Dr. Jianan Graybill studies the connections between health and environmental changes, especially in Arctic communities affected by climate change. Her work highlights the health risks associated with a shift from traditional diets to modern food sources, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies and the introduction of new diseases. She also investigates how educational factors impact treatment adherence in lupus patients, emphasizing the need for tailored support for diverse backgrounds.
In addition to these areas, Dr. Graybill has worked on treatments for obesity in children, aiming to promote healthier lifestyles through comprehensive programs. Her research extends to effective pain management strategies for patients suffering from chronic pain after surgery, and she explores new treatment options for challenging infections like fungal keratitis and chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis.
Key findings
In a study on pediatric obesity, participants increased their physical activity by 14 minutes per day, reduced screen time by 44 minutes, and 69% of high-risk kids moved to a safer weight range.
In lupus patients, only 48% were compliant with their medication plans, with higher education levels linked to lower compliance rates.
A patient with Post Thoracotomy Pain Syndrome received spinal cord stimulation and reported complete symptom relief after four months.
Topical voriconazole showed a significant reduction in infection size for fungal eye infections, with untreated eyes displaying severe symptoms.
All four patients with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis treated with ketoconazole demonstrated significant improvement, with three achieving complete clearance in about three weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Graybill study the effects of climate change on health?
Yes, she examines how climate change impacts health systems and traditional food sources in Arctic communities.
What treatments has Dr. Graybill researched for obesity?
She developed the FitKids360 program, which encourages overweight children to adopt healthier lifestyles, resulting in increased physical activity and better eating habits.
Does Dr. Graybill work with patients suffering from lupus?
Yes, she studies medication compliance in lupus patients to help healthcare providers better support their treatment.
What innovative treatments has she explored for fungal infections?
Dr. Graybill has researched topical voriconazole for fungal keratitis and ketoconazole for chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, both showing significant improvement in patients.
Can her research help with chronic pain after surgery?
Yes, she investigates treatment options like spinal cord stimulation, which has provided complete pain relief for patients with Post Thoracotomy Pain Syndrome.
Publications in plain English
Perspective: Dimensions of Environment and Health in Arctic Communities.
2024
Environment & health (Washington, D.C.)
Lohmann R, Beatty B, Graybill J, Grigorieva E, Hansen KL +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how the environment and health are connected in Arctic communities, especially as climate change affects their traditional food sources and health systems. Researchers found that the switch to a modern diet, which often lacks the nutrients of traditional foods, is leading to health problems, while climate change also introduces new diseases and threatens traditional lifestyles. It's important to address these issues holistically to improve health outcomes for Arctic communities and respect their rights and cultures.
Who this helps: This helps Indigenous Arctic communities and health care providers working in these areas.
FitKids360: design, conduct, and outcomes of a stage 2 pediatric obesity program.
2014
Journal of obesity
Tucker JM, Eisenmann JC, Howard K, Guseman EH, Yee KE +6 more
Plain English The FitKids360 program was designed to help overweight and obese children aged 5-16 adopt healthier lifestyles. After participating in the program, kids increased their physical activity by 14 minutes per day, reduced their screen time by 44 minutes, and improved their eating habits. Notably, 69% of participants who were at "high risk" for obesity at the start of the program moved to a safer range by the end, and many also saw decreases in their body mass index (BMI).
Who this helps: This helps children struggling with obesity and their families.
Increased Education is Associated with Decreased Compliance in an Urban Multi-Ethnic Lupus Cohort.
2014
Journal of clinical & cellular immunology
Gross R, Graybill J, Wahezi D, Jordan NC, Putterman C +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how education levels and other factors affect whether patients with lupus take their medications as prescribed. Out of 94 patients surveyed, only 48% followed their medication plans correctly, and it was found that those with higher education levels were less likely to be compliant. Understanding these reasons is important to improve treatment and care for lupus patients, especially since non-compliance patterns differ from other groups.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers to better support lupus patients.
Spinal cord stimulation for treatment of pain in a patient with post thoracotomy pain syndrome.
2011
Pain physician
Graybill J, Conermann T, Kabazie AJ, Chandy S
Plain English This study looked at a patient suffering from Post Thoracotomy Pain Syndrome (PTPS), a condition causing ongoing pain in the chest area after surgery, which can be very challenging to treat. The researchers used spinal cord stimulation (SCS) to relieve the patient's pain, and after four months, the patient reported complete relief of symptoms, something not achieved with other treatments. This is significant because it shows that SCS can be an effective solution for patients who have not found relief from traditional pain management options.
Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic pain after thoracotomy surgery who have not responded to other treatments.
Topical voriconazole as a novel treatment for fungal keratitis.
2006
Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy
Sponsel W, Chen N, Dang D, Paris G, Graybill J +5 more
Plain English This study looked at a new treatment for a fungal eye infection caused by the Paecilomyces lilacinus fungus, which is hard to treat with standard medications. Researchers found that using topical voriconazole on infected rabbits led to a reduction in infection size and signs of serious damage, while untreated eyes showed severe symptoms. This is important because it shows that voriconazole can effectively treat this tough infection and reach deep into the eye tissue.
Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from fungal keratitis, particularly those with infections caused by P. lilacinus.
Successful treatment of chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis with ketoconazole.
1980
The Journal of pediatrics
Rosenblatt HM, Byrne W, Ament ME, Graybill J, Stiehm ER
Plain English This study looked at how well ketoconazole, an oral antifungal medication, works for patients with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) that didn't respond to other treatments. Out of four patients treated, all showed significant improvement, with three completely clearing their skin and mouth lesions in about three weeks. One patient needed a higher dose for complete improvement, and while two patients stayed clear of the disease with reduced dosing, two others required daily treatment to prevent relapses.
Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis.