DR. JOHN PHILIP ORTMAN, M.D.

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This study looked at the cost-effectiveness of different ways to deliver psychotherapies for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including telehealth options and in-person treatments. Researchers found that the average cost savings were about $81 per patient, with some methods, like in-office and home-based telehealth, saving as much as $92 and $131, respectively. These findings matter because they help identify the most affordable and effective ways to treat PTSD, which can improve access to care for veterans. Who this helps: This helps veterans suffering from PTSD and the healthcare providers treating them.

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This study looked at how colleges and universities use the Alcohol eCHECKUP TO GO program to help manage high-risk drinking among students. The research found that most institutions offered the program online, primarily to students facing alcohol-related disciplinary issues and those who voluntarily sought help, often alongside other health programs. The results highlight the variety of ways this program is implemented and show that larger schools and minority-serving institutions might focus on different student groups for support. Who this helps: This information benefits college administrators and health intervention researchers working to reduce high-risk drinking among students.

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This study looked at a measles outbreak in Hildesheim, Germany, where 43 people got infected over 14 weeks. Despite many cases being fully vaccinated, one unvaccinated 33-year-old mother died from complications related to the measles virus. The investigation revealed she was infected with the wild-type virus causing the outbreak, not the vaccine strain, and her death highlights the serious risks of measles, especially for those with weakened immune systems. Who this helps: This information benefits public health officials, healthcare providers, and families, especially those with low vaccination rates.

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This study looked at how effective training programs are in improving mental health knowledge and reducing stigma among public safety workers, like police officers and firefighters, in Florida. The research involved 1,686 participants, with 871 taking the training online and only 44 in person. After the training, mental health knowledge increased, and stigma towards others decreased, but there was no change in how participants felt about themselves; police officers had higher self-stigma compared to firefighters. Who this helps: This benefits public safety personnel by empowering them to better understand and discuss mental health issues.

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Researchers studied how effective two different questionnaires are at measuring protective behavioral strategies (PBS) that help college students drink alcohol more responsibly. They found that both questionnaires reliably predicted lower levels of drinking and related problems, regardless of students' sex, race, or drinking habits, but some specific strategies were more helpful than others. This is important because it helps tailor prevention programs to focus on the most effective strategies for reducing risky drinking behaviors. Who this helps: This helps college students and health educators develop better programs to promote safer drinking habits.

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This study looked at how patient preferences, feelings of stigma, and expectations affect the success of a therapy called cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It found that patients who felt less stigma about their condition showed greater improvement in their symptoms, and those who were less satisfied with their treatment format (like in-home therapy) still experienced significant relief from their symptoms. Addressing these factors, especially stigma, is crucial for helping patients do better in their treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with PTSD and healthcare providers aimed at improving therapy outcomes.

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This study looked at how the fat surrounding coronary arteries, called pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT), might help predict serious heart problems in patients who were known or suspected to have heart disease. Researchers followed 344 patients for five years and found that PCAT levels did not reliably predict major heart events; for example, there was no significant link between PCAT measures and these events during follow-up. This matters because it suggests that, in high-risk patients, PCAT may not be a useful tool for assessing the risk of adverse cardiac events. Who this helps: This helps doctors look for better ways to predict heart risks for their patients.

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This study looked at how the way college students are recruited for research affects the quality of their survey responses and whether they stay involved in the study. Researchers found that students recruited from psychology classes had lower data quality and were less likely to complete follow-up surveys compared to those recruited from the general student population. This matters because poor data quality can skew results, which can impact our understanding of important issues like stress and mental health among students. Who this helps: This helps researchers and psychologists who study college student health and behavior.

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This study looked at how different high-quality protein sources in the diets of young pigs affect their gut health, specifically focusing on the bacteria in their intestines. Researchers tested two protein sources: fishmeal and a special soybean meal, comparing them to a basic diet. They found that overall, Lactobacillus bacteria were most common in all diet groups, with levels varying: 64% in the basic diet compared to 60% in the fishmeal diet and about 42% in the soybean meal diet. Certain types of Lactobacillus were more abundant with specific diets, which may influence gut health and immune function. Who this helps: This research benefits farmers and veterinarians looking to improve pig health and growth through diet.

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This study looked at how people point to targets when they see a line or a series of dots. Researchers found that when a horizontal array of dots was present, participants were more accurate in their pointing, while without the dots, they often pointed too short of the target. Specifically, they observed a significant reduction in this "undershooting" when the dots were present, suggesting that visual cues can greatly help in locating objects correctly. Who this helps: This benefits patients with vision impairments and helps doctors understand visual perception better.