DR. JONATHAN L. SKINNER, M.D.

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This study looked at a type of treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis, a skin disease caused by a parasite spread by sand flies. Researchers found that a specific human antibody, called AG030, was able to bind to the parasites and delay the development of skin ulcers in mice, reducing the number of parasites present. This is important because it shows that targeting certain molecules on the parasite could lead to new ways to prevent this disease in people. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of leishmaniasis, particularly in areas where the disease is common.

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This study looked at how brain activity, appetite, and health markers differ between people with and without food addiction. Researchers found that those with food addiction had stronger brain responses in specific areas when trying to resist non-favorite foods, while differences in blood markers related to appetite and health were not significant. Understanding these brain patterns can help explain why some people struggle more with controlling their food intake. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with food addiction and those looking for better ways to manage their eating habits.

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This study focused on a special type of brain cell called LRP4+ astrocytes, which are important for keeping blood vessels in the brain healthy. Researchers found that when these cells were removed from mice, the blood vessels became smaller and less numerous, leading to reduced blood flow. In mice with a model of Alzheimer's disease, a loss of LRP4+ astrocytes worsened both blood vessel problems and the buildup of toxic proteins associated with the disease. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with Alzheimer's disease as it highlights a potential target for treatments that could protect brain blood vessels and possibly slow disease progression.

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This study looked at a new way to teach medical students how to communicate better during patient handovers, which is important for keeping patients safe. In a 90-minute workshop that mimicked a "Dragon's Den" setup, students worked in teams to evaluate video handovers and practice making referrals with feedback from their peers. The results showed that students felt significantly more confident and prepared after the session, with many saying they found it engaging and valuable. Who this helps: This approach benefits medical students by improving their communication skills, which directly impacts patient care.

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This study looked at how using 3D printed models of amino acids can help biochemistry students learn better. The students who used these models scored higher on quizzes about amino acids, showing a boost in their short-term memory of the material. Additionally, many students felt that creating the 3D models made their learning more enjoyable and meaningful. Who this helps: This benefits undergraduate biochemistry students.

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This study looked at how long the hepatitis C virus (HCV) stays detectable in different types of wastewater under different temperatures. The researchers found that HCV breaks down the fastest in untreated wastewater at a rate of about 0.107 per day at 25 degrees Celsius, meaning it loses 90% of its presence in about 9 days. Understanding how HCV survives in wastewater is important for tracking the virus in communities, especially in areas like Baltimore where many people are affected. Who this helps: Patients and public health officials in communities with high rates of hepatitis C.

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This study looked at how a special program for mothers during pregnancy affects both their well-being and their children's development over two years. Researchers found that having better emotional regulation and self-confidence as parents can improve children's cognitive and social-emotional skills. The study will involve about 250 mother-child pairs and assess their progress when the children are 24 and 48 months old. This research is important because it aims to identify effective ways to support mothers and enhance child development from the very start. Who this helps: Mothers and their young children.

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This study looked at how a protein called human resistin (hResistin) affects inflammation in the body, specifically through its role in activating a part of the immune system called the NLRP3 inflammasome. Researchers discovered that hResistin helps trigger this inflammasome by promoting the activity of certain proteins, which leads to inflammation. This is important because targeting hResistin could lead to new treatments for diseases driven by inflammation, like pulmonary hypertension. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory diseases and their doctors.

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This study looked at blood samples from 25 patients with CRB1-related eye diseases and compared them to 25 healthy people. Researchers found that patients had significant changes in their metabolism, including higher levels of certain bile acids and specific metabolites linked to gut bacteria, which indicates these patients may have altered gut health. These findings are important because they reveal potential new targets for treatments that could slow down the progression of vision loss in people with this condition. Who this helps: Patients with CRB1-related retinopathies.

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Researchers studied how the immune system can recognize a specific part of the malaria parasite's outer protein, which is usually hidden until the protein is altered. They discovered a new type of antibody, called MAD21-101, that can effectively protect against malaria infection in a special mouse model designed to mimic human responses. This finding is important because it uncovers a new target for future malaria vaccines and treatments that could improve protection against the disease. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of malaria and doctors treating the disease.

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This study looked at how resistance training, like lifting weights, affects health outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes and who are overweight or obese. It found that those who did resistance training experienced significant improvements, such as a reduction in waist size by nearly 0.85 cm, lower levels of fasting blood sugar by about 0.65 mmol/L, and improved cholesterol levels compared to those who only received standard treatment. This matters because these changes can lead to better overall health and management of diabetes. Who this helps: This helps patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity.

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This study looked at how oral health services are provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in rural and remote areas of Australia. It found that services come in different forms, such as clinical care and education, and are delivered through places like community health clinics and schools, often with limited participation from dental professionals. Understanding these services is crucial because it can help improve access to better oral health care for these communities. Who this helps: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients in rural and remote areas.

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This study looked at how dance affects stress levels by combining insights from psychology, biology, and culture. The researchers found that dance promotes coping and resilience due to the positive effects of music, social interaction, and movement on brain chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin. Understanding these connections helps recognize dance as a powerful tool for reducing stress and improving mental health. Who this helps: Patients dealing with stress and mental health issues.

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This study examined how exposure to a common anesthetic, isoflurane, affects brain development and memory in young mice. The researchers found that isoflurane leads to lower levels of two important proteins linked to memory and learning, which resulted in cognitive issues and a loss of brain connections in the mice. However, treating the mice with a drug called pizotifen after exposure helped protect their memory and brain connections, suggesting a possible way to mitigate the harmful effects of anesthesia on young brains. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly infants and young children undergoing anesthesia.

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This study looked at a type of rare cancer called sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) and the role of a protein called p16. The researchers found that 68.8% of the 16 patients tested had high levels of p16, and those with p16 positivity had a significantly better chance of surviving for five years compared to those without it, with a statistical significance of 0.013. This finding is important because it suggests that p16 could be a useful marker for determining prognosis in SNSCC patients and highlights the potential link between HPV and this type of cancer. Who this helps: Patients with sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma and their doctors.

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The study looked at a new treatment called CIS43LS, a monoclonal antibody that targets a protein related to malaria-causing parasites. In a trial with 330 healthy adults, those who received a higher dose of the antibody (40 mg/kg) had an impressive 87.4% effectiveness in preventing malaria infections after six months, compared to those who received a placebo. This finding matters because it shows that a single dose of this antibody can provide strong and lasting protection against malaria, which could significantly reduce both the spread of the disease and the number of people getting sick. Who this helps: Patients at risk of malaria, especially in areas where the disease is common.

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This study looked at how substance use problems in certain areas of the UK are affecting nurses working in emergency departments. It found that these challenges lead to a high number of patients dealing with alcohol and drug issues, resulting in longer wait times and increased stress for nurses, which can hurt patient care. The researchers suggest that better training and support for nurses, along with changes in policies, are needed to address these issues. Who this helps: This helps emergency department nurses and their patients.

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This study looked at how often children are diagnosed with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) between 2002 and 2021 in New South Wales, Australia. The researchers found that about 1 in 65,000 live births were diagnosed with CPVT, and most of these children showed symptoms by age 9, often experiencing serious issues like cardiac arrest. They also discovered that a third of the children faced significant heart events during follow-up, mainly due to not taking their medications properly. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers managing children with CPVT.

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This study looked at how common eating disorders and disordered eating are among First Nations Peoples in wealthy countries that have a history of colonization. The researchers found that about 3.3% to 4.3% of Indigenous women and 0.4% to 2.6% of Indigenous men have eating disorders, with rates for young females reaching up to 15.6%. Understanding these rates is important because it highlights the need for tailored care that considers the impacts of colonization and racism on these communities. Who this helps: This helps patients and health professionals working with First Nations Peoples.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of microwave ablation (MWA) as a treatment for small kidney tumors known as renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The researchers collected data from 209 patients who underwent MWA, finding that 93% had a short hospital stay and complications were very low, with only 0.96% experiencing serious issues. The rates of the tumor coming back were only 5.9% locally and 2.7% spreading to other areas, indicating that MWA is a safe and effective option for treating these types of tumors. Who this helps: This helps patients with early-stage kidney cancer, especially those who may be too frail for surgery.

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This study looked at how online dietary programs can help adults with severe mental illness. Researchers reviewed 11 studies involving 1,827 people and found that many participants showed improvements in weight and physical activity after following these programs, with significant benefits reported in five out of eight studies on body measurements and two out of six studies on physical activity. This is important because it highlights that e-health interventions could be an effective way to enhance the overall health and well-being of people with severe mental illnesses. Who this helps: This helps patients with severe mental illness and healthcare providers looking for effective treatments.

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This study looked at how racial segregation in hospitals affects the quality of care for Black patients using data from 2019. Researchers found that when a hospital has a higher percentage of Black patients compared to others nearby, there’s a 79% greater risk that those patients will end up in lower-quality hospitals. This matters because it highlights how racial segregation directly leads to poorer healthcare for Black patients, emphasizing the need for improvements in hospital quality across the board. Who this helps: This helps Black patients who may face disparities in hospital care.

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This research paper looks at a method for cleaning up groundwater pollution known as in situ aerobic cometabolism, which uses microorganisms to break down contaminants. The study reviewed 14 field studies showing that this method can effectively treat multiple pollutants at very low concentrations. It emphasizes the need for careful planning and consideration of different factors that can impact how well this treatment works. Who this helps: This helps environmental scientists and engineers working on groundwater contamination.

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This study focused on creating guidelines for ear health and hearing checks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children under 6 years old who are not already being treated for ear issues. Researchers reviewed 12 studies and 11 guidelines and worked with a 79-member expert panel to develop seven goals and eight recommendations for these health checks. These guidelines are important because they aim to ensure early detection of ear infections, which can harm children's development and wellbeing. Who this helps: This benefits young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families.

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This study examined how effective public and private medical care is for military patients with low back pain. Among nearly 145,000 patients, 79.7% saw their pain improve, and there wasn't a significant difference in recovery between those who used public versus private care. However, patients using private care were more likely to receive opioids and less likely to receive other treatments like physical therapy, while private care generally cost less. Who this helps: This benefits military patients seeking treatment for low back pain.

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The study looked at how a personalized diet program delivered through telehealth helps adults with addictive eating patterns improve their eating habits and overall quality of life. Out of 52 participants, those in the program saw reductions in added sugar intake and increases in protein consumption, meat quality, and vegetable servings over three months. Additionally, participants reported improvements in six areas of quality of life. This research is important because it shows that targeted dietary interventions can make a difference for people struggling with addictive eating. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with addictive eating behaviors.

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This study looked at how often female and male doctors were introduced by their professional title at otolaryngology meetings in Canada between 2017 and 2020. It found that female presenters were introduced as "Doctor" 69.6% of the time, while male presenters were introduced similarly at 67.6%, showing no significant bias based on gender. This is important because it indicates progress toward treating male and female physicians more equally in professional settings, although further research is needed to address other forms of bias that may still exist. Who this helps: This helps female doctors and medical professionals working toward leadership roles.

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This study looked at how people's beliefs about health, specifically the idea that health outcomes are beyond their control (called health fatalism), relate to body weight (measured by BMI) and diet quality in healthy adults. It found that while health fatalism did not affect BMI, those who felt more fatalistic had lower quality diets. This is important because it suggests that addressing health beliefs could improve diet quality, even if it doesn't directly lead to weight changes. Who this helps: This helps patients who may struggle with their eating habits due to negative health beliefs.

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This study focused on finding better ways to identify episodes of psychosis in psychiatric admission notes. Researchers analyzed nearly 4,600 notes from patients, including 1,196 with psychosis, and found that using advanced computer algorithms improved detection significantly. The best-performing model achieved a high accuracy rating (F1 score of 0.8881), far exceeding traditional methods, which had an F1 score of 0.7608, making it easier for doctors to diagnose psychosis early and provide effective treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients with psychosis and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the combination of two drugs, dasatinib and venetoclax, for treating patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in its early phase. Researchers found that after one year, 86% of patients achieved a major molecular response, with 53% reaching a deeper level of response (MR4), and nearly all patients (96%) were event-free after four years. This combination treatment was effective and had similar response rates to using dasatinib alone, but it did cause more severe low white blood cell counts in some patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients newly diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia.

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This study looked at young adults under 50 who had total hip replacement surgery to see how well they functioned before and after the procedure and how satisfied they were with the results. Out of 225 patients, most had conditions like developmental dysplasia or Perthes' disease, and many struggled with work and daily activities before surgery. After about 31 months, patient satisfaction was high, with 78% of those who found the surgery met their expectations feeling satisfied, while only 1% of patients returned to their normal activity levels within a year. Who this helps: This research benefits young adults needing hip surgery by highlighting their specific challenges and outcomes.

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This study looked at how older Black patients are admitted to hospitals in the U.S. and found that many hospitals do not admit Black patients at the same rates as the surrounding community. Specifically, 45% of the hospitals included in the study admitted more Black patients than expected, while nearly one-third admitted fewer. This shows significant racial differences in how hospitals serve their local populations, which is important for addressing health inequalities. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare policymakers aiming to reduce racial disparities in hospital care.

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This study looked at whether the phases of the menstrual cycle and the use of hormonal contraceptives affected the resting metabolic rate (RMR) and body composition of female athletes. The researchers found that there were no significant differences in these measurements across the menstrual cycle or between athletes using hormonal contraceptives and those who weren’t. However, they did find that contraceptive users had more lean body mass compared to naturally cycling athletes. This matters because it suggests that athletes can compare metabolic rates and body composition regardless of their menstrual cycle or contraceptive use without worrying about hormonal effects. Who this helps: This helps female athletes and their coaches better understand how menstrual cycle phases and hormonal contraceptives relate to their performance and body composition.

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This study looked at a new treatment for malaria using a drug called L9LS, given as an injection under the skin to children aged 6 to 10 in Mali during a malaria season. The results showed that L9LS significantly reduced the risk of malaria infection, with 66% effectiveness for the lower dose and 70% for the higher dose, compared to a placebo where 81% of children got infected. This matters because it offers a potential new way to protect children from malaria in areas where the disease is common. Who this helps: This helps children in malaria-endemic regions.

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This study looked at breast cancer outcomes for Indigenous women in Australia. Although Indigenous women get breast cancer less often than non-Indigenous women, they are 1.2 times more likely to die from it. Researchers identified nine practical ways to improve their diagnosis and treatment, focusing on different areas like personal interactions, healthcare systems, and policies. Who this helps: This helps Indigenous women facing breast cancer and the healthcare providers treating them.

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This study looked at how to effectively implement digital health programs aimed at preventing chronic diseases in adolescents across Australia. Researchers interviewed 19 stakeholders, including those from government and health organizations, and found that existing programs often don’t meet young people's needs, that collaboration in program development is vital, and that attention to equity and systemic challenges is essential. By addressing these issues, future programs can have a greater impact on reducing health risks among teenagers. Who this helps: This helps adolescents at risk for chronic diseases and the organizations that serve them.

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This research studied a protein called resistin to see if it could indicate how severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is and how long patients might live. The study involved over 1,100 adults, and it found that higher levels of resistin were linked to worse health outcomes, such as a shorter distance patients could walk in six minutes and a higher risk of death, with a hazard ratio of 2.6, meaning those with high resistin were more than twice as likely to die compared to those with lower levels. Understanding resistin's role could help doctors better predict patient outcomes and lead to new treatments for this serious condition. Who this helps: Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and their doctors.

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This study looked at how the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptives affect the performance of female rugby players. The researchers tested 24 athletes and found that overall, their jumping height, sprint time, and throwing distance didn’t change significantly based on their menstrual cycle or contraceptive use. However, some minor performance differences were noted in naturally menstruating athletes, particularly an increase in jump power at certain times in their cycle. Who this helps: This research benefits female athletes and coaches looking for insights into how hormonal factors might influence training and performance.

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Researchers studied how certain antibodies in the blood, called autoantibodies, affect the risk of contracting malaria among 602 children and adults in Mali. They found that higher levels of these antibodies before the malaria season significantly reduced the chances of children getting sick from malaria—by about 30% or more. This is important because it suggests that having these autoantibodies might help protect against malaria infections. Who this helps: This benefits children in malaria-prone areas, potentially leading to better health outcomes.

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This study looked at how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples feel about pharmacists having the ability to prescribe more medications, particularly for issues like urinary tract infections and skin conditions. Researchers will gather opinions through group discussions and interviews with community leaders, healthcare workers, and community members to understand their views on the benefits and risks of this change. The results will help inform how healthcare services can better meet the needs of these communities. Who this helps: This helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and their communities.

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This study focused on adapting a suicide prevention program called PARS for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people who are undergoing treatment for substance misuse. Researchers held focus groups with community members and found that participants strongly supported using this tailored program, with recommendations for it to be shorter, more culturally relevant, free of stigma, and connected to their community. This matters because it could lead to the first effective evidence-based suicide prevention intervention specifically designed for AI/AN individuals struggling with substance use, helping to address their elevated risk of suicide. Who this helps: This helps American Indian and Alaska Native patients in substance use treatment.

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This study looked at whether vigorous exercise raises the risk of dangerous heart issues in people with congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS), a condition that affects heart rhythm. Researchers followed 1,413 participants over several years, finding that 52% engaged in vigorous exercise, but only 2.6% of these experienced serious heart events compared to 2.7% in those who did not exercise vigorously. This research matters because it shows that both vigorous and non-vigorous exercise have similar low risks for patients with LQTS, helping doctors and patients make informed choices about physical activity. Who this helps: This helps patients with congenital long QT syndrome and their doctors.

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This study looked at how natural malaria infections affect the body's immune response, specifically focusing on antibodies targeting a malaria protein called RH5, which is important for vaccine development. Researchers found that while most people exposed to malaria had weak and short-lasting antibodies, two individuals had strong antibodies that could effectively neutralize the malaria parasite, similar to the best vaccine-induced antibodies. These findings are important because they highlight how natural infections might improve the effectiveness of malaria vaccines in future development. Who this helps: This helps vaccine developers and researchers working on malaria prevention.

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This study explored how diet influences inflammation and the risk of long-term health conditions in over 24,000 people. Researchers found that a more inflammatory diet was linked to lower levels of important nutrients and higher levels of inflammation markers, particularly in men. Surprisingly, people with a healthier, anti-inflammatory diet had a 12-40% higher chance of developing multiple long-term conditions, suggesting diet's complex role in health. Who this helps: This helps patients looking to improve their health and manage long-term conditions.

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Researchers studied a new type of immune therapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) using enhanced MUC1 CAR T cells. They found that these specially engineered CAR T cells, designed to work better in the challenging tumor environment of TNBC, significantly reduced tumor size, both at the main site and in other areas, while maintaining a good safety profile. This is important because it offers a more effective treatment option for patients with a difficult type of cancer that often has limited therapy responses. Who this helps: Patients with triple-negative breast cancer.

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This study looked at how older Indigenous Australians living in remote areas feel about using wearable devices, like smartwatches and patches, to monitor heart health. Over five days, 11 participants aged 55 and older found these tools easy to use and felt comfortable with them, even in tough conditions like high temperatures and poor internet connection. This research shows that wearable health technology can work well for older Indigenous people, which is important for improving their access to healthcare. Who this helps: This helps older Indigenous patients living in remote areas.

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This study looked at how malaria parasites (specifically P. falciparum) stay in the blood of children during dry and wet seasons in Mali. Researchers found that the parasites do not change their behavior based on the time of year, and those that persist through the dry season do not make the children sick. Notably, parasites that are present at the end of the wet season have a better chance of surviving through the dry season compared to those that are transmitted early in the wet season. Who this helps: This research helps doctors and health workers understand how malaria persists in children, aiding in better treatment and prevention strategies.

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This study looked at the tiny details of broken bones to figure out when the fractures happened—whether before or after death. Researchers examined 37 human thigh bones and found that certain microscopic features, like how many tiny bone structures were pulled out or cracked, could accurately indicate the time since death, especially within the first 16,000 hours postmortem. Specifically, they discovered that the most reliable sign of when a bone broke was the amount of osteon pullout, showing that examining these fine details can be more effective than just looking at the surface of the bones. Who this helps: This benefits forensic scientists and medical examiners who need to determine the timing of fractures in investigations.

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This study examined the role of prison chaplains and how they affect inmates. It found that chaplains provide emotional support, practical help, and educational opportunities, which contribute to inmate rehabilitation and promote a sense of community. Their presence can also encourage feelings of calm, forgiveness, and personal growth among incarcerated individuals. Who this helps: This benefits inmates seeking support and guidance while in prison.