DR. JERRY MALVIN FRANKLIN, M.D.

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This study looked at a new treatment called ABP 938 compared to the existing treatment, aflibercept, for adults with a severe eye condition called neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The researchers found that after 8 weeks, both treatments provided similar improvements in vision, with only a small difference of 0.1 letters in vision scores, meaning both options are effective. No significant safety concerns were raised for either drug, which is important for patients seeking reliable treatments for their vision loss. Who this helps: This benefits patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

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This study looked at how hospitals in the UK monitor patients at high risk of liver cancer using ultrasound. It found that while nearly all centers use sonographers for these exams, over half do not have specific protocols or training for conducting them, and 35% are worried about staff shortages. This matters because inconsistent practices can lead to missed diagnoses and varying care quality for patients. Who this helps: Patients at high risk for liver cancer who need consistent monitoring.

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This research looked at how well people from ethnically minoritised groups are included in studies about pain science education, which helps individuals understand and manage their pain. The review found that out of 62 studies with a total of 4,685 participants, only 19 reported on ethnicity, and many had little to no representation from minoritised groups. This underrepresentation is concerning because it means the findings may not apply to a diverse range of patients, highlighting the need for more inclusive research practices. Who this helps: This helps patients from ethnically minoritised groups seeking effective pain management education.

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This study investigated a new method to track CAR-T cells, a type of cancer treatment, using ultrasound imaging with tiny bubbles called nanobubbles. The researchers found that they could successfully visualize these CAR-T cells in mice with and without tumors, which could help improve how these therapies are used for solid tumors. This is important because it could lead to better-targeted CAR-T treatments and fewer side effects for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with solid tumors and doctors developing CAR-T therapies.

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This study examined how similar two methods of delivering a medication called ABP 654, which is similar to ustekinumab, are when given to healthy adults. Researchers found that using a prefilled syringe (PFS) or an autoinjector pen (AIP) produced the same levels of the drug in the body, with maximum concentrations and overall exposure to the drug being equivalent. Both methods were found to have similar safety profiles and rates of side effects, which is important for ensuring patients have a good experience with their treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients who need ABP 654, making it easier for them to choose between injection methods.

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This study looked at how loneliness affects the relationship between anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts in over 62,000 adults in the U.S. It found that both anxiety and depression are linked to suicidal thoughts, and loneliness plays a role in this link; for example, 25% of the relationship between anxiety and suicidal thoughts is influenced by feelings of loneliness. Addressing loneliness could help prevent people with anxiety or depression from experiencing suicidal thoughts. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with anxiety and depression.

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This study looked at how a substance called L-2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG) affects the development of nerve cells from their precursors. Researchers found that high levels of L-2HG caused nerve cell precursors to grow too much and prevented them from turning into mature nerve cells. Specifically, they noted that this led to increased MYC gene activity, which hinders the normal development of nerve cells. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with rare metabolic disorders like L2HGDH deficiency and doctors treating neurodevelopmental issues.

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This study examined how using point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) affects the care of patients in the emergency department (ED) who have complications during the first trimester of pregnancy. The findings showed that patients who had POCUS had a shorter stay in the ED by about 59.6 minutes and received ultrasound diagnoses 81.8 minutes faster than those who underwent traditional ultrasound. This is important because quicker diagnoses and treatment can lead to better outcomes for patients facing pregnancy complications. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing early pregnancy complications.

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This study looked at how well certain tests, including magnetic resonance enterography (an imaging test), can predict whether patients recently diagnosed with Crohn's disease would develop severe symptoms within five years. Researchers found that 42% of the 194 patients studied developed disabling symptoms, and while initial clinical assessments had moderate accuracy (49% sensitivity), adding the imaging scores did not significantly improve this prediction. The average healthcare cost for patients over five years was about £24,267, with younger patients and those with severe disease incurring higher costs, emphasizing the need for better prediction tools to manage treatment effectively. Who this helps: Patients with Crohn's disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a new medication called ABP 654, which is similar to an existing drug, ustekinumab, for treating moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Researchers found that after 12 weeks, both medications led to about 82% improvement in skin symptoms, showing they work similarly well. This is important because it indicates that ABP 654 can be a safe and effective alternative to the original drug, potentially offering more options for patients. Who this helps: Patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis benefit from having more treatment options.

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Researchers studied how effective prehospital ultrasound is in identifying lung injuries, such as pneumothorax, in trauma patients. They found that while ultrasound is very accurate when it indicates a problem (98% specificity), it often misses issues with pneumothorax, detecting only 29% of cases correctly. This matters because improving the way emergency teams diagnose lung injuries can lead to better patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients in emergency situations and the medical teams caring for them.

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This study looked at whether a type of MRI called diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) could help predict how Crohn’s disease patients would respond to new biological treatments after one year. Researchers found that DWI did not effectively predict patient responses or quality of life, with low accuracy rates—30% for one type of measurement and 40% for another. These results indicate that DWI doesn't provide additional useful information beyond traditional tests like protein levels in the blood or stool. Who this helps: This helps doctors treating Crohn’s disease patients by clarifying which imaging tests are not reliable for predicting treatment outcomes.

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This study looked at how small areas of land that were not burned in a wildfire, called refugia, affect the types of bacteria and fungi in the soil nearly a decade after a fire. The researchers found that bacterial communities in refugia were 19% richer and fungal communities were 31% richer compared to soils that were burned. This matters because healthier soil microbes can support better forest recovery and resilience against future fires. Who this helps: This helps patients and communities relying on forest ecosystems for health, recreation, and climate stability.

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This study looked at how different types of stress, like feeling unsupported, facing racial discrimination, and living in disadvantaged neighborhoods, impact the immune systems of Black and White women with breast cancer. The researchers found that Black women were more likely to live in socioeconomically deprived areas, which was linked to worse immune responses and more aggressive tumor characteristics. Specifically, high levels of stress were associated with increased inflammation and changes in immune cells that may negatively affect cancer outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients and public health professionals understand how stress affects cancer treatments and outcomes, especially for Black women.

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This study looked at how factors like living in a deprived neighborhood and air pollution relate to inflammation in breast tissue among women. Researchers found that higher levels of air pollution and neighborhood deprivation were linked to the presence of abnormal structures in breast tissue, with Black women showing even stronger connections. For example, women exposed to higher air pollution had more than double the odds of having these abnormal structures compared to those with lower exposure. Who this helps: This research benefits patients and health advocates focused on reducing health disparities in breast cancer.

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In October 2022, Uganda faced an outbreak of Sudan Virus Disease in Kampala, prompting a targeted strategy to prevent the infection's spread. This strategy involved assessing 790 healthcare facilities, training over 2,200 healthcare workers, and implementing focused support around confirmed cases. The infection control scores in these facilities improved significantly from an average of 59.2% to 65.5% within just two weeks, indicating better preparedness to handle such outbreaks in the future. Who this helps: This benefits patients, healthcare workers, and communities at risk of viral outbreaks.

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This study looked at how well a type of MRI called motility MRI (mMRI) can predict how well patients with small bowel Crohn's disease will respond to new biological treatments after one year, compared to traditional tests like CRP and fecal calprotectin (FC). They found that stable or improved mMRI results were more likely to indicate a positive treatment response (71%) than CRP levels (45%), but mMRI was less specific in identifying those patients (31% compared to 67% for CRP). The findings are important because they suggest that mMRI could be a helpful tool in predicting treatment outcomes, guiding doctors in managing Crohn's disease more effectively. Who this helps: This helps patients with Crohn's disease and their doctors in making informed treatment decisions.

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This study looked at how certain dyes behave when they are attached to special soap-like molecules called micelles. The researchers found that the dyes' movement and how they glow can change depending on their chemical form and the type of micelle they are attached to. For example, the dye fluorescein showed a stronger signal when in its phenolate form compared to its other forms. Understanding these interactions is important for improving how dyes are used in medical imaging and other applications. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors who use dyes in medical tests and imaging.

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The VALUE study is examining how often and why endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is used to help determine treatment for patients with oesophageal cancer in the UK. Researchers will collect data from 180 patients, including their treatment decisions before and after EUS, to see how often it changes the plan—an important factor they are tracking. They also want to include more voices from patients in ethnic minority groups, as they are often underrepresented in cancer research. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers by improving treatment planning for oesophageal cancer.

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This study examined the sizes of blood vessels in rabbits to help with research and testing of medical devices for brain and artery diseases. Researchers measured artery diameters at 39 key points in 170 rabbits and found that 85% of the rabbits had a common type of blood vessel structure. These measurements will make it easier for researchers to choose the right-sized blood vessels for future studies and device testing. Who this helps: This helps researchers developing treatments and devices for neurovascular diseases.

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This study looked at the diversity of medical school applicants and those who actually get admitted over the last ten years, focusing on different racial and ethnic groups. While more women, especially Asian women, are applying (with a 51.33% increase), Black and Hispanic women's admission rates still lag behind White and Asian women. Specifically, only about 34% of Black women and 36% of underrepresented minority women were accepted, compared to 44% of White women. This shows that, despite some progress in the number of applications, there are still major barriers in the admissions process, particularly for Black and underrepresented minority women. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers benefit from more diverse doctors who can better understand and address different patient needs.

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This study looked at a new way to track CAR-T cells, a type of cancer treatment, using ultrasound and tiny bubbles called nanobubbles. Researchers found that they could successfully visualize CAR-T cells in mice that had tumors and in those without tumors. This method is important because it helps understand how well these cells travel in the body, which could lead to better treatments for solid tumors. Who this helps: This helps patients with solid tumors and the doctors treating them.

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This research looked at how changes in DNA, specifically in a region related to mitochondrial function, are linked to early heart failure (Stage B HF). They found that a small increase in DNA changes (0.63%) in these mitochondrial genes is connected to the risk of being hospitalized for heart failure, with one specific change being about 74% more likely to lead to hospitalization for heart failure. These findings highlight the role that DNA changes might play in the development of heart failure, suggesting new avenues for understanding and potentially treating the condition. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of heart failure and doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how a genetic condition that prevents the breakdown of a substance called L-2-hydroxyglutarate (L-2HG) affects brain cell development. Researchers found that too much L-2HG leads to problems with forming neurons, specifically causing excessive growth of neural progenitor cells and preventing them from maturing into neurons. They also discovered that correcting this metabolic issue can reverse the harmful effects, highlighting the potential for targeted treatments. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with L-2-hydroxyglutarate-related disorders and their doctors by providing insights for potential therapies.

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This study looked at how effective regular ultrasound check-ups are for finding early-stage liver cancer in patients between 2019 and 2022. Out of 175 patients diagnosed, those who were part of regular surveillance had a higher chance of detecting early-stage liver cancer; specifically, they were 5.9 times more likely to be diagnosed early compared to those who weren't in a surveillance program. This is important because catching liver cancer early can lead to better treatment outcomes. Who this helps: Patients at risk of liver cancer and their healthcare providers.

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This study explored the microbiome (the collection of bacteria and other microorganisms) in bladder cancer, looking at samples from patients and mice. Researchers identified 27 types of bacteria that were more common in the tumors of bladder cancer patients and found differences in the microbiome between those who responded to chemotherapy and those who didn't. Specifically, they identified that 32% of the bacteria in patients' urine matched those in their tumor samples, which could help predict treatment outcomes. Who this helps: This research benefits bladder cancer patients by potentially improving treatment options based on their microbiome profiles.

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This study looked at how doctors in the UK view their roles in providing care for transgender patients. It found that general practitioners (GPs) feel they should listen to patients' stories but hesitate to prescribe necessary treatments, leaving that mostly to specialists like endocrinologists, who see themselves as simply administering treatment. Overall, the doctors acknowledged the need for teamwork in transgender care and expressed concerns about the limitations of the current healthcare system. Who this helps: This research benefits transgender patients by highlighting areas for improvement in their healthcare.

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This study looked at how a new method called MRCP+ can help doctors better detect serious blockages in the bile ducts of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). With regular MRCP, doctors agreed on the presence of these blockages only 43% to 66% of the time, but using MRCP+ improved agreement to about 68% for intrahepatic ducts. This matters because better detection of these blockages can lead to more consistent treatment plans for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with PSC and their doctors.

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This study looked at how using certain dementia drugs affects healthcare costs for people with Alzheimer's and other related conditions. Researchers found that using these drugs, especially donepezil and rivastigmine, can lower Medicare costs by an average of $4,804 and inpatient costs by about $2,842 for people with dementia. This is important because it shows that promoting the use of these drugs could help reduce the financial burden on both patients and the healthcare system. Who this helps: This helps patients with Alzheimer's and their caregivers by potentially lowering their medical costs.

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This study looked at what people preparing for weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) in New South Wales, Australia, wanted to know and the support they needed. It involved 238 participants, mostly women with a median age of 43 and a BMI of 44.5. They found that many relied on the internet (72%) and their general practitioners (67%) for information, but many faced challenges like stress and limited support, especially in public and regional settings, which could affect their surgical success and recovery. Who this helps: This benefits patients preparing for bariatric surgery, as well as healthcare providers working with them.

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This study investigates whether using artificial intelligence (AI) to guide medical decisions can reduce the cases of blood clots that patients acquire while in the hospital, known as hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism (HA-VTE). The trial will compare two groups of adult patients—one receiving AI-driven alerts to prevent blood clots and another receiving standard care—across different hospitals in urban and rural settings from 2025 to 2027. By examining how well the AI system works, the researchers aim to determine if it can lower the incidence of HA-VTE without causing more complications, which is crucial in improving patient safety. Who this helps: This helps patients in hospitals at risk of developing blood clots.

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This paper studied the difficulties of using artificial intelligence to help prevent suicide, particularly in areas where stigma and ethical concerns make implementation tricky, such as with HIV and substance use disorders. The researchers found that while AI models could identify high-risk patients early for better intervention, there are significant barriers in terms of data usage, algorithm reliability, and practical application. Addressing these challenges is essential to make AI tools effective in healthcare settings, as they could significantly improve patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of suicide, healthcare providers, and mental health advocates.

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This study looked at how emetine, a natural compound with potential medical uses, binds to DNA. Researchers found that when emetine interacts with DNA, it does so strongly and effectively, with a specific binding strength measured at 1.10×10^6 M and releasing energy that suggests the process happens naturally and energetically. Understanding how emetine binds to DNA is important because it lays the groundwork for future research on how this compound could be used in treatments. Who this helps: Patients who may benefit from therapies involving emetine.

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This study looked at how non-Indigenous and Indigenous groups can work together to support climate-friendly ecological and cultural restoration in Southern California. The researchers emphasized that addressing the negative impacts of climate change on Indigenous communities requires building strong, respectful relationships that are often missing in traditional academic settings. The project aims to create a partnership model for Indigenous-led climate adaptation efforts, focusing on collaboration and shared goals. Who this helps: This helps Indigenous communities and researchers working in environmental science.

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This study focused on the use of hair care products by pregnant women of color, particularly looking at the health risks posed by harmful chemicals called phthalates, commonly found in these products. The researchers created an educational program to inform these women about the dangers of phthalates and help them switch to safer, phthalate-free products. They found that after the program, participants reported using fewer products with these harmful chemicals, with reductions of 27% to 73% in certain phthalate levels in their urine. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women of color by providing them with essential information to make safer choices for their health and their babies.

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This study examined whether a type of imaging called magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) could help predict if newly diagnosed Crohn's disease patients would develop severe disability from the condition within five years. The researchers followed 194 patients across nine hospitals and found that 42% of them did develop severe disability. They discovered that using MRE scores along with clinical information did not improve the ability to predict future disability risks compared to using clinical information alone. Who this helps: This benefits patients newly diagnosed with Crohn's disease and their doctors in understanding prognosis.

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This study looked at the different risk factors for breast cancer based on its subtypes, particularly focusing on how these factors relate to women of different races and ethnicities. Researchers reviewed studies published between 1990 and 2022 and found that certain factors, like having children and age at first childbirth, were linked to breast cancer risk similarly across racial groups. However, the information was most comprehensive for White women, while data for Asian, Black, and Hispanic women was less complete, highlighting the need for more inclusive research. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers understand breast cancer risks more effectively across different racial and ethnic groups.

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This study looked at how certain chemical reactions in the materials used in lithium-ion batteries can cause them to lose power over time. Researchers found that when certain solvents are used, hydrogen transfer within the battery materials can lead to faster degradation, causing them to lose voltage and capacity more quickly. Specifically, they observed that when hydrogen moves from the solvent to the battery materials, it leads to uneven wear and quicker breakdown of the battery’s structure. Who this helps: This research helps battery manufacturers and engineers improve the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries for consumers.

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This study looked at how a man's West African genetic background and the level of poverty in his neighborhood affect the risk of developing prostate cancer. Researchers found that men with higher West African ancestry living in poorer neighborhoods had nearly double the chances of being diagnosed with prostate cancer (odds ratio of 1.98), while those in wealthier areas had lower chances (odds ratio of 0.22). Understanding these links is important because it shows how both genetics and living conditions can impact health risks, particularly for prostate cancer. Who this helps: This information benefits patients, especially Black men and those living in deprived neighborhoods.

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This study looked at how primary care doctors and patients view follow-up care after weight-loss surgery (bariatric surgery). It found that both groups want better communication and support, but face challenges like limited knowledge among doctors and unrealistic expectations from patients. Addressing these issues could improve health outcomes and overall satisfaction for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients who have undergone bariatric surgery and their primary care practitioners.

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This study looked at how peaches were introduced and spread across eastern North America by Indigenous communities in the 1500s. Researchers found that the earliest peach pits in the U.S. date back to this time, indicating that peaches were already present in the Southeast before the arrival of permanent Spanish settlers. This shows that Indigenous people played a key role in the spread of peaches, using their knowledge of land management to cultivate the fruit independently. Who this helps: This information benefits Indigenous communities and researchers studying agricultural history and cultural practices.

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This study looked at how well computer models can predict high blood pressure (hypertension) in transgender patients compared to models developed from larger groups of cisgender patients. Researchers found that models focused on transgender patients were quite effective, achieving an accuracy of 85%, which was slightly better than the 83% accuracy of models trained on a much larger group of cisgender patients. This matters because it shows that we can create accurate predictions for transgender patients even with smaller sample sizes, which is important for providing proper care in places with fewer resources. Who this helps: Transgender patients and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the relationship between the size at which trees start reproducing and their maximum size across different climates, from tropical to boreal. Researchers found that larger tree species tend to mature at larger sizes, but not in a directly proportional manner; for instance, the biggest trees reproduce at smaller sizes than expected, especially in colder climates. Understanding these patterns is important because it helps predict how forests will react to changes in their environment, like climate change or disturbances. Who this helps: This information benefits ecologists and environmental planners working to manage forests.

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This study looked at how unmet social needs, like struggles with caregiving, food, healthcare, housing, transportation, and utilities, affect employees' absenteeism due to injuries and illnesses. It found that for every unmet need, employees reported higher rates of absenteeism, with a significant increase represented by a score of 0.71. Addressing these social needs could help reduce absenteeism in the workplace, making it beneficial for employers to provide more support and resources. Who this helps: This helps employees by addressing their social needs that impact their health and ability to work.

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This study looked at how healthcare professionals help adults from ethnically minoritized groups understand their pain through Pain Science Education (PSE). The findings showed that these patients often preferred traditional medical approaches and found discussing pain uncomfortable, making them disengage from education efforts. Specifically, healthcare workers noted that these patients tended to stop participating in PSE earlier than others due to cultural beliefs and a lack of training on how to address those beliefs effectively. Who this helps: This research benefits healthcare providers and patients from ethnically minoritized backgrounds by highlighting the need for culturally sensitive pain education.

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This study looked at how bacteria communicate in groups during their development into structured forms called mounds, especially focusing on a signaling process called C-signaling. Researchers found that when there were fewer wild-type bacteria compared to mutant bacteria (like a 1:4 ratio), the mounds failed to form properly, and the mutants cheated by producing more spores than the wild types. This matters because understanding how bacteria coordinate and restrict cheating can help in controlling biofilms, which have significant impacts on health and the environment. Who this helps: This helps researchers, doctors, and industries that deal with bacterial biofilms.

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This research focused on how well different methods of sampling the lining of the uterus can find endometrial cancer in women who are experiencing bleeding after menopause and have thicker uterine linings seen on ultrasound. The study looked at various sampling techniques and found that these methods can accurately detect cancer, but specific performance details and numbers weren't provided in the summary. This is important because early and accurate detection of endometrial cancer can lead to better outcomes and more effective treatment for women. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing postmenopausal bleeding and healthcare providers looking for reliable diagnostic methods.