DR. DAVID C. MULLIGAN, M.D.

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This study looked at how posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) show up in young children aged around 5 years old who have experienced traumatic events. Researchers found that instead of fitting the current understanding of PTSD symptoms, children showed two main patterns: one related to avoidance and arousal, and the other linked to intrusive thoughts and fears. Importantly, the fear and intrusion symptoms were the only ones that predicted difficulties in function after six months, suggesting that current diagnosis methods may not capture the full picture for young kids. Who this helps: This helps parents and mental health professionals working with young children who have experienced trauma.

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This study looked at the experiences of 77 patients with liposarcoma in the United States, focusing on their journey from diagnosis to treatment and how the disease affects their quality of life. The patients reported that many had difficulties obtaining timely treatment, with 73% seeing a doctor within a year of noticing symptoms and only 66% knowing about biomarker testing. The findings highlight the need for better education and communication between patients and doctors to improve understanding and management of this rare cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients with liposarcoma and their healthcare providers.

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This research paper looks at how Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) can be used to help patients with serious breathing problems during surgeries or procedures that require intubation. The study highlights that while ECMO has been around for over 50 years, it is only used in a small number of cases for airway management. This matters because using ECMO in these high-risk situations can improve safety and outcomes for patients, allowing doctors to perform procedures that would otherwise be too risky. Who this helps: Patients with severe respiratory issues undergoing surgery.

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This study looked at how the stress from the COVID-19 pandemic and available social support affected the behavior and emotional skills of young children born during that time. Researchers followed 407 children and found that pandemic-related stress led to more behavior problems early on, while children’s social-emotional skills developed more slowly over time. They also discovered that families facing more challenges had children with higher levels of anxiety and that support from mothers during pregnancy helped protect children's development. Who this helps: This research helps parents and caregivers understand the unique challenges children born during the pandemic face and emphasizes the importance of social support.

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Researchers studied new drug compounds that activate two immune pathways, TLR7 and TLR8, to boost the body’s immune response against tumors. They created several versions of these compounds and demonstrated that they effectively triggered the production of key immune molecules in human blood. This matters because enhancing immune responses could improve cancer treatments, making them more effective at targeting tumors. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients by potentially improving treatment options.

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This study looked at how social and economic factors relate to suicide risk in people with bipolar disorder. Researchers found that the more socioeconomic challenges individuals faced, the higher their feelings of burdensomeness and suicide risk; specifically, they found that perceived burdensomeness was a key link between socioeconomic difficulties and suicide risk. This matters because understanding this connection can help in developing better strategies to prevent suicide in people with bipolar disorder. Who this helps: This helps patients with bipolar disorder and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how childhood sexual abuse (CSA) affects the likelihood of becoming homeless in adults with bipolar disorder, focusing on differences between men and women. It found that 76.3% of women and 43.5% of men reported experiencing CSA, and for women, more severe CSA was linked to a higher risk of homelessness, with each increase in severity raising their risk by about 8%. This is important because it shows that female patients with bipolar disorder who have experienced CSA need special support to prevent homelessness. Who this helps: This helps female patients with bipolar disorder who have a history of childhood sexual abuse.

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This study focused on a specific genetic variant found in three individuals with a rare neurological condition called hypomyelinating leukodystrophy type 18 (HLD18). Researchers identified a mutation that caused a critical part of the gene to be skipped, leading to the loss of an important enzyme called DEGS1. This discovery is significant as it enhances our understanding of the genetic causes of HLD18 and points to possible avenues for future treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients with HLD18 and their doctors by clarifying the genetic basis of their condition.

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This paper discusses a rare case of a serious fungal infection called fungemia in a patient who received a kidney transplant. The infection, though uncommon, is particularly dangerous, with a high death rate of 25% to 80% in similar patients. The findings emphasize the importance of monitoring for these infections and suggest that patients might need antifungal treatment for a longer period than currently recommended. Who this helps: This helps kidney transplant patients by highlighting the need for better prevention and treatment for serious infections.

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This study looked at how exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) affects temper loss in young children, specifically how two factors—respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and frontal asymmetry (FA)—play a role. Researchers found that children exposed to IPV had a 134% increase in temper loss when their RSA was low. These findings are important because they suggest that improving RSA could help reduce temper issues in children who have been exposed to family violence. Who this helps: This research benefits young children exposed to intimate partner violence and the professionals who support them.

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This study focused on developing new inhibitors for a specific enzyme called UBA5, which plays a key role in a process called UFMylation, important in cellular functions and linked to diseases like cancer. Researchers created these inhibitors using advanced techniques, resulting in two promising compounds that effectively blocked UBA5 activity and reduced UFMylation of related proteins in cells. The findings are significant because they open up possibilities for better treatments for conditions like cancer by targeting the UFMylation pathway. Who this helps: Patients with cancer and other diseases related to cellular function issues.

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This study looked at the leaves of the plant Salvia elegans and found three compounds called secoisopimaranes, with one, in particular, showing strong antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria at a concentration of 15.6 µg/mL. These findings are important because they suggest that components from this plant could be developed into new treatments for infections caused by this harmful bacteria. Who this helps: This benefits patients with infections resistant to current treatments.

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This research focused on a plant called Osaje Orange, specifically analyzing its fruits to find compounds that can fight a harmful bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. They discovered a new active ingredient called dihydroxyosajin, and found that two key compounds, pomiferin and osajin, were more abundant than previously thought. This is important because it suggests that these compounds could be used to develop better treatments for infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from bacterial infections and the doctors treating them.

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The study looked at how practicing physical movements (like throwing darts) and watching those movements influence our ability to predict actions. Researchers found that when participants practiced throwing darts (motor practice), they got better at predicting outcomes, especially when they weren't doing another task at the same time. In contrast, while visual practice (just watching throws) also improved predictions, it didn't interfere with other tasks. This matters because understanding how these two types of practice affect prediction can help improve training methods in sports and rehabilitation. Who this helps: This helps athletes and physical therapists.

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In this study, researchers evaluated the accuracy and consistency of Loadsol® insoles, which measure the forces ground exerts on a person while walking, compared to traditional force plates used in labs. They found that the insoles provided excellent accuracy for various measurements, with values indicating strong reliability—meaning the results were consistent when retested—matching that of the force plates. This matters because it shows that Loadsol® insoles can effectively be used outside of labs, making it easier to assess walking performance in real-life settings. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and clinicians working with patients who need walking assessments, such as those recovering from injuries or with movement disorders.

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This study focused on a 25-year-old man who sought help from mental health services because he was feeling anxious and depressed about climate change. The report found that his symptoms were severe enough that they were thought to be delusional. The researchers highlight the growing link between climate change and mental health issues, recommending that mental health professionals learn more about these concerns to better support their patients. Who this helps: This helps mental health professionals and their patients struggling with climate-related anxiety.

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This research looks at the state of liver transplantation in North America and highlights recent changes in how livers are allocated and used. It finds that most liver transplants still come from deceased donors, but there is a growing effort to increase the use of living donors, especially for patients who might face challenges getting a deceased donor liver. This matters because improving access to liver transplants can save more lives and improve patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients needing liver transplants, especially those with limited access to deceased donor organs.

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Researchers developed new compounds that activate a part of the immune system known as TLR7. In laboratory tests, these compounds greatly increased the levels of certain signaling proteins (cytokines) in both human and mouse blood. When tested in mice with tumors, the most effective compound led to complete tumor shrinkage in 8 out of 10 mice when used with another treatment called aPD1. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients by improving treatment options.

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This study focused on developing new small molecule drugs called TLR7 agonists to improve cancer treatment by boosting the immune response. Researchers created a series of these drugs, finding one particular compound that worked very effectively at low doses and showed strong anti-cancer effects when used with another therapy called aPD1 antibody. This is important because it could lead to more effective treatments for cancer patients, giving them better options for immunotherapy. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients looking for better immunotherapy treatments.

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This study examined different methods of long-read RNA sequencing to see how well they could identify and measure RNA transcripts in human, mouse, and manatee samples. Researchers found that using longer and more precise sequences gave better results in accurately identifying transcripts, while having more sequence data helped improve the accuracy of measuring their quantities. These findings are important because they can inform how scientists analyze RNA, leading to better understanding of gene expression and disease. Who this helps: This helps researchers and geneticists studying gene expression and related disorders.

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This study looked at how left-handed people improve their ability to predict dart throws after practicing throwing a dart themselves. They found that after practice, left-handed participants were more accurate in predicting throws made by left-handed individuals, showing a significant improvement in prediction accuracy specifically for left-handed videos compared to right-handed ones. This matters because it highlights that targeted physical practice can enhance specific motor skills and predictions, offering insights on how practice affects different groups uniquely. Who this helps: This helps left-handed patients and athletes by improving their training methods and performance.

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This study looked at a new method for examining human kidneys that are not suitable for transplant, using a technique called contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). Researchers found that this method can effectively measure blood flow and the structure of blood vessels in the kidneys, revealing differences in how well they perform after being treated for an hour. This is important because it offers a non-damaging way to assess kidney health and function, helping to improve organ analysis before transplantation. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and researchers working with kidney transplants.

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The study looked at liver transplants in the U.S. before and after a policy change by the United Network for Organ Sharing in February 2020, aiming to improve access to transplants. After the change, the number of liver transplants dropped by 6%, with a 54% decrease in local donations, while imported donations surged by 133%. Costs also increased significantly, with overall hospital expenses rising by nearly 11%, and specific costs for imported livers jumping by 122%, highlighting that the new policy may worsen existing inequalities in healthcare access for marginalized communities.

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This 12-center North American study followed 360 patients who received a living donor liver transplant for liver cancer, including many whose tumors exceeded the standard size and number limits (Milan criteria). Ten-year survival exceeded 60% even for patients outside the criteria, and a newer scoring tool called the NYCA score correctly identified most of these "out-of-criteria" patients as low or acceptable risk. Living donor transplant offers good long-term outcomes for a broader group of liver cancer patients than current criteria allow.

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This study looked at a new liver allocation policy called acuity circles, which was designed to improve how liver transplants are given out across the U.S. The researchers found that while 63% of liver transplant surgeons believe the wait times for patients with less severe liver disease decreased, 50% reported longer wait times for those with more severe conditions. Additionally, 75% felt that transplant costs have gone up, even though surgical complications and graft survival rates have not changed. Who this helps: This research benefits patients waiting for liver transplants and the medical teams involved in their care.

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This paper discusses how many donated organs are turned down for transplants, even though those organs could still be valuable for research. The authors argue that using these declined organs in scientific studies can lead to important medical breakthroughs, ultimately benefiting patients in need of transplants. They emphasize that finding ways to honor every organ donation could transform future medical care and patient outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients waiting for organ transplants and researchers looking to improve transplant success rates.

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This paper reviews how robotic surgery is being used in liver surgery and transplantation. Researchers found that robotic techniques offer benefits like less postoperative pain and faster recovery for patients, despite longer surgery times. Robot-assisted surgeries provide better visualization and precision, which is crucial for donor safety, but there is still a need for more data to fully understand its effectiveness compared to other surgical methods. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing liver surgery and their doctors.

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This study looked at how deep learning technology can help predict whether early-stage liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) might come back after treatment. Researchers analyzed MRI scans of 120 patients and found that their models could accurately predict recurrence 71% to 85% of the time. This is important because identifying patients at high risk for recurrence could lead to better monitoring and potentially improve their long-term health outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with early-stage liver cancer and their doctors.

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The study assessed different methods for analyzing RNA, which carries genetic information, using long-read sequences from several species including humans, mice, and manatees. Researchers found that longer and more accurate RNA sequences produced better identification of transcripts, while more data improved the counting of these transcripts. This research is important because it helps scientists refine techniques for studying gene expression, potentially leading to better understanding of various diseases. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and clinicians working on genetic diseases and therapies.

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This study focused on creating a care model specifically for older adults with frailty who visit emergency departments in Ireland. It involved 86 experts who worked together to develop a list of key elements needed for this "Frailty at the Front Door" model. The final list included 70 agreed-upon statements addressing areas like the model's goals, the population it serves, and how care should be evaluated. This matters because it sets a standard for improving care and outcomes for frail older adults in emergency situations. Who this helps: Patients, particularly older adults experiencing frailty.

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Living donor liver transplantation can reduce deaths on the waitlist, but its use in the U.S. remains low. This consensus conference report from the American Society of Transplantation identified barriers to wider adoption and outlined best practices for selecting candidates and engaging potential donors. The goal is to increase access to living donor transplants across more transplant centers.

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This paper looked at how to best use a procedure called transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) to manage complications from portal hypertension, a condition that can lead to serious health issues like fluid buildup and bleeding. The authors, a group of experts from various medical fields, found that since TIPS procedures can vary so much in execution and outcomes, it’s important to have a team approach where gastroenterologists, interventional radiologists, and other specialists work together to ensure patients get the best care possible. They also identified gaps in knowledge and suggested areas for future research to improve how TIPS is used. Who this helps: This helps patients with portal hypertension and the doctors who treat them.

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This study looked at how to make visits to a busy medical clinic better for patients. Over four years, they used better communication tools among staff and made some changes to the clinic’s layout. As a result, patient satisfaction scores steadily improved from 82.1 to 88.9, demonstrating that these changes had a lasting positive effect. Who this helps: This helps patients by ensuring they have a better experience during their clinic visits.

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This study looked at how mothers' daily parenting challenges affect their young children's behavior problems, specifically in low-income urban settings. Researchers found that children who showed brain activity patterns linked to a particular response to stress (specifically left frontal alpha asymmetry) were more likely to display behavior issues, like aggression or defiance, when their mothers faced more parenting hassles. In contrast, children with a different brain activity pattern (right frontal asymmetry) did not show these behavioral problems related to their mothers' stress. Who this helps: This helps parents and healthcare providers understand how stress affects children's behavior based on the children's individual brain responses.

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This study looked at how often children who receive liver transplants develop infections at the surgical site and what impacts those infections have. Out of 86 pediatric liver transplant patients, 8 (or 9.3%) developed infections within 30 days after surgery, with a higher rate of infection (11.4%) among those who received segmented grafts compared to those with whole grafts (4%). Although patients with infections faced longer hospital stays and a higher chance of needing additional surgery, their overall survival rates were not affected, making it important for doctors to monitor these infections closely, especially in cases of biliary complications. Who this helps: This research aids doctors and healthcare providers managing the care of pediatric liver transplant patients.

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This study looked at how well a deep learning program could tell the difference between two types of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC) and non-cancerous liver lesions using MRI scans. The model was created using data from 118 patients with 150 liver lesions and showed an accuracy of 87.3% in classifying lesions, with 92.7% sensitivity to correctly identify HCC and 82% specificity for non-HCC lesions. This is important because doctors often face challenges with atypical liver cancer images, and this tool could help improve diagnosis and treatment options. Who this helps: This helps doctors in diagnosing liver cancer more accurately, especially in difficult cases.

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This report reviews COVID-19 vaccines, particularly the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which have shown an effectiveness of 94%-95% against the virus. It highlights that while most side effects, such as mild pain or fever, are common, they are temporary and usually not severe. This is important for patients with liver disease and those who have had liver transplants, as these groups may need guidance on vaccine prioritization and safety. Who this helps: Patients with chronic liver disease and liver transplant recipients.

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This study looked at a weight management program to see how effective different types of support—face-to-face, phone, and digital—were for people with severe obesity. Among the 169 participants, everyone lost weight, with an average loss of about 5.3 kg for face-to-face support, 4 kg for phone support, and 6.1 kg for digital support. The findings highlight that all support methods were similarly effective, suggesting that digital programs could be a practical and cost-effective option for helping people manage their weight. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with obesity by offering more accessible treatment options.

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This study looked at the rules and regulations governing liver transplantation in the U.S., focusing on how they affect transplant centers. The research found that while the current regulations have improved one-year patient survival rates, they also slowed down innovation and led to more organs being discarded. The new updates to these regulations promise to make the transplant process more efficient and effective, ultimately benefiting patients awaiting liver transplants. Who this helps: Patients waiting for liver transplants.

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The study looked at how a new heart allocation policy, introduced in October 2018, affected patients with certain heart conditions, specifically restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and congenital heart disease (CHD). After the policy change, 88 more patients with these conditions received transplants, and wait times for transplants became shorter: RCM patients waited 41 days before the change and only 27 days after, while HCM patients waited 55 days, going down to 38 days, and CHD patients saw a drop from 81 days to 49 days. This is important because it shows that the new policy helped more patients get heart transplants more quickly, without impacting their chances of surviving after the surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients with RCM, HCM, and CHD who are needing heart transplants.

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This study looked at how the use of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) for patients waiting for heart transplants changed after new rules for heart donation were put in place in 2018. It found that the number of patients on the transplant list with LVADs dropped significantly from 102 to 12 over three years, and the average wait time for a transplant decreased from 82 to 65 days. However, after the policy change, patients who received transplants after using an LVAD had worse survival rates afterwards. Who this helps: This research benefits patients awaiting heart transplants and their doctors by highlighting changes in treatment effectiveness.

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This study looked at the effects of a new policy for simultaneous liver-kidney transplants (SLK) that began in 2017. It found that 94% of people who registered for SLK met the eligibility criteria, but the number of SLK transplants decreased from 740 in 2017 to 676 in 2018 before slightly rising again to 728 in 2019. Meanwhile, patients receiving a kidney after a liver transplant saw their chances of dying on the waitlist drop, and the number of these transplants increased significantly, from 46 to 197. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing both a liver and kidney transplant, as well as those who need a kidney after a liver transplant.

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This study looked at how being inactive on the liver transplant waitlist affects patients' chances of dying while waiting for a transplant. About 30% of patients experience a change to inactive status, which makes them temporarily ineligible for a transplant. The findings show that patients with a MELD score between 26 and 34 are more likely to die on the waitlist if they are at centers with higher transplant rates, while those with a MELD score of 35 or higher do not show significant differences regardless of the center's transplant rates. Improving how inactive patients are managed could save lives and help more people get the transplants they need. Who this helps: This helps liver transplant patients and the doctors who care for them.

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This study looked at the bacteria present in bile from liver donors and recipients to see if it affects liver transplants. Researchers examined samples from six donors and six recipients in a careful and sterile manner. They found that the bile is actually sterile, which means it doesn't add any contamination risk during transplants. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing liver transplantation by ensuring a safer procedure.

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This research paper examines the challenges facing islet transplantation in the United States, highlighting that outdated regulations are blocking progress. Only 11 patients received islet transplants in the U.S. between 2016 and 2019, primarily in clinical trials, while a more flexible regulatory approach elsewhere has made these transplants a routine treatment for selected patients with type 1 diabetes. Updating these regulations is crucial to improve access to this potentially life-changing procedure for patients in the U.S. Who this helps: This benefits patients with type 1 diabetes seeking islet transplantation as a treatment option.

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This study looked at how penicillin G affects potassium absorption in the colon of rats. Researchers found that when they added penicillin G, the activity of a specific protein involved in potassium absorption increased significantly—by about 10 times—with a p-value of less than 0.0001. This discovery matters because it helps us understand how potassium levels can be managed in the body, especially during diarrhea when potassium loss occurs. Who this helps: This research benefits patients experiencing diarrhea and doctors looking for ways to manage electrolyte levels.