PHILIP JULIUS HODGE, M.D.

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This study explored how giving child health nursing students the freedom to choose their volunteer placements impacted their learning and experiences from 2017 to 2020. A total of 33 students participated, sharing that they felt more confident and had a better grasp of community health issues. They also valued the chance to focus on practical experiences without the pressure of formal assessments. Who this helps: This benefits nursing students and the communities they serve, improving healthcare understanding and delivery.

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This research studied a new way to predict how patients with high-grade gliomas (a type of brain tumor) will respond to the drug temozolomide before they actually start treatment. The study found that the new test accurately predicted responses in 85% of newly diagnosed patients and those identified as likely responders had a median survival of 11.6 months, compared to just 5.9 months for those predicted not to respond. This matters because it offers a personalized approach to treatment, helping doctors choose the most effective therapies and improve patient outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with high-grade gliomas.

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This study looked at how well different chemicals can be attached to specially made plastics called poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS). Researchers found that they could attach a chemical called stilbene to PMMA with a success rate of up to 63%, while some cinnamate esters worked almost perfectly. However, the same methods didn’t work well for PS. This matters because improving these plastic materials can lead to better products in various industries, including healthcare. Who this helps: Patients who benefit from improved medical devices and materials.

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The British Society of Periodontology (BSP) has been active since 1949 to improve understanding and awareness of gum health among the public and dental professionals. The society focuses on research and discussions about issues affecting gum disease, aiming to educate both patients and healthcare providers. This is important because better awareness can lead to improved gum health and overall well-being. Who this helps: This helps patients and dental professionals.

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This study looked at using a serious video game to help people in forensic mental health services prepare for leaving the hospital. Researchers created a prototype game with input from the users, and while the game was well-received, both users and providers felt it needed to be more complex for better effectiveness. This matters because the game could help patients gain confidence and skills to manage real-life situations as they transition back into the community. Who this helps: Patients in forensic mental health services.

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This research looked at a chemical reaction process to create specific compounds called anthraquinones using isopropyl-substituted benzenes. The findings showed that during these reactions, isopropyl groups sometimes moved to different positions on the molecule, and in some cases, they were completely lost. This matters because understanding how these groups behave can lead to more effective production of these compounds, which are important in various applications, including dyes and pharmaceuticals. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and manufacturers working with chemical compounds in the pharmaceutical and dye industries.

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This study looked at two urine tests, TMPRSS2:ERG (T2:ERG) and PCA3, to see if they could better predict prostate cancer compared to the traditional blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The results showed that the new combined test, called the Mi-Prostate Score (MiPS), was more accurate in predicting the presence of prostate cancer and high-grade prostate cancer than PSA alone. Specifically, the MiPS model outperformed PSA with an accuracy increase from 0.693 to 0.718 for general cancer detection and from 0.729 to 0.754 for high-grade cancer detection. Who this helps: This benefits men who are at risk for prostate cancer by providing more accurate risk assessments before they undergo biopsy.

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This study looked at how effective mouthwashes are at preventing plaque buildup in the mouth. It found that chlorhexidine digluconate is the best mouthwash for this purpose, but it also has some side effects. While mouthwashes can kill some bacteria in plaque, they struggle to reach the deeper layers, and they do not stop gum disease from getting worse. Who this helps: This research helps dentists and dental care professionals make better recommendations about mouthwash use for their patients.

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This study looked at how effective mouthwashes are for preventing cavities, reducing bad breath, and relieving dry mouth. It found that fluoride mouthwashes can be helpful for children at high risk of cavities and older adults vulnerable to certain types of tooth decay. However, there's not enough strong evidence to clearly support or oppose the use of mouthwashes for bad breath. Who this helps: This research benefits patients, especially children and older adults, as well as their dentists.

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This study looked at how a specific blood marker, called glycated hemoglobin, is related to inflammation in people with type 1 diabetes who also have gum disease (periodontitis). Researchers found that patients with both conditions had higher levels of a substance called IL-8 in their blood—specifically, those with diabetes and gum disease had about 40% more IL-8 than those with just gum disease. This is important because it shows that inflammation might be a common factor between type 1 diabetes and periodontal disease, which could help improve treatment strategies for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with type 1 diabetes and gum disease, as well as their doctors.

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This study looked at the connection between certain proteins (IL-17 family cytokines) and gum disease (periodontitis). Researchers found that patients with periodontitis had higher levels of IL-17A in their blood and saliva, which was linked to worse symptoms like gum bleeding and deeper pockets between teeth, whereas IL-17E levels were lower in these patients. This is important because measuring the balance between IL-17A and IL-17E could help assess the severity of gum disease and might guide future treatments. Who this helps: This information benefits dentists and researchers focusing on treating gum disease.

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This research focused on developing a new method to create certain chemical compounds that include thiophene, which is important in fields like electronics and materials science. The study successfully produced eight different thiophene compounds using a special chemical linker, allowing for easier and more efficient synthesis. This is important because it offers a simplified way to create complex compounds that could have valuable applications. Who this helps: This helps researchers and companies in the fields of chemistry and materials science.

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This study looked at a horse that had a specific type of infection causing problems in its lower back, leading to issues like trouble controlling urination and weak muscles around the tail. The horse did not get better with treatment, and considering the likelihood of recovery for riding, the decision was made to euthanize the animal. This matters because it highlights the serious impact of certain infections on a horse's health and quality of life. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and horse owners understand the consequences of such lesions in horses.

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This study looked at how a specific urine test can help determine the risk of prostate cancer in men with high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Researchers tested urine samples from 1,312 men and found that those with a certain genetic marker (TMPRSS2:ERG fusion) had a much higher chance of having significant cancer—up to 75% in the highest-risk group. This finding is important because it can help doctors make better decisions about who needs further testing and treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those with elevated PSA levels who may face unnecessary biopsies.

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This study examined the relationship between smoking and gum health in individuals from Dunedin, New Zealand, who were followed from birth to age 32. Researchers found that nearly half of those studied (48.9%) had smoked at some point, and among current smokers, 31.5% showed significant gum damage, with smoking linked to a higher risk of losing gum attachment. Notably, two-thirds of new gum disease cases in those over 26 were due to smoking, but people who stopped smoking after 26 saw improvements in their gum health. Who this helps: This information is particularly beneficial for patients who smoke or have quit, as well as their dentists.

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This study focused on creating new chemical compounds called macrocyclic aromatic sulfide-sulfones, which are large molecules with specific shapes, like pentagons and rectangles. The researchers successfully made these compounds by chemically combining certain molecules and found two specific structures: a five-membered ring and a two-membered ring. This is important because these new materials could have applications in various fields, including medicine and technology, due to their unique properties. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and developers in materials science, potentially leading to innovations in drug delivery or electronic devices.

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This study explored a new way to create special types of plastics called copolyesters quickly and efficiently. Researchers found that by heating certain materials at high temperatures, they could produce these plastics in large quantities, achieving a molecular weight of over 25,000, which is important for their strength and effectiveness. This method can potentially simplify the production of durable plastics used in everyday items, making manufacturing faster and easier. Who this helps: Patients and industries that rely on strong, durable plastics for various applications.

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Researchers studied how certain molecules called fullerenes and oligo(phenylene ethynylene)s (OPEs) affect the way a specific type of molecule, azobenzene, changes shape when exposed to light. They found that fullerenes hinder this shape change significantly, producing a low yield of the desired shape (less than 10%), while OPEs had a smaller but still notable effect. Understanding how these interactions work is important for improving materials that rely on light-driven changes, such as in solar cells and smart materials. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and engineers developing advanced materials for energy and technology applications.

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This research looked at a type of strong plastic called poly(ether-ketone)s that usually cannot dissolve in typical solvents. The scientists found a reliable method to dissolve these plastics using a specific chemical reaction, allowing them to study their properties more easily. This is important because understanding these materials better can lead to improved applications in high-temperature environments. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and manufacturers working with high-performance plastics.

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This study explored a chemical reaction known as the Michael reaction, using a continuous flow system to mix two substances in a special setup. The researchers found that when using a particular catalyst, the final product was produced with a high purity level, achieving a specific measure of 51% in enantiomeric excess, which indicates the reaction produced one version of the molecule more than the other. This matters because it shows that this new method of conducting the reaction can match traditional methods in effectiveness while potentially being easier to use in a manufacturing setting. Who this helps: This benefits chemists and manufacturers of pharmaceuticals who are looking for efficient production methods.

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This study focused on a new urine test called the APTIMA PCA3 test, which aims to help diagnose prostate cancer by measuring specific genetic material. Researchers found that this test had a sensitivity (ability to correctly identify those with the disease) of 69% and a specificity (ability to correctly identify those without the disease) of 79% in men who were about to have a prostate biopsy. In contrast, the standard PSA test only had a specificity of 28%, highlighting the potential of the PCA3 test to improve diagnosis accuracy. Who this helps: This test benefits patients who are at risk for prostate cancer by providing a more reliable diagnostic option.

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This study focused on how a specific compound, (-)-marasin, is produced in a type of fungus called Marasmius ramealis. The researchers found that two chemical compounds were integrated into (-)-marasin without any changes to their radioactive labels, with incorporation levels of 0.8% and 4.9%. This discovery is important because it enhances our understanding of how certain natural compounds are formed in fungi, which could have implications for biochemistry and pharmaceuticals. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and pharmaceutical companies looking to create new treatments.

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This study looked at special materials called polymers that include liquid crystal parts to better understand how they form layered films. Researchers found that these polymers could create tightly packed layers, known as monolayers, that could be built up into thicker films. They discovered that the main influence on the structure of these layers comes from the polymer's backbone, rather than the additional liquid crystal parts. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and engineers working on advanced materials for electronics and optical devices.

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This study explored how radioactivity is spread in lung models using a method called autoradiography. It found that the radioactivity was not evenly distributed; specifically, some areas had higher levels than others in both the lung models and the flat sources tested. This is important because it shows that previous assumptions about the evenness of radioactivity in these models were incorrect, which can affect how doctors measure and treat lung conditions. Who this helps: Patients receiving lung treatments and the doctors who care for them.

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This study looked at how using special materials called polymer-supported reagents, catalysts, and scavengers in continuous flow systems can improve the process of making organic compounds. The researchers found that these methods lead to very high chemical yields and produce compounds with a high degree of purity. This approach also means that the materials used last longer than those in traditional methods, indicating a more efficient process for future chemical production. Who this helps: This benefits chemists and researchers developing new medicines and materials.

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This study focused on creating a new type of catalyst using alpha,alpha-diphenyl-L-prolinol, which was attached to small beads to help reduce specific chemical compounds called prochiral ketones. The researchers found that this catalyst could reliably produce secondary alcohols with a high success rate, achieving yields between 79% and 97%. Importantly, one version of the catalyst could be reused 14 times without losing its effectiveness. Who this helps: This benefits chemists and researchers working in drug development and other chemical synthesis areas.

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This research focused on creating a more durable type of catalyst to help with the reactions between aldehydes (a type of chemical compound) and dialkylzincs. The new catalysts produced alcohols in over 90% yield and achieved a level of purity (enantiomeric excess) as high as 94%. Additionally, one of these catalysts could be reused successfully nine times, showing potential for longer-lasting performance. Who this helps: This benefits chemists and industries that need efficient and sustainable methods for producing alcohols in chemical reactions.

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This study explored a new method for creating complex chemical structures using certain compounds, which resulted in various ring-shaped molecules connected by sulfur and sulfone groups. Researchers found that by altering the starting materials, they could produce different shapes and sizes of these molecules, including a highly symmetric structure that resembles a square box. These advancements are important because they can lead to new materials with unique properties for applications in medicine and technology. Who this helps: This helps researchers and scientists working on advanced materials and drug development.

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This study looked at the types and amounts of immune cells present in gum tissue from patients with adult and early onset periodontitis, a severe gum disease. Researchers found that early onset patients had more T cells than those with adult periodontitis, while adult periodontitis tissues had a higher percentage of B cells. These findings, which included significant differences such as more T cells in early onset periodontitis (less than 0.05) and more B cells in adult periodontitis (less than 0.02), highlight distinct immune responses in these conditions, which could influence treatment strategies. Who this helps: This helps dentists and healthcare providers understand periodontitis better to improve patient care.

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This study looked at the genetics of early-onset periodontitis, a severe gum disease that often starts in young people. Researchers tested DNA markers related to two important proteins, TNF and IL-10, in 77 patients and compared them to 91 healthy people. They didn’t find any significant genetic differences between the two groups, which means that the genes they studied likely don't play a big role in this disease. Who this helps: This information benefits researchers and healthcare providers in understanding the genetic factors of early-onset periodontitis.

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This study looked at how nurses can better assess patients who use alternative therapies for health improvement. It introduced a new model that helps nurses evaluate patients’ understanding of these therapies, their reasons for using them, and any associated risks. This is important because more Americans are seeking complementary treatments, and having a structured way to assess them can lead to safer care and informed decisions. Who this helps: This benefits patients seeking alternative therapies and the nurses who care for them.

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This study looked at how a hormone called procorticotrophin-releasing hormone (proCRH) behaves inside cells. Researchers found that proCRH is present both in the cells' cytoplasm and their nuclei, and cells that produced proCRH grew and multiplied faster than normal cells, showing an increase in DNA synthesis. This matters because it reveals that proCRH may play a role in stimulating cell growth, which could have implications for understanding certain tumors and hormone-related conditions. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying hormone functions and cell growth in patients with tumors or related health issues.

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This study looked at how a stress-related protein, proCRH, is processed and transported in certain nerve cell lines. Researchers developed specific cell lines that can produce different amounts of proCRH, showing that this production depends on where the gene integrates into the cell’s DNA. They found that proCRH is sent to storage spots at the ends of the cells, ready to be released when needed. Who this helps: This research helps scientists understand stress responses, which could improve treatments for patients with stress-related disorders.

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This study looked at how a new type of fluorescent polymer attaches to a specific type of glass surface. Researchers found that this polymer, which consists of two ethylene oxide sections connected by butylene oxide, forms a single-layer coating when dissolved in very low concentrations (between 0.1% and 0.005%). Understanding how this polymer interacts with surfaces is important because it could improve various applications in medical devices and materials science. Who this helps: This helps researchers and manufacturers develop better medical devices.

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This study looked at how a modified herpes virus can deliver genes that make proteins in non-dividing brain cells, specifically neurons and supporting glial cells, in a lab setting. The researchers found that between 1% to 46% of neurons expressed introduced genes, and glial cells showed between 0.5% to 98% expression, depending on the method used to infect the cells. This is important because it helps scientists understand how to effectively deliver gene therapies for brain disorders and possibly improve therapeutic strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients with brain disorders who may benefit from gene therapy treatments.