DR. CLINTON G. BUSH III, M.D.

Plain English
This study focused on MGC028, a new cancer treatment that targets a protein called ADAM9, which is found in high amounts in various tumors. Researchers found that MGC028 was effective in killing cancer cells in lab tests and showed promising results in animal models, working well at different doses without causing the eye problems linked to a previous treatment called IMGC936. This is important because it offers a potentially safer option for treating advanced solid tumors. Who this helps: This helps patients with advanced solid tumors looking for new treatment options.

Plain English
This study looked at COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes in Los Angeles County from March 2020 to April 2022 to understand how vaccination and virus variants affected the size and severity of these outbreaks. Researchers found that there were 44,279 cases analyzed across nearly 1,600 outbreaks, with the largest outbreaks occurring during high community transmission and before widespread vaccination. After vaccines were available, hospitalizations dropped significantly from 31 to 11 per 100 resident cases, and deaths fell from 24 to 7, showing that vaccines helped reduce the severity of COVID-19 in nursing homes. Who this helps: This helps nursing home residents and healthcare providers by highlighting the importance of vaccination in protecting vulnerable populations.

Plain English
This study looked at how changing the environment around sarcoma tumors affects their growth. Researchers used special toxins to target specific proteins in tumor cells and the surrounding tissue. They found that when these proteins were removed, the tumors grew more slowly and the immune system was better able to fight the cancer, with a significant increase in immune cell activity. This is important because it shows that adjusting the tumor environment can help make aggressive cancers more responsive to treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with advanced sarcomas and their doctors by offering a new approach to treatment.

Plain English
This study looked at how effective a third dose of two different COVID-19 vaccines—mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2—was in preventing hospitalizations among adults aged 65 and older in the U.S. They found that for those who got mRNA-1273, the rate of hospitalizations was 5.61 per 1,000 people per year, compared to 7.06 for those who got BNT162b2, showing that mRNA-1273 was better at preventing severe illness. These results are important because they help identify which vaccine option could be more beneficial for older adults to reduce the risk of serious COVID-related health issues. Who this helps: This benefits older adults and their healthcare providers by guiding vaccination choices.

Plain English
This study looked at the effectiveness of three different devices used to treat blocked dialysis access in patients. Researchers analyzed data from 236 patients over four years, finding that the devices had varying success rates: the Trerotola device resulted in an average of 204 days of function before needing more treatment, while the Penumbra device only lasted an average of 107 days. This is important because it helps doctors choose the best treatment option to keep dialysis access open longer, ultimately improving patient care. Who this helps: Patients requiring hemodialysis.

Plain English
This study looked at how long people who have had COVID-19 are protected from getting it again and how often reinfection occurs. Researchers found that individuals who already had COVID-19 were 87% less likely to be reinfected compared to those who never had it, and protection lasted for at least five months and up to a year. This is important because it shows that natural immunity can provide significant and lasting protection against COVID-19. Who this helps: This helps patients who have recovered from COVID-19 by providing reassurance about their immunity.

Plain English
This study looked at a new program in Granville and Vance counties aimed at helping people with opioid addiction by providing medication for treatment in a local health department. Researchers interviewed 7 current patients and analyzed data from 79 patients over 2.5 years, finding that the average time people stayed in the program was about 18 months. They found that the rate of moderate to severe depression among participants dropped from 66% to 34%, and patients reported improved quality of life, including better relationships and mental health. Who this helps: This benefits patients struggling with opioid addiction and their families.

Plain English
This study looked at the size and make-up of volcanic ash from various eruptions and how these factors affect its behavior in the atmosphere and environment. Researchers found that smaller ash particles, specifically those less than 45 micrometers, showed higher amounts of crystalline silica and surface salts, while the amounts of glass and iron oxides decreased. Understanding these differences is important because they can help us predict how volcanic ash influences air quality, climate, and human health. Who this helps: This research benefits environmental scientists and public health officials who study the impacts of volcanic eruptions.

Plain English
This study looked at how often women experience injuries in their genital area after a sexual assault, especially if they had consensual sex in the days leading up to the assault. The research included 947 women aged 13 to 87 and found that the number and type of injuries did not change significantly based on whether they had consensual sex shortly before the assault. This matters because it shows that recent consensual sexual activity doesn't affect the assessment of injuries in sexual assault cases, which can help ensure that victims are accurately treated and supported. Who this helps: This helps victims of sexual assault and the healthcare professionals treating them.

Plain English
This study focused on how primary care doctors in rural areas can better care for cancer survivors, especially since this group is expected to grow to 22.2 million by 2030. Researchers found that rural cancer survivors often face more treatment-related issues than those in urban areas, and primary care teams identified barriers like a lack of knowledge and resources. After participating in training sessions, these teams reported making changes to improve care for cancer survivors. Who this helps: This helps primary care doctors and cancer survivors in rural communities.

Plain English
This study looked at how long a previous infection with SARS-CoV-2 can protect someone from getting reinfected. Researchers found that among over 22 million people, those who had been infected before were 87% less likely to be reinfected compared to those who had never been infected. This protection lasted for up to a year, indicating that having had COVID-19 can offer significant and lasting immunity. Who this helps: This information benefits patients who have recovered from COVID-19, helping them understand their risk of reinfection.

Plain English
This study looked at who gets the North Carolina Medicaid Waiver for people with intellectual disabilities or autism and how it affects their visits to the emergency room. Out of over 53,000 individuals with such disabilities, only 22% received the Waiver, and it found that people who are non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic were less likely to get it than non-Hispanic White individuals. Those who had the Waiver were also 31% less likely to visit the emergency department, showing that having access to this support can help reduce emergency healthcare needs. Who this helps: This benefits individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism and their families, as well as healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked at how different racial and ethnic groups of children in North Carolina Medicaid received prescriptions for mental health medications, specifically psychotropic drugs, from October 2017 to September 2018. It found that Black and Hispanic children were much less likely to receive these prescriptions, with only 61% of Black patients and just 29% of Hispanic patients getting them compared to White patients. This matters because it highlights a potential gap in mental health care that could affect the well-being of minority children. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families, especially those from Black and Hispanic communities.

Plain English
This study looked at how often Medicaid-insured children with complex medical needs received healthcare based on their race and whether they lived in rural or urban areas. Out of over 859,000 children, about 118,000 (13.8%) had complex medical needs, with Black children having higher rates of hospital admissions and emergency visits compared to White children, while Hispanic children had lower rates. This is important because it highlights inequalities in healthcare access, which need to be addressed to ensure all children receive the care they need. Who this helps: This benefits Medicaid-insured children with complex medical needs and their families.

Plain English
This study looked at how a low barrier approach to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) affects patients' access to and retention in treatment at a health center. The results showed that 97.3% of patients in the low barrier group received a MOUD prescription within six months, compared to 70% in the traditional treatment group, indicating that this approach helps more people get medication. Although retention rates were similar after three months (around 62% for the low barrier group versus 60% for the traditional group), the low barrier group had a slightly higher retention rate at six months, though this difference wasn't statistically significant. Who this helps: This approach benefits patients struggling with opioid use disorder by making treatment more accessible.

Plain English
This study examined how treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients with remdesivir affects their chances of dying within 28 days. Among nearly 25,000 patients who got remdesivir, 14.3% died, compared to 15.2% of nearly 25,000 similar patients who did not receive the treatment. Using remdesivir was linked to a 17% lower chance of dying in the hospital, which highlights its effectiveness in improving survival rates for COVID-19 patients. Who this helps: This research benefits patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

Plain English
This case report examines a serious type of foot injury called closed degloving, where the skin separates from the underlying bones and tissues without breaking the skin. In this instance, a patient injured their toes in a forklift accident, and even though initial blood flow seemed normal, they eventually had to have part of their foot amputated. Understanding these injuries is important because they can lead to significant loss of limbs if not properly managed. Who this helps: This helps patients who suffer from severe foot injuries and the doctors treating them.

Plain English
This study focused on a tool called the dissociative seizure likelihood score (DSLS) that helps doctors tell apart patients having dissociative seizures from those having epileptic seizures. The researchers found that the DSLS accurately predicted the correct diagnosis 81% of the time, even though there were some differences in how patients presented between the two locations studied. This is important because correctly identifying the type of seizure can lead to better treatment and outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This helps doctors and their patients experiencing seizure disorders.

Plain English
This study looked at hip fractures in patients over 90 years old, analyzing 216 cases to understand complications and death rates after surgery. They found that 38.1% of these patients died within a year of their fracture, which is higher than earlier reports for older adults. Important risk factors for this higher mortality included having cancer-related fractures, dementia, and heart failure, and more severe fractures and longer hospital stays were linked to complications like anemia and pneumonia. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers who care for elderly patients, aiding in understanding the risks and helping with treatment decisions.

Plain English
This study looked at how ultrasound-guided percutaneous tenotomy (USGPT) helps reduce pain and improve function in active adults suffering from tendon issues. After the procedure, patients reported a significant drop in pain levels, from an average score of 7.3 to 3.8 just one week later, and they maintained a 5.8-point improvement even after a year. Functionality also improved, with scores rising from 42.5 to 65.8 for leg use and from 41.5 to 10.4 for arm use over the same year. Who this helps: This benefits active adults dealing with tendon problems, providing them with a less invasive treatment option than surgery.

Plain English
This study looked at how well patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears do with non-surgical treatment over two years. It found that, on average, their shoulder function improved significantly, with scores showing better results than what is considered a meaningful improvement. However, women, smokers, and those with more severe fatty infiltration in their shoulder had poorer outcomes, while those whose tears were caused by trauma saw better improvement after two years. Who this helps: This research benefits patients suffering from rotator cuff tears and their doctors.

Plain English
This study looked at how much blood patients lose before surgery after suffering hip fractures, specifically proximal femur fractures, which are common in older people. Researchers analyzed data from 119 patients and found that, on average, hemoglobin levels (a measure of blood loss) dropped by 1.4 grams per deciliter, with intertrochanteric fractures leading to the most significant drops. Understanding this blood loss is important because it helps healthcare providers identify patients who are at higher risk of complications and improve their care before surgery. Who this helps: Patients, especially older adults with hip fractures.

Plain English
This study looked at how quadriceps strength measured 12 weeks after surgery for knee ligament repair predicts strength when athletes return to their sport. Researchers found that strength at 12 weeks accounted for about 47% of the strength measured later at the time of return to sport testing. This is important because gaining strength early can reduce the chances of injury and improve recovery outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits athletes recovering from knee surgery and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looks at how police handle situations involving people with mental health issues, noting that these individuals often end up in emergency rooms, jails, or prisons instead of receiving proper care. The research highlights the importance of training police through the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model, which improves their ability to manage these situations and work effectively with mental health professionals. It found that while more officers are trained, the number of people with mental illness facing criminal charges is still rising, which can lead to tragic outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients with mental health issues and their families, as well as the police and emergency responders.

Plain English
This study looked at how long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) is defined and what factors make it likely for individuals who have never taken opioids before to start using them for an extended period. The researchers reviewed 34 relevant studies and found 41 different ways to define LTOT, with about 36% linking it to three months of use. They identified 76 factors that could predict whether someone transitions to LTOT, including pre-existing health conditions (21.1%) and mental health issues (10.5%). Understanding these definitions and predictors is important to ensure opioids are used safely and appropriately, particularly as chronic pain management becomes more critical in healthcare. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers by improving opioid prescribing practices.

Plain English
This study examined the risks and outcomes for patients who use both opioids and benzodiazepines, two types of medications often prescribed for pain and anxiety, respectively. Researchers found that 6% of opioid users took benzodiazepines for at least 30 days, and these patients were more likely to have mental health issues and to receive high doses of opioids. In fact, 30% of those who used both medications over a longer period were diagnosed with opioid use disorder, and they also experienced more emergency department visits and hospitalizations compared to those who only used opioids. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors and healthcare providers, as it highlights the importance of monitoring patients who may be at higher risk.

Plain English
This study looked at how repairing a torn meniscus during knee surgery affects how much stress the knee and other joints experience in athletes three months after their surgery. Researchers found that athletes who had both a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus repaired absorbed energy differently in their knees and hips compared to those who only had ACL surgery, but these differences were not significant when considering their conditions before surgery. This matters because it suggests that adding a meniscus repair may not harm recovery for athletes after ACL surgery. Who this helps: Athletes recovering from knee surgery.

Plain English
Researchers studied how a drug called enzalutamide, which blocks androgen receptors (AR), affects immune cells that contribute to prostate cancer growth. They found that using enzalutamide led to increased tumor growth in mice, even when androgen receptors were not present in the tumors themselves. Specifically, tumors grew faster in mice whose immune cells had been treated with enzalutamide, indicating that blocking these receptors can enhance the tumor-promoting capabilities of certain immune cells. Who this helps: This research is important for doctors treating prostate cancer patients, as it highlights potential challenges in treatment effectiveness.

Plain English
This study looked at how to improve care for people with hepatitis C in Maryland by training healthcare providers and enhancing support systems. From 2014 to 2018, 3,237 patients were tested and 543 achieved a cure, showing a significant increase in successful treatments. It matters because while training increased effective treatment, insurance rules still limit access for many patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with hepatitis C who need better access to treatment.

Plain English
This study looked at how well different measures of thigh muscle strength predict recovery in knee function after surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in patients, focusing on 256 individuals aged about 17 years. They found that certain strength measurements, like having a quadriceps (thigh muscle) torque of at least 69.4% compared to the healthy other leg, can indicate whether patients will report good knee function after surgery, with odds ratios of 3.6 for predicting outcomes across all patients. The findings can help tailor rehabilitation programs based on the type of graft used in surgery and the patient's age, ensuring better recovery strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from ACL surgery and their doctors.

Plain English
This study looked at how different medical professionals describe the movements of a C-arm, an important tool used during surgeries. Researchers surveyed 46 orthopedic surgeons and 70 radiologic technologists and found that there was a lot of confusion, with only 47% agreement on terminology. They developed a standardized way to talk about C-arm movements, which will help improve communication in the operating room and ensure everyone is on the same page during surgeries. Who this helps: This helps orthopedic surgeons and radiologic technologists.

Plain English
This study looked at how pain conditions affect the likelihood of overdose among patients in addiction treatment. Researchers found that patients with chronic pain were 2.6 times more likely to have experienced a nonfatal alcohol overdose, and those who misused opioids had over three times the likelihood of drug overdoses. This is important because it highlights the need for better pain management and education on the risks of mixing substances for those undergoing addiction treatment. Who this helps: Patients in addiction treatment, particularly those with pain issues.

Plain English
This study looked at how many dentists participate in Medicaid and how many patients they see for children's dental care. It found big differences based on location: for example, in urban areas, the number of patients seen by dentists could be as much as 37% higher than in rural areas. The typical number of patients a dentist saw for preventive care was between 99 and 358, which is below the suggested minimum of 500 patients per dentist needed for good access to care. Who this helps: This study benefits children enrolled in Medicaid by highlighting gaps in dental care availability.

Plain English
This study looked at the injury rates among elite wrestlers who started focusing on wrestling at a young age (before 12 years old) compared to those who began specializing later. The researchers found that wrestlers who specialized early experienced more serious injuries, averaging 1.14 injuries compared to 0.60 in those who started later. This matters because it highlights the increased risk of injuries for young athletes who specialize too soon, urging coaches and parents to think carefully about training methods. Who this helps: This helps young athletes, their parents, and coaches.

Plain English
This study looks at a rare infection of the sacroiliac joint in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specifically in one person with Crohn's disease who had an infection caused by a type of bacteria called Clostridia. The report emphasizes the importance of recognizing this condition quickly, as it's often misdiagnosed due to unclear symptoms. Recognizing and treating this infection effectively can prevent serious outcomes and improve the quality of life for affected patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.

Plain English
This study tested the Vail Sport Test™, a tool designed to assess how well patients perform after undergoing surgery to fix their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Researchers found that the test was reliable, with scores showing consistency over time for the injured knee—an inter-session reliability score of 0.787—indicating that it can effectively measure a patient's readiness to return to sports. This matters because having a reliable way to evaluate recovery helps ensure that athletes are returning to play safely and effectively. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from ACL surgery and their doctors.

Plain English
This study looked at the quality of stormwater in urban areas by analyzing pollutants over two years. Researchers found that while there were some relationships among the pollutants, they were generally weak, and a special analysis method was able to explain about 72% of the differences in pollutant behavior. They used UV light to pinpoint when the first flush of stormwater, which carries the most pollutants, occurs, specifically for dissolved organic carbon and similar substances. Who this helps: This helps environmental managers and urban planners working to improve water quality and safety.

Plain English
This study looked at how personal and neighborhood income levels affect heart health in African Americans in Jackson, Mississippi. Researchers found that as individual income increased, heart health scores improved by an average of 0.31 points, while living in a wealthier neighborhood added another 0.19 points to those scores. These findings highlight important links between money and health, showing that improving economic conditions could enhance heart health for at-risk communities. Who this helps: This helps patients and community health advocates focused on improving public health policies.

Plain English
This study looked at how new opioid prescriptions were used by older adults on Medicare in 2014. It found that among those who started taking opioids, 6.5% moved to long-term use over the next year, and 28% had high doses of opioids prescribed, with many seeing multiple doctors or using multiple pharmacies. Understanding these patterns is important because it helps identify older adults who might be at a higher risk for problems related to opioid use. Who this helps: Patients and doctors treating older adults.

Plain English
This study looked at how quadriceps strength and differences in knee extension affect the ability to use the knee after surgery to repair an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Researchers found that patients had lower quadriceps strength and knee energy absorption (EAC) right after surgery compared to when they returned to sports, revealing that quadriceps strength before and after surgery significantly influenced how well patients could load their knees. Specifically, quadriceps strength explained nearly 34% of the differences in knee EAC at the start, 19% at 12 weeks, and almost 13% when patients returned to sports. Who this helps: This information is beneficial for patients recovering from ACL surgery and their physical therapists.

Plain English
This study examined patients who had surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) three months after their operation. Researchers found that these patients absorbed more energy through their hips (46.4) but less through their knees (42.7) during squats compared to healthy individuals (hips: 31.7, knees: 60.6). Additionally, the strength of their quadriceps (a key thigh muscle) was lower (1.1) than that of the healthy group (2.0), indicating a significant difference in recovery and muscle function. Who this helps: This research benefits patients recovering from ACL surgery and their doctors by providing insights into recovery progress and muscle function.

Plain English
This study looked at how age affects the types and severity of injuries motorcycle riders sustain in accidents. Researchers analyzed data from 567 riders, finding that elderly riders (60 and older) had more fractures than younger ones, with 84% of them experiencing fractures, especially in the lower body. Surprisingly, while older riders seemed to have more fractures, their overall injury severity was similar to younger and middle-aged riders, indicating that factors like the type of accident might play a significant role in the nature of the injuries. Who this helps: This information is useful for doctors and healthcare providers treating motorcycle accident victims, particularly older riders.