DR. TERRY R. ALLEN, M.D.

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This study looked at children aged 7 to 10 with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who participated in a specific neurofeedback program to see how brain activity patterns could predict their improvement. Researchers found that certain connections in the brain, particularly in attention networks, were good indicators of whether the children would show improvement in their symptoms, with changes in brain connectivity being noted. This is important because it could help tailor treatment plans for ADHD using brain patterns, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients. Who this helps: Children with ADHD and their doctors.

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This study looked at how measuring the density of bone in the endplate, the area where vertebrae connect, helps predict if there will be problems after a specific spine surgery called transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Researchers found that using a new measure called endplate Hounsfield Units (EP-HU) was better at predicting whether subsidence—a sinking of the bone—would occur than just measuring the trabecular or inner bone density. Specifically, if the combined score of EP-HU and vertebral Hounsfield Units was below 515, patients had a 7.82 times higher risk of subsidence, making it a key indicator for identifying those at risk. Who this helps: This helps doctors identify high-risk patients before surgery, allowing for better treatment plans.

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This study focused on improving a type of solar cell that combines perovskite materials with silicon to generate electricity more efficiently. Researchers found that by adding ammonium propionic acid to the perovskite layers, they stabilized these materials, allowing the solar cells to achieve a power conversion efficiency of 28.7%, which means they can turn almost a third of sunlight into usable energy reliably. This advancement matters because it could lead to cheaper and more effective solar energy solutions. Who this helps: This benefits consumers looking for better solar energy options and the environment by promoting cleaner energy sources.

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This study looked at the factors that lead people with chronic pain (not related to cancer) in the UK to stop taking long-term opioid medications. Among over 573,000 patients, about 5.2% discontinued their opioid use within the first year. Those more likely to stop included Asians (31% more likely), Blacks (21% more likely), non-smokers, and people living in less deprived areas, as well as those with conditions like osteoarthritis or anxiety. Who this helps: This helps patients by promoting safer ways to reduce opioid use.

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This study looked at the experiences of temporary doctors, known as locums, in the English National Health Service to understand how their working situation affects their learning and professional growth. Researchers gathered insights from 130 participants, including 88 healthcare professionals and 42 patients, and found that locums often miss out on important training and feedback, leading to a decline in their medical skills and negatively impacting the rest of the healthcare team. This is important because it highlights the need for better support for locum doctors to ensure they can keep learning and maintain high standards for patient care. Who this helps: This helps locum doctors, healthcare teams, and ultimately the patients they serve.

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This study looked at how often locum doctors, who temporarily fill in for regular doctors, are used in UK general practices from 2010 to 2022. It found that locum doctors accounted for an average of 14.9% of all consultations in 2019, which is higher than previous estimates, but their usage varies significantly across different regions in the UK. Understanding these trends is important because it can help health services address workforce challenges and improve patient care where it's needed most. Who this helps: This information benefits patients and healthcare planners in the UK.

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This study looked at the trends in gunshot injuries among children at a major pediatric trauma center over ten years, from 2013 to 2022. Researchers found that firearm injuries in kids increased nearly five times, with fatalities tripling during that period. Most victims were young males, mostly black, and many were on Medicaid or uninsured. Importantly, 67% of these injuries were due to assaults, and the rate rose significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Who this helps: This information helps healthcare providers and policymakers understand the urgent need for interventions to prevent firearm injuries in children.

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This research paper examines how racial and related inequalities affect conservation efforts, highlighting that marginalized groups, especially Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), face significant exclusion. The authors found that their interests are often overlooked when expanding protected areas or prioritizing animal lives over human needs, which can worsen existing disparities. They propose a framework for more inclusive conservation that supports human rights, empowers local communities, and promotes education for BIPOC. Who this helps: This helps BIPOC communities, conservationists, and policymakers aiming for equitable environmental practices.

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This study looked at how certain brain cells, known as oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, develop into mature cells that create myelin, a substance that insulates nerve fibers and helps the brain communicate effectively. The researchers found that this process happens consistently in different parts of the brain, which is crucial for maintaining healthy brain function. Understanding this development is important because it could lead to new treatments for conditions where myelin is damaged, like multiple sclerosis. Who this helps: This helps patients with conditions that affect myelin, like multiple sclerosis.

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This study looked at how social media stories influence the identities and memories of people living outside their home countries, especially as migration and digital media usage increase. Researchers reviewed 250 articles from 2014 to 2024, ultimately focusing on 69 important ones. They found that social media can both empower communities and help preserve cultural memories, but it can also create identity challenges and threaten cultural diversity. Who this helps: This benefits diasporic communities and researchers studying migration and identity.

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This study focused on a bacterial pathogen that has been causing severe infections in chickens. Researchers analyzed samples from 22 cases and discovered that the bacteria show different colony shapes and have high resistance to certain antibiotics, like penicillin, but are more susceptible to others, such as sulfonamides and tetracyclines. Understanding these characteristics is important because it can lead to better identification and treatment options for infected birds, helping to manage emerging health threats in poultry. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and poultry farmers.

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This study looked at the characteristics of people using Recovery Colleges in England, which are educational programs designed to help adults with mental health issues. Researchers examined 498 students and found that most were women (72.1%), with an average age of 39 years, and common challenges included mood and anxiety disorders. The findings showed that the type of Recovery College (strengths-oriented vs. community-oriented) did not significantly change the student experience, but highlighted that older adults, men, and people from diverse ethnic backgrounds may be underrepresented in these programs. Who this helps: This helps mental health professionals and organizations improve outreach to underrepresented groups in Recovery Colleges.

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This study looked at the rectus sheath block (RSB), a method used to manage pain during and after abdominal surgeries called midline laparotomies. The researchers found that RSB is effective for pain relief and has fewer complications compared to other pain management methods. This is important because better pain control can lead to quicker recovery and better overall patient outcomes following surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing midline laparotomy surgeries.

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This study looked at how NHS and independent hospitals in England work together to oversee healthcare practices. Researchers surveyed 320 senior leaders and found that while some collaboration exists, it often relies on personal relationships rather than formal processes, leading to concerns about consistent quality and safety in care. The lack of required systems for sharing important information about consultants’ practices can result in inadequate oversight and challenges in handling significant issues. Who this helps: This helps patients by aiming for safer and higher-quality care across healthcare settings.

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This study looked at the Hendra virus infections in a group of Australian black flying foxes that were moved from Queensland to a research facility in Victoria. The researchers found evidence that these flying foxes not only got infected but also experienced ongoing cycles of infection. This is important because it helps understand how the virus behaves in wildlife, which can inform measures to prevent its spread to humans and other animals. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and wildlife researchers.

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This research developed a new computer code called Stochastic-GPU, which makes it faster and easier to calculate the energy levels of very large molecules. Using this code, researchers were able to analyze silicon clusters with over 10,000 atoms, achieving very precise energy calculations in under an hour. This advancement is important because it allows scientists to study complex materials more efficiently, potentially leading to new discoveries in fields like electronics and materials science. Who this helps: Scientists and researchers working on large molecular systems.

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This research looked at how environmental factors, like pollution and social conditions, can cause changes in our DNA that may contribute to common chronic diseases. The study found that these changes, particularly in DNA methylation, are linked to health issues, and they emphasize the need for better understanding and strategies to address these environmental impacts. Improving our knowledge in this area can help create more effective prevention and treatment methods for chronic conditions. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of chronic diseases and healthcare professionals seeking better prevention strategies.

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This research focused on understanding how the environment of the photosystem II reaction center (a part of plants that helps convert light into energy) affects the energy of light-absorbing particles called excitons. The study found that when protein surroundings are included, the energy of these excitons shifts, which changes how they behave; for excitations near 680 nm, including the protein environment caused significant changes in energy levels and exciton characteristics. This matters because it enhances our capability to study complex biological systems at a detailed level, which can be important for improving energy conversion in plants. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying plant biology and energy efficiency.

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Researchers developed a new alcohol sensor system called the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) to prevent drunk driving by automatically measuring a driver's breath alcohol level without requiring them to blow into a device. In tests with 70 volunteers who consumed different amounts of alcohol, the DADSS showed a strong correlation to blood alcohol tests, scoring 0.8875 in accuracy over a range of alcohol concentrations from 0 to 220 mg/dL. This technology could significantly reduce alcohol-related traffic accidents and save lives. Who this helps: This helps everyone on the road, including drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

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This research looked at how cataract surgeries funded by the NHS in England have changed over the past ten years, especially the growing involvement of private companies in providing these surgeries. The number of NHS-funded cataract surgeries increased from about 417,000 to 650,000 between 2018 and 2023, with private providers performing more surgeries, rising from 22% to 57% of the total. While private companies have helped reduce wait times and improve efficiency, there are concerns about service quality and how contracts are managed, indicating a need for better oversight and evaluation. Who this helps: This helps patients needing cataract surgery by potentially reducing their wait times.

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This study looked at COVID-19 vaccination rates among older adults in Jefferson County, Kentucky, specifically examining how factors like disability and poverty in neighborhoods affected these rates. The vaccination rate jumped from 22.4% to 77.5% between the beginning of the vaccination rollout and May 2022, but areas with higher poverty continued to see lower vaccination rates despite some improvement in rates for those with disabilities over time. This is important because it highlights the ongoing challenges in vaccinating older adults from disadvantaged backgrounds, especially Black and Hispanic individuals, which can help tailor future health initiatives. Who this helps: This research benefits public health officials and organizations working to improve vaccination rates in vulnerable populations.

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This study looked at the accuracy of 3D-printed dental crowns compared to those made using traditional methods. The findings showed that 3D-printed crowns fit just as well as crowns made with advanced computer-aided methods, with no significant differences in how they fit around the edges or inside. However, they fit better around the edges than those made by older, conventional methods. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing dental crowns, as it suggests that 3D printing can offer a high-quality option for their dental care.

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This study tested a teaching method called Strategic and Interactive Writing Instruction (SIWI) on deaf students in grades 3-6 to see if it improved their writing skills compared to regular instruction. Out of 294 students, those who received SIWI performed better, especially in recount writing, with a notable improvement (effect size of 1.11), and they were also more motivated to write. While this study didn’t show significant changes in overall writing skills compared to previous research, the results still highlight the effectiveness of SIWI in helping deaf students. Who this helps: This helps deaf students and their teachers.

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Researchers looked into a new way to store kidneys for transplantation by keeping them at very low temperatures. They found that kidneys stored this way for up to 48 hours did not show signs of damage and functioned similarly to those stored using traditional methods, with no deaths in the study and no serious differences in kidney health indicators. This discovery is important because it could help extend the time kidneys can be preserved before surgery, which may improve organ availability for patients in need of transplants. Who this helps: This helps patients waiting for kidney transplants.

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This study examined how certain genetic variations in maize (corn) affect the levels of two important amino acids, lysine and tryptophan, during kernel development. Researchers found that maize with both the opaque2 and opaque16 genes (o2o16) contained the highest amounts of these amino acids, with lysine at 0.64% and tryptophan at 0.25%, compared to lower levels in the other genotypes. The findings are significant because they highlight genetic options for improving the nutritional content of maize, which is a staple food for many people around the world. Who this helps: This helps farmers and food producers looking to grow more nutritious maize for consumers.

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This study looked at the stiffness, or "modulus of elasticity," of whiskers from three types of mammals: the red fox, the Eurasian otter, and the grey seal. The researchers found that grey seal whiskers were the stiffest, measuring between 0.5 and 19 gigaPascals, while the red fox whiskers were the least stiff, ranging from 0.1 to 1.5 gigaPascals. Understanding the stiffness of these whiskers is important because it helps explain how these animals adapt to their environments and use their whiskers as sensory tools. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists studying animal biology and could help improve conservation efforts for these species.

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This study looked at how opioid medications are used over the long term by people in the UK with chronic pain that isn't related to cancer, focusing specifically on how many patients stopped using these drugs. From 2009 to 2019, about 11.4% of new opioid users (around 324,877 people) became long-term users, with only 4.8% of those stopping their use after a year. Despite a drop in long-term users from 2009 to 2013, numbers increased from 2015 to 2019, indicating that many patients continue to depend on opioids for pain relief, which raises concerns given the risks involved. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with chronic pain, their doctors, and policymakers.

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Researchers studied how changes in the genetic makeup of HIV-1 (specifically Clade B) affect the virus's ability to replicate, especially when faced with immune responses and drug treatments. They found that certain mutations meant to help the virus escape the immune system or resist drugs either hurt or helped its ability to infect cells, depending on the specific viral strain used. For example, one mutation drastically decreased infection rates when combined with a certain viral strain, while another combination led to higher infection rates than expected. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with HIV by improving our understanding of how the virus evolves, which can inform treatment strategies.

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This study looked at how the hepatitis C virus (HCV) spreads among people who use drugs in rural areas of the U.S., analyzing 692 blood samples. Researchers found that 29.5% of the individuals were linked in clusters where the virus spreads more easily, with these clusters differing by region—Ohio had fewer connections while New England had many. Understanding these transmission networks is important because it can help public health officials target their responses and interventions, especially in communities that need it the most. Who this helps: This helps patients and public health officials working in rural communities.

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This study looked at how COVID-19 vaccine enforcement worked in two areas of Uganda: a rural region called Dei and a town called Gulu. It found that in Dei, 77% of people reported getting vaccinated, compared to only 46% in Gulu, partly because the military enforced vaccinations more strictly in Dei, whereas Gulu saw attempts to ease people's worries about vaccines. However, high vaccination numbers in Dei may not have effectively impacted the COVID-19 outbreak, and both areas experienced mistrust towards the government, which could undermine future vaccination efforts. Who this helps: This research helps public health officials and policymakers who are working on vaccination strategies.

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This study looked at a method for diagnosing a viral disease called inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) in chickens, which has been a growing issue globally. Researchers compared two ways to identify the disease in 54 chickens and found that the impression smear method showed 94% agreement with the more traditional histopathology method for positive results and 90% for negative results. This is important because it allows for quicker and cheaper preliminary diagnoses, helping veterinarians respond faster in situations where lab testing might take longer. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and poultry farmers who need quick diagnoses to manage the health of their chickens effectively.

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This study focused on improving a complex method used in physics and material science to better understand how molecules interact with light. The researchers developed a new way to calculate a specific component—known as the "attenuated exchange kernel"—which allows for accurate predictions of molecular behavior with only seven parameters. This new approach achieved an accuracy level similar to more advanced methods, reducing errors to about 0.1 eV, and is faster and more efficient than previous techniques. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and scientists working in fields like chemistry and materials science, as well as those developing new technologies based on molecular interactions.

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This study looked at the public health response in North Queensland, Australia, during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing serious weaknesses in how health issues are monitored and addressed. Researchers interviewed 47 people and found that health services often underfunded preventative measures, with some health units allocating only 0.1% of their budgets for prevention. They also discovered that fragmented data systems and a lack of accountability made it hard to coordinate responses to diseases effectively. This matters because fixing these problems could lead to a much stronger health response for infectious diseases in the future. Who this helps: This helps patients and public health officials by improving disease prevention and response efforts.

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This study looked at the challenges faced by locum doctors, who work temporary positions in healthcare, and how their status affects their performance and treatment by healthcare organizations. Researchers interviewed 88 people, including locums and permanent staff, finding that locums often feel mistrusted and blamed for problems, leading to unresolved issues that can harm patient care. The findings highlight the need for better integration of locum doctors within healthcare systems to improve patient safety and support the locums' professional identities. Who this helps: This helps patients, healthcare organizations, and locum doctors.

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This research looked at a new way to analyze how molecules absorb light, using a combination of two different mathematical tools. The new method made the calculations quicker and more efficient, often requiring 2 to 3 times fewer individual molecular states to achieve accurate results. This is important because it allows scientists to better understand the light-absorbing properties of complex molecules without needing as much computational power. Who this helps: This benefits researchers studying materials for solar energy, pharmaceuticals, and other applications involving light interactions.

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This study looked at a new type of material that can change its stiffness and properties when controlled with electricity and heat. The researchers found that this material can significantly increase pressure by up to 100% between different sections while also allowing certain areas to have no pressure at all. This technology is important because it could improve how robotic hands grip objects and enhance various medical devices. Who this helps: This helps engineers, doctors, and patients using advanced robotics and medical technology.

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This study looked at the link between sexting and depression in young people aged 11 to 18 in rural South Carolina, where mental health issues are particularly high. Researchers found that over 50% of the teens screened had engaged in sexting, and more than 40% of those who sexted also showed signs of depression. By training healthcare providers to talk about these topics and screen for them, the study aims to identify and treat mental health issues earlier, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for adolescents. Who this helps: This helps adolescents and their families by improving mental health care in their communities.

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This study examined how communities in Townsville, Australia, engage in managing Aedes mosquitoes, which can spread diseases like dengue. Researchers found that various strategies were used, including media campaigns and community involvement in mosquito control, and that choices were influenced by regulations, leadership beliefs, and available resources. Understanding these approaches and the challenges involved is important for improving future efforts to prevent mosquito-borne diseases, especially as risks increase in similar areas. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials, community members, and local governments involved in disease management.

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This study looked at how bone quality changes after a specific type of neck surgery called posterior cervical fusion, which combines several vertebrae in the neck. Researchers found that, on average, the bone quality (measured in Hounsfield Units) decreased significantly in certain parts of the cervical spine after surgery, especially at the C6 vertebra, where the drop was around 52.63 units. These changes can predict complications like improper healing of the spine (pseudoarthrosis) and changes in spinal alignment, which are important to consider for improving patient recovery and outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing cervical spine surgery.

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This study looked at how early brain activity affects the development of oligodendrocytes, cells that create a protective covering for nerve fibers. Researchers found that when neurons are active early on, it prevents oligodendrocytes from maturing properly; however, when activity is reduced, it allows these cells to mature. Specifically, changes in brain activity led to increased expression of specific genes related to cell development. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists studying brain development and could inform approaches to treat developmental disorders in children.

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This study looked at how different types of spinal surgeries (short versus long fusions) affect patients with Parkinson's disease. Researchers compared 92 patients and found that short fusion surgeries, while mostly used for radiculopathy (nerve pain), resulted in more complications like screw loosening and other issues compared to long fusion surgeries, which were more appropriate for spinal deformities. Both types of surgery had similar rates of serious complications and re-operations, meaning that while they have different risks, both approaches can be safely used if chosen carefully. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Parkinson's disease who require spinal surgery, as well as their doctors in making informed treatment decisions.

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This study looked at how much running soccer players do and the number of games they play in a short time in the English Premier League from 2015 to 2025. Researchers found that players have been running significantly more overall, with high-intensity running distances increasing by around 1,600 meters per season and congested match minutes also rising. This is important because it raises concerns about player health, especially for top teams that face even more demanding schedules. Who this helps: This helps players, coaches, and sports doctors better manage player health and performance.

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This study looked at patients with Parkinson's disease who underwent surgery to fuse the bones in their lower back, specifically to see how many developed a condition called pseudoarthrosis, where the bones don't heal properly. Out of 59 patients, 27% experienced pseudoarthrosis, which was linked to factors like loosening of the screws used in the surgery, higher rates of death after surgery, and conditions like essential tremor. Understanding these risks is important because it helps doctors improve care and outcomes for Parkinson's patients undergoing spinal surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients with Parkinson's disease and their doctors better manage surgical risks.

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This study focused on a disease in chickens called white chick syndrome (WCS), which reduces the number of healthy chicks that hatch. Researchers created a vaccine to boost the immune response against the virus causing WCS and tested it on chickens. They found that while traditional tests did not show antibody presence in vaccinated birds, a different method indicated that the vaccine was effective in stimulating an immune response. Who this helps: This helps poultry farmers and breeders by potentially providing a way to control WCS and improve chick viability.

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This study looked at how changes in sex chromosomes (X and Y) affect gene expression in different types of tumors. Researchers found that about 50% of tumors showed a loss of one or both sex chromosomes, leading to worse survival rates for patients, especially for those with tumor types that lost the X or Y chromosome. For example, patients with tumors that had lost the X chromosome had poorer outcomes than those whose tumors retained their sex chromosome. Who this helps: This benefits patients by highlighting the importance of considering sex chromosome status in cancer treatment and prognosis.

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This study looked at how race, ethnicity, and other social factors affected COVID-19 vaccination rates in Jefferson County, Kentucky. By May 2021, the percentage of people fully vaccinated varied significantly, with only 25.9% in the West area and 57.0% in the Inner East area. By May 2022, these numbers improved to 46.2% and 73.9%, respectively, but still showed a gap: 66.4% of white residents were fully vaccinated compared to only 45.7% of Black residents and 43.9% of Hispanic residents. These findings highlight how social and economic inequalities affect vaccine access and uptake. Who this helps: This study benefits public health officials and community organizations working to increase vaccine access for underserved populations.

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This research focused on developing new inhibitors that target a specific protein (UBE2D) linked to the way cells manage protein levels. The scientists found that using these inhibitors in HeLa cells made the cells more sensitive to the chemotherapy drug cisplatin, resulting in about 20% more of certain proteins being present without changes in their genetic blueprints. This matters because it helps us understand how UBE2D affects protein regulation in cells, which can lead to better cancer treatments. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients by improving our understanding of drug responses.