DR. TIMOTHY D. JACKSON, MD, SA-C

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This study looked at eating disorders among school-aged adolescents, focusing on kids aged 11 to 18. It found that 20.7% of students had serious eating disorder issues, and almost 90% of them also faced other mental health problems like mood issues or body dissatisfaction. These findings reveal that eating disorders affect a diverse group of teens, not just the stereotypical "white female," showing a clear need for better mental health support and treatment options for all adolescents. Who this helps: This helps adolescents struggling with eating disorders and their mental health.

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This research focused on creating a partnership between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) to improve pharmacy education. The partnership, called the HBCU/PBI Pharmacy Collaborative, offers resources and support through workshops and mentoring, resulting in increased faculty skills and better student performance. This matters because it helps close the educational and health care gaps faced by these institutions and enhances the overall quality of pharmacy education. Who this helps: This benefits students and faculty at HBCUs and PBIs, as well as the communities they serve.

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This study looked at how a digital therapy program helped employees improve their sleep and manage their emotions. Twenty-one participants shared their experiences, and they reported that better sleep led to better overall wellbeing, highlighting the importance of having both therapy sessions and digital content, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was successful in helping employees make positive changes, suggesting that keeping in touch with therapists was key for achieving those improvements. Who this helps: This benefits employees struggling with sleep and mental health issues.

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This study looked at how problems like air pollution and carbon emissions affect health, particularly focusing on deaths and years lived with disability. It used data from 145 countries between 2009 and 2017 and found that exposure to air pollution is strongly linked to higher death rates and health issues. Although better healthcare systems can help reduce some of these risks, they can't fully protect against the long-term damage caused by carbon emissions, highlighting the need for both healthcare improvements and stricter pollution regulations. Who this helps: This helps patients and public health policymakers.

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This study looked at how different land-use strategies, specifically land-sparing (keeping some land free) and land-sharing (using land for both agriculture and nature), can be effectively combined across different regions in Great Britain. The researchers tested over 1.79 trillion different land-use scenarios and found that a balanced approach led to improvements, including a 9.7% increase in calories from livestock and a 5.2% increase in crop calories, while also reducing harmful nutrient losses by nearly 12%. This is important because it shows that tailored land-use strategies that consider local characteristics can improve both food production and environmental health better than a one-size-fits-all approach. Who this helps: This benefits farmers, policymakers, and environmental planners.

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This study looked at whether cognitive function and depression symptoms affect the risk of developing cancer in middle-aged and older adults in China. Among nearly 16,500 participants followed for about 9 years, 244 were diagnosed with cancer. It found that people with lower cognitive abilities and higher levels of specific depression symptoms, like somatic retardation, had a greater risk of developing cancer, with those showing lower cognitive scores being 31% less likely to develop cancer and those with higher depressive symptoms being 34% more likely. Who this helps: This research benefits patients by highlighting the importance of mental health and cognitive function in cancer prevention.

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This study looked at a new technology called intrinsic antitachycardia pacing (iATP), which aims to stop certain fast heart rhythms (called monomorphic ventricular tachycardia or MVT) without needing painful defibrillator shocks. Researchers followed 1,875 patients and found that iATP successfully stopped 89.7% of MVT episodes that occur quickly, which is much higher than the standard method. This is important because it means patients can avoid unnecessary shocks, leading to a safer and more effective treatment option for heart rhythm issues. Who this helps: This helps patients with implantable defibrillators who experience rapid heart rhythms.

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This research reviewed literature from 2009 to 2022 about people's opinions and attitudes toward genetic newborn screening (gNBS) for rare diseases. Researchers found that while most respondents support gNBS due to its potential for early intervention and better health outcomes, there are significant concerns about false results and the associated stress, as well as a lack of understanding about the process. This matters because addressing these barriers could lead to more effective implementation of gNBS, helping to improve care for newborns with rare diseases. Who this helps: Families with newborns diagnosed with rare diseases.

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This research looked at how to involve patients and the public in using health data to improve disease detection, using the Scottish Collaborative Optometry-Ophthalmology Network as a case study. The authors found that while involving public voices is important, there are several challenges—like unclear definitions and inconsistent involvement—making it hard to integrate their input into large research projects effectively. Understanding these challenges helps to create better methods for including patient perspectives, ultimately improving health research and making it more relevant to those it affects. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by making health research more aligned with their needs and experiences.

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This study looked at depression in older adults in China over eight years, analyzing data from nearly 1,400 people. Researchers found that symptoms such as "restless sleep" and "could not get going" were key indicators of depression, with depression rates rising consistently during the study. Understanding which symptoms are most influential can help professionals better prevent and treat depression in older adults, improving their quality of life. Who this helps: This helps older adults dealing with depression, as well as doctors and healthcare providers working with this group.

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This study reviewed a collection of research on sleep-related symptoms to find the most common issues people face when it comes to sleep health. It looked at 23 studies with over 84,000 participants and identified key problems like "difficulty staying asleep," which ranked as the top issue, followed by distress from sleep troubles and how these issues affect daily life. Understanding these central symptoms can help create better treatments and guidance for those with sleep problems. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from sleep disorders.

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This study looked at how stressful childhood experiences, like threats or deprivation, affect the risk of heart disease later in life. Researchers followed nearly 14,000 people for nine years and found that over 19% developed cardiovascular disease, including heart disease or stroke. People who experienced these adverse childhood events had a higher risk of heart problems, with those experiencing threats being particularly at risk for stroke. Who this helps: Patients with a history of adverse childhood experiences.

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This study looked at how well medical cannabis (MC) works for people dealing with chronic pain, sleep issues, anxiety, and depression over six months. The researchers found that after 24 weeks, patients experienced a reduction in pain interference (by 4.6 points), pain scores (by 1.19 points), anxiety (by 2.24 points), and depression (by 2.79 points), as well as an improvement in quality of life (by 0.56 points). These results suggest that while many patients with pain are using MC, more research is needed to better understand how to treat different conditions effectively with cannabis. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking relief from chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.

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Researchers created a new computer tool to help doctors choose the right antibiotics for patients undergoing surgery, aiming to prevent infections. After using this tool at a large hospital network, the appropriate use of antibiotics jumped from 77% to 92.5%, and the rate of surgical site infections (SSIs) significantly decreased. This improvement is important because it means patients are receiving better care and have a lower risk of infections after surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing surgery, as well as doctors looking to provide optimal care.

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This study looked at whether a program called MAINTAIN could help people with dementia regain their independence after they experience a fall. They found that 89% of participants attended most of the therapy sessions, and 84% consented to be part of the study, showing that the program was well-received and feasible for future testing. This matters because it suggests that there is a good chance the MAINTAIN intervention could be effective in improving the lives of older adults with dementia after a fall. Who this helps: Patients with dementia who have recently fallen and their caregivers.

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This study analyzed how breast cancer affects the quality of life (QoL) for survivors compared to women without breast cancer. It looked at 36 studies with nearly 30,000 participants and found that breast cancer survivors reported significant challenges, showing lower scores in physical health (a moderate effect size of -0.52) and more issues with insomnia (an effect size of 0.80) and financial problems (0.77). These findings highlight the need for targeted support to help improve both physical and emotional well-being for breast cancer survivors. Who this helps: This helps breast cancer survivors and healthcare providers looking to improve post-treatment support.

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This study examined how specialized cells in the gut can change back into more basic stem-like cells when the gut is injured. Researchers found that after injury, these mature cells showed increased signs of cell breakdown and regeneration, with one key finding being that 100% of the damaged cells recruited new stem-like cells to help repair tissue. This is important because it sheds light on how the body can heal itself after gut injuries, which could lead to better treatments for related health issues. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from gut injuries and diseases.

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This study looked at how loneliness affects the risk of death over ten years for U.S. adults aged 50 and older, using data from over 6,800 participants. It found that those with higher loneliness scores had a greater risk of dying, with those feeling very lonely having a 55% higher risk of death than those who felt less lonely, especially among women with heart conditions. This is important because addressing loneliness could save lives, particularly in older adults with existing health issues. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially older adults with chronic conditions, and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how common depression is among older adults in five countries: China, the UK, the US, India, and Mexico. It found that 18.9% of older adults experience depressive symptoms, with key signs including feelings of sadness, lack of happiness, and loneliness. Understanding these symptoms helps in creating targeted treatments that could improve the well-being of older adults facing depression. Who this helps: This helps older adults dealing with depression and the healthcare professionals who support them.

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This study looked at how executive functions (like planning and monitoring) relate to everyday challenges faced by children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Researchers examined 225 children and found that issues with self-concept were the most common functional impairment, affecting about 15% of the group, while risky behaviors were least common, affecting only 0.4%. The findings show that improving skills in planning and monitoring may significantly help children with ADHD by reducing their functional impairments. Who this helps: This helps children with ADHD and their families.

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This study looked at over 205,000 hospital admissions for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) between 2000 and 2019. Researchers found that the death rate for these patients decreased during the early years (2000-2015) but started to increase from 2015 to 2019, rising by about 5% each year. This trend is concerning because it indicates that while patient care improved initially, the growing number of complex cases has made outcomes worse in recent years. Who this helps: This information is crucial for doctors treating ARDS patients, as it highlights the need for improved care strategies for those with more serious conditions.

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This study looked at how people with sickle cell disease (SCD) in the U.S. manage their diets and what affects their food choices. Researchers found that 47 adults faced challenges like limited access to healthy foods due to economic issues, with many living in low-income areas. Better access to nutritious foods, personalized dietary plans, and support from healthcare providers could help improve their health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps adults with sickle cell disease.

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This study looked at the trade of songbirds in Indonesia and found that many birds suffer significant harm during this process. They observed issues like overcrowding, suffocation, and even death, with the worst treatment often happening during transportation and at trade points, although popular species received better care due to their high demand. Understanding these issues is crucial for improving the welfare of these birds and addressing the cultural and social factors influencing the trade. Who this helps: This helps animal welfare advocates and policymakers focused on wildlife trade.

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This study looked at how a special ultrasound technique can analyze the structure of tendons, especially as it changes with age and diabetes. Researchers found that tendons from older mice and young mice with diabetes showed weaker ultrasound signals and more disorganization compared to younger, healthy mice. This matters because it suggests that this ultrasound method can non-invasively track tendon health, which could help identify problems earlier. Who this helps: Patients with diabetes and age-related tendon issues.

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This study looked at how depression and cognitive issues are related in older adults in India. Out of over 29,000 participants aged 60 and older, about 27% had depression, and 15.5% had cognitive impairment. Key symptoms like feeling depressed and having trouble focusing were found to link depression with cognitive problems, which could help in creating better treatments for these conditions. Who this helps: This benefits older adults dealing with depression and cognitive impairment.

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This study looked at how the insecticide emamectin benzoate affects proteins in brain cells taken from rats over twelve days. Researchers found that, at a high dose, 241 proteins changed significantly, with 85 proteins decreasing and 20 increasing after long exposure. These changes are important because they relate to brain development and function, which can help understand how certain chemicals might harm the nervous system. Who this helps: This information benefits researchers and health regulators in evaluating the safety of chemicals.

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This study looked at how patients in the UK with multiple long-term health conditions feel about using artificial intelligence (AI) to help make decisions with their doctors. Researchers interviewed 29 patients and found that many see benefits in AI, such as faster and more accurate consultations, better information access, and earlier detection of health changes. However, they also raised concerns about losing personal connections with healthcare providers, data privacy, and the fairness of AI systems. Who this helps: This benefits patients with multiple health conditions and their doctors by potentially improving coordination and personalization of care.

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This study looked at a new imaging technique to better observe how cAMP signals work inside cells over time and in three dimensions. Researchers combined advanced imaging technology and analysis methods to get clearer pictures of how these signals are distributed, finding that their approach effectively tracked these signals in five different ways (2D space, color, and time). This is important because understanding cAMP signals can lead to better insights into various cellular functions, which could help in developing treatments for conditions related to cell signaling. Who this helps: This helps researchers and scientists studying cellular functions and diseases.

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This study focused on creating a simple tool called the Homeless Outreach Behavioral Screen (HOBS) to help outreach workers identify homeless individuals in need of mental health support. The researchers tested this tool on 649 unsheltered individuals in Los Angeles and found that for each additional area of difficulty identified, there was an 8.7 times higher chance that the person would benefit from mental health services. This is important because it can help outreach workers recognize who needs additional support, making it easier for people experiencing homelessness to get the help they need. Who this helps: This helps homeless individuals who may require mental health services.

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This study focused on understanding how medulloblastoma, a serious type of brain cancer in children, resists treatment and grows in a way that evades the immune system. By analyzing data from 140 patients, researchers found that the tumor environment becomes more suppressive and less responsive to the immune system during relapse. They identified a specific interaction between two molecules, MIF and CD74, that plays a key role in this process, suggesting that targeting this interaction could improve treatment options. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with relapsed medulloblastoma by potentially leading to new therapies.

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Researchers looked at the genetic factors involved in early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) by studying late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) genetic risk. They found that while the genetic risk scores were higher in both types of Alzheimer's, they didn't actually predict how early the disease started or how well someone performed on cognitive tests. However, they did see that higher LOAD genetic scores were linked to changes in brain imaging and certain protein levels in the brain, which could point to a role of these genetic factors in how EOAD progresses. Who this helps: This research helps doctors and researchers better understand the genetics of Alzheimer's, which could lead to improved treatments for patients.

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This study looked at the use of high doses or long-term treatments with oral glucocorticoids (OGCs), which are medications often prescribed for various chronic inflammatory conditions. It found that OGCs are used for 47 different health issues across many medical fields, with potential harmful effects noted in 100 reviews—like 30 gastrointestinal issues and 21 musculoskeletal problems. Understanding these patterns and risks is crucial for improving patient safety and quality of life when using these powerful drugs. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic inflammatory conditions and their doctors.

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This study explored the experiences of racially diverse patients five years after undergoing weight-loss surgery, known as bariatric surgery. Researchers interviewed 68 patients from various racial and ethnic backgrounds and found that, while most shared similar experiences, those who identified as Black, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, or American Indian/Alaskan Native were more likely to worry about losing too much weight compared to White patients. This matters because it shows the need for healthcare providers to understand different cultural perspectives on weight loss and to offer long-term support to all patients after surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

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This study focuses on improving how scientists understand the effects of different parameters in agent-based models, which are tools used to simulate complex systems like disease spread or social behavior. The researchers developed a new method that makes it easier and faster to see how changes in model parameters impact the results. This is important because it allows for better predictions and decision-making in various fields, such as public health. Who this helps: This helps researchers and public health officials.

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This study looked at how diabetes care is provided to people experiencing homelessness in the UK. Researchers found that 57% of healthcare professionals rated the diabetes outcomes for this group as poor, and 66% reported higher rates of amputations and vision loss compared to the general population. By developing the Integrated Holistic Diabetes Care Model for Homelessness, which focuses on outreach and better coordination among services, the study aims to improve diabetes management and health outcomes for those affected. Who this helps: This benefits patients experiencing homelessness and the healthcare professionals working with them.

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This study looked at how depression and cognitive decline are linked to each other and to the quality of life in older adults with high blood pressure. Out of nearly 4,700 participants, 28.5% were found to be depressed, and 19.9% had cognitive impairment. Key symptoms like feeling depressed and language difficulties were identified as central issues, while problems with sleep and feelings of hopelessness had the biggest negative impact on quality of life. Addressing these issues could lead to better mental and cognitive health for older adults with hypertension. Who this helps: This helps older adults with high blood pressure and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how to treat a serious complication called staple line leak that can happen after a type of weight-loss surgery called sleeve gastrectomy. Researchers treated a 37-year-old woman who developed this leak after her surgery by using a combination of endoscopic suturing and a stent to close the defect. After the treatment, she had no further leaks and was feeling good about her health and weight loss. Who this helps: This benefits patients who undergo sleeve gastrectomy and may face complications afterward.

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This study looked at how well erythema, or redness of the skin, is diagnosed in people with different skin tones, particularly darker skin. It found that current diagnostic tools tend to overlook redness in individuals with darker skin, leading to misdiagnosis or missed diagnoses, especially for those with skin types IV to VI. Updating assessment methods and training to better recognize inflammation in all skin tones is important for providing fair dermatological care. Who this helps: This benefits patients with darker skin tones who seek accurate diagnoses for their skin conditions.

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This study looked at how seven specific mutations in a protein called NTCP, which the hepatitis B virus (HBV) uses to enter liver cells, affect the virus’s ability to infect these cells. Researchers found that two mutations, V160M and S267F, significantly weakened the protein's stability and its ability to bind to HBV, possibly helping some people resist infection. The findings enhance our understanding of how these mutations can influence susceptibility to HBV and suggest new avenues for treatment. Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk for hepatitis B and doctors looking for effective treatments.

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This study looks at ways to improve computer models that simulate biological systems, which can be very complex and resource-heavy. The authors found that using surrogate models makes it easier to analyze these systems without needing as much computer power, which could speed up research processes significantly. For example, these new methods can make it easier to estimate important parameters and deal with uncertainties in the models. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and scientists working in biology and medicine, making their simulations more efficient and accessible.

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This study looked at the pregnancy outcomes of adolescent and young adult mothers in Texas from 2015 to 2022, specifically comparing the time before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. It found that deliveries among these mothers decreased by about 50%, from 46,112 before the pandemic to 32,913 during it. Additionally, there was a shift in demographics: more Hispanic and White mothers gave birth during the pandemic, while there were fewer cases of obesity among mothers but an increase in tobacco use and certain complications like asthma and postpartum bleeding. Who this helps: This information is valuable for healthcare providers working with young mothers and public health officials planning for future crises.

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This study looked into a serious food poisoning outbreak in Montana that affected 51 people after they ate raw morel mushrooms imported from China. Out of those, three were hospitalized and two died, which underscores the dangers of eating these mushrooms when they are not cooked properly. The findings stress the importance of cooking morel mushrooms thoroughly to reduce harmful toxins and ensure food safety. Who this helps: This information benefits consumers and restaurant owners by promoting safer food practices.

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This study focused on improving cancer research at Florida A&M University, a Historically Black University, by creating a repository for patient-derived cancer models, specifically for pancreatic cancer. Researchers successfully implanted and grew tumors from two patients in laboratory mice, achieving a success rate of tumor growth that ranged from 50% to 80% across different generations of mice. This research is significant because it enhances access to vital cancer study tools at HBCUs and trains the next generation of scientists in important cancer research techniques. Who this helps: Patients and researchers in the field of oncology.

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Researchers studied how doctors and healthcare professionals in England view a new AI tool designed to help them prescribe medication for patients with multiple long-term health conditions. They found that the tool seemed beneficial as an easy-to-use addition to current guidelines, but there were concerns about how it would integrate with existing systems and affect communication with patients. This matters because improving prescription practices can lead to better health outcomes for patients with complex medical needs. Who this helps: This helps patients with multiple long-term conditions, as well as their healthcare providers.