DR. JAMES T. MAYES, M.D.

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This research looked at how using digital devices impacts the health of children and teens, especially in New Zealand, where screen use is very high. The study found that while moderate use of screens can be beneficial, heavy screen time can lead to problems like eye strain, hearing loss, and chronic pain. It also highlighted that for mental health and learning, the type of content matters more than just the time spent on screens. Who this helps: This helps children, parents, and educators.

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This study looked at how well different tools measure suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adults. The researchers found 21 tools that met established definitions and reviewed 70 studies on 19 of these tools, finding that while many had strong reliability, they often lacked practical usefulness in real-world settings. Improving these measuring tools is important to enhance care for people experiencing these issues and to support better research outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients, mental health professionals, and researchers working in suicide prevention.

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This study looked at how culture affects the beliefs and choices around exercise in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Researchers interviewed 84 CKD patients from various ethnic backgrounds and found differences in how they view physical activity and their confidence in exercising. Specifically, they discovered that higher confidence in exercise was linked to increased physical activity levels, with a significant correlation of -0.40 (p=0.001), indicating a meaningful relationship between these two factors. Who this helps: This study helps doctors and healthcare providers understand the best ways to support CKD patients in becoming more active.

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This study looked at the experiences of 25 adults on haemodialysis who had fallen in the past six months, finding that they fell an average of three times each. Participants reported that falls were often due to feeling weak, off-balance, or dizzy, and these incidents led to serious injuries that affected their confidence and ability to receive treatment. The findings show a need for better ways to prevent falls in these patients and ensure they have access to the right support and care. Who this helps: This helps patients on haemodialysis and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a new, cost-effective method called droplet digital PCR to find specific genetic variations in patients with primary immunodeficiency disorders. The researchers found that this method effectively identified large genetic deletions in three genes (NFKB1, SERPING1, and SH2D1A) that previous methods might miss. This is important because it can improve diagnosis and treatment options for patients suffering from these rare immune disorders. Who this helps: This helps patients with primary immunodeficiency disorders and their doctors.

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This study focused on the experiences of 25 adults undergoing hemodialysis who also faced frailty, defined by factors like weight loss and weakness. The researchers found that the participants, with an average age of 69, experienced significant physical and mental health challenges and struggled with reliance on family and healthcare systems. The participants' experiences highlighted the need for better support and individualized care strategies to help improve their health and quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients on hemodialysis, their families, and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign managed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 during the Fall 2020 semester. They conducted over 1 million saliva tests for the virus, kept positivity rates low, and had no COVID-19-related hospitalizations or deaths among their students and staff. This approach not only protected the university community but also lowered local mortality rates by more than four times compared to expected figures. Who this helps: This benefits students, faculty, and the surrounding community by ensuring a safer environment.

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This study looked at where people in Scotland die—specifically in critical care units versus hospices—over a 12-year period from 2005 to 2017. Out of over 710,000 deaths, about 5.1% occurred in critical care units and 6.1% in hospices. Deaths in critical care units are becoming more common, particularly among younger people, showing a need for better support services for families in these settings. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families, particularly those facing unexpected deaths in critical care.

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This study looked at how reliable different physical and mental health tests are for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Researchers tested 40 people using five different assessments, finding that all tests showed strong consistency over two visits. For example, the timed up and go test scored the highest reliability (0.96), while the hospital anxiety and depression scale scored lower at 0.71. These results help healthcare providers identify real improvements in physical and mental health for CKD patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic kidney disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how different messages on posters affect people's decisions to sign up as organ donors. It found that a positive message about saving lives had more impact than a negative message about lives lost when initially displayed, with 28 registrations from the gain-framed poster compared to just 10 from the loss-framed one. However, overall, the type of message didn't significantly change total registrations, which were 68 in total, influenced more by the poster's location than its content. Who this helps: This helps potential organ donors and increases awareness about the importance of organ donation.

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This study looked at whether a short program could encourage hospital patients with low levels of physical activity to start exercising after they leave the hospital. Out of 526 patients, 342 were identified as inactive or moderately inactive, and 77% agreed to participate in the program. After receiving the intervention, 100% of participants wanted to join an exercise program, and 66% reported that they actively engaged in exercises in their communities afterwards. This matters because it shows that even a brief intervention can help patients overcome barriers to starting regular physical activity, which is crucial for their long-term health. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from hospital stays.

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This study looked at the effects of a 12-week exercise program for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and how completing the program and improvements in exercise ability affected their health outcomes. Out of 757 patients, those who completed more than half of the sessions experienced better health, with a 60% lower risk of serious health issues like death or heart problems compared to those who didn’t finish the program. Additionally, patients who improved their exercise capacity by over 50 meters had a 40% lower risk of these same severe outcomes. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with chronic kidney disease by highlighting the importance of exercise rehabilitation in improving their health and longevity.

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This study looked at how educating school students in the UK about organ donation can increase their awareness and intentions to register as donors. Before a 15-minute presentation, only 10% of students were registered or planning to register as organ donors, but after the presentation, this number jumped to 56%. This is important because it shows that educational efforts can influence young people's views on organ donation, addressing a critical shortage that affects thousands of patients. Who this helps: This helps students, patients in need of transplants, and the healthcare system by increasing the number of potential organ donors.

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This study looked at how direct-to-consumer genetic testing for medication responses affects community pharmacists. After a genetic testing company received FDA approval in 2018, it's anticipated that patients will seek advice from pharmacists about their test results. The research emphasizes that pharmacists need training to understand and manage these results effectively, ensuring they provide accurate guidance before making any changes to treatments. Who this helps: This benefits patients by providing them with informed support for their medication choices.

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This study looked at how a two-week placement in oncology affects medical students' attitudes towards cancer care and their understanding of oncology. After the placement, students became more confident in delivering bad news and recognizing important cancer symptoms, with 19 students considering a career in oncology. This is important because cancer affects over half of the population, yet many medical programs do not focus enough on oncology training, and this experience could improve future care for patients. Who this helps: This benefits medical students and future cancer patients.

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This study looked at a program where peer navigators help Latino individuals with serious mental health issues. It found that building trust and accessibility are key factors for success, and peer navigators also need better support and resources, especially for undocumented individuals. This matters because it highlights the importance of strong relationships and the necessary support systems to truly help this vulnerable group. Who this helps: This helps patients with serious mental health illnesses and their families.

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The study explored how a specific inflammatory marker called interleukin-1β (IL-1β) can help predict which donor lungs can be successfully treated and used for transplants. Researchers analyzed samples from 42 donor lungs and found that high levels of IL-1β were strongly linked to whether patients survived after transplantation—specifically, it accurately predicted survival 100% of the time in this sample. This research is important because it could lead to better methods for selecting donor lungs and improving outcomes for lung transplant patients. Who this helps: This helps patients needing lung transplants and the doctors involved in their care.

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This study looked at how using two Novalung devices helped a 41-year-old woman with severe pulmonary hypertension while she waited for a lung transplant. After struggling with serious heart and lung issues that couldn't be managed with medications, she successfully received a lung transplant just two days after the devices were implanted. This approach is important because it shows a way to support patients in critical condition until they can receive the organs they need. Who this helps: This helps patients with severe pulmonary hypertension awaiting lung transplants.

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This study looked at how an injection technique called the serratus anterior plane block works to relieve pain in the chest area. Researchers found that when they used a color dye in the injections, it spread to specific nerves more effectively than when using a different substance, latex. This matters because understanding how the injection spreads can improve pain management for patients with rib fractures. Who this helps: This helps patients with chest pain, especially those with rib fractures, by potentially improving pain relief methods.

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This study looks at a rare liver tumor called hepatic angiomyolipoma found in a 74-year-old woman who also has situs inversus totalis, a condition where the organs are reversed in position. The researchers discuss how both conditions are uncommon and have not been previously linked, noting that treatments for the tumor often don’t require surgery. This discovery is important as it adds knowledge about managing these two rare conditions together. Who this helps: This helps doctors understanding how to treat patients with similar rare conditions.

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This study evaluated how childhood cancer survivors feel about the health information they receive during their long-term follow-up care. Out of 51 survivors interviewed, 93% were satisfied with the information about late side effects of their treatment, but 37% wanted more details. Importantly, most survivors didn't see health promotion as part of their follow-up care, with only 14% expecting advice on healthy lifestyles. Who this helps: This helps childhood cancer survivors by highlighting the need for better health promotion information in their care.

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This study focused on the effectiveness of the cobas 4800 test used to detect gonorrhea in patients. It found that when the test runs more than 38 cycles, more than 29% of results may be false positives, meaning they suggest an infection when there isn't one. Therefore, doctors should not rely on extra tests for weak positive results and should treat patients based on their symptoms and medical history instead. Who this helps: This benefit patients by reducing unnecessary additional testing and improving treatment decisions.

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Researchers studied how amyloid-β peptides, which are linked to Alzheimer's disease, form into harmful protein fibers. They discovered that even in later stages of fiber formation, small, potentially toxic clusters of these peptides remain. This finding is significant because understanding the different stages of amyloid-β aggregation can help in developing treatments to prevent or slow Alzheimer's disease progression. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Alzheimer's disease and researchers developing new therapies.

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This study investigated the behavior of certain protein aggregates, called Aβ fibrils, in the context of Alzheimer’s disease, particularly their interaction with copper ions. Researchers found that these fibrils are not inactive as previously thought; they can break down hydrogen peroxide and create harmful substances known as reactive oxygen species. The study revealed that higher ratios of copper to the protein increase the production of these damaging radicals, suggesting that Aβ fibrils may have a more active role in promoting cell damage in the brain. Who this helps: Patients with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers can benefit from understanding the roles of these protein aggregates in disease progression.

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This research paper looks at Alzheimer's disease (AD) and how a protein called amyloid β-peptide forms clumps in the brain, which are linked to the disease. The study highlights that while large fibrils were once thought to be the main problem, smaller groups of this protein, called oligomers, are now believed to play a more significant role in causing symptoms like dementia. The findings emphasize the need to develop new drugs that target and reduce these amyloid clusters in order to improve treatment options for Alzheimer's patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with Alzheimer’s disease and their families, as well as doctors seeking better treatments.

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This study looked at how Alzheimer's disease affects a person's ability to control their eye movements, especially in situations where they need to ignore a distraction. The researchers found that people with Alzheimer's made more mistakes in this control task compared to healthy adults and those with Parkinson's disease, with 18 patients showing significant errors linked to how well they could remember information. The results indicate that difficulties in suppressing distractions could reflect memory problems in Alzheimer's patients. Who this helps: This helps Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers by providing insights into their cognitive challenges.

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This research looked at how well people can control their eye movements when given different tasks, specifically comparing movements called prosaccades (looking toward a target) and antisaccades (looking away from a target). The study found that those who made more mistakes in the antisaccade task tended to be slower in their prosaccade responses, showing a direct link between reaction time and errors, rather than relying on working memory capacity. Understanding this relationship helps improve our knowledge of eye movement control, which is important for conditions that affect attention and coordination. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and researchers working with patients who have attention-related disorders.

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This study looked at pink-eared turtles at Perth Zoo to learn about their breeding, behavior, and diet while in captivity. Over two years, the researchers found that the turtles laid an average of 10 eggs per clutch, and all the hatchlings showed healthy growth. By the end of the study, male turtles were seen reaching sexual maturity at two years old. Who this helps: This research benefits zoos and conservationists working to breed and protect pink-eared turtles.

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This study examined how a protein called human amylin (hA), which is harmful to insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, interacts with copper ions and generates harmful substances that can damage cells. The researchers found that when hA is combined with copper ions, it produces carbonyl groups and ascorbate radicals, which are indicators of oxidative stress. Specifically, they showed that this reaction occurs only in the presence of both copper and hydrogen peroxide, highlighting the role of copper in this harmful process, while rodent amylin did not exhibit toxic effects. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with type 2 diabetes by enhancing the understanding of the cellular damage caused by amylin in their bodies.

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This study explored a new potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease by creating a peptide called RI-OR2, which stops the harmful buildup of beta-amyloid in the brain. Researchers found that RI-OR2 was very stable and could prevent the formation of toxic beta-amyloid clusters more effectively than an earlier version of the peptide. They observed that RI-OR2 significantly reduced the toxicity of beta-amyloid on brain cells in lab tests. Who this helps: This helps patients with Alzheimer’s disease by potentially slowing the progression of the disease.

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This study examined how certain metal ions in the brain, particularly copper (Cu) and iron (Fe), interact with small clumps of protein called soluble oligomers, which are linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD). The researchers found that these interactions increase the production of harmful substances known as reactive oxygen species, which can lead to significant damage in brain cells. Understanding this process is crucial because it highlights a potential target for developing treatments to slow or stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Who this helps: This helps patients with Alzheimer’s disease and their families by paving the way for new treatment options.

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This study examined whether the (111)In-capromab pendetide scan could help predict the effectiveness of salvage radiation therapy for prostate cancer patients who had rising PSA levels after surgery. Researchers found that after treatment, 60% of patients with negative scan results and 74% with positive scan results were still free from disease progression after two years. However, there was no significant difference in outcomes based on scan results, indicating that salvage radiation therapy can be beneficial regardless of the scan result. Who this helps: This benefits prostate cancer patients undergoing salvage radiation therapy.

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This study looked at how sex hormones, specifically estrogen and androgen, influence the development of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC), which affects men and women differently. Researchers found that past studies had limitations, such as not using the best methods to study hormone receptors, and many animal models didn't accurately reflect how liver cancer develops in humans infected with viruses. Understanding the role of these hormones can lead to better treatment options, potentially including hormonal therapies for HCC. Who this helps: This benefits patients with liver cancer by opening up new treatment possibilities.

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This study looked at how certain proteins linked to neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, generate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a harmful compound. Researchers found that these proteins, including amyloid beta and alpha-synuclein, produced H2O2, especially in the early stages of their aggregation, which correlates with their toxic effects on brain cells. This matters because the reactive molecules formed could lead to significant damage in the brain, contributing to disease progression. Who this helps: This research is beneficial for patients with neurodegenerative diseases and the doctors treating them.

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Researchers at Rice University developed an online program called The Reconstructors to teach middle school students about the neuroscience of club drugs and substance abuse. Tests showed that students' understanding of these topics significantly improved after using the program, with scores rising notably. This work is important because it uses engaging digital methods to educate young people about the dangers of drug use and helps them understand the underlying science. Who this helps: This helps students learning about drug abuse and neuroscience.

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This study looked at how weather and environmental pollution, particularly from fossil fuels, affect the risk of pulmonary embolism, a serious condition where blood clots block blood vessels in the lungs. Researchers reviewed the medical scans of over 2,000 patients and found that instances of pulmonary embolism increased with higher water vapor levels and rainfall, with a significant link to vapor pressure (p=0.010). This matters because as weather changes, particularly in polluted areas, more people may face a greater risk of blood clots, especially those with existing health issues or who are immobile. Who this helps: This helps patients with conditions that increase their risk of blood clots, as well as healthcare providers managing their care.

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This study looked at a residential treatment program designed for people who have both mental health issues and substance use problems, particularly those who have experienced homelessness. The program changed its approach, making rules less strict and focusing on motivation and gradual progress, which led to better results: more participants stayed in the program, fewer relapsed into substance use, more found jobs, and fewer needed hospitalization. This is important because it shows that a flexible and supportive treatment environment can significantly improve the lives of vulnerable individuals. Who this helps: This benefits patients struggling with mental health and substance use issues, especially those who are homeless.

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This study looked at how a protein called heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) can help protect liver cells from damage during a serious condition called endotoxemia, which involves severe inflammation due to toxins. Researchers found that when they increased HO-1 levels using a treatment called cobalt protoporphyrin (Co-PP), it significantly reduced cell death and liver injury in a model of liver shock. Specifically, they noted a decrease in harmful signs like raised ALT levels and less activation of a protein involved in cell death, showing that HO-1 provides a protective effect. Who this helps: This benefits patients with liver conditions and their doctors by offering insights into potential protective treatments during severe inflammation.

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This research looked at whether citric acid solutions can prevent long-term catheters from getting blocked in older adults, comparing their effectiveness to regular saline. Only one study was found that tested citric acid on people; it showed a short-term benefit but didn't prove it helps in the long run. Since the evidence is weak, doctors should use citric acid solutions cautiously and only after further testing. Who this helps: This helps doctors who manage catheter care for older patients.

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This study examined the growth of certain types of mushrooms that form helpful relationships with Scots pine trees over 16 years. The researchers found that after thinning the pine trees by 50%, the numbers of some mushroom species increased, but the overall impact on all species was small. Notably, as the pine trees aged, the fruiting of mushrooms tended to happen later in the year, and rainfall in September had a slight effect on this growth pattern. Who this helps: This research benefits forest managers and ecologists studying forest health and biodiversity.

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This study looked at how being admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) before a liver transplant affects patient survival and hospital resource use. The researchers found that patients who were in the ICU before their transplant had survival rates and hospital charges similar to those who weren't critically ill and had their transplant planned ahead of time. Specifically, the length of hospital stay was shorter for elective patients compared to those who were hospitalized, highlighting that selecting the right patients for liver transplants can lead to good outcomes regardless of their initial illness severity. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver disease and doctors making treatment decisions.

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The study looked at how a web-based game called "Reconstructors" can teach middle school students about the history and science of opioids. After using the game, students showed a significant increase in knowledge, with test scores rising from an average of 50% to 85%. This is important because it shows that technology can be an effective way to educate young people about critical health issues like drug use. Who this helps: This benefits middle school students and their teachers.

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Researchers studied four patients who developed a serious liver condition called severe recurrent cholestatic hepatitis C after receiving liver transplants due to hepatitis C-related liver damage. They treated these patients with a drug combination of interferon alpha 2b and ribavirin, which initially suppressed the virus in all cases, but ultimately, three out of four patients experienced worsening liver failure, leading to three deaths. This matters because it highlights the challenges in treating hepatitis C after liver transplants, indicating that even while viral levels can drop, the patients may still face severe complications. Who this helps: This information is important for doctors and healthcare providers managing post-transplant care for patients with hepatitis C.

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This study looked at patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis (a liver condition with no clear cause) to see if they actually had a previous form of liver disease known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFL) before getting a liver transplant. Among 51 patients analyzed, 25.4% developed post-transplant NAFL, and 15.7% developed a more severe form called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This matters because identifying these conditions can help manage the long-term health of liver transplant recipients. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing liver transplants and their doctors.