DR. JOHN MCIVER HODGES SR., M.D.

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This study looked at how limb dominance affects recovery after surgery to repair a knee ligament (ACL reconstruction). Researchers found that patients who had surgery on their dominant leg performed better in strength and jumping tests compared to those who had surgery on their non-dominant leg. Specifically, patients with surgery on their dominant leg had more balanced knee strength and better success in a key recovery measure, suggesting that understanding which leg is dominant can help tailor rehabilitation plans and recovery times. Who this helps: This information helps patients recovering from knee surgery and their doctors.

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This study looked at whether a parenting program delivered in schools could improve the partnership between parents and schools. Researchers worked with 912 parents of children aged 4 to 13 and found that after participating in the program, there were small but positive changes in how often parents communicated with teachers and got involved in school activities. Specifically, parent-teacher communication improved slightly, with scores increasing by 0.16 and 0.15 at different follow-up points, and school involvement increased by 0.19 and 0.22. Who this helps: This benefits parents, teachers, and ultimately the children in their learning environment.

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This study looked at how to effectively implement a digital health tool called PositiveLinks, which helps people with HIV, in outpatient care settings. Researchers found that staff members were generally ready for this change, with an average readiness score of 48 out of 54, and research assistants showed higher readiness than doctors (52.5 vs. 48). Understanding and planning for how to implement these tools is important because it can improve HIV care and support for patients. Who this helps: Patients with HIV and the healthcare providers who care for them.

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This study looked at how the shape and size of river channels affect the breakdown of chemicals found in wastewater by microbes. Researchers found that the rate at which these chemicals are transformed varies with water depth and type of sediment: the best results for nitrification (a type of breakdown) happened with gravel, while sand performed worst. This is important because it shows that the physical characteristics of a river can significantly influence how effectively wastewater is cleaned naturally. Who this helps: This helps environmental scientists and water resource managers who focus on improving river water quality.

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This study looked at how different types of parental involvement affect children's social, emotional, and behavioral well-being. Researchers analyzed data from over 2,200 parents and found four types of parenting styles: proactive (42.4% of parents), adequate (28.6%), help-seeking (16.9%), and disengaged (12.0%). Understanding these differences can help schools develop better support systems for families and improve children's adjustment to school and social situations. Who this helps: This helps parents and educators working with young children.

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This study looked at how a parenting program called Triple P-Positive Parenting could strengthen the partnership between families and schools by improving parents' self-regulation skills. Researchers found that after the program, parent-teacher communication improved for 912 parents, and there was also increased involvement of parents in school activities. This is important because enhancing the relationship between home and school can benefit children's development and learning. Who this helps: This helps parents and teachers, leading to better support for students.

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This study looked at how personal factors like gender, education, depression, and migraines affect the changes in symptoms reported by patients with chronic rhinosinusitis after treatment. Out of 221 patients, 43.9% said their symptoms improved, and the study found that while changes in symptom scores generally indicated improvement, those with depression did not feel the same level of improvement compared to those with migraines. Understanding these differences is important because it helps doctors better assess how much treatment is really helping their patients. Who this helps: Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and their doctors.

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This study examined how well two scoring systems— the bariatric frailty score (BFS) and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score—predict serious complications after bariatric surgery, using data from nearly 700,000 patients. The BFS was found to be slightly better at predicting these complications, with scores of 0.589 for BFS compared to 0.579 for ASA and 0.593 for functional status. This is important because improving the way we predict complications can help doctors make better decisions for their patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Who this helps: Patients undergoing bariatric surgery and their doctors.

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Researchers studied how the shape and size of river channels affect the breakdown of pollutants by microorganisms in two different rivers in the U.K.: the shallow River Maun and the deeper River Calder. They found that pollutant breakdown rates were higher in the shallow river, with more efficient transformation of substances like sucralose and ammonium. This is important because it shows that river shape influences how effectively water bodies can clean themselves, which can help in managing water quality. Who this helps: This benefits environmental scientists and water management authorities.

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This study looked at how to involve people who have experienced high blood pressure during pregnancy (known as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy) in improving healthcare for others facing the same issue. The researchers created two groups made up of Black and Latina women who have had these experiences, allowing them to guide the development of better care practices. By making sure these voices are included, they found that trust and understanding between patients and healthcare providers improved, ultimately leading to better care for those affected. Who this helps: This benefits patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, particularly Black and Latina women.

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This study looked at whether a series of online parenting seminars could help improve the mental health and wellbeing of children and families. Researchers found that after participating, parents reported better parenting practices and a decrease in issues like child anxiety and behavioral problems. Specifically, there were small-to-medium improvements in parental self-regulation and children's emotional wellbeing, while measures of parental relationships and child depression showed no change. Who this helps: Families with children aged 4-13 benefit from these parenting seminars.

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This research focused on improving the prediction of how materials burn, specifically through a method that adjusts existing test data to different fire exposure conditions. The researchers found that their new approach effectively modeled burning behaviors for 141 materials, particularly polymers and wood, showing a strong connection between data from various fire tests and the expected burning rates. This is important because it could lead to better safety assessments in fire situations by predicting how items react to flames. Who this helps: This benefits engineers, fire safety professionals, and manufacturers of flammable materials.

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This study looked at how people's religious beliefs and feelings of guilt about sex affect their views on pornography and sex workers. The researchers found that people who are more religious tend to have harsher opinions on pornography and a more negative view of sex workers, mainly because of their own feelings of guilt about sex. This is important because it highlights how personal beliefs can shape societal attitudes toward sex and those involved in the sex industry. Who this helps: This helps policymakers, mental health professionals, and advocacy groups working with sex workers.

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This study looked at how well children with sickle cell disease and their parents agree on how much pain the kids are experiencing. Researchers found that the agreement on pain levels was only moderate, with consistency scores ranging from 0.17 to 0.54. Key factors influencing this disagreement included the child's age, how often they were hospitalized, and their economic situation, highlighting the need for better communication and assessment of pain to enhance treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients and their caregivers by improving pain management strategies.

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This study looked at how frailty affects the healthcare needs of patients over a year after they see a surgeon. Researchers found that frail patients used 8% more health services and very frail patients used 29% more compared to those who were not frail after surgery. For patients who didn’t have surgery, these numbers were even higher—23% and 68% more, respectively. Understanding these costs is important for better planning in healthcare and for developing payment strategies that reflect the needs of frail patients. Who this helps: Patients who are frail, their caregivers, and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how online training can improve the use of central venous access devices (CVADs) in cancer care. The research found that after completing the eLearning program, clinicians became more knowledgeable and skilled in handling CVADs, which is important since up to 25% of these devices fail early, leading to serious health issues for patients. Improving the management of these devices can enhance patient safety and their overall experience during treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing cancer treatment and the healthcare professionals who care for them.

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This study focused on improving online education for healthcare professionals in oncology by understanding their learning preferences. Researchers found that tools like mini-modules, videos, and webinars increased engagement and satisfaction, allowing professionals to access information whenever and wherever they need it. This is important because tailored education can help healthcare workers stay informed about the best practices in cancer treatment. Who this helps: This benefits healthcare professionals working in oncology.

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This study focused on Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a genetic condition that affects brain development and behavior. Researchers tested a drug called ISRIB, which helps regulate protein production, and found it improved brain structure and social behavior in lab mice that had features of FXS. Specifically, ISRIB corrected abnormal changes in brain cells and enhanced social recognition behaviors in these mice, showing promise for future treatments for people with FXS. Who this helps: Patients with Fragile X syndrome and their families.

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Researchers studied how misdirected connections from the eyes to a part of the brain called the visual thalamus impact the brain's circuitry in mice. They found that when these connections go to the wrong place, the brain creates separate groups of connections that don't communicate with each other, forming "islands" of activity. This matters because it helps us understand how the brain organizes its visual circuits and how such disconnections could affect vision. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and doctors working on visual disorders and neural circuit development.

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This study looked at how to check if the assumptions behind network meta-analysis (a method used to compare different treatments) are being met. It found that using a simple visual method can help identify problems with these assumptions, which can affect the accuracy of the results, especially in a real case comparing steroids as treatment for septic shock patients. This matters because ensuring the assumptions are valid improves the reliability of treatment comparisons, leading to better patient care. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers in understanding treatment effectiveness for patients.

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This study looked at Brodie's abscess, an infection in the heel bone caused by bacteria, which can occur months or even years after an injury. It focused on a patient who developed this condition after a minor trauma, and they were effectively treated with surgery to remove the infected tissue and a course of antibiotics. This research is important because it highlights the need for timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent serious complications from this type of bone infection. Who this helps: Patients with Brodie's abscess and healthcare providers treating bone infections.

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This study looked at the effects of a treatment called voxelotor on brain stress in children and teenagers with sickle cell anemia. Researchers monitored four patients for 2 to 5 months and found that voxelotor did not lead to an increase in blood flow or oxygen extraction in the brain, which means it likely does not increase brain stress as previously thought. This is important because it shows that voxelotor can be safely used without worsening brain issues in these patients. Who this helps: This helps children and adolescents with sickle cell anemia.

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This study examined how to effectively implement a smartphone app called PositiveLinks, which is designed to help people with HIV manage their care, by comparing its use with standard treatment across six different health sites in Washington, DC. They found that planning how to collect data and measure success was essential, and they created new surveys to track how well the app was used and how well it worked in real-world settings. The work is important because it highlights the need for structured approaches to ensure digital health tools can be successfully adopted in healthcare settings, which can lead to better patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with HIV and healthcare providers managing their care.

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This study looked at the problems caused by metal-on-metal implants used in joint replacement surgeries for arthritis. It found that the buildup of metal in the body, known as metallosis, can lead to serious health issues like pain, inflammation, and even heart and brain problems. Understanding the causes and risks of metallosis is crucial because it helps doctors monitor patients better and improve future treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing joint replacement surgeries and their doctors.

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This study looked at how a new rule in Rugby League, called the six-again rule, changed how fast players could accelerate during games. Researchers analyzed data from 42 players over 56 matches from 2019 to 2021 and found that players’ average acceleration increased significantly from 0.91 meters per second in 2019 to 1.02 meters per second in 2020 and 1.05 meters per second in 2021. This rise in acceleration intensity is important because it means that training for players needs to be adjusted to keep up with the faster pace of the game. Who this helps: This benefits coaches and trainers who work with Rugby League players.

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This study looked at how to better identify attention problems (like inattention and hyperactivity) in children with haemophilia during their medical appointments. Out of 44 children screened, 54.5% were found to have a mental health diagnosis, with almost 30% diagnosed with ADHD, which is much higher than what is seen in the general population. This is important because it helps ensure children receive the support they need to succeed socially and academically. Who this helps: Children with haemophilia and their families.

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A woman in her 40s developed a serious infection in her spleen, called a splenic abscess, after having several teeth pulled. Despite showing no sign of needle exposure, doctors found that the infection likely came from bacteria in her mouth after the tooth extractions. This is important because it highlights how dental procedures can lead to serious infections in other parts of the body. Who this helps: This information benefits dentists and patients undergoing tooth extractions.

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This study looked at how to assess movement in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) using a home-based video method called the Duchenne Video Assessment (DVA). Physical therapists helped identify specific tasks that would show the patients' movement abilities, such as climbing stairs or rolling over in bed. For ambulatory patients, tasks like climbing five stairs and jumping were confirmed as important by all physical therapists, while for non-ambulatory patients, tasks like eating and shifting weight in bed were confirmed by nearly all experts. This matters because it allows for better tracking of disease progression and reduces the need for families to travel for assessments. Who this helps: This helps patients with DMD and their caregivers by providing a convenient way to monitor their movement abilities.

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This study looked at how factors like parental job status, income, and neighborhood conditions affect the thinking skills of children treated for brain tumors. Researchers found that children from neighborhoods with higher economic hardship scores had lower cognitive abilities, with the strongest impact seen in math and IQ scores over time. For example, greater poverty was linked to poorer performance in cognitive tests. Understanding these connections can help improve support for young survivors of brain tumors as they grow up. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients and their families by highlighting the importance of socioeconomic factors in recovery and education.

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This study looked at how workplace drug testing affects different racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. It found that since 2002, Black workers have been subject to drug testing policies 15-20% more than Hispanic or White workers. Additionally, when they tested positive for drugs, Black and Hispanic workers were more likely to be fired compared to White workers, and Hispanic workers were less likely to receive help for treatment than their White counterparts, which highlights disparities in workplace support and outcomes. Who this helps: This helps workers, especially those from Black and Hispanic communities.

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This study looked at how switching to remote health services during the COVID-19 pandemic affected Latinx immigrants' access to healthcare. Researchers interviewed 23 service providers and found that while telehealth overall made it easier for these immigrants to access care, challenges remained, such as limited technology access, privacy concerns, and some platforms not being usable due to confidentiality laws. Addressing these issues is crucial to truly benefit Latinx immigrants and reduce healthcare inequalities. Who this helps: Latinx immigrants seeking accessible healthcare services.

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This review studied how different factors can influence the success of treatments for anxiety disorders in older adults. It found that out of 49 factors examined, 23 had a significant effect on treatment outcomes right after treatment and 14 had an effect after follow-up. One important factor identified was the level of worry severity before treatment, which appeared to predict how well patients would respond to psychological therapies. Who this helps: This benefits older patients struggling with anxiety and the healthcare providers treating them.

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This study looked at the challenges and supports for premarital genetic counseling regarding Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in Northern Nigeria. Researchers found that many people recognize the importance of screening before marriage to prevent the disease, but barriers like ignorance about SCD, lack of testing facilities, transportation issues, and stigma make it hard for them to seek this testing. Developing a structured counseling program could improve awareness and health outcomes for those affected. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Sickle Cell Disease and their families.

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Researchers studied how to improve a mobile app called PositiveLinks for people living with HIV in Washington, DC. They interviewed 28 healthcare providers and had focus groups with 32 patients to gather feedback about what features would be most helpful. Key findings showed that patients wanted better health knowledge, self-monitoring tools, and peer support, while providers emphasized improved communication and patient engagement. This matters because tailoring the app can enhance care and support for a vulnerable population, ultimately leading to better health outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients living with HIV and their healthcare providers.

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The study looked at whether severe pregnancy-related high blood pressure, called severe hypertensive disease of pregnancy (HDP), is linked to a serious lung condition in preterm infants who are born before 31 weeks of pregnancy. Out of 693 mother-baby pairs, 32% of the mothers had severe HDP, and 34% of the babies developed moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). It was found that babies born earlier to mothers with severe HDP were more likely to have BPD compared to those born at the same time to mothers without high blood pressure, while those born later had lower odds of developing this condition. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers in understanding risks for preterm infants, especially those born to mothers with severe high blood pressure during pregnancy.

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This study focused on a new seminar series called Triple P, aimed at helping parents manage their children's mental health issues that have risen due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers are testing this program in at least 300 Australian primary schools, with parents providing feedback on their children's wellbeing before the seminars, and again six and twelve weeks later. The goal is to see if these seminars effectively improve children's mental health and overall wellbeing after experiencing increased anxiety and social isolation. Who this helps: This benefits parents and their children by providing support and tools for better mental health and social skills.

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This study focused on a virus called Microbacteriophage Fizzles, which was found in soil from an ant hill in Texas. Researchers sequenced its entire genome, which is made up of 62,078 DNA base pairs and is predicted to have 104 genes. The findings show that Fizzles shares more than 83.6% of its genetic material with other similar viruses, which helps scientists understand how these viruses work and how they might be used in medicine. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on therapies for bacterial infections.

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This study looked at how different forms of hydrocortisone affect growth and bone development in young children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Researchers compared the use of a pharmacy-compounded hydrocortisone suspension to the standard tablet form in 130 children. They found that those taking the suspension had bone age scores that were 2.8 standard deviations lower and received 30.4% less medication by their fourth birthday, but there were no significant differences in height or weight between the two groups. This matters because it suggests that using the suspension may lead to better management of hormone levels without impacting growth. Who this helps: This helps young children with CAH and their families by potentially improving their treatment options.

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This study looked at how common abnormal amyloid levels are in people with different cognitive conditions related to Alzheimer’s disease, such as normal cognition, subjective cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's dementia. They found that 24% of people with normal cognition had abnormal amyloid levels, 27% with subjective cognitive decline, and 51% with mild cognitive impairment; for those with Alzheimer’s dementia, the rate was even higher at 87% using PET scans. These findings suggest that more people may be affected by early stages of Alzheimer’s than previously thought, which is important for planning treatments and clinical trials. Who this helps: This helps patients, doctors, and researchers focused on Alzheimer's disease.

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This study looked at complications after sleeve gastrectomy, a surgery performed over 100,000 times a year in the U.S., focusing on whether factors like staple height or sewing techniques affected the rate of bleeding or leaks after the procedure. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,160 patients and found that only 2.2% needed blood transfusions and 0.2% experienced leaks, showing no significant connection between postoperative complications and the surgical techniques or materials used. These findings are important because they indicate that the choice of equipment or methods might not impact these serious complications, which could help surgeons focus on patient selection instead. Who this helps: This helps doctors and surgical teams in making decisions about the safest approach for their patients.

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Researchers studied a smartphone app called HOPE, designed to help people with opioid use disorder (OUD) stay engaged in their treatment during the COVID-19 lockdown. Out of 25 people using the app, 56% were still receiving care after six months, and those with challenges like distance to the clinic were more likely to drop out. The app showed promise in helping patients maintain their treatment and improve their mental health and self-control regarding substance use. Who this helps: This benefits patients with opioid use disorder and healthcare providers looking for innovative treatment solutions.

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The study focused on a mobile app called HOPE, designed to help patients being treated for opioid addiction communicate better with each other and their healthcare providers. It found that 45% of posts on the app's community message board expressed the users' feelings, while 52% of direct messages to their care team were about medical issues. This app is important because it helps patients share their emotions and seek support, making the treatment process smoother and more community-oriented. Who this helps: This benefits patients in medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.

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This research studied how a mobile health program, called PositiveLinks, can help people living with HIV in Washington, DC, stay engaged in their care and better manage their health. The researchers planned to assess the program’s effectiveness by comparing 12 clinics using PositiveLinks with those providing standard care, aiming to involve 482 participants. They found that innovative mobile health solutions can significantly enhance patient retention and health outcomes, which is important for improving the lives of people with HIV. Who this helps: This benefits patients living with HIV who struggle to stay engaged in their care.

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This study focused on creating and testing a mobile health program designed to improve the care of individuals with both HIV and tuberculosis (TB) in Irkutsk, Siberia, where these infections are quite common. They initially worked with 60 people and found that after 6 months, the majority of users (90%) rated the program positively, indicating it was user-friendly and acceptable. This research is important because it shows how mobile technology can help doctors provide better coordinated care for patients dealing with multiple health issues. Who this helps: This benefits patients with HIV and tuberculosis, as well as their healthcare providers.

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This study examined a simple five-question survey designed to measure how well parents are adjusting to raising children, whether they are typically developing or have developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. The researchers found that this survey worked well for both groups of parents, confirming it was reliable and valid. This is important because it provides a quick and effective way for professionals to assess and support parental well-being in different family situations. Who this helps: This helps parents and healthcare providers working with families of young children.

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This study looked at how a support program called Stepping Stones Triple P helped families of 891 children with developmental disabilities. Researchers found that after the program, parents reported fewer difficulties and less harsh parenting, and children showed improvements in their behavior and emotions. These positive changes lasted for a year, and specifically, improvements in parenting skills were linked to better outcomes for the children. Who this helps: This benefits families with children who have developmental disabilities.