Dr. Perry studies cognitive function in adults with cerebral palsy, examining how they think and learn, with a goal of improving their assessment and care. His research also delves into the importance of cognitive reserve—factors related to maintaining thinking abilities as people age, such as education and social connections. Additionally, he investigates health screening for severe mental illnesses, the effectiveness of antipsychotic medications in women, and asthma treatment options. Dr. Perry's work not only addresses mental health but also evaluates lifestyle impacts on overall well-being.
Key findings
In adults with cerebral palsy, cognitive difficulties were noted in planning, visual skills, and memory, with those having severe motor issues scoring lower on tests.
Higher education levels were linked to a better cognitive reserve, explaining 11% of the variation in cognitive health among aging adults.
In South Asia, screening rates for hypertension were only 52.5% in Bangladesh and 43.1% in India for individuals with severe mental illness, showing significant gaps in health care.
Budesonide-formoterol reduced airway inflammation by 18.5% in asthma patients, more effectively than terbutaline, suggesting it as a better treatment option.
Pediatric residents who participated in autism evaluations showed significant improvements in their confidence in screening and diagnosis after training.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Perry study cognitive health?
Yes, he focuses on cognitive function, particularly in adults with cerebral palsy and factors that enhance cognitive reserve as people age.
What treatments has Dr. Perry researched?
He has researched various treatments, including antipsychotic medications for women experiencing psychosis and asthma medications.
Is Dr. Perry's work relevant to patients with mental illness?
Absolutely, his studies highlight the need for better screening for non-communicable diseases in patients with severe mental illness.
How does exercise relate to Dr. Perry's research?
He explores how different types of exercise affect blood pressure and health outcomes, suggesting that high-intensity workouts can help mitigate issues like post-exercise dizziness.
What are some diseases Dr. Perry is working to treat?
He is researching treatments for conditions like mycetoma and Chagas disease, among others.
Publications in plain English
High-intensity exercise training mitigates post-exercise orthostatic hypotension in men.
2026
European journal of applied physiology
Lei TH, Li HY, Goulding RP, Wang F, Amano T +5 more
Plain English This study looked at how high-intensity exercise training affects low blood pressure after exercise in eleven healthy men. After two weeks of training, the men had less of a drop in their blood pressure when standing up after exercising, showing a significant reduction in blood pressure changes compared to their condition before training. This is important because it suggests that regular high-intensity workouts can help prevent dizziness and fainting after exercising.
Who this helps: This helps patients and athletes who may experience low blood pressure after exercise.
Exercise Above Critical Power Elicits Greater Post-Exercise Hypotension than Heavy Exercise Performed to Task Failure.
2026
Medicine and science in sports and exercise
Lei TH, Bai SJ, Perry B, Mündel T, Kondo N +4 more
Plain English This study looked at how different types of exercise affect blood pressure after working out. Researchers found that doing intense exercise for a shorter time (like 6 or 12 minutes) caused a bigger drop in blood pressure afterward compared to longer, heavier exercises. Specifically, the blood pressure dropped by about 12.9 mmHg after 6 minutes of intense exercise versus only 9.4 mmHg after the heavier workout. This is important because understanding how different exercise intensities impact blood pressure can help improve recovery strategies for people after workouts.
Who this helps: This helps patients and fitness professionals who want to optimize their exercise routines for better recovery.
Clinical Practice Guideline on the Choice of First Antipsychotic Medicine for Females Experiencing a First-Episode of Psychosis.
2026
Schizophrenia bulletin
Hynes-Ryan C, Keating D, Carolan A, Brand B, Dazzan P +13 more
Plain English The study focused on creating guidelines for choosing the best first medication for women experiencing their first episode of psychosis. It found that certain antipsychotic medications, like aripiprazole, are better options for women because they have lower risks of side effects like increased prolactin levels and weight gain, which can affect women's health significantly. These guidelines aim to improve treatment experiences and outcomes for women by ensuring their specific health needs are considered.
Who this helps: This helps women experiencing their first episode of psychosis, their doctors, and healthcare providers.
People with severe mental illness have low rates of screening for non-communicable diseases: Findings of a multi-country cross-sectional study in South Asia.
2026
Global mental health (Cambridge, England)
Appuhamy KK, Wiggins F, Mitchell A, Uddin Ahmed H, Ashworth M +14 more
Plain English Researchers studied how often people with severe mental illness (SMI) in South Asia are screened for serious diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. They found that screening rates were low: for hypertension, Bangladesh had a 52.5% screening rate, India 43.1%, and Pakistan 60.9%, while cholesterol screening was as low as 4.1% in Bangladesh. This matters because people with SMI are at greater risk for early death due to these diseases, and better screening could help improve their health outcomes.
Who this helps: Patients with severe mental illness.
Factors related to cognitive reserve: a comparative analysis of education, occupation, lifestyle, and social network factors based on brain measures.
2026
The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences
Sun H, Perry B
Plain English This study looked at how factors like education, job complexity, lifestyle, and social connections affect cognitive reserve (CR), which helps people maintain their thinking abilities as they age. It found that higher education levels were strongly linked to better CR. Specifically, education accounted for about 11% of the CR variation, and having a diverse social network further supported cognitive performance. This is important because improving one's education and social connections may help maintain mental abilities longer, which is crucial for aging adults.
Who this helps: This helps older adults and caregivers looking to maintain cognitive health.
Cognition in adults with cerebral palsy: A systematic review.
2026
Developmental medicine and child neurology
Baduni K, Perry B, Warschausky S, Maitre NL,
Plain English This study looked at how adults with cerebral palsy (CP) think and learn. Researchers reviewed 30 studies involving about 1,150 adults with CP and found that many have difficulties with tasks like planning, visual skills, and memory. They discovered that while cognitive abilities seem stable from late adolescence to mid-adulthood, those with more severe motor issues tend to score lower on cognitive tests.
Who this helps: This benefits adults with cerebral palsy and their healthcare providers by highlighting the need for better cognitive assessments and interventions tailored to their needs.
Budesonide-formoterol versus terbutaline reliever in adults with asthma using maintenance inhaled corticosteroids in New Zealand (INFORM ASTHMA): an open-label, parallel-group, randomised, controlled, phase 4 trial.
2026
The Lancet. Respiratory medicine
Noble JH, Bean O, Perry M, Sayers R, Cullen R +12 more
Plain English This study compared two asthma relief treatments—budesonide-formoterol and terbutaline—among adults already using inhaled corticosteroids. Researchers found that after 26 weeks, those using budesonide-formoterol had a 18.5% greater reduction in airway inflammation, measured by a specific lung test, compared to those using terbutaline. This is important because it indicates that budesonide-formoterol is a safer and more effective option for asthma management.
Who this helps: This benefits adults with asthma who are already taking inhaled corticosteroids.
Plain English This study looked at how open pedagogy—an educational approach that supports accessible and equitable learning—works in a digital nursing education program at a Canadian university. It found that factors like the ability of nurse educators to design courses and the structure of the university play important roles in making this teaching method successful. Understanding these elements is crucial because they can help improve nursing education by making it more accessible and better for students.
Who this helps: This benefits nursing students and educators.
Arthroscopic Shoulder Simulation Studies Reveal Improvements in Performance Metrics Without Proven Transferability to the Operating Room: A Systematic Review.
2025
Arthroscopy : the journal of arthroscopic & related surgery : official publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association
DeClercq MG, Pfennig MT, Gannon J, Oshikoya O, Perry B +2 more
Plain English This research reviewed how effective shoulder arthroscopy simulation training is for orthopedic surgery trainees. The study found that trainees became faster at completing tasks, with time reductions of 13 to 439 seconds before training, dropping to 8 to 253 seconds afterward. Performance scores also improved, with many studies showing increases, but the researchers noted that just because trainees get better in simulations, it doesn’t mean these skills transfer to actual surgery.
Who this helps: This helps orthopedic surgery trainees and their instructors improve training methods.
Ten-year follow-up after face transplantation-A single-center retrospective cohort study.
2025
American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons
Huelsboemer L, Kauke-Navarro M, Boroumand S, Parikh N, Hosseini H +10 more
Plain English This study looked at the long-term results of face transplants in 9 patients over ten years. They found that 40% of the face transplants showed signs of rejection, but two-thirds of the patients experienced improved sensation and all showed better facial expressions, with over half maintaining or improving their speech quality. These findings are important as they show that face transplantation can lead to significant functional improvements despite some complications.
Who this helps: This helps patients who have severe facial deformities and may need reconstructive surgery.
Implementation of an adherence pharmacy referral protocol for patients taking sacubitril/valsartan.
2025
Journal of managed care & specialty pharmacy
Perry B, Jakab J, Robinson B, McElhaney E, Fallon J +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how well pharmacy staff at Cleveland Clinic followed a new procedure for managing prescriptions of a heart medication called sacubitril/valsartan. It found that 86% of the prescriptions were properly screened according to the new protocol. Out of the patients screened, about 42% received help with insurance approvals, 13% obtained assistance with copay costs, and nearly 18% were enrolled in funding programs, showing significant support for patients in managing medication costs and access.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with heart failure who need affordable access to essential medications.
Multi-level encoding of reward, effort, and choice across the frontal cortex and basal ganglia during cost-benefit decision-making.
2025
Cell reports
Härmson O, Grennan I, Perry B, Toth R, McNamara CG +5 more
Plain English This study looked at how brain cells in rats work together to make decisions by weighing the rewards of an action against the effort it requires. Researchers found that specific groups of neurons in different brain areas can represent the same decision-making information, even if those neurons individually respond differently. This coordination helps the brain efficiently process complex decisions about rewards and effort, which is important for understanding how choices are made.
Who this helps: This helps researchers studying decision-making in both animals and humans.
Prevalence, impact and management strategies for dysmenorrhea in Aotearoa New Zealand: a scoping review.
2025
The New Zealand medical journal
Black M, Perry B, Walton M, Semprini A, Armour M
Plain English This study looked at how common and severe menstrual pain, known as dysmenorrhea, is in Aotearoa New Zealand, especially among different cultures, particularly Māori and Pacific peoples. The researchers found that most of the existing information is old and incomplete, pointing out a need for more updated data on how this condition affects various groups. Understanding these challenges is important for improving care and treatment options for those who suffer from dysmenorrhea.
Who this helps: This research benefits young women experiencing dysmenorrhea, healthcare providers, and policymakers.
Phase-dependent closed-loop deep brain stimulation of the fornix provides bidirectional manipulation of hippocampal theta oscillations.
2025
Brain stimulation
Grennan I, Perry B, Verghese A, Jones M, Härmson O +2 more
Plain English This study investigated how a technique called closed-loop deep brain stimulation (DBS) can influence brain waves related to memory in rats. The researchers found that by applying stimulation at specific moments of brain activity, they could either increase or decrease the strength of these memory-related waves. This method showed more substantial effects than traditional stimulation techniques, indicating it could help improve memory function in Alzheimer's patients.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with Alzheimer's disease seeking better memory support.
Protocol for the INFORM ASTHMA Trial: budesonide-formoterol reliever in adults with asthma on maintenance inhaled corticosteroid.
2025
ERJ open research
Noble J, Bean O, Bruce P, Black M, Sayers R +9 more
Plain English The INFORM ASTHMA Trial is studying the effects of a new asthma medication called budesonide-formoterol as a reliever for adults already using inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). The trial involves 180 participants aged 16-75, and aims to see how well this treatment reduces inflammation and prevents asthma attacks over 26 weeks. The results will help determine if budesonide-formoterol is a safer and more effective option compared to current reliever therapies, which can make a significant difference in asthma management.
Who this helps: This helps adults with asthma who are on maintenance inhalers.
Open-science discovery of DNDI-6510, a compound that addresses genotoxic and metabolic liabilities of the COVID Moonshot SARS-CoV-2 Mpro lead inhibitor.
Plain English Researchers studied a new antiviral drug called (S)-DNDI-6510, developed to fight COVID-19 by targeting a specific enzyme in the virus. They found that while the compound showed promise, it also had significant risks, such as producing harmful byproducts and being quickly cleared from the body, leading to its eventual discontinuation. This research highlights the challenges in developing effective antiviral treatments for COVID-19 and emphasizes the need for further work on similar compounds to make them safer and more effective.
Who this helps: This benefits scientists and researchers working on antiviral drug development.
Predicting Risk of Cardiovascular Disease EVENTs (PREVENT) Equations: What Clinicians Need to Know?
2025
Current atherosclerosis reports
Abdul Jabbar AB, Inam M, Butt N, Khan SS, Sheikh S +5 more
Plain English This review studied new formulas called PREVENT equations, which help predict the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and heart failure. The PREVENT equations are better than previous methods, showing lower risk estimates specifically for heart disease, and they consider factors like body weight and kidney health without using race as a factor. This matters because it offers a more accurate and personalized way for doctors to assess patients’ risk of serious heart conditions and address their health needs effectively.
Who this helps: Patients at risk of cardiovascular diseases and doctors treating them.
Carotid artery dissection linked to intermittent apnoeic swimming: A case-control study.
2025
Experimental physiology
Bailey DM, Davies RG, Gwilym BL, Stacey BS, Walmsley D +10 more
Plain English This study looked at a rare condition called internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection, which can lead to serious health problems like stroke. Researchers focused on a 50-year-old male triathlete who experienced blurred vision and headaches after a specific type of swimming technique that restricts breathing. They found that this type of swimming could increase stress on the artery, especially for people with high blood pressure, and proper management helped the patient recover.
Who this helps: This information is useful for patients with high blood pressure and doctors who work with athletes.
A Life Course Perspective on Cognitive Aging: The Interplay between Early and Later Life Stimulating Environments.
2025
Journal of health and social behavior
Peng S, Perry B
Plain English This study looked at how experiences in early life and later life that stimulate the brain interact to affect cognitive aging. Researchers found that individuals with less education (specifically, those who did not finish high school) benefited more from social connections in their later years, leading to better cognitive health. However, they did not find evidence that a lifetime of cognitive engagement accumulates benefits for overall mental function.
Who this helps: This information is useful for patients, especially those with lower educational backgrounds, and their caregivers.
Structure-activity relationships of fenarimol analogues with potentandactivity against, the main causative agent of mycetoma.
2025
RSC medicinal chemistry
Duong HP, Melechov D, Lim W, Ma J, Scroggie KR +8 more
Plain English Researchers studied a group of chemicals related to a drug called fenarimol to find out which versions are most effective against the germs that cause mycetoma, a neglected tropical disease. They tested 185 different versions and found that 22 of them were very effective, particularly those with certain characteristics, leading to better survival rates in larvae. These findings are important because they help identify better treatments for mycetoma, which is often overlooked.
Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from mycetoma.
Lifestyle psychiatry: a conceptual framework for application in mental healthcare and support.
2025
BMJ mental health
Deenik J, Vermeulen JM, Teasdale SB, Schuch FB, Marx W +38 more
Plain English This study looked at how lifestyle choices—like exercise, diet, sleep habits, and substance use—affect mental health. Researchers found that while lifestyle changes can significantly improve mental health and are supported by health guidelines, they are not widely used in treatment. The paper provides a framework for better integrating these lifestyle changes into mental health care, addressing challenges specific to people with mental health issues.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with mental health conditions and the healthcare providers who support them.
DesHDAP2 Shows Significant Synergy with Conventional Antibiotics, Despite Its Relatively Low Potency.
2025
ACS omega
Vasilijevic A, Fernández JR, Perry B, Gibson C, Darling LEO +1 more
Plain English Researchers studied a new antimicrobial peptide called DesHDAP2 to see how well it works when combined with standard antibiotics. They found that while DesHDAP2 isn't very effective on its own, it works well with antibiotics like kanamycin and tetracycline to fight bacteria, enhancing the overall effectiveness without harming human cells. This discovery is important because it offers a new way to tackle antibiotic-resistant infections by using a combination of treatments.
Who this helps: This helps patients with bacterial infections, especially those resistant to current antibiotics.
Real-world data on the abuse potential of medications for the treatment of insomnia: a disproportionality analysis of the FAERS database.
2025
Frontiers in pharmacology
Saskin P, McCall WV, Neubauer DN, Crucitti A, Perry B +3 more
Plain English This study looked at the potential for abuse among various medications used to treat insomnia, focusing on both approved and off-label drugs. Researchers analyzed data from the FDA over a ten-year period and found that certain medications, particularly benzodiazepines, had much higher rates of reported abuse compared to Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonists (DORAs), which showed the least potential for abuse among all the medications studied. For instance, DORAs had a significantly lower reporting odds ratio of 0.150 compared to Z-drugs, indicating they are less likely to be abused.
Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients by identifying safer medication options for treating insomnia.
Antitrypanosomal quinazolines targeting lysyl-tRNA synthetase show partial efficacy in a mouse model of acute Chagas disease.
2025
Science translational medicine
Tulloch LB, Tawell H, Taylor AE, Lima ML, Dawson A +22 more
Plain English Researchers studied a new group of compounds called quinazolines to see if they could effectively treat Chagas disease, a serious illness caused by a parasite. In tests on mice, one of the quinazolines showed partial effectiveness against the disease, but it needs further testing to become a viable treatment. This research is important because current treatments for Chagas disease are often toxic and don’t work for all stages of the infection.
Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from Chagas disease, particularly in Latin America.
Pediatric Resident Participation in Primary Care Autism Evaluations: A Novel Continuity Clinic Training Opportunity.
2025
Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBP
Perry B, Cooper J, Zhang R, Harrison M
Plain English This study looked at how training pediatric residents in conducting autism evaluations in primary care clinics could boost their confidence in handling autism care. After participating in these evaluations, which included using special assessment tools and learning about neurodiversity-affirming strategies, residents showed a significant increase in their confidence levels across various skills, such as screening for autism and making treatment recommendations. Specifically, 30 resident-led evaluations were performed, and confidence improved in multiple areas assessed by surveys.
Who this helps: This benefits pediatric residents and the children they evaluate for autism.
Collaborative Synthesis for Neglected Diseases through the Open Synthesis Network: Structure-Activity Relationships of Arylaminopyrazoles as Chagas Disease Treatments.
2025
ACS infectious diseases
Abdulai Z, Agbo N, Anderson JI, Astley F, Chan B +74 more
Plain English This study focused on developing new treatments for Chagas disease, a serious illness caused by a parasite, by using a collaborative approach involving students from several universities around the world. Researchers successfully created 74 new compounds and found some promising candidates that showed effectiveness without harming healthy cells. This research is important because it could lead to better treatments for neglected tropical diseases, which often lack funding and attention.
Who this helps: Patients suffering from Chagas disease and other neglected tropical diseases.
Understanding the Experiences of Family Caregivers of Nursing Home Residents With Dementia: A Grounded Theory Study.
2024
The Gerontologist
Piersol CV, Martínez J, Chew F, Perry B, Leland NE
Plain English This study looked at the experiences of family members caring for loved ones with dementia who live in nursing homes. Researchers interviewed 30 caregivers to understand what affects their satisfaction with the care their relatives receive. They found that interactions with nursing home staff, how staff handle residents' behavioral issues, the overall environment of the nursing home, caregivers' knowledge about dementia, their personal stress, and the resident’s experience all play significant roles in caregiver satisfaction.
Who this helps: This is beneficial for family caregivers, nursing home staff, and ultimately the residents receiving care.
Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention Perspectives in Black Men Who Have Sex With Men Taking Preexposure Prophylaxis in New Orleans.
2024
Sexually transmitted diseases
Clement ME, Beckford J, Lovett A, Siren J, Adorno M +6 more
Plain English This study looked at the views of Black men who have sex with men in New Orleans about preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) while they take a medication called PrEP that helps protect against HIV. Researchers interviewed 24 participants, half of whom had recently been diagnosed with an STI, and found that most were worried about getting STIs and were open to trying different prevention methods beyond condoms. This is important because it shows that these men are concerned about their sexual health and willing to explore new strategies to reduce their risk of STIs.
Who this helps: This helps Black men who have sex with men and healthcare providers working with them.
Late-Stage Diversification of Pyrazoles as Antileishmanial Agents.
2024
ChemMedChem
Winge T, Perry B, Matheeussen A, Caljon G, Wünsch B
Plain English In this study, researchers developed new compounds to treat leishmaniasis, a disease caused by parasites. They created various versions of pyrazole compounds and found that one in particular showed some effectiveness against leishmaniasis with an effective concentration of 19 micromolar, while also demonstrating activity against another parasite with a lower effective concentration of 7.9 micromolar. However, this compound was also quite toxic to healthy cells, meaning it could harm patients, not just the parasites.
Who this helps: Patients suffering from leishmaniasis.
Identifying Implementation Strategies to Enhance HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Uptake Among Black Cisgender Women in New Orleans, Louisiana.
2024
AIDS patient care and STDs
Clement ME, Perry B, McKenna K, Beckford J, Davenport T +7 more
Plain English This study looked at ways to increase the use of HIV prevention medication, called PrEP, among Black women in New Orleans who weren't currently taking it. Researchers found that many Black women did not know other Black women on PrEP and felt more comfortable with testimonials from peers. They also noted that healthcare providers often do not offer PrEP to these women, especially in women's health contexts. To tackle these issues, the researchers proposed a social media campaign and educational programs for doctors to improve awareness and access.
Who this helps: This helps Black women at risk of HIV and their healthcare providers.
Providing medication for opioid use disorder and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis at syringe services programs via telemedicine: a pilot study.
2024
Harm reduction journal
McKellar MS, Des Marais AC, Chen H, Choi Y, Lilly R +8 more
Plain English This study looked at how well a telemedicine program could provide treatment for people who inject drugs, specifically focusing on medications for opioid use disorder and HIV prevention, through syringe services programs in North Carolina. Out of 17 participants, most remained engaged in the program for six months, with 67% still using both medications at that point, while 71% were still part of the study. The results indicate that while medication for opioid use was taken consistently, fewer participants kept up with the HIV prevention medication, mainly because many didn’t feel they were at risk for HIV.
Who this helps: This helps patients who inject drugs by providing them with easier access to critical medications through telehealth services.
How men influence young women taking PrEP: perspectives from young women, male partners, and male peers in Siaya county, Western Kenya.
2024
BMC women's health
Agot K, Onyango J, Perry B, Molokwu N, Taylor J +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how young women in Siaya County, Western Kenya, are affected by the attitudes and behaviors of men in relation to taking Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. The research found that most young women believed men were more likely to be obstacles than supporters in their PrEP use, with men often seen as limiting their autonomy over health choices. It also highlighted that men would be more supportive if they were better informed about PrEP and if the community promoted its benefits effectively.
Who this helps: This information helps young women and informs programs aimed at increasing PrEP uptake by engaging male partners and peers.
Using Open Educational Practices: Implications for Nursing Education.
2024
Nurse educator
Perry B, Ives C, Walsh P
Plain English This study looked at how open educational practices (OEPs) can improve nursing education for online students. Researchers found five important themes, focusing on how these practices enhance student learning, reflect educators' values, and foster mutual relationships in the learning process. This matters because it shows that using OEPs can lead to better training for nurses, making them more skilled and compassionate in their careers.
Who this helps: This helps nursing students and their educators.
Mapping the scientific knowledge and approaches to defining and measuring hate crime, hate speech, and hate incidents: A systematic review.
2024
Campbell systematic reviews
Vergani M, Perry B, Freilich J, Chermak S, Scrivens R +4 more
Plain English This study examined how hate crimes, hate speech, and hate incidents are defined and measured, finding significant inconsistencies in definitions and a lack of solid data sources. The researchers reviewed literature and legislation from 1990 to 2021, identifying 423 different definitions and 168 measurement tools used in academic and legal contexts. This is important because it highlights gaps in protections for certain identities, particularly around gender and sexual orientation, and calls for improved research quality to better address hate-related issues.
Who this helps: This benefits policymakers, researchers, and communities affected by hate crimes and discrimination.
N-Pyrazolyl- and N-Triazolylamines and -Ureas as Antileishmanial and Antitrypanosomal Drugs.
2024
ChemMedChem
Winge T, Imberg L, Perry B, Matheeussen A, Caljon G +2 more
Plain English This study explored new chemical compounds that could help treat two diseases: leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. The researchers created several different versions of a compound and found that one, a pyrazole called 18c, had modest effectiveness against leishmaniasis at a level of 20 micromolar, while two other compounds (12b and 14a) showed stronger action against Chagas disease at 4.7 and 2.1 micromolar, respectively. These findings are important because they identify potential new medications for diseases that currently have limited treatment options.
Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from leishmaniasis and Chagas disease.
Modular and divergent synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted 4-quinazolinones facilitated by regioselective-alkylation.
2024
Organic & biomolecular chemistry
Kim KE, Comber JR, Pursel AJ, Hobby GC, McCormick CJ +3 more
Plain English This study looked at creating a type of chemical compound called 4-quinazolinones that can be important for biological research. Researchers successfully made fifteen different versions of these compounds through a series of chemical reactions, ensuring they could control which parts of the molecule were modified. This work not only opens up new possibilities for developing drugs but also helps train students in hands-on laboratory skills.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and pharmaceutical companies working on new treatments.
Exploring Reproductive Experiences With Women Enrolled in the International Vasculitis Pregnancy Registry.
2024
The Journal of rheumatology
Sims CA, Perry B, Yeung C, Tam H, Kullman J +4 more
Plain English This study looked at the experiences of women with vasculitis during pregnancy, examining how they made decisions about family planning, communicated with doctors, and managed their treatments. Out of 18 interviewed women, most successfully gave birth to healthy babies, but many needed to advocate for themselves and navigate between different doctors' opinions about their care. The findings highlight how important it is for women with vasculitis to have supportive healthcare communication and resources as they plan for pregnancy.
Who this helps: This helps women with vasculitis planning for pregnancy and their healthcare providers.
A Clinical Focus on Shared Decision Making in Clinical Practice When Providing Dysarthria and Dysphagia Services to Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
2024
Perspectives of the ASHA special interest groups
Donohue C, Perry B, Focht Garand KL
Plain English This study focused on improving how healthcare providers make decisions with patients who have ALS, a progressive disease that can lead to speech and swallowing difficulties. It found that involving patients and their caregivers in the decision-making process makes treatments more personalized and better aligned with what patients want, leading to improved care. The article emphasizes that using shared decision-making can enhance communication and effectiveness in clinics, although there are some barriers to its full implementation.
Who this helps: This helps patients with ALS and their caregivers.
Punishing "Privilege": Antisemitic Hate Crime in Canada.
2024
Journal of interpersonal violence
Stein M, Perry B, Levit I
Plain English This study looked at antisemitic hate crimes in Canada, focusing on how the Jewish community is treated. It found that Jewish people and organizations in Ontario and Quebec face significant threats, with many experiencing both verbal and physical attacks. The research emphasizes that the idea of "Jewish privilege" can lead to increased violence against Jews, showing that the community is more vulnerable than previously thought.
Who this helps: This helps Jewish individuals and communities, as well as organizations working against hate crimes.
Offline hippocampal reactivation during dentate spikes supports flexible memory.
2024
Neuron
McHugh SB, Lopes-Dos-Santos V, Castelli M, Gava GP, Thompson SE +7 more
Plain English This study examined how certain brain activity patterns during sleep, specifically dentate spikes (DSs), help in stabilizing new memories. Researchers found that DSs help synchronize neuron activity in the hippocampus and are crucial for flexible memory, which allows mice to recognize multiple objects. When the spiking of key neurons during DSs was suppressed, the mice struggled with memory tasks, showing the importance of DSs for memory function.
Who this helps: This helps patients with memory disorders and neurologists working on memory-related issues.
Establishing a natural history of X-linked dystonia parkinsonism.
2023
Brain communications
Acuna P, Supnet-Wells ML, Spencer NA, de Guzman JK, Russo M +16 more
Plain English This study focused on a disorder known as X-linked dystonia parkinsonism, which primarily affects men from the island of Panay in the Philippines. Researchers followed 87 men over 18 months to identify specific measures that showed significant changes in their movement and speech abilities as the disease progressed. They found 21 key measures that explained two-thirds of the changes in the disease, which will help in planning future treatment trials.
Who this helps: This helps patients and researchers working on treatments for X-linked dystonia parkinsonism.
How Much Evidence Is Enough? Research Sponsor Experiences Seeking Regulatory Acceptance of Digital Health Technology-Derived Endpoints.
2023
Digital biomarkers
Perry B, Kehoe L, Swezey T, Le Masne Q, Goldhahn J +2 more
Plain English This study explored how sponsors of clinical trials use digital health technologies (DHTs) to collect patient data and what challenges they face in getting these methods approved by regulators. Researchers found five main obstacles, including the need for clearer regulations, impractical qualification processes, insufficient comparison endpoints, and a lack of validated DHTs. Addressing these issues is important because it can enhance how clinical trials are conducted and improve the reliability of the data used for medical product approvals.
Who this helps: This helps patients and researchers by making clinical trials more efficient and effective.
Structure-Property Optimization of a Series of Imidazopyridines for Visceral Leishmaniasis.
2023
ACS infectious diseases
Dichiara M, Simpson QJ, Quotadamo A, Jalani HB, Huang AX +15 more
Plain English This study focused on improving new medicines for visceral leishmaniasis, a serious disease caused by parasites. Researchers worked on a group of compounds called imidazopyridines and created new versions that are better absorbed and processed by the body. They found that the new drugs show promise in treating the disease with fewer side effects and better effectiveness.
Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from visceral leishmaniasis and doctors treating them.
Skull Base Osteomyelitis: Historical Perspective, Diagnosis and Management Update.
2023
Otolaryngologic clinics of North America
Hamiter M, Amorosa V, Belden K, Gidley PW, Mohan S +2 more
Plain English This study looked at Skull Base Osteomyelitis (SBO), a serious infection affecting the base of the skull. The researchers highlighted that diagnosing SBO relies heavily on doctors' experience and careful teamwork with specialists, even though improvements in imaging technology are available. It's crucial to diagnose and treat this condition correctly to prevent severe complications and ensure better patient outcomes.
Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from SBO and the healthcare teams involved in their care.
Critical power is a key threshold determining the magnitude of post-exercise hypotension in non-hypertensive young males.
2023
Experimental physiology
Lei TH, Wang IL, Chen YM, Liu XH, Fujii N +9 more
Plain English This study looked at how different levels of exercise intensity affect blood pressure after working out in young men who do not have high blood pressure. The researchers found that exercising at a level 10% above a key threshold called "critical power" resulted in a significant drop in blood pressure after exercise: mean arterial pressure dropped by about 12.7 mmHg, compared to just 3.5 mmHg when exercising below this threshold. This finding matters because it shows that the intensity of exercise can lead to differing blood pressure responses, which can be important for exercise recommendations.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and fitness trainers guide healthy exercise practices for young men.
Identifying barriers to resident robotic console time in a general surgery residency through a targeted needs assessment.
2023
Journal of robotic surgery
Perry B, Howard K, Novotny NM, Iacco A, Ivascu F +1 more
Plain English This study looked at why surgical residents at a hospital aren't getting enough practice using robotic surgery systems, despite the hospital doing a lot of these procedures. The research found that while residents were very interested in robotic surgery, their confidence in their skills was low. Major barriers included not enough one-on-one time with experienced surgeons, insufficient practice on simulators, and being busy with other tasks during surgeries. To improve residents' skills and confidence, the researchers recommend creating a formal training program that includes more practice opportunities on simulators for both residents and faculty.
Who this helps: This helps surgical residents and their instructors improve training in robotic surgery.
Open science discovery of potent noncovalent SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors.
2023
Science (New York, N.Y.)
Boby ML, Fearon D, Ferla M, Filep M, Koekemoer L +208 more
Plain English Researchers conducted an open science initiative called the COVID Moonshot to find new drugs that can inhibit a key protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19. They discovered a potent noncovalent inhibitor that stands out from existing treatments, generating over 18,000 compound designs and extensive data on how these compounds interact with the virus. This research matters because it builds a shared knowledge base to help develop effective COVID-19 treatments quicker and without legal barriers.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and pharmaceutical companies working to create effective COVID-19 treatments.
Open Source Antibiotics: Simple Diarylimidazoles Are Potent against Methicillin-Resistant.
2023
ACS infectious diseases
Klug DM, Tse EG, Silva DG, Cao Y, Charman SA +28 more
Plain English This research focused on finding new antibiotics to fight methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a serious infection that is hard to treat. Researchers tested 18 different compounds, discovering that 15 of them were able to stop over 90% of MRSA growth. One promising compound, named OSA_975, not only showed strong effectiveness but also had better properties for use as a medicine compared to the others.
Who this helps: This helps patients with infections resistant to standard antibiotics.
A cGAL-UAS bipartite expression toolkit forsensory neurons.
2023
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Nava S, Palma W, Wan X, Oh JY, Gharib S +9 more
Plain English This research created a new toolkit to study sensory neurons in a type of worm called an invertebrate hermaphrodite. They developed 37 specialized drivers to activate specific sensory neurons and 28 tools to control these neurons' functions. This is important because it allows scientists to better understand how these neurons work and what roles they play in sensing the environment.
Who this helps: This helps researchers studying sensory processing in animals.