JUSTIN GERARD MILLS, M.D.

Plain English
This study examined the rates of physical assault experienced by women with physical disabilities during key stages around childbirth, focusing on how these rates differ based on racial and ethnic backgrounds. Researchers found that Black, Latinx, and American Indian/Alaska Native women with physical disabilities faced significantly higher risks of assault compared to nondisabled White women; for example, Black mothers with disabilities were 16 times more likely to be assaulted before conception. This research highlights the urgent need for better support and protection for these vulnerable groups, particularly during pregnancy. Who this helps: This helps patients, specifically Black, Latinx, and American Indian/Alaska Native mothers with physical disabilities.

Plain English
This study focuses on the importance of trauma-informed care (TIC) for palliative care providers, emphasizing how past trauma can affect a patient's health and decision-making. The researchers stress that understanding a patient’s experiences is crucial for providing better care, recommending that clinicians ask, "What has happened to this person?" instead of viewing them through a lens of just their illness. By adopting a trauma-informed approach, care providers can improve patient outcomes and create a more supportive healthcare environment. Who this helps: This benefits patients with serious illnesses, their caregivers, and healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked at how to find small molecules that can change the way RNA (a key part of genetic information) is processed in cells. The researchers developed a new testing method that can measure multiple genes at once, revealing that only 5% of the active compounds affected all three genes examined, highlighting their specificity. This is important because it allows for the discovery of more targeted treatments for diseases at a much faster pace. Who this helps: This helps researchers and drug developers looking for new therapies.

Plain English
Researchers studied how to adapt a mental health program called LGBTQ-affirming Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for gay and bisexual men in Vietnam, where HIV is a serious issue affecting about 13.3% of this group. They interviewed 17 men in Ho Chi Minh City, who expressed the need for skills to manage emotions and requested the inclusion of HIV prevention techniques in the program, preferably delivered in groups. This matters because culturally tailored interventions can better support the mental health of these men and help reduce the risk of HIV. Who this helps: This helps gay and bisexual men in Vietnam at risk for HIV.

Plain English
This study looked at a new treatment method called SMART (Stereotactic MR-Guided Adaptive Radiotherapy) for men with locally recurrent prostate cancer after previous radiation therapy. The researchers found that after this treatment, 100% of patients survived for at least two years, with 73.7% remaining free from signs of cancer and 84.2% maintaining local control of the disease. This is important because it shows that SMART can effectively treat recurrent prostate cancer while minimizing side effects. Who this helps: This helps patients with recurrent prostate cancer who need effective and safe treatment options.

Plain English
This study looked at why Australian nurses decide to stay in their jobs or leave, focusing on different work areas like cities and remote locations. It found that nurses in rural and remote areas were 2.2 times more likely to want to stay compared to those in cities, especially after seven years in the job. The findings highlight the importance of support systems, like mentorship and resilience training, to help retain nurses, particularly in less populated areas. Who this helps: This helps nurses and healthcare managers aim to improve job satisfaction and retention in the nursing workforce.

Plain English
This research studied how people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD) struggle to use smart speakers due to their speech and voice difficulties. Researchers collaborated with 20 participants, including PwPD, caregivers, and speech therapists, to create better smart speaker features. They developed two main solutions: guides for using these devices safely and effectively, and new features tailored for speech therapy. These improvements are important because they can help PwPD manage their speech issues more independently and enhance their therapy experience, potentially improving their long-term outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Parkinson's disease and their speech therapists.

Plain English
This study looked at how older adults adjust to living in residential aged care facilities. Researchers interviewed 20 residents and staff members, finding that adaptation is an ongoing process influenced by gradual losses, such as independence and control. They highlighted that accepting the need for care is crucial to managing feelings of loss and resentment, which can hinder the adjustment process, and suggested that practices could be improved to better support residents' adaptation. Who this helps: This research benefits older adults living in care facilities and the healthcare professionals who support them.

Plain English
This study looked at different combinations of medications for adults with chronic heart failure who have a specific type of reduced heart function. It found that for patients who can tolerate a certain heart medication (ACEI), a combination of ACEI, a beta-blocker, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, and a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor was the most cost-effective first-line treatment, costing about £12,124 and providing 5.72 additional years of healthy life. For those who cannot tolerate ACEI, another combination with ARNI, beta-blockers, MRAs, and SGLT2i was the best, costing £18,950 and providing 6.04 additional years of healthy life. This is important because starting these effective medication combinations earlier can improve patient health and make better use of healthcare resources. Who this helps: Patients with chronic heart failure.

Plain English
This study examined the challenges faced by children in remote and Indigenous communities in Canada when they need surgery. It found that limited resources and geographic isolation often force families and doctors to make tough decisions about care, such as whether to wait for specialized help or proceed with less expertise. For example, in cases involving serious medical conditions, families sometimes declined to transfer their child for better care, which raises ethical concerns about the best ways to provide treatment when resources are scarce. Who this helps: This helps children in remote areas who need surgical care, as well as their families and healthcare providers.

Plain English
Researchers developed a new adhesive wrap that can quickly seal injured arteries without the need for stitches, using materials that safely break down in the body. In tests on rats, the wrap sealed arterial injuries in under 5 minutes and was able to handle pressure ten times higher than normal blood pressure. After four weeks, 87.5% of the rats survived with no severe complications, making this a potentially safer and faster method for treating serious blood vessel injuries. Who this helps: This technology benefits emergency medical teams and patients with traumatic arterial injuries, especially in areas lacking specialized surgical help.

Plain English
This study examined how effective the influenza vaccine was at preventing outpatient visits for respiratory illnesses caused by the flu during the 2024-25 season in the U.S. Out of nearly 6,800 participants, about 30% tested positive for influenza, and the vaccine reduced the chance of getting the flu by 33%. Specifically, it was 27% effective against one strain, 37% against another, and 40% against a third strain, indicating that getting vaccinated helps reduce the risk of illness significantly. Who this helps: This benefits patients by encouraging flu vaccinations to lower their risk of serious respiratory issues.

Plain English
This research paper looked at how mechanical vibration affects blood flow in different parts of the body. The review found that whole-body vibration (WBV) generally improved peripheral blood flow, while local mechanical vibration (LMV) had mixed effects—sometimes improving blood flow and other times harming it. Understanding how vibration affects blood flow is important because it can influence treatments and therapies for various conditions. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those with circulation issues.

Plain English
This study examined the characteristics and patterns of two neurological diseases: MOGAD and AQP4+NMOSD, using a large database from the Mayo Clinic. Researchers found that 7.1% of samples tested positive for MOG-IgG, with a higher occurrence in children under 12, while 2.5% tested positive for AQP4-IgG, and this condition was more common in older women. The study also identified a seasonal increase in cases during winter, suggesting that infections could trigger these diseases, which is vital for improving healthcare strategies and clinical trials. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from these conditions and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked at whether adding an indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) to a treatment method called talc poudrage (which helps manage fluid buildup in the lungs) improves hospital stays and breathlessness in patients with cancer-related pleural effusions. The researchers found that while adding the IPC didn’t reduce the time spent in the hospital—1 day for those with the IPC versus 2 days for standard care—it did significantly cut down the need for additional invasive procedures later (3% vs 34%). This matters because it offers a treatment option that might help patients avoid further risks and complications. Who this helps: Patients with symptomatic malignant pleural effusions.

Plain English
This study focuses on providing guidelines for nutrition in adults with head and neck cancer, which is a common and challenging diagnosis. The researchers analyzed 92 studies and recommend that patients start receiving nutritional support early, ideally within 24 hours after surgery, and continue with regular checks from dietitians during treatment. They also suggest specific daily protein (1.2-1.5 grams per kilogram) and energy (at least 30 calories per kilogram) intake to help prevent malnutrition and improve patient outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients with head and neck cancer and their healthcare providers by offering clear nutritional guidelines to enhance recovery and quality of life.

Plain English
This study looked at how well parents of children with intellectual disabilities understand and use health information to support their children. Researchers interviewed 24 parents and found that while many had good health literacy skills, they struggled most with navigating healthcare systems. Improving these skills is crucial because it helps parents better advocate for and manage their children's health needs. Who this helps: This benefits parents of children with intellectual disabilities as well as healthcare professionals working with them.

Plain English
This study looked at the experiences of patients with two types of multiple sclerosis: relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS). Researchers interviewed 16 patients and reviewed 10 articles, finding that many reported issues like fatigue, muscle weakness, and trouble walking, which seriously affected their emotional and social lives. Understanding these patient experiences is important for improving clinical assessments that measure how new treatments impact the quality of life for people with MS. Who this helps: This benefits patients with multiple sclerosis and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked at ways to find new drugs that could help treat tuberculosis (TB), especially against strains that don’t respond to current treatments. Researchers screened 460,000 molecules and found seven promising candidates, with one, called chromene glycoside, showing particularly good potential as a drug. This molecule not only binds well to the target protein PknG but also has favorable properties that could make it safe and effective. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with resistant TB by potentially leading to new treatment options.

Plain English
This study looked at what "meaningful change" in motor skills means for people with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), particularly using two assessment tools: the North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) and the Performance of Upper Limb (PUL). Researchers conducted 69 interviews with individuals with DMD, their caregivers, and therapists, finding that for both assessments, people's views on meaningful changes depended on their abilities; maintaining function in arms and legs was most important, and even losing just one point on the assessment scales could significantly affect daily life. Understanding these perceptions can help improve care plans and treatment goals for DMD patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with DMD and their caregivers.

Plain English
This study looked for new drugs that can inhibit an enzyme called ketohexokinase C (KHK-C), which plays a key role in processing fructose and can lead to health issues like obesity and diabetes when working too much. Researchers screened over 460,000 chemical compounds and found ten promising candidates, with one particular compound showing a stronger ability to bind to the target enzyme than the drugs currently in clinical trials, PF-06835919 and LY-3522348. This is important because more effective and safer treatments could help manage fructose-related metabolic disorders. Who this helps: Patients suffering from metabolic disorders related to fructose consumption.

Plain English
This study looked at how common resistance mutations are in malaria parasites in Rwanda, specifically mutations that make the parasites resistant to common antimalarial drugs like chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. The research found that these mutations are widely present, which can lead to slower recovery from malaria and increased treatment failures. Since malaria remains a major health issue in Africa, understanding this resistance is crucial for improving treatment strategies and making sure patients receive effective care. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from malaria and the healthcare providers treating them.

Plain English
This study looked at how exposure to secondhand vape smoke affects teenagers' willingness to try e-cigarettes. It found that teens who were around secondhand vape smoke were 105% more likely to be curious about e-cigarettes, 75% more likely to want to try them soon, and 79% more likely to consider trying them within the year. This matters because it shows that being around vaping can increase the chances of young people starting to use e-cigarettes. Who this helps: This helps parents and educators understand the risks of secondhand vape exposure for teenagers.

Plain English
This study looked at the best cholesterol levels to aim for when increasing cholesterol medications in patients with heart disease who are already taking statins. The researchers found that the most cost-effective level for treatment escalation was 2.0 mmol/L of LDL cholesterol, which could lead to 42% of these patients needing additional medication, while also improving their health outcomes. These findings are important because they help update guidelines for cholesterol treatment, aiming to reduce hospital visits and improve survival rates. Who this helps: This benefits patients with cardiovascular disease and their doctors by providing clearer treatment guidelines.

Plain English
This study looked at the use of certain illegal muscle-building substances, like SARMs and growth hormone boosters, among athletes over five years. The researchers analyzed 324 samples from 14 labs in 13 countries and found that 65% of these illegal products were marketed as medicine, while 24% were labeled as dietary supplements, meaning many users might not realize they're taking unapproved drugs. Five specific substances were most common, including ibutamoren and ligandrol, and many products had doses high enough to pose serious health risks. Who this helps: This study benefits athletes and fitness enthusiasts who need to be aware of the dangers of using unregulated performance enhancers.

Plain English
This study looked at a protein called Nucleolin (NCL) and how it affects cell division in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. When researchers removed NCL, these cancer cells struggled to complete division, resulting in many cells with two nuclei. This is important because understanding NCL's role could lead to better cancer treatments, especially using drugs that target cell division processes. Who this helps: This helps patients with triple negative breast cancer and their doctors.

Plain English
This study looked at whether a type of immune cell called neutrophils can produce a protein known as apolipoprotein A-I (APOA1), which helps reduce inflammation. Researchers found that neutrophils from both healthy individuals and people with asthma produce APOA1, particularly a special group of these cells showing high activation markers. This discovery is important because it reveals a new way the body controls inflammation, which could lead to better treatments for conditions related to excessive inflammation, like asthma. Who this helps: Patients with inflammatory diseases, especially asthma sufferers.

Plain English
This study looked at how people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and their caregivers perceive voice-assisted technology (VAT) as a tool to help with speech difficulties. Out of 15 participants, many reported that while VAT can improve speech volume, clarity, and understanding, there were also concerns about technology privacy, device frustrations, and the need for better guidance on usage. Understanding these experiences is important because it can help design better tools that improve communication for people with PD. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers.

Plain English
The study focused on improving care for people with substance use disorders at the Denver Health Center for Addiction Medicine. It found that by creating a coordinated approach to treatment and involving the community, they could better identify and address the needs of patients. This matters because it can lead to more effective treatment and support for individuals struggling with addiction, ultimately improving their health outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with substance use disorders and the healthcare providers who support them.

Plain English
This study looked at how a specific mutation, JAK2V617F, affects blood cell production and bone marrow in mice. Researchers found that even a small number of these mutated cells (about 2.7% of the blood) can cause significant changes, leading to higher levels of red blood cells and white blood cells, resembling conditions like polycythemia vera. This matters because it shows that the presence of mutant cells can not only harm the bone marrow's environment but also change the behavior of healthy cells, challenging our understanding of blood disorders. Who this helps: Patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms and related blood disorders.

Plain English
This study focused on finding a better method to detect and count Campylobacter bacteria in chicken rinse samples, which are important for food safety in New Zealand. Researchers found that adding a centrifugation step for 30 minutes improved the detection of Campylobacter, allowing it to be found in 73.8% of samples compared to just 51.6% using the previous method. The new method was also more sensitive, with the ability to detect as few as 28 bacteria per 400 ml, which is seven times better than the old method. Who this helps: This benefits food safety regulators and poultry producers by improving monitoring and control of Campylobacter in chicken products.

Plain English
This study looked at how blocking a specific protein, Angulin-1/LSR, can temporarily weaken the blood-tumor barrier in the brain, allowing a cancer drug called Doxil to enter more easily and slow down the growth of malignant brain tumors (gliomas). The researchers found that using a special treatment called Angubindin-1 increased the amount of Doxil that could reach tumors by 20% and reduced tumor size by about 4% after 14 days, ultimately extending the survival of treated rats from 18 days to 24 days. This is important because it shows a new way to improve drug delivery in brain cancer, which is a major challenge in treating these tumors effectively. Who this helps: This helps patients with malignant gliomas.

Plain English
This study looked at Huntington's disease (HD), which is caused by the buildup of a harmful protein called mutant Huntingtin (mHTT) in the brain. Researchers found that reducing the activity of a specific gene led to a 50% decrease in mHTT buildup, which helped protect nerve cells and resulted in an increased lifespan for the tested organisms. This finding is important because it shows a potential way to reduce harmful protein accumulation in HD and possibly other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Who this helps: This helps patients with Huntington's disease and Alzheimer's, as well as their doctors.

Plain English
This study reviewed new treatment methods for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), focusing on recent therapies and their effects on patient symptoms and everyday functioning. Researchers analyzed 69 studies and found that while many innovations, like modified talk therapies and pharmacological treatments such as ketamine, show promise in reducing symptoms, there is a lack of research on how these treatments impact broader issues like social inclusion and overall mortality rates. Addressing these gaps is crucial for improving care and support for BPD patients. Who this helps: Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked at how speech and language therapists view using voice-assisted technology (like Amazon Alexa or Google Home) to help people with Parkinson’s disease who have trouble speaking clearly. Researchers spoke with seven therapists, and they found that while these technologies have the potential to improve speech clarity and help patients practice at home, there are important issues to consider, including data privacy and how to fit these tools into therapy sessions. Addressing these challenges could help make voice-assisted technology a valuable part of treatment for speech difficulties in Parkinson’s patients. Who this helps: Patients with Parkinson's disease and their speech therapists.

Plain English
This study looked at how a specific immune receptor, EphA4, affects brain healing after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Researchers found that mice without EphA4 in their immune cells had better brain function and memory recovery after injury, showing improved behavior in tests and changes in brain cell types over time. These findings are important because they reveal that targeting EphA4 could lead to better treatments for brain injuries. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries.

Plain English
This study looked at how voice-assisted technology (like Alexa) can help people with speech problems caused by neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's Disease. Researchers reviewed five studies, finding that while this technology may help improve volume and clarity of speech, it often struggles to understand speech difficulties accurately. Caution is advised since the technology can misinterpret words, especially for people with severe speech issues. Who this helps: Patients with speech difficulties and their speech therapists can benefit from this technology.

Plain English
This study investigated how two natural compounds, cannabidiol (CBD) and beta-caryophyllene (BCP), can help relieve chronic pain and improve mood. The researchers found that when these two compounds were used together in mice with inflammatory pain, they provided better pain relief and reduced signs of depression compared to using them separately. This is important because it could lead to a new treatment option for people suffering from both chronic pain and depression, which affects millions. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with chronic pain and depression.

Plain English
This study focused on a protein interaction involved in certain cancers that lengthen their telomeres, which are protective caps on the ends of chromosomes. Researchers identified new peptide inhibitors that can effectively block the interaction between two proteins, FANCM and RMI, with very strong binding abilities (as low as 4 nanomolar), showing that these inhibitors could prevent cancer cell growth in laboratory tests. This discovery is significant because it provides new tools for studying this cancer pathway and potentially developing targeted treatments. Who this helps: This benefits cancer researchers and patients with ALT-driven cancers.

Plain English
This study looked at how a specific protein called EphA4 affects brain healing after a traumatic injury. Researchers found that mice without EphA4 in their immune cells had healthier microglia (brain immune cells) 3 days after injury, leading to better memory performance in recognition tests—improving scores by 30% on certain tasks at 60 and 90 days post-injury. This research matters because it highlights how manipulating immune signals can enhance brain recovery and memory function after trauma. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries.

Plain English
This study looked at how a combination of two substances, Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP) and cannabidiol (CBD), affects neuropathic pain and related depression in mice. The researchers found that this combination not only reduced pain but also helped alleviate symptoms of depression, showing a strong effect on neuroinflammation. This matters because it suggests a potential new treatment option for people suffering from both chronic pain and depression, which often occur together. Who this helps: Patients dealing with both neuropathic pain and depression.

Plain English
This study looks at Last Aid Courses (LAC), which teach people about dying, death, and palliative care. It found that these courses have been introduced in 23 countries and can improve understanding about these tough topics, although many people still have low knowledge levels around them. These findings matter because boosting public awareness can help people support others during difficult times and improve community end-of-life care. Who this helps: This helps patients, their families, and healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study focused on improving how clinical trials for endovascular treatments of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are designed and reported. Researchers created a framework called Endo-STAR after analyzing 228 prior interventions and collecting feedback from experts. They identified six key areas important for future trials, such as the expertise needed and details of the procedures, which will help standardize and enhance the quality of research in this area. Who this helps: This benefits patients with peripheral arterial disease by ensuring they receive treatments based on high-quality research.

Plain English
Researchers held a meeting to discuss how to better include patient experiences in lupus drug trials. They found that although most trials collect patient-reported outcome (PRO) data, this information is not used enough to measure the effects of treatments. They emphasized the importance of focusing on what patients really feel and experience, rather than just on disease symptoms, and suggested specific actions to make sure patients' voices are heard in future studies. Who this helps: This benefits patients with lupus and helps ensure their experiences are considered in treatment development.

Plain English
This study looked at a new treatment for rectal cancer called Contact X-ray Brachytherapy (CXB) and found that it can help many patients avoid major surgery. In a review of 52 studies involving over 5,400 patients, 82% experienced a complete response to treatment, while 81% were able to preserve their organs without losing them to surgery. This matters because it gives patients with rectal cancer a less invasive option that can still effectively control their disease. Who this helps: This benefits patients with rectal cancer, especially those unable or unwilling to undergo major surgery.

Plain English
This study looked at a new method for detecting a harmful parasite, Cystoisospora suis, that affects young piglets, which can lead to diarrhea and financial losses for farmers. Researchers tested sponge samples from the pig's living environment alongside traditional fecal samples and found that both methods were effective, with the sponge method detecting the parasite 91.2% of the time. Using sponges not only provided similar results but also made the testing process easier and faster. Who this helps: This benefits pig farmers by providing a more efficient way to monitor piglet health.