plastic particles, called polystyrene nanoparticles (PSNPs), interact with a key protein in our blood known as human serum albumin (HSA). Researchers found that PSNPs tightly bind to HSA, which slightly makes the protein more stable but also reduces its ability to break down other molecules and decreases its antioxidant properties. These results are important because they help us understand how nanoplastics can negatively affect human health by altering crucial proteins in our bodies. Who this helps: This helps patients and health professionals understand the potential risks of nanoplastics.

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This study looked at how age-related mutations in blood cells, known as clonal hematopoiesis, affect immune cells and the environment around lung tumors. Researchers found that while these mutations change immune cells and the tumor's immune structures, they do not speed up the growth of lung cancer in specially designed mice. This matters because understanding these changes can help in figuring out how to improve cancer treatments. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working on lung cancer treatments.

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This study tested a training program for healthcare providers to help them better understand and address the concerns of HIV patients who face stigma and medical mistrust, particularly in Black and Latine communities. Fifty-nine healthcare providers participated, with those who received training showing moderate improvement in their skills to manage medical mistrust immediately after the training, although these gains faded over six months. This training matters because it can lead to better communication and care for marginalized HIV patients, potentially reducing health disparities. Who this helps: This helps HIV patients, especially those from marginalized backgrounds.

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Researchers looked into restarting family planning services in a rural area after they were cut in 2017, which had led to increased teen pregnancies and low-birth-weight infants. In 2023, a nurse with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) led the effort to reopen the clinic, and by mid-2024, the clinic served 308 patients, with over 85% starting contraception and conducting 289 tests for sexually transmitted infections, of which 31 were treated. This effort improved access to reproductive health care in the community, showing how effective DNP-led initiatives can be in enhancing health services in rural areas. Who this helps: This helps patients in rural communities seeking family planning and reproductive health services.

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This study looked at why preschool children experience limping when they visit an orthopedic clinic. Out of 458 children evaluated, 57% had a benign condition that would resolve on its own, while 13% needed more advanced treatment. Factors that indicated a more serious issue included limping for several days, swelling in the joints, and high levels of a specific protein in the blood. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors by helping them identify which children might need more urgent evaluation and treatment.

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The study examined how aging affects the spread of breast cancer and found that older age significantly increases metastasis in mice. Specifically, the presence of a protein called RAGE and its related compounds in older animals led to heightened cancer cell invasion. This is important because it highlights RAGE as a potential target for treatments that could improve survival in older breast cancer patients. Who this helps: This helps older breast cancer patients and their doctors.

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This study looked at how the math environment at home affects the math skills of toddlers from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Researchers found that families with higher income and education levels provided better math environments, which was linked to improved math skills in toddlers one year later. Specifically, family income and education levels influenced the home math environment, which in turn contributed to differences in math skills, with a measured impact ranging from 19% to 33%. Improving math learning opportunities at home can help young children develop essential skills before they start school. Who this helps: This helps young children and their families, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds.

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Researchers studied three copper-based compounds to see how they could help in treating tuberculosis and assist with certain chemical reactions. They found that these compounds were effective in fighting both regular and drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis, achieving a notable reduction in bacterial growth, while also showing some ability to improve chemical reactions with substances like toluene and styrene. This matters because it opens up possibilities for new treatments that can handle tough-to-treat bacteria and could enhance industrial processes. Who this helps: This helps patients with tuberculosis and doctors looking for better treatment options.

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This study looked at whether a common method for measuring bone age in kids, the Greulich and Pyle (G&P) method, works well for today's diverse U.S. population. Researchers found that, on average, the G&P method indicated that children’s bone ages were about 2.9 months older than their actual ages, with some variation based on age and sex. They also noted that underweight kids had significantly lower bone ages compared to their chronological ages, which can impact treatment planning. Who this helps: This helps doctors who treat pediatric patients needing knee surgery.

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The study looked at how harmful chemicals found in plastics and tiny plastic particles affect the developing brains of children. Researchers found that these substances pose a serious threat to children's health, signaling that we need to take urgent action to lessen their exposure. This is important because protecting children's brain development can lead to better health and learning outcomes in life. Who this helps: This helps children and their families by promoting safer environments for growth and development.

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This study focused on pediatric hepatoblastoma, the most common liver cancer in young children, by examining tumor samples from nine patients. Researchers found that clusters of two types of immune cells—tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs)—often appeared together in the tumors, specifically in areas that remained alive after chemotherapy. In total, they identified 313 clusters, with 56% being Treg and 44% TAM clusters, suggesting these immune cells may help the tumor evade treatment. Who this helps: This research helps doctors understand the immune environment of pediatric hepatoblastoma, potentially leading to better treatment strategies for young patients.

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This study looked at two surgical techniques used to treat a condition called excessive femoral anteversion, which affects the way some children walk. In total, 73 patients were treated, with 49 receiving one type of surgery using plates and 24 using rods. Although both methods had similar complication rates (10% for plate fixation and 13% for nail fixation), patients who had the plate surgery took about 6 weeks longer to start bearing weight on their leg. Who this helps: This research benefits orthopedic surgeons and children with excessive femoral anteversion by providing insights on surgical options.

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This study looked at how common workplace microaggressions are among surgeons and what actions they take to address them. Out of 377 surgeons surveyed, 66% reported experiencing microaggressions, but only about 57% of them decided to take action, often by confronting the person or making informal reports. The study found that microaggressions were more frequent in later jobs, but surgeons were less likely to act against them as their careers progressed; notably, those who took action were more likely to regret their career choice. Who this helps: This research benefits surgeons by highlighting the prevalence of microaggressions and the importance of addressing them for job satisfaction.

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This study looked at new techniques doctors are using to treat complex abdominal aortic aneurysms, which are bulges in the aorta that can be difficult to fix with standard devices. Researchers found that using specially modified stents called physician-modified endografts (PMEGs) allows for quicker and more effective repairs, even for patients with tricky vascular anatomy, without the long wait for custom-made devices. This matters because it improves treatment options and speeds up recovery for patients with challenging aneurysm types. Who this helps: This helps patients with complex abdominal aortic aneurysms.

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Researchers studied how exposure to pollution affects antisocial behavior in low-income boys, particularly looking at how it interacts with maternal depression. They found that while pollution exposure alone did not directly lead to antisocial behavior, it made the effects of maternal depression worse. This is important because it highlights that pollution in disadvantaged neighborhoods may harm boys' behavior, especially if their mothers are struggling with depression. Who this helps: This helps low-income families and mental health professionals working with children.

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This study tested quick testing kits (lateral flow assays) for detecting COVID-19 and influenza viruses before they could be approved for use. They found that seven out of 14 test kits were good enough to get emergency approval from the FDA, with detection rates for COVID-19 ranging between 57% and 100%, and for influenza A between 64% and 85%. This matters because having reliable and quick tests helps in managing infections, giving people more immediate results during cold and flu seasons. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers needing fast and accurate virus testing.

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This study looked at the ethical issues surrounding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in palliative care by interviewing 22 people, including patients, caregivers, doctors, and bioethicists. The researchers found that while AI could improve efficiency and standardize care, the human aspects of care, such as the doctor-patient relationship and the intuition that healthcare providers have, are vital and shouldn’t be overshadowed by technology. They recommended creating oversight committees, focusing on patient education, and ensuring data is used only for clinical purposes to ensure AI tools are used ethically. Who this helps: This helps patients and their caregivers by ensuring that the care they receive remains compassionate and patient-centered, even as technology advances.

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This study looked at the best treatment options for newborns with a serious heart defect called hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Researchers compared three methods: the Norwood procedure, a hybrid approach, and a technique involving pulmonary artery banding with medication. They found that babies who underwent the Norwood procedure had a higher chance of surviving after one year (70% compared to 54% for the hybrid method and 55% for the other technique), and were also more likely to complete a critical second surgery (90% vs. 61% for hybrid and 67% for the other method). Who this helps: This research helps doctors make better treatment decisions for high-risk infants with heart defects.

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This study looked at how childhood family income affects heart health later in life. It found that men who had lower family incomes during childhood had thicker artery walls, which is an early sign of heart disease. Specifically, for every increase in childhood income, the artery thickness decreased by about 0.27 units, showing a clear link even after considering other factors like education and lifestyle. Who this helps: This helps young men and healthcare providers by highlighting the long-term health risks associated with economic disadvantage in childhood.

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This study looked at a new approach by surgeons to treat a condition called choledocholithiasis, which involves stones in the bile duct. Researchers found that using a specific surgical technique called laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) led to an increase in the success rate of clearing these stones from 70.6% to 87.0% and reduced the average hospital stay from about 72 hours to 40 hours. This matters because it shows that a surgeon-led approach can be more effective and efficient for patients needing treatment for this condition without increasing complications. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from bile duct stones and improves their treatment experience.

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This study looked at the levels of a type of fat called linoleic acid (LA) in the blood and its connection to the risk of developing dementia in nearly 274,000 people in the UK. It found that those with the highest levels of LA had a 18% lower risk of dementia compared to those with the lowest levels. Conversely, higher levels of other n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (non-LA) were linked to a 21% higher risk of dementia. Understanding how these fats affect brain health is important because it might help identify new ways to prevent dementia. Who this helps: This helps patients concerned about dementia and healthcare providers looking for preventive strategies.

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This study focused on analyzing the proteins in individual immune cells from human blood to improve our understanding of health and disease. Researchers developed a new method that allowed them to examine 660 immune cells each day, identifying an average of 750 proteins per cell. This is important because it provides detailed insights into various immune cell types and their functions, which can help in diagnosing and treating diseases. Who this helps: This benefits patients with immune system disorders and doctors working in immunology.

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Researchers studied how excitement affects our ability to recognize sounds in the brain. They found that as excitement increases, our accuracy in processing sounds goes up, but after a certain point, it actually declines. For example, there was an optimal level of arousal for sound recognition, showing that too much excitement can lead to mistakes. Who this helps: This helps patients with hearing issues and professionals working in audiology.

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This paper focuses on improving the prediction of whether a patient with a slipped hip will experience issues in the opposite hip after surgery. The authors found that specific X-ray measurements can help identify patients at higher risk, although specific numbers from the study were not included in this erratum. This is important because it can help doctors better monitor and treat young patients recovering from this condition. Who this helps: Patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis and their doctors.

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Researchers studied a method to turn nitroarenes, a type of chemical compound, into anilines, which are important for making various drugs. They found that using a nickel foam in acidic ethanol at room temperature allowed for this conversion while avoiding interference from other common chemicals, achieving a high selectivity rate. This method is crucial because it helps create complex molecules needed in pharmaceuticals more efficiently. Who this helps: This benefits chemists and pharmaceutical companies working on drug development.

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This study looked at eight patients who suffered from urinary tract injuries due to severe pelvic trauma, such as car accidents or falls. The researchers found that four of the patients needed surgery to treat their injuries, and the outcomes varied based on the severity of those injuries. Understanding these injuries and how to treat them is important for improving care and recovery for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with pelvic injuries and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how well robots can learn to perform multiple tasks at once, compared to learning one task at a time. The researchers found that robots trained on multiple tasks performed better and needed less data to learn new, more complex tasks, getting up to 50% better results when using more diverse training data. This is important because it means we can develop more capable and efficient robots that can handle a variety of tasks faster and with less information. Who this helps: This benefits engineers and researchers developing advanced robotic systems.

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This study looked at when patients with brain tumors, their caregivers, and doctors think palliative care should start. Researchers found that most participants believed patients would benefit from starting this care earlier, especially for high-grade tumors, but timing can vary depending on the type of brain tumor. Understanding the right timing for palliative care is important because it can help better manage the unique challenges these patients and their caregivers face. Who this helps: This helps patients with brain tumors and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how following new guidelines affected the way surgeons performed colon surgery in emergency situations. After the guidelines were introduced, the rate of connecting the ends of the intestines (anastomosis) increased from about 32.9% to 43.1%. Importantly, this increase did not lead to more complications, such as leaks or infections, showing that the guidelines helped surgeons make safer decisions. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing emergency colon surgery.

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Researchers developed a digital application for the Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment (ReSPECT) in Scotland to improve how patient care is organized across hospitals. By July 2025, 8 out of 14 health boards had started using this system, with over 5,500 patients having their care plans available online. This is important because it allows healthcare providers to easily view and update patient wishes and treatment plans, ensuring better coordination and care during emergencies. Who this helps: This helps patients by making their healthcare preferences easily accessible to medical teams.

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This study looked at whether the levels of T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) measured at birth could indicate a child's risk of developing cancers later in childhood. Researchers analyzed data from over 3,300 children with cancer and compared them to nearly 17,000 children without cancer in California and Texas. They found that, in California, children with acute myeloid leukemia had lower TREC levels, while in Texas, those with acute lymphocytic leukemia had higher levels, but these findings were not consistent across both states, suggesting a complex relationship between TREC levels and cancer risk. Who this helps: This research helps doctors understand more about the potential links between newborn immune health and childhood cancer risks.

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This study looked at how different sleep stages, specifically REM sleep and non-REM (NREM) sleep, help the brain process and remember information. The researchers found that during REM sleep, the brain exhibits unique patterns of activity called "ripple chains," which support memory consolidation in a more focused way compared to the broader activation seen during NREM sleep. For example, these ripple chains connect specific brain regions and help organize information related to recent experiences. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with memory difficulties and doctors working in sleep medicine and neurology.

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This research looked at how different ways of recruiting people to participate in nightlife studies affected the information they provided about their experiences. It found that women recruited through social media and in-person interviews reported higher rates of sexual and physical harassment compared to those in online surveys. Specifically, 55% of women from social media reported sexual harassment, while only 32% from online panels did, highlighting the need for careful method selection in future studies to accurately capture women's experiences. Who this helps: This helps researchers and policymakers focused on improving safety in nightlife environments.

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Researchers looked at how using sealants on children's primary molars affects the development of cavities over a 5-year period. They found that unsealed molars had a higher chance of developing cavities, with a significant reduction in the risk of cavities for sealed molars—specifically, sealed molars had only a 19% chance of developing pits and fissures compared to unsealed ones. This is important because using sealants can prevent cavities and reduce the need for more extensive dental treatment. Who this helps: This helps children at high risk of developing cavities and their dental care providers.

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This study looked at how external trigeminal nerve stimulation (eTNS), a new wearable treatment, affects blood flow in the brain. Researchers found that eTNS significantly increased blood flow in areas of the brain linked to conditions like depression and attention deficit disorder, while it decreased blood flow in other areas associated with sensory processing and visual information. Understanding these effects is important because it can guide future treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders and epilepsy. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from conditions like depression and attention deficit disorder.

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This study looked at how different strategies can help nurses deal with high levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout, which are common in their demanding jobs. It found that certain interventions can improve their well-being significantly, although specific numbers from the results were not shared in the summary. Knowing how to better support nurses is important because it can lead to healthier work environments and better patient care. Who this helps: Nurses and healthcare organizations.

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This study looked at the challenges of hiring enough obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs) in the U.S., especially as the number of adult women needing care is growing. It found that salaries for new OB/GYNs are increasing, indicating high demand for these doctors. Understanding salary and incentive packages can help both healthcare providers and doctors come to better agreements during hiring, which is important for ensuring women receive the care they need. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially women seeking OB/GYN care.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of nirsevimab, a medication designed to prevent serious lung infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants. The analysis included 16 studies with over 141,000 infants and found that nirsevimab significantly reduced hospitalizations due to RSV by about 84.5%, intensive care unit admissions by 85.9%, and the need for ventilatory support by 87.1%. This is important because it shows that nirsevimab can help prevent serious health issues associated with RSV, reducing the burden on healthcare systems and improving outcomes for vulnerable infants. Who this helps: This benefits infants, particularly those at high risk for RSV infections, as well as their families and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how certain brain networks can process information based on previous experiences. Researchers found that a type of brain network, which uses balancing between excitatory (activating) and inhibitory (calming) signals, can remember past stimuli while keeping activity levels low. This is important because it means the brain can efficiently manage information without becoming too active, showing how crucial these balancing mechanisms are for thinking and learning. Who this helps: This helps researchers and clinicians understand brain function better, potentially aiding in the treatment of cognitive disorders.

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This study looked at a new inhaled treatment called GDC-6988, designed to help people with serious respiratory diseases like cystic fibrosis. Researchers tested this medication in 117 healthy volunteers and found it was safe, with no serious side effects, although there were some mild declines in lung function that were manageable with a common asthma medicine called salbutamol. The results are important because they suggest that GDC-6988 could potentially offer a new way to improve treatment for people who struggle with clearing mucus in their airways. Who this helps: This helps patients with respiratory diseases and their doctors by providing options for better treatment.

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This research looked at how effective leading indicators—measures taken to prevent workplace incidents—are in improving safety in various industries. The review of 48 studies found that while most suggested these indicators could have a positive effect on reducing incidents, the overall quality of the evidence was weak, making it hard to draw strong conclusions. This matters because businesses need reliable data to choose the best safety measures to protect their workers. Who this helps: This helps employers and workplace safety professionals in making informed decisions about safety practices.

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The paper tells the story of Edward S. Miller, a Black doctor who was born into slavery in 1858 and overcame racism to build a successful medical practice in Chicago. He gained respect as a physician and community leader, playing critical roles in both the Spanish American War as a surgeon and the establishment of important community institutions like the first Black cemetery and a bank in Chicago. His life shows how Black leaders navigated and thrived in a segregated society, highlighting the importance of community support in overcoming systemic challenges. Who this helps: This helps the Black community and historians seeking to understand the contributions of Black leaders in healthcare.

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This study looked at a method to deliver genes into specific eye cells to help treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which can cause blindness. The researchers improved the efficiency of this gene delivery approach, achieving an 88% success rate in getting the genes into the cells while keeping about 85% of the cells alive. This work is important because it offers a promising way to develop future treatments for AMD in a more standardized and efficient manner. Who this helps: Patients suffering from age-related macular degeneration.

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This study focused on male breast cancer (MBC), which is rare but has a high death rate due to many men being diagnosed late. Among 122 men surveyed, 68% were diagnosed at stage 4, meaning their cancer was already advanced when found. The research emphasizes the need for better awareness and screening for MBC to improve early detection and save lives. Who this helps: This helps male breast cancer patients and healthcare providers by promoting early detection strategies.

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Researchers studied how effective rehabilitation is for people who show aggression after an acquired brain injury (ABI). They interviewed eight practitioners who work in health and social services, and found that poor rehabilitation is often due to barriers like a lack of specific training, complicated health needs, aggressive behavior in patients, and limited access to services. This is important because better rehabilitation can help reduce aggressive behavior and lower the risk of these individuals ending up in jail. Who this helps: This helps patients with ABI and their healthcare providers.

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Interviews with 24 Aboriginal, LGBTQ+, and regional young Australians aged 16 to 20 explored how alcohol-related social media content shapes drinking culture. Participants described alcohol posts as tied to social identity and peer belonging, with influencer content seen as pervasive but often inauthentic. Marginalized groups faced additional pressures including stereotyping and safety concerns, pointing to the need for social media policies that account for intersectional experiences.