CHARLES CALKINS, MD

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This study looked at how well different risk assessment tools predict the likelihood of reoffending for people in prison for sexual crimes, specifically focusing on those with intellectual disabilities (ID) and borderline intellectual functioning (BIF). The researchers found that while all three tools worked well for individuals without ID/BIF, only one tool (the MnSOST-R) was effective for those with ID/BIF. Among individuals with ID/BIF seen as high-risk, the rates of going back to prison ranged from 0% to 8%, similar to the overall rate of 4% for reoffending. Who this helps: This helps policymakers, mental health professionals, and those working in the legal system understand the risks associated with incarcerated individuals who have intellectual disabilities.

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This study looked at how effective a specific procedure called balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV) is for treating pulmonary valve stenosis (PS) in children and dogs. Researchers found that 96% of children and 84% of dogs had successful outcomes after the procedure, meaning their heart pressure improved significantly. Understanding these differences helps tailor treatments for each group, which can lead to better health results for both children and dogs. Who this helps: Patients, specifically children and dogs with pulmonary valve stenosis.

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This study looked at how olive baboons' diets during pregnancy affect their babies. It found that when mothers ate a Western diet high in fat and sugar, their offspring showed higher levels of inflammation and weaker intestinal barrier function. Specifically, markers of inflammation like IL-8 and IFN-γ were significantly higher, and the intestinal barrier function was decreased, which could lead to serious health issues later in life, such as necrotizing enterocolitis. Who this helps: This research helps pregnant women and healthcare providers understand the importance of maternal diet on the health of newborns.

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This study looked at how certain enzymes and minerals affect necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious intestinal disease in premature infants. Researchers found that infants with NEC had higher levels of a specific enzyme called GPX2 and more iron in their intestines compared to healthy infants, which could contribute to the disease. This research matters because understanding these factors can help develop better treatments to prevent or manage NEC in vulnerable infants. Who this helps: This helps premature infants and their families by improving awareness and treatment of NEC.

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This study looked at a surgical method called combined endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery (CELS) used to fix complex birth defects in young girls, specifically persistent cloacal malformations. Three infants, averaging 14 months old at their first surgery, had successful procedures with minimal issues, and followed up for around 6.5 years. This method is important because it reduces the risk from more invasive surgeries, allows patients to grow before further surgeries, and causes less damage to surrounding tissues. Who this helps: This benefits young patients with complex cloacal anomalies and their families.

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This study looked at how frequently a type of mental health diagnosis called "other specified paraphilic disorder" (OSPD) is used in evaluations for individuals labeled as sexually violent predators (SVP). The researchers found that OSPD was the second most common diagnosis after pedophilic disorder, but independent evaluators often disagreed about whether someone should receive this diagnosis, showing only a fair agreement rate of 0.21. This is important because reliable diagnoses are crucial for deciding if someone can be committed as an SVP, and vague terminology could affect these important legal outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing SVP evaluations and the doctors conducting these assessments.

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This study looked at 3,066 incarcerated individuals in the U.S. who committed sexual offenses, comparing those with intellectual disabilities (ID) to those without. It found that 19.1% of the offenders had ID and experienced more difficult childhoods and mental health issues, but surprisingly, they were not more likely to offend against children than those without ID. Understanding these differences is important for developing better strategies to support and rehabilitate offenders with intellectual disabilities. Who this helps: This helps patients with intellectual disabilities and the professionals working to rehabilitate them.

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This study looked at whether a treatment called antegrade continence enema (ACE) is effective for children with severe constipation and issues with their colon movement. Out of 104 patients treated, 92% (96 patients) reported positive results and did not need surgery after one year, while only 7% (8 patients) needed additional surgery. These findings are significant because they show that ACE can help most children with these conditions avoid more invasive procedures like surgery. Who this helps: This benefits children suffering from severe functional constipation and their families.

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This study looked at patterns in air pollution caused by exceptional events, like wildfires and dust storms, in Texas from 2012 to 2021. Researchers analyzed over 3 million hourly air quality measurements and found new ways to quickly identify unusual spikes in pollution, helping to pinpoint their sources. This is important because understanding where pollution comes from can guide better air quality management and support health initiatives, especially as air quality standards tighten. Who this helps: This helps communities and policymakers working to improve air quality for residents.

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This study looked at how effective a non-surgical procedure called transcatheter PDA occlusion is for treating a heart condition known as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in both children and dogs. Researchers analyzed data from 202 children and 106 dogs treated between July 2019 and June 2021, finding that the procedure successfully closed the PDA in 98% of children and 93% of dogs. The results highlight the procedure's effectiveness and aim to improve treatment guidelines for both patients and veterinary care. Who this helps: This helps doctors and veterinarians treating patients with PDA.

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This study looked at the best timing for surgery to fix inguinal hernias in preterm infants. Researchers found that delaying the surgery until the baby could go home led to fewer serious complications, with 28% of those who had early surgery facing complications compared to 18% of those who had surgery later. This matters because it suggests that waiting until after discharge could lead to better health outcomes for these vulnerable babies. Who this helps: This helps preterm infants with inguinal hernias and their families.

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This study looked at how feelings of guilt and shame relate to religious coping styles among 425 college students, some of whom had a history of physical or sexual abuse. The researchers found that those who experience guilt tend to use positive religious coping methods, which can lead to better mental health outcomes, whereas those who feel shame often use negative religious coping strategies, which can worsen their situation. Specifically, positive religious coping was linked to tendencies like feeling bad about one's actions and trying to make amends after doing something wrong, while negative coping was tied to avoiding situations that evoke shame. Who this helps: This research benefits young adults, especially those who have experienced abuse, by highlighting how their emotions can influence their coping strategies.

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This study looked at the extent of sexual misconduct by educators in K-12 schools across four U.S. states. It found that 11.7% of nearly 6,700 recent high school graduates reported experiencing some form of sexual misconduct from teachers or coaches, with most incidents involving inappropriate sexual comments. The study also revealed that students who reported such misconduct had worse emotional and social outcomes than those who did not, highlighting the urgent need for better prevention measures in schools. Who this helps: This research benefits students, parents, and school administrators by emphasizing the need for safer educational environments.

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This study looked at how well children with idiopathic constipation can control their bowel movements and whether factors like race, sex, and insurance types affect this control. Out of 458 children studied, only 25% were fully continent, meaning they never had accidents. It was found that children with public insurance or developmental delays were less likely to have good control, and Black patients were less likely to receive a specific treatment (ACE operation) compared to white patients. Who this helps: This information benefits patients and their families, as well as doctors and healthcare providers looking to understand and address these disparities.

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This study focused on necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious intestinal disease affecting premature babies. Researchers found that enterocytes (cells from the gut) from infants with NEC showed much higher levels of inflammation markers like IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α compared to those without NEC; for example, IL-8 levels were significantly higher (with a p-value of 0.003). This matters because it highlights that the more premature the baby, the more intense the inflammatory response, potentially increasing the risk of NEC. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers better understand and treat premature infants at risk for NEC.

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This study looked at fecal incontinence among children with anorectal malformations, which are birth defects affecting the anus. They examined data from 509 patients and found that only 24% had full control over their bowel movements. Older children tended to have better outcomes, but those with a mix of private and public health insurance were less likely to have full control compared to those with only private insurance. Who this helps: This research benefits children with anorectal malformations and their families, as well as doctors seeking to improve care for these patients.

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This study looked at how substance use plays a role in sexual offenses against both adults and children by analyzing data from 2,803 convicted offenders in the U.S. The researchers found that sexual offenses against adults often involve alcohol or drugs, while offenses against minors usually involve fewer cases of supplying substances to victims, particularly in family settings. Understanding these patterns is important for creating effective prevention programs to stop sexual abuse. Who this helps: This benefits victims, parents, and educators working to prevent sexual abuse.

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This study tested a new type of sensor that uses tiny carbon tubes to detect diseases in large animals, specifically sheep. Researchers successfully detected signals from these sensors in about 70% of the sheep, which is a promising step towards using this technology in doctors’ offices and hospitals. This is important because better sensors can help identify health issues earlier, leading to more effective treatments for patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients who need faster and more accurate disease detection.

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This study looked at new ways to use tiny sensors made from single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT), which can help diagnose health conditions by detecting substances in the body. The researchers found that when these sensors were placed in hydrogel materials for testing in animals, 89% of the sensors remained effective inside the body, and there was no buildup of the sensors in animal tissues. This is important because it means these sensors could be safely used for health monitoring without causing long-term issues in patients. Who this helps: Patients who need regular health monitoring.

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This study looked at the Stanford Frontline COVID-19 Consult Service (SFCS), a program where medical and physician assistant students helped healthcare professionals by providing quick research on COVID-19 questions. Over two months, 16 students produced 87 research summaries, and both students and faculty rated their experiences highly, with student satisfaction at 4.9 out of 5. This program not only helped students engage in meaningful medical education but also supported clinicians during a critical time. Who this helps: This benefits medical students and healthcare professionals.

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This study looked at the recovery outcomes for newborns who had surgery to repair certain types of fistulas (abnormal connections) in their rectum, comparing those who had surgery within two weeks of birth to those who had it later. Out of 164 patients, both groups had similar rates of complications within 30 days after surgery—6.0% for the delayed group and 6.5% for the neonatal group, indicating that both surgical timings are safe. This matters because it shows that doctors can choose either approach based on the individual patient's situation without worrying about a higher risk of complications. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and surgeons making decisions for newborns with these conditions.

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This study looked at the sexual offending behavior of American Whites and Blacks who were convicted of sexual crimes in New Jersey, involving 797 Whites and 788 Blacks. The researchers found that Whites were more likely to have paraphilic tendencies (related to sexual interests) while Blacks showed more antisocial behavior. Despite these differences, a tool used to predict the risk of reoffending worked similarly well for both groups. This research indicates that treatments for sexual offenders can be improved by considering the unique characteristics of different racial groups. Who this helps: This helps doctors and treatment providers working with sexual offenders.

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This study looked at how consistently different radiologists measure the sacral ratio (SR) in children with anorectal malformations, which can help predict how well they will control bowel function. The researchers analyzed X-rays from 263 patients, finding that radiologists agreed on SR calculations in the front-to-back view (81.5% reliable) but showed poor agreement in the side view (44.0% reliable). This matters because reliable measurements can guide families in making important decisions about their child's treatment. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and families of children with anorectal malformations.

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This study looked at why victims of child sexual abuse often don’t report their experiences. Out of 76 college women who shared their stories of abuse, about 50% told someone informally while only 10% reported it to the police. Understanding these reasons is important for improving support systems and encouraging more victims to come forward. Who this helps: This benefits victims, mental health professionals, and law enforcement.

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This study looked at the different types of child molesters among various racial groups, including White, Black, and Latino offenders, to see if a common classification system still applied. Researchers found that while the main classification worked for all groups, there were differences in how offenders were described: Black offenders were often labeled as socially incompetent and attracted to adults, while White offenders were more frequently seen as fixated on children. Understanding these differences is important for creating effective prevention and treatment strategies tailored to the needs of specific groups. Who this helps: This helps therapists and policymakers working with sex offenders.

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This study looked at how personality traits can help identify clergy members who sexually abuse children compared to those who do not. Researchers used two psychological assessments and found that the Aggressive/Sadistic trait consistently set apart abusers from other clergy in their sample. This is important because it suggests that specific personality tests could be used in screening new clergy members to better protect children from potential abuse. Who this helps: This benefits the Catholic Church and its ability to screen clergy members for the safety of children.

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This study looked at child sexual abuse (CSA) by comparing abusers who work with children to those who don't. It found that child abusers who were employed in youth-serving jobs were generally better educated, less likely to be married, and more focused on male teenagers, with 72% of them abusing post-pubescent boys compared to other offenders. Understanding these differences is important for improving prevention strategies and protecting children in various environments. Who this helps: This information helps children, parents, and organizations that work with youth.

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This study looked at Latino individuals who commit sexual offenses and compared them to White and African American offenders. Researchers found that Latino offenders often had lower education levels and were more likely to live with their victims compared to others. Additionally, differences in education, criminal backgrounds, and mental health issues were noted among Latino offenders based on their country of origin. Understanding these differences is important for improving treatment and management strategies for Latino sex offenders. Who this helps: This helps doctors and mental health professionals working with Latino individuals who have committed sexual offenses.

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This study looked at children in the U.S. under 2 years old who were born with anorectal malformations, finding that 80% of them also had other congenital issues, which led to longer hospital stays and higher costs. Over three years, the average annual spending for surgeries related to these conditions was $45.5 million. Understanding the prevalence of additional health problems in these children is important for planning better healthcare resources and management strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families, as well as healthcare providers involved in managing their care.

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This study looked at how well two assessment tools, Static-99 and Static-99R, predict the chances of Latino sex offenders reoffending in the United States. Researchers found that the overall chance of reoffending was very low at just 1.9%, and the tools worked for U.S.-born Latino offenders but not for Latino immigrants. This is important because it highlights the need for tailored assessments for different groups to improve understanding and management of sex offender risks. Who this helps: This helps doctors and mental health professionals working with Latino sex offenders.

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This study looked at how different types of cells in the salivary glands of people with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) express genes differently compared to those without the condition. It found that in SS patients, cells in the ducts and inflammatory areas showed significant changes in gene expression, particularly for the genes CCL21 and CCR7, which are involved in immune cell movement. These findings are important because they help explain how inflammation occurs in the salivary glands of SS patients, leading to symptoms like dryness and discomfort. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with Sjögren's syndrome and their doctors by providing insights into the disease's underlying mechanisms.

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This study looked at how often frotteurism (unwanted physical contact) and exhibitionism (exposing oneself in public) happen among college students. Researchers found that female students were frequently victimized, particularly in public transport areas, and reported negative feelings like violation and long-lasting psychological issues. The study highlights the need for better prevention measures to protect potential victims. Who this helps: This helps female college students and the professionals working to ensure their safety.

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This study looked at 812 deaths caused by police use of lethal force in 17 U.S. states from 2009 to 2012. It found that most victims were white (52%), but black individuals were disproportionately affected, experiencing a death rate 2.8 times higher than whites. The research highlights the need for better prevention strategies, given that many deaths involved mental health issues, intimate partner violence, or were unintentional. Who this helps: This helps communities and law enforcement agencies in their efforts to reduce such fatalities and improve safety.

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This study examined the backgrounds of clergy who sexually abused children compared to those who did not. Researchers found that abusers often had less dating experience before joining the clergy, more male partners, and a history of being sexually abused themselves, which increased their likelihood of offending. Additionally, while abusers were more engaged with youth in their ministries, they had poorer relationships with them than other clergy. Understanding these factors is important because it can help youth-serving institutions prevent sexual abuse more effectively. Who this helps: This benefits children in churches and youth organizations by supporting better prevention measures.

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This study looked at how consistent field professionals (like clinicians) are when scoring the Static-99, a tool used to assess the risk of sexual reoffense, compared to researchers. It was found that both groups generally agreed on scores, with high agreement ratings, but some errors were often due to misunderstanding the scoring guide or miscalculating scores. This matters because having reliable assessments can help in managing and monitoring sex offenders more effectively. Who this helps: This helps clinicians and organizations working with sex offenders improve their risk assessments.

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This study looked at the reliability of mental health diagnoses in evaluations of Sexually Violent Predators (SVPs), using data from 375 sex offenders in New Jersey. The research found that while diagnoses were fairly consistent for Pedophilia, overall there was a large amount of disagreement among clinicians on other sexual disorders, indicating that diagnosing these individuals isn't always reliable. This is important because inaccurate diagnoses can lead to unjust legal consequences for offenders and affect their treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients and mental health professionals by highlighting the need for more reliable diagnostic methods.

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This research looked at using a less invasive surgery method called video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for treating childhood cancer, particularly in the chest area. The review analyzed ten studies that involved over 20 patients each and found that this surgical approach is usually effective and safe for children with lung and chest tumors. This matters because it can lead to quicker recovery times and less pain for young cancer patients. Who this helps: This helps patients, specifically children with cancer who need surgery.

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This study looked at using the rabies virus protein to help deliver a part of the anthrax vaccine to improve its effectiveness. The researchers found that when mice were given a vaccine using inactivated rabies virus particles, their immune response improved significantly, with 90% of the mice showing a response to both the rabies protein and the anthrax component after vaccination. This is important because it shows a new way to combine viral and bacterial components to create a better vaccine that might work more effectively than older methods. Who this helps: Patients at risk for anthrax exposure.

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This study looked at how different amounts of phosphorus (P) in the diet of yearling steers affected their growth, bone strength, and meat quality. Researchers found that increasing phosphorus levels in the diet did not impact daily weight gain, feed efficiency, or bone strength. Ultimately, they concluded that a phosphorus level of 0.14% in the diet is sufficient, meaning there's no need for extra phosphorus supplements in many grain-based feeds. Who this helps: This helps farmers and livestock producers improve feeding practices for cattle.

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Researchers studied T cells in mice with a condition similar to scleroderma to see how they function in the skin. They found that while many T cell types are present in the mice's lymph nodes, only eight types were found in the affected skin, with three types dominating the response. This matters because understanding how specific T cells behave in skin inflammation can help in developing targeted treatments for scleroderma and similar diseases. Who this helps: Patients with scleroderma and related autoimmune conditions.

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This research studied how doctors use different imaging methods to diagnose knee injuries in athletes. It found that regular X-rays are best for spotting most fractures, while CT scans help with complex fractures. For soft-tissue injuries, MRI is the top choice because it provides clearer images. Who this helps: Athletes and their doctors.

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This study looked at specific types of T cells in mice that have genetic mutations causing immune system issues. It found that certain T cells from these mice produced much higher amounts of two important proteins, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, compared to normal mice, despite having fewer T cells overall. This is important because it helps researchers understand how these immune abnormalities occur, which could lead to better treatments for similar conditions in humans. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with immune system disorders.

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Researchers studied how an antibody related to autoimmune diseases in aging NZB mice affects red blood cells. They found that a specific antibody (G-8) caused a dramatic reduction in red blood cells in mice, leading to autoimmune hemolytic disease (AIHD), which was marked by signs of blood cell destruction. This matters because understanding the characteristics of these autoantibodies can help develop targeted treatments for similar diseases in humans. Who this helps: This helps patients with autoimmune conditions, especially those affecting blood cells.

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This study looked at how to measure specific immune responses in New Zealand Black (NZB) mice, particularly the autoantibodies that attack their own red blood cells. The researchers found that their new testing method detected these immune responses sooner and showed a broader range of responses than traditional tests, with various levels of antibody-forming cells in different mice. This is important because it helps scientists understand autoimmune diseases better by looking at how the immune system reacts at the cell level. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying autoimmune diseases and can lead to better diagnostic methods for patients.

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This study looked at how to identify individual cells that produce antibodies by using sheep red blood cells as a test. Researchers found that these antibody-secreting cells formed recognizable clusters around them, which showed a specific response to the antigen. This method is important because it allows for counting these cells without needing additional components often required in other tests, making it simpler and more effective for studying immune responses. Who this helps: This helps researchers and clinicians better understand the immune response in patients.