DR. JOHN DAVID SHEPHERD, MD

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This study looked at whether the gender of the surgeon affects how long it takes for patients with ovarian torsion to get to surgery after being seen in the emergency room. Researchers analyzed data from 141 women and found that the average time from arriving at the ER to going into the operating room was 396 minutes. They discovered that surgeon gender did not influence the timing of surgeries, but patients with a higher body mass index (BMI) and more experienced surgical trainees were operated on more quickly. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and hospitals aiming to improve emergency care for patients with ovarian torsion.

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This study looked at how nurse-led intervention programs can help emergency departments (ED) better identify patients who arrive due to violence but may not openly discuss it. The findings showed that after these programs were implemented, the likelihood of visits being recorded as violence-related increased significantly—by 37% in Cardiff and 19% in Swansea. This matters because it helps ensure that vulnerable patients receive the support they need, particularly those who might otherwise go unnoticed, such as younger males living in deprived areas or from certain ethnic backgrounds. Who this helps: This helps patients who experience violence but feel unable to disclose their injuries.

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This study looked at the antibacterial properties of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles (CeONPs) by analyzing data from 58 previous research articles. The findings showed that these nanoparticles significantly inhibit the growth of bacteria, with larger particles (over 50 nm) being more effective, especially against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. While CeONPs are generally less effective than traditional antibiotics, they work similarly to some common ones like Amoxicillin and can potentially help tackle antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Who this helps: This helps patients with infections, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

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This study looked at how different types of mental activities—like focusing, remembering, and visualizing—and the effort we feel when doing them relate to our ability to control our thoughts. Researchers found that when people reported feeling more mental effort, they also felt they had better control over their thoughts. This connection was stronger when tasks were more challenging. The study highlights that the relationship between effort and control can change depending on the type of mental activity someone is doing. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying cognitive processes and may benefit anyone looking to improve their mental performance, such as students or professionals.

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This study looked at whether the use of vasopressors (medications that raise blood pressure) during surgery increases the risk of infections near joint replacements. Out of 1,286 patients who had joint replacement surgery, 0.7% developed an infection within 90 days, but those receiving two or more vasopressors had a significantly higher risk, with an 17.2 times greater chance of infection. Understanding this risk can help doctors make better choices during surgery, potentially reducing complications for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing joint replacement surgery and their doctors.

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This study looks at programs designed to help patients in emergency rooms who have experienced violence. The researchers aim to find out if these programs can lower the chance that these patients will need to return to the emergency room unexpectedly and whether they are cost-effective for the healthcare system. These findings are important because they could lead to better support for victims of violence and potentially save money for hospitals in the long run. Who this helps: This helps patients who suffer from violence and healthcare providers in emergency departments.

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The study looked at how well ChatGPT, a type of artificial intelligence, understands and provides information about lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET), a common condition. When presented with questions and clinical scenarios, it correctly identified diagnoses and warning signs but only provided reliable references about 60% of the time. This matters because while ChatGPT shows promise in recognizing important medical information, it still has significant limitations that prevent it from being fully trusted for clinical use. Who this helps: Patients and doctors navigating elbow pain.

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This study looked at how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to detect skin cancer. The researchers found that while AI can perform well, particularly in specialized settings, its effectiveness varies widely. For example, self-screening tools showed a wide range in accuracy (from 0% to 98% in finding skin cancers), and while AI tools in primary care had moderate accuracy (60-84% sensitivity), there were significant gaps in how well these worked for different skin tones, with most data coming from light-skinned individuals. Who this helps: Patients at risk for skin cancer, especially those with darker skin tones.

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Researchers studied how total body irradiation (TBI) practices have changed in Australia and New Zealand since 2019. They found that in 2024, 7 out of 19 medical centers are using advanced techniques called modulated techniques, up from just 1 center in 2019. This shift is important because these new methods can better protect vital organs during treatment, although they are more complex and time-consuming to implement. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients undergoing stem cell transplants and the medical teams treating them.

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This study looked at how tobacco use affects patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) who underwent a specific surgical treatment called microvascular decompression (MVD). Among 171 patients, it was found that smokers tend to be younger and experience pain more widely compared to nonsmokers, and after at least six months, only 36% of smokers were pain-free off medications, compared to 57% of nonsmokers. These findings highlight that TN in smokers may be more severe and less responsive to treatments, which is important for better managing these patients’ care. Who this helps: This helps patients with trigeminal neuralgia and their doctors in understanding the impact of smoking on treatment outcomes.

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This research paper reviews how natural language processing (NLP) is being used in gastroenterology, the study of the digestive system and its disorders, by examining 53 studies published between 2015 and 2023. It found that while NLP can effectively analyze medical notes and reports—especially in procedures like colonoscopy—many studies lack clarity on important factors like patient demographics and method validation. This matters because improved transparency and collaboration in research could enhance the effectiveness of NLP tools, benefiting doctors and patients by enhancing diagnosis and treatment accuracy. Who this helps: Patients and doctors in gastroenterology.

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This study explores a new way to track viral outbreaks by using data from Google searches alongside wastewater analysis. Researchers found that search trends closely matched virus levels in wastewater for diseases like influenza and norovirus, with correlations of 0.76 and 0.66, respectively. This approach could help detect outbreaks faster and more cheaply, especially in places where regular testing isn't available. Who this helps: Public health officials and local communities monitoring infectious diseases.

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This study focused on the problem of metal contamination in the environment, which is increasing due to factors like population growth and industrialization. Researchers found that metal contamination affects human health and ecosystems, and they emphasized the need for new methods to clean up contaminated areas, such as using specific plants that can remove metals from the soil. Notably, they suggested that advanced artificial intelligence could improve our ability to manage and monitor these clean-up efforts. Who this helps: This information benefits environmental scientists, public health officials, and communities affected by metal pollution.

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This study looked at patients in the U.S. with major depressive disorder who were either resistant to treatment or experiencing acute suicidal thoughts, focusing on their characteristics, treatment with esketamine, and outcomes. Of the 914 surveyed patients, 66% had treatment-resistant depression, and many showed severe symptoms, with about 36.5% experiencing moderate to very severe depression. Patients who received esketamine reported improved daily functioning and overall well-being, but their struggles were often underestimated by their doctors. Who this helps: This helps patients with severe depression and their doctors by providing insights into treatment effectiveness and patient experiences.

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Researchers studied how sharing emergency department data could reduce alcohol-related injuries in Melbourne's nightlife district. Over nearly three years, they found that after sending letters to bars and press releases to the media, there was a significant decrease in alcohol-related injuries during late night hours—a drop in injury rates by around 0.1 per month. This matters because it shows that informing venues and the public can lower harm from alcohol, but the positive effects decreased once media reporting stopped. Who this helps: This helps patients who are at risk of alcohol-related injuries and the broader community impacted by nightlife violence.

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This study examined the effects of different HIV medications taken by pregnant women on the bone, growth, and kidney health of their infants. Researchers found that infants whose mothers took dolutegravir-based treatments had higher bone mineral content (BMC) at 26 weeks compared to those whose mothers took efavirenz, with average BMC scores of 143.4 grams versus 133.5 grams. Additionally, growth measurements were better in the dolutegravir groups overall, indicating that it is a safer and more effective option for the health of infants compared to efavirenz-based treatments. Who this helps: This benefits infants born to mothers with HIV.

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This study looked at cases of ceftriaxone-resistant infections in Scotland from 2018 to 2024 and found five specific instances of this resistance. Two cases belonged to a new group of extensively drug-resistant bacteria, while the others were linked to travelers from Asia-Pacific countries. Notably, all patients were initially treated successfully, highlighting the need for better public health measures to tackle antibiotic resistance, especially for gonorrhea treatment, as this is becoming a bigger issue worldwide. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors managing antibiotic-resistant infections.

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This research paper focuses on improving how we create environments for testing drugs aimed at treating heart diseases. The study found that using 3D cultures for heart cells allows them to behave more like they do in the body compared to traditional 2D cultures, which can lead to better drug testing and development. This matters because optimizing these testing methods can speed up the discovery of effective heart disease treatments, potentially saving lives. Who this helps: This helps patients with cardiovascular disease by improving drug development processes.

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This study looked at how having a hysterectomy at the same time as pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery affects post-operative pain. It involved 202 patients, and the researchers found that while those who had a hysterectomy were generally younger and had longer surgeries, their pain levels and opioid use after 24 hours were similar to those who did not have a hysterectomy. This matters because it helps doctors understand that adding a hysterectomy does not increase pain for patients after POP surgery. Who this helps: Patients undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery.

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This research looked at the role of virus-like particles from certain retroviruses in the development of neurological disorders like ALS and Frontotemporal Dementia. The study found that these particles may help protein misfolding and clumping together in the brain, which can worsen these diseases. Understanding this relationship could lead to new treatments to manage or prevent protein aggregates, which are harmful in neurodegenerative diseases. Who this helps: This benefits patients with neurological disorders and doctors treating them.

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This study focused on improving how we assess malnutrition, which includes issues like lack of essential nutrients and overeating. Researchers found that using advanced nuclear techniques can provide better measurements of body composition and nutrient absorption. For example, these methods can help understand how different people process nutrients based on their health and life stages, making it easier to tailor nutrition plans to diverse needs. Who this helps: This benefits patients with malnutrition and health care providers looking for better solutions.

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This study looked at whether analyzing how children with congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) walk can help identify those at risk of relapse, which means their condition returns after initial treatment. Researchers reviewed data from six studies involving 264 children with CTEV and found that those who relapsed scored lower on a Gait Deviation Index (GDI) by an average of 5.23 points, showing clear differences in their walking patterns. Understanding these differences is important because it could allow doctors to spot relapses earlier and provide timely interventions. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers monitor children with CTEV more effectively.

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This study focused on the shape of a specific joint in the thumb, known as the first carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ), and its connection to thumb osteoarthritis (OA). Researchers analyzed hand X-rays from 100 people and discovered ten different ways the CMCJ shape can vary. They found that certain shapes were linked to hand pain and the severity of OA, emphasizing the importance of understanding joint shapes in relation to symptoms and conditions. Who this helps: This benefits patients with thumb arthritis and doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how the Berkeley Police Department in the 1920s and 1930s used new methods to identify and monitor young people who were seen as likely to engage in crime, based on early signs of mental health issues. The approach involved collaboration among schools, charities, and families to keep an eye on these youths and try to change their behavior before any criminal acts occurred. This matters because it shows how community members were drawn into law enforcement strategies that aimed to prevent crime by focusing on children's mental health, reflecting broader societal concerns about safety and morality. Who this helps: This helps children at risk, their families, and community organizations working to support mental health.

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This study looked at how satisfied women were with the care they received after losing a baby and whether nurses provided the expected support and services during this difficult time. Ninety-eight percent of the participants said they would recommend the hospital, and almost all reported receiving the care they needed, which is encouraging because it shows that the hospital's program is effective. This matters because many women face emotional challenges after a perinatal loss, and having trained support can make a significant difference in their experience. Who this helps: This helps women who have experienced a perinatal loss and the healthcare providers who support them.

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This study looked at cancer patterns in Japanese Americans of Okinawan and mainland descent to see if previously noted differences in cancer rates in Japan also occur in the U.S. Researchers found that Okinawan women had a 36% higher chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer, while Okinawan men were 33% less likely to have aggressive prostate cancer compared to their mainland Japanese peers. These findings highlight important differences in cancer risk that could be affected by genetics or body composition, not just lifestyle choices. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers understand cancer risks based on ethnic backgrounds.

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This study looked at the best ways to set up a prehospital blood transfusion program, which is crucial for treating severe bleeding before patients reach the hospital. The researchers found that different methods of providing blood products to emergency medical services (EMS) have their own advantages and disadvantages, and successful programs can use low titer group O whole blood as well as other blood components. It's important to ensure that blood products are stored properly to prevent waste through expiration and to navigate challenges like costs and coordination among agencies. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing severe bleeding, as well as the doctors and emergency responders involved in their care.

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This research paper looks at how violence and trauma affect boys and young men, particularly those who identify as Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer. It highlights that nearly half of the 73.1 million children in the U.S. are boys under 18, making up about 22% of the total population, and emphasizes the need for mental health professionals to recognize the unique challenges faced by boys who do not conform to traditional gender norms. This is important because understanding these effects can help improve support and treatment for impacted youth. Who this helps: This benefits mental health professionals and LGBTQ+ youth.

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This article discusses a program called Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation, which is designed to improve the health and well-being of nurses. It provides free resources to help tackle issues like nurse burnout and encourage better workplace conditions, focusing on six areas: physical activity, nutrition, rest, mental health, quality of life, and safety. By supporting nurses, the program aims to create a stronger healthcare system. Who this helps: This benefits nurses and healthcare organizations.

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This study looked at how memories are stored in the brain by examining changes in the DNA structure of neurons after a fear-based learning task. Researchers found that certain patterns in the DNA remained changed for up to a month, which were linked to strong activation of specific genes related to memory recall. This matters because understanding these molecular changes can provide insights into conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder and autism, potentially leading to better treatments. Who this helps: Patients with neuropsychiatric conditions and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at headaches and neurological issues that can occur after a lumbar puncture in patients who have a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, a device used to manage fluid build-up in the brain. It found that these patients face unique challenges because small changes in the fluid can lead to significant pressure problems, which makes standard treatments riskier. Understanding these specific risks matters because it helps doctors find safer ways to treat these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts who need lumbar punctures.

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This research examined how British biophysics has led to important scientific advancements and new technologies, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when researchers studied how the virus's spike protein interacts with human cells. Key contributions from three UK labs helped develop effective vaccines and therapies, showcasing the practical benefits of biophysical research. This work is important because it not only enhances our understanding of biology but also leads to successful commercial applications that can improve healthcare. Who this helps: This research benefits patients and healthcare providers by improving treatment options and developing new therapies.

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This study looked at the causes of stillbirths related to problems with the placenta at a major maternity unit in the UK. It found that issues with blood flow in the placenta, known as maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM), were present in many stillbirth cases and identified more effectively using a new risk assessment tool (FMF algorithm). Specifically, about 70% of women who had stillbirths with MVM could have been classified as at high risk in the first trimester, which might have led to better care and treatment, such as aspirin therapy and closer monitoring. Who this helps: This benefits pregnant women at risk of stillbirth, healthcare providers, and maternity care teams.

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This study looks at new approaches for repairing meniscus injuries in the knee using collagen scaffolds, which are structures made to support tissue healing. The research highlights recent improvements in these collagen scaffolds, including making them stronger and better at integrating with the body, although there are still challenges with their durability. This matters because better treatment options can lead to improved healing for patients with meniscal injuries, which often don’t heal well on their own. Who this helps: Patients with meniscus injuries.

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This study looked at the representation of osteopathic (DO) medical graduates in general surgery residency programs across the United States over five years. It found that 35.3% of the programs had a higher than expected number of DO residents, while 64.7% had below-average representation; overall, DOs made up about 13.8% of the 7,846 residents evaluated. The findings highlight ongoing challenges for DO students in getting into general surgery and emphasize the need for continued efforts to ensure fair representation in surgical training programs. Who this helps: This benefits aspiring osteopathic surgeons and their educators.

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This study looked at how adding a mineral supplement (Azomite, AZO) and distillers' dried grains (DDGS) to animal feed affects the efficiency of pellet-making machines and the quality of the pellets produced. Researchers found that using 30% DDGS made the machines consume less power (kWh/ton) when using one type of machine but not the other. However, the pellets' quality varied—adding AZO generally improved machine efficiency but sometimes reduced the strength of the pellets, especially in certain diet mixes. Who this helps: This research benefits feed manufacturers and animal nutritionists by providing insights into improving feed production efficiency and quality.

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This study looked at how well new digital devices for measuring shoulder movement stack up against the traditional method using goniometry. Researchers reviewed 15 articles involving 372 participants and found that these new devices were very accurate, with a small average difference of only -0.25 degrees from the traditional method. This is important because it means that digital tools can reliably measure shoulder motion, which could make assessments quicker and more convenient, especially in telemedicine settings. Who this helps: This helps patients who need shoulder evaluations and healthcare providers looking for efficient measurement tools.

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This study focused on a tiny organism called Cladocopium infistulum, which lives in giant clams and helps them survive in warm waters. Researchers created a draft of its genome and found that it doesn't show specific genes linked to high heat tolerance, even though it can withstand high temperatures better than other similar organisms. The findings suggest that how this organism adapts may not just rely on its genes, and further research is needed to understand how other factors contribute to its survival. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying marine ecosystems and climate change impacts on symbiotic relationships.

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This study examined different methods of taking prostate biopsies in patients suspected of having prostate cancer. Researchers found that using a local anaesthetic for transperineal biopsies is just as effective at detecting prostate cancer as local anaesthetic for transrectal biopsies, with a similar chance of identifying cancer (1 in 5 studies showed no significant difference). Additionally, the transperineal method was more cost-effective, potentially helping healthcare systems save money while ensuring accurate diagnoses. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing prostate biopsies and healthcare providers in making informed choices about biopsy methods.

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This study looked at how COVID-19 affected death rates in people with spinal cord injuries in Ontario from March 2014 to May 2024. It found that mortality rates increased by 21.4% during the pandemic, with women seeing a 31.9% rise and people with mental health issues facing a 19.6% increase. These findings show that certain groups, especially women and those with mental health challenges, are more vulnerable, highlighting the need for better healthcare access and support for spinal cord injury patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with spinal cord injuries and their healthcare providers.

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This study focused on creating a simple tool to predict the likelihood of women giving birth prematurely (before 37 weeks) based on easily accessible information about their background and health. The researchers found that their model accurately identified preterm births with a score of 0.76 out of 1 for prediction accuracy, meaning it was quite effective. This is important because it allows for better risk assessment without needing costly tests, making it accessible for all pregnant women. Who this helps: This benefits pregnant women and healthcare providers by identifying at-risk patients more easily.

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In this study, researchers assessed the effectiveness of ultrasound (US) compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting meniscal extrusion, a condition impacting the knee's cartilage. They reviewed 31 studies and found that ultrasound provided reliable measurements, with a strong correlation of 0.76 with MRI. Importantly, ultrasound detected more severe meniscal extrusion in patients with osteoarthritis and other knee issues when they were bearing weight, highlighting its value in monitoring knee health. Who this helps: This benefits patients with knee problems, particularly those with osteoarthritis and meniscal injuries, as well as their doctors.

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This study focuses on how to effectively care for newborns with heart disease in intensive care units. It found that these babies, especially premature ones, often face serious challenges because their hearts may not work properly right after birth. For example, early intervention strategies are essential to stabilize them as they transition from life inside the womb to breathing air, and this requires teamwork among healthcare providers. Who this helps: This benefits newborn patients with heart disease and their healthcare teams.

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This research paper examines different theories about the role of consciousness in determining moral value, especially focusing on the experience of feelings (called valenced or affective experiences). The findings highlight that beings like Vulcans, who are conscious but lack feelings, challenge the idea that emotions are required for moral significance. This shift towards accepting that consciousness may not always be necessary for moral value could lead us to rethink how we define well-being and moral status. Who this helps: This helps ethicists and policymakers who work on animal rights and moral considerations for conscious beings.

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This study developed a new technique called photoacoustic vector-flow (PAVF) to measure how fast and in which direction blood flows, using improved imaging methods. The researchers found that while PAVF had an average error of 8.9% in measuring flow speed compared to 16.8% for traditional ultrasound methods, it could detect blood flow without needing to filter out noise. These findings are significant because they could lead to better monitoring of blood flow in patients, providing clearer images for diagnosis and treatment. Who this helps: Patients with blood flow issues.