DR. JOHN T. MAYS, MD

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This study looked at how genetic traits and vaccinations affect Marek's disease in chickens, focusing on the viral load in feathers as a potential indicator of protection. Researchers found that while vaccinated chickens produced less virus in their feathers, genetic resistance did not reduce virus transmission. Specifically, vaccinated chickens had lower disease rates and mortality, but almost all contact birds still got infected. This is important because understanding the feather viral load can help improve breeding and vaccination strategies, making it easier to control the disease in flocks. Who this helps: This helps farmers and poultry producers in controlling Marek's disease.

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This study focused on improving the flu vaccination rates among Hispanic patients, who are often less likely to get vaccinated. Researchers introduced a bilingual brochure and videos featuring local doctors to educate and encourage patients. Before the intervention, 32.7% of participants hadn't received a flu shot in the past season, but after the intervention, 78.4% expressed they would consider getting vaccinated, and many showed increased confidence in vaccines. Who this helps: This benefits Hispanic patients by increasing their access to accurate vaccine information and improving their willingness to get vaccinated.

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This study looked at how family-friendly work options, like paid maternity leave, affect the well-being of Malaysian women who have young children. Researchers found that women using paid maternity leave reported lower levels of anxiety, suggesting that such policies can improve mental health. This matters because supporting working mothers with beneficial work conditions can help them manage their health better while juggling family responsibilities. Who this helps: This benefits working mothers and their families.

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This study looked at how high-energy lasers travel through the air, particularly focusing on how the air's natural movements can affect the laser beam. The researchers created tests to understand this interaction better and collected data that helps improve computer models that predict laser performance in the atmosphere. They found specific ways that lasers behave in different air conditions, which can make the models more accurate. Who this helps: This benefits scientists and engineers working on laser technology, especially in military and industrial applications.

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This study looked at how obesity and inflammation affect the movement and safety of special tiny particles (nanoparticles) that can deliver medicines in mice. Researchers found that these nanoparticles traveled to the livers of obese mice faster than to lean mice, with some reaching obese livers in just 30 minutes. Significantly, the nanoparticles showed no liver toxicity and even helped lower inflammation linked to obesity. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with obesity by improving drug delivery systems tailored to their needs.

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This study examined how front-of-pack nutrition labels influence people's understanding and use of food information, especially across different income levels. Researchers reviewed 36 articles and found that while people generally noticed these labels more than the detailed information on the back of packages, understanding and using the labels were less effective in low-income groups. For example, low-income individuals were less likely to benefit from these labels, even though they did show an increased interest in healthy products when FOPL was used. This is important because better labeling can lead to healthier eating choices for everyone, especially those who may struggle to interpret complex information. Who this helps: Patients and consumers, especially those in lower-income groups.

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This research looked at a new type of light beam called twisted-vortex Gaussian Schell-model beams, which have unique spinning properties. The study found that these beams can have angular momentum from three different sources, allowing for greater control over how the light behaves. This is significant because it opens up new possibilities for applications in optics and technology, like advanced imaging and communication systems. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and engineers working with light-based technologies.

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This research studied the role of a protein complex called mTORC2 in epilepsy and found that reducing its activity can significantly lower the number of seizures. In experiments, deleting mTORC2 in certain brain cells or using a specialized treatment led to a strong reduction in seizures across various mouse models, including behaviors and brain activity readings. This is important because it opens up new potential treatments for epilepsy, which affects millions of people. Who this helps: This helps patients with epilepsy and their doctors in finding new ways to control seizures.

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This study focused on Marek's disease, a serious and highly contagious illness in chickens that leads to significant economic losses. Researchers found that certain genetic changes in the Marek's disease virus affected its severity; specifically, by altering parts of the virus's genome, they were able to reduce the disease's impact and improve the survival of chickens. These findings emphasize the complexity of the virus and suggest that more genetic factors influence its severity than previously understood. Who this helps: This benefits chicken farmers and veterinarians by providing insights for better disease management.

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This research studied how to create stronger carbon fibers by mixing textile-grade polyacrylonitrile (PAN) with carbon nanofibers. The team found that fibers made with 3.2% carbon nanofibers became four times stronger and 14 times stiffer than regular PAN fibers, and these improvements were due to how well the carbon nanofibers were mixed in. This is important because stronger materials can be used in various applications like lightweight and durable products in aerospace and automotive industries. Who this helps: This helps manufacturers and engineers looking for stronger and lighter materials.

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This study looked at a type of cancer in chickens called avian lymphoid leukosis-like lymphoma. Researchers analyzed tissue samples from six affected chickens and found 1,692 new long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), with 39 showing altered expression in tumors. These findings help us understand what might cause this cancer and highlight specific lncRNAs that could be important for its development. Who this helps: This research benefits poultry farmers and veterinarians by providing insights into cancer prevention and treatment in chickens.

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This study looked at how positive surgical margins—when cancer cells are found at the edges of the tissue removed—affect survival for patients who had surgery for kidney cancer. Researchers analyzed data from 485 patients and found that those with positive surgical margins had a 4.3 times higher risk of cancer returning within three to five years compared to those without. While there was some indication that overall survival might be worse for these patients, it wasn't statistically significant, meaning it wasn’t a clear result. Who this helps: This research benefits kidney cancer patients and their doctors by providing important insights into surgical outcomes.

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This study looked at how well a stool test called the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) can identify patients with low-risk symptoms of colorectal cancer in primary care settings in South West England. Out of nearly 4,000 patients tested, 15.9% had a positive result, leading to 43 being diagnosed with colorectal cancer within a year. The test was shown to be very effective, with a 99.8% chance of correctly identifying those who do not have cancer and a reasonable prediction rate for those who do. Who this helps: This helps patients with low-risk symptoms by providing a reliable screening tool for colorectal cancer.

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This study looked at patients who had mitral valve surgery (MVS) to see which factors made them more likely to need a permanent pacemaker (PPM) afterward. Out of nearly 3,400 patients, those who were older or had other heart surgeries had a higher chance of needing a PPM, with the odds increasing by 23% for each decade of age. The research found that receiving a PPM did not affect long-term survival rates, even though it was associated with poorer outcomes. Who this helps: This helps doctors better understand which patients may need a pacemaker after mitral valve surgery, allowing for improved patient care.

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This study looked at different types of birds and strains of Marek's disease virus (MDV) to find better ways to license vaccines for poultry. Researchers found that using a specific combination of bird lines and virulent MDV strains helped achieve 80% disease severity in unvaccinated birds, crucial for testing vaccine effectiveness. However, they discovered that no single combination worked consistently, highlighting the challenges in developing effective models for vaccine testing. Who this helps: This benefits poultry farmers and vaccine developers working to protect chickens from Marek's disease.

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This study focused on improving the detection of rare, important genetic material linked to diseases like cancer. The researchers developed a new method called NAVIGATER that significantly enhanced the detection of a specific cancer marker, KRAS G12D, by 60 times and increased the sensitivity of tests by 100 times, allowing for the identification of mutant genes in blood samples from pancreatic cancer patients at very low levels (less than 0.01%). This is important because it may lead to earlier diagnosis and better-targeted therapies for cancer patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with pancreatic cancer and their doctors by providing more accurate diagnostic tools.

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This study looked at patients who have chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), a complication that can happen after a stem cell transplant, and who have had this condition for at least seven years. Researchers found that out of 38 patients with long-lasting cGVHD, 58% were still on heavy medication, compared to 88% of those with cGVHD for less than a year. Key findings suggest that typical clinical measures may not accurately capture disease activity in these long-term patients, indicating a need for better diagnostic tools to guide treatment decisions. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease and their doctors.

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This study looked at why nurses in Saudi Arabia, especially those from other countries, often leave their jobs. It found that Filipino nurses are particularly likely to want to leave, with discrimination and differences in pay being major reasons, as many feel that salaries should reflect their skills and the care they provide. Understanding these issues is crucial because it can help healthcare leaders improve conditions for nurses and retain staff, which is vital for the healthcare system. Who this helps: This helps nurses, healthcare administrators, and policymakers in Saudi Arabia.

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This study looked at how long it takes for patients in the UK to get diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and what factors contribute to delays. On average, patients waited 2.1 months after their symptoms started to see a doctor, and those with Crohn's disease waited significantly longer (7.6 months) than those with ulcerative colitis (3.3 months). Understanding these delays is important because emergency presentations are linked to more severe disease, highlighting the need for faster diagnosis to improve patient health. Who this helps: This helps patients with IBD, particularly those experiencing delays in diagnosis.

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This study examined two cases of Marek's disease in turkeys. Both a male turkey from a zoo and a female turkey from a backyard flock were found to have signs of the disease after they died. The researchers confirmed Marek's disease in both birds, marking the first time this disease has been definitively reported in turkeys in the United States. This matters because identifying the disease helps prevent its spread, particularly among poultry. Who this helps: This helps poultry farmers and veterinarians.

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This study looked at how quickly stretching certain types of plastics (polystyrene and PMMA) affects their structure when they cool down and become hard. Researchers found that when these stretched materials were heated back up slightly, they contracted significantly and created a strong internal stress—almost as much as when they were initially stretched. This is important because it helps us understand how to manipulate the behavior of plastic materials during manufacturing and can improve their performance in products. Who this helps: This benefits manufacturers and engineers working with plastic materials.

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This study looked at how the mTORC2 complex affects behavior and brain function in mice that lack the PTEN gene, which is linked to problems like autism and seizures. Researchers found that by shutting down mTORC2, they could improve the mice’s behavior and memory, reduce seizures, and even extend their lifespan. This is important because it suggests that targeting mTORC2 could lead to new treatments for neurological disorders caused by similar genetic issues. Who this helps: This helps patients with conditions like autism and seizures linked to PTEN deficiencies.

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Researchers studied a new method to make carbon nanotube yarns stronger and more durable by using a technique called electron beam irradiation. They found that exposing the yarns to a solution of acrylic acid during this process increased their strength by over 75% (up to 444.5 MPa) and their stiffness by more than 144% (up to 21.5 GPa) compared to untreated yarns. This improvement matters because stronger materials can be used in a variety of high-performance applications, such as in aerospace or automotive industries. Who this helps: This helps engineers and manufacturers seeking stronger materials for advanced products.

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This study looked at ways to better diagnose types of tumors in birds caused by different viruses, particularly focusing on techniques that can be used on preserved tissue samples. The researchers found that their improved methods made it possible to accurately identify the viruses responsible for the tumors, especially Marek's disease virus, by detecting high levels of viral material in the tumor tissues. This is important because it allows for more accurate diagnoses, which can lead to better treatments for infected birds. Who this helps: This benefits veterinarians and bird owners by providing better tools for diagnosing viral infections in birds.

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Researchers studied two complexes in the brain, mTORC1 and mTORC2, to see their roles in a process called long-term depression (LTD) that affects learning and memory. They found that while mTORC1 isn't necessary for this process—because mice lacking mTORC1 still showed normal LTD—mice lacking mTORC2 had difficulties with LTD and related behaviors. This highlights that mTORC2 is crucial for these brain functions, which is important for understanding memory and learning. Who this helps: This helps patients with memory disorders and researchers developing therapies for them.

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This study looked at what factors lead to incomplete surgical treatment for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis, a type of cancer spread in the abdominal cavity. Out of 74 patients who started the surgery, 23 (31%) could not complete it, and those who did complete the surgery lived significantly longer—41 months on average compared to just 6 months for those whose surgeries were aborted. The study found that a higher cancer severity score and having certain cancer types, like appendiceal or colorectal cancers, were linked to failed surgeries. Who this helps: This research benefits cancer patients and their doctors by highlighting risks for surgery outcomes in advanced stages of the disease.

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This study looked at how different ways of presenting sounds and visuals affect people's ability to perceive mixed audio and visual speech correctly, a phenomenon known as the McGurk effect. They found that when sounds were repeated and articulated smoothly (a process called co-articulation), the likelihood of perceiving the mixed sound correctly increased by 20%. Understanding this can help clarify why some groups, such as those with autism or schizophrenia, may experience the McGurk effect differently. Who this helps: This research benefits clinicians and researchers working with patients in speech and language therapy, particularly those with communication disorders.

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This research focused on patients with severe chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) to find out how long they can expect to be on immunosuppressive therapy. The study included 227 patients, and it found that only 9.5% were able to stop therapy within two years, and only 27.7% could stop after five years. Factors like less severe disease, better lung function, and smaller skin involvement made it more likely for patients to discontinue immunosuppressive treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with cGVHD and their doctors make better-informed decisions about treatment options and expectations.

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This study looked at specific chickens known as ALVA6 that are resistant to certain viruses that cause cancer. Researchers found that 7% of these chickens developed a type of cancer called lymphoid leukosis-like lymphomas when vaccinated with a standard Marek's disease vaccine. However, when the vaccine was changed to exclude one type of virus (serotype 2), they saw a complete elimination of this type of cancer in the following generations of chickens. Who this helps: This helps breeders and poultry farmers aiming to reduce cancer in their chickens.

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Researchers created tiny, flexible sensors made from iridium oxide that can be used for measuring chemical levels in the body, particularly in the brain. They found that these sensors remain stable and reliable even after 30 days of being exposed to harsh solutions, showing less change in response with pH levels compared to traditional sensors. This is important because it allows for safer and more accurate long-term monitoring of brain chemicals without using harmful materials. Who this helps: This helps patients needing neurological monitoring and doctors measuring brain chemistry.

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This study focused on finding better ways to diagnose and assess the severity of eye problems in patients who have had stem cell transplants and developed chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). Out of 210 patients studied, 75% were found to have eye cGVHD, with 85% of those having active disease. The findings highlight that specific tests, like the National Institutes of Health Eye Score and the Schirmer's tear test, effectively predict the presence and severity of these eye issues, allowing for better care for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients who have undergone stem cell transplants and are experiencing eye problems.

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This study focused on creating a system that powers wearable sensors designed to monitor the brain chemical L-glutamate in real-time without any wires. Researchers found that their wireless power method worked effectively at distances of 4, 7, and 10 centimeters, allowing the sensors to operate continuously without needing to replace batteries. This advancement is important because it not only lightens the device but also lets scientists conduct longer experiments on animals without interference. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and healthcare providers working on brain health and neurological conditions.

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This study looked at how polypropylene pelvic mesh, used in surgeries, changes after being implanted in the body. Researchers found that after implantation, the mesh showed signs of oxidation, with significant decreases in its strength and flexibility over time, which can lead to cracking. This matters because these changes can affect the effectiveness and safety of pelvic mesh implants for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients who receive pelvic mesh implants.

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This study looked at new types of membranes made from a special silicone material to see how well they can separate carbon dioxide from other gases, which is important for fighting climate change. The researchers found that their membranes could separate carbon dioxide at a rate of about 6,800 Barrer, with a selectivity ratio of 14 for carbon dioxide over nitrogen, showing that these membranes perform better than standard options. This matters because improved carbon dioxide capture materials can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and companies developing carbon capture technologies.

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This study looked at how well adults with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and their informants (like family members) agreed on the individuals' past and current job titles. Researchers found that there was a strong agreement on job titles at the time of injury—about 77%—but only 40% were currently employed. However, agreement was less reliable when more specific job details were needed, suggesting that for thorough rehabilitation, additional information might be necessary. Who this helps: This research benefits patients recovering from TBIs and the healthcare professionals assisting them.

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Researchers studied a new treatment for brain injuries in pigs using a method called mechanical tissue resuscitation that applies a controlled vacuum to the injured area. They found that using a stronger vacuum of -100 mm Hg for 5 days resulted in much smaller brain injuries and less bleeding compared to a weaker vacuum and control groups. Importantly, all 10 pigs treated for 5 days survived, while 3 out of 6 pigs treated for only 3 days died after stopping treatment, showing that the duration of treatment significantly affects recovery. Who this helps: This helps patients with traumatic brain injuries by potentially improving treatment options.

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This study looked at how well certain response measures—designed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—reflect the severity of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) in 193 adults. Researchers found that specific measures, like lung function and overall health scores, were strongly linked to important outcomes and even survival. For instance, skin changes, which could be treated, were tied to better survival rates, suggesting that tracking these signs can help improve patient care. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients with chronic GVHD by providing clearer ways to assess disease severity and treatment response.

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This study developed a simple method called PCR to detect two viruses, Marek's disease (MD) and reticuloendotheliosis (RE), in preserved tissue samples. The researchers found that they could successfully identify these viruses in tissues that were stored for more than 20 years, and MD was detectable in samples preserved in formalin for up to 6 months. This finding is important because it offers an easy and effective way to diagnose these infections without the need for freezing the samples for testing. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and poultry producers by providing a reliable method for diagnosing viral infections in chickens.

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This study looked at how the movement of charged particles in certain materials, called polymer electrolytes, works in relation to the flexibility of those materials. Researchers found that the ease of ionic movement does not always follow the same patterns as how the material relaxes, specifically showing that this disconnect is linked to the material's fragility. Understanding this relationship helps improve the design and performance of batteries and other devices that rely on these materials. Who this helps: This benefits engineers and scientists developing better batteries and energy storage solutions.

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This study looked at a new kind of branched plastic called asymmetric H-shaped polybutadienes, which are made with different lengths of arms attached to a central crossbar. The researchers found that the process used to create these polymers allows for a high level of control over their size and structure, with measurements showing a narrow distribution of sizes (PDIs ranging from 1.01 to 1.06) and minimal impurities. This matters because having well-defined materials can improve their performance in various applications, making them potentially more effective in products like durable plastics and coatings. Who this helps: This benefits manufacturers and researchers developing advanced materials for industrial use.

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This study looked at oral chronic graft-vs.-host disease (cGVHD), a common issue after certain blood stem cell transplants, in 187 patients. They found that 44 patients had oral cGVHD, and those with this condition experienced more mouth pain and had lower levels of a protein called albumin, suggesting a worse health status. The research also established that a score above 2 on a specific scale can effectively identify significant cases of oral cGVHD, which can help in developing treatment plans and clinical trials. Who this helps: Patients undergoing stem cell transplants and their doctors.

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This study focused on modifying the Marek's disease virus (MDV) by inserting a specific part of another virus, the reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV), into it. The researchers created a new virus, called RM1, which was less harmful than the original but still caused serious symptoms in certain areas of the immune system. They found that this new virus behaved similarly to another modified version, rMd5-RM1-LTR, indicating that changes in the virus's structure could affect how it interacts with the host's cells. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and veterinarians working to develop better vaccines for controlling Marek's disease in poultry.

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This study looked at how temperature and the electrical properties of the surrounding material affect the behavior of special plastic materials called charged diblock copolymers, which are made up of both neutral and charged segments. The researchers found that at low electrical properties, these materials form unique shapes due to strong interactions between the charged parts and their opposite charges, while at high electrical properties, they behave more like regular neutral materials. This is important because understanding these properties helps improve the design of materials used in various applications, such as drug delivery and sensors. Who this helps: This benefits materials scientists and engineers working on advanced materials for medical and technological uses.

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This research looks at how the nervous system, hormones, and immune system interact, specifically in relation to myasthenia gravis (MG), an autoimmune disease. It found that millions are affected annually, with women showing higher rates and earlier onset than men, likely influenced by sex hormones. Understanding these connections can improve treatment and care strategies for people with MG. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with myasthenia gravis and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how a special type of polymer formed loops when attached to a silicon surface. Researchers found that about 80% of the polymer chains created loops over time, which helps them understand how different conditions like temperature and concentration affect this process. This information is valuable because it allows scientists and engineers to control the properties of surfaces by adjusting how these polymer chains form. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and manufacturers working on surface coatings and materials.

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This study looked at a new way to improve the mixing of two types of plastic, polystyrene and polyisoprene, by using special reactive polymers called telechelics. Researchers found that when used correctly, these telechelic polymers significantly reduce the merging of droplets in the blend, with the best results at a concentration of 0.5 weight percent, which also avoided negative effects from too much polymer. This finding is important because it helps refine methods for mixing different types of plastics, making them stronger and more useful in various applications. Who this helps: This benefits materials scientists and manufacturers looking for better ways to create stronger plastic products.

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This research focused on creating a special tool, called a neutron surface force confinement cell (NSFCC), to study how complex fluids behave when they're squeezed into tiny spaces. The researchers tested it with a specific fluid, deuterated toluene, and found that they could measure very precise changes in the fluid's behavior as they applied force, confirming the tool's stability and reliability. This innovation allows scientists to gain better insights into how fluids interact under confined conditions, which is important for improving materials and processes in various fields. Who this helps: This helps researchers and scientists studying fluid behavior and materials science.

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Researchers created new tiny structures, called vesicles, using specially designed proteins. They found that these vesicles form effectively in water and can respond to changes in temperature and pH. Notably, when combined with DNA, these vesicles can protect and deliver genetic material more efficiently compared to traditional methods, which is crucial for improving gene therapy treatments. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing gene therapies and doctors involved in genetic treatments.