Dr. Milam studies several important areas in healthcare and agriculture. In the medical field, she has investigated effective methods for placing Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters in critically ill patients, looked into preventing oral cancer recurrence through topical rinses, and explored the management of rare birth defects like tracheal agenesis. Additionally, she has a background in understanding how age-related changes affect voice health by examining mitochondrial DNA mutations in the larynx. On the agricultural side, Dr. Milam has researched the use of drone technology to enhance pest control in citrus farming, showcasing a practical application of her innovative thinking.
Key findings
In her study on IVC filters, Dr. Milam achieved a 100% success rate with both bedside digital radiography and fluoroscopy, but reduced radiation exposure from 256.94 mGy to 25 mGy using the digital method.
Patients using isotretinoin rinse for oral cavity cancer prevention had a recurrence rate of 0.00014 for early-stage lesions after 12 months compared to those who did not use the rinse.
By deploying drones in a swarm, the efficiency of releasing sterile Mexican fruit flies increased from 89.9% in 2018 to 98.2% in 2019.
Dr. Milam’s research on tracheal agenesis emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, which can significantly improve survival rates for newborns with this condition.
In a study on laryngeal DNA mutations, a specific change was identified in three out of thirteen tissue samples, indicating potential age-related risks to voice health.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Milam study cancer prevention?
Yes, she specifically researches methods like isotretinoin rinses to prevent recurrence of oral cavity cancer.
What innovative treatments has Dr. Milam researched?
She has investigated the use of digital radiography for IVC filter placements, which helps reduce radiation exposure.
Is Dr. Milam's work relevant to critically ill patients?
Absolutely, her findings on IVC filters and rare conditions like tracheal agenesis are directly beneficial for critically ill patients.
What agricultural techniques does Dr. Milam explore?
She studies the use of drones for pest control in citrus farming, aiming to improve efficiency in managing pests.
Can Dr. Milam's research help aging individuals?
Yes, her work on mitochondrial DNA mutations in the larynx provides insights into age-related changes that could impact voice health.
Publications in plain English
The Use of Multiple Unmanned Aircraft Systems as a Swarm to Release Sterile Mexican Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) Into South Texas Citrus Groves.
2021
Journal of economic entomology
Moses-Gonzales N, Conway H, Krompetz D, Rodriguez R, Adams CG +2 more
Plain English Researchers studied how using drones in a swarm could improve the release of sterile Mexican fruit flies, a significant pest for citrus crops in South Texas. They found that in 2019, up to 98.2% of the flies released were successfully deployed compared to 89.9% in 2018, with slightly more flies recaptured overall. This matters because using swarms of drones can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of pest control efforts, helping protect valuable citrus crops.
Who this helps: This helps farmers and agricultural producers by providing a more effective way to manage pest populations.
Comparative outcomes of Inferior Vena Cava filters placed at bedside using digital radiography versus conventional fluoroscopy.
2021
Journal of interventional medicine
Walker JA, Milam M, Lopera JE
Plain English This study looked at two different ways to place Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters in critically ill patients: one method used digital radiography at the bedside, while the other used traditional fluoroscopy. Both methods were equally successful, with a 100% success rate, but the bedside procedure took longer, averaging about 14.5 minutes compared to 6.7 minutes for fluoroscopy. Importantly, the bedside method significantly reduced radiation exposure to patients from 256.94 mGy to just 25 mGy.
Who this helps: This benefits critically ill patients who need IVC filters by reducing their radiation exposure during the procedure.
Topical oral cavity chemoprophylaxis using isotretinoin rinse: A 15-year experience.
2017
The Laryngoscope
Kadakia S, Badhey A, Milam M, Lee T, Ducic Y
Plain English This study looked at whether rinsing with isotretinoin, a medication usually used for acne, can help prevent the return of certain types of oral cancer and precancerous conditions. Out of the 143 patients, those who used the isotretinoin rinse for at least 12 months had significantly lower recurrence rates of oral lesions compared to those who did not use the rinse. Specifically, there was a 0.00014 and 0.00002 chance of recurrence in early-stage lesions and dysplasia groups, respectively, which shows this approach may be effective for some patients.
Who this helps: This finding benefits patients at risk for recurrence of oral cavity cancer and doctors treating them.
International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology
Hill SA, Milam M, Manaligod JM
Plain English This study looked at tracheal agenesis (TA), a rare birth defect where a baby is born without a trachea, which can lead to immediate respiratory failure. The researchers shared the story of a newborn who experienced severe breathing problems right after birth and was diagnosed with this condition. Raising awareness and diagnosing TA early are crucial because, if treated promptly, it can improve survival chances for affected infants.
Who this helps: This benefits newborns with tracheal agenesis and their healthcare providers.
Age-related mitochondrial DNA mutations in the human larynx.
2000
The Laryngoscope
Manaligod JM, Milam M, Hill SA, Sanders T, Skaggs J +1 more
Plain English This study looked at whether aging leads to changes in the DNA found in the larynx, the part of the throat involved in voice production. Researchers examined tissue samples from the larynx of 13 deceased individuals, finding a specific DNA change known as a 4977-base-pair deletion in three samples, with weaker signs of this change in four others. This evidence suggests that as people age, their larynx may experience DNA mutations, which could impact voice health and aging.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers understand age-related changes in voice-related tissues, potentially aiding in the treatment of voice disorders in older adults.
Inhibition of rabbit lung glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase by dehydroepiandrosterone augments oxidant injury.
1990
American journal of respiratory cell and molecular biology
Heffner JE, Milam M
Plain English Researchers studied how a substance called dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) affects a protective enzyme in rabbit lungs that helps defend against damage from harmful substances. They found that when DHEA was introduced, the damage to the lungs increased, leading to more swelling and fluid buildup. This is important because it shows that the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase plays a key role in protecting the lungs from oxidative injury.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers better understand lung protection and injury, potentially aiding in the treatment of lung diseases.
Elevated beta thromboglobulin in peripheral venous blood of patients with acute myocardial ischemia: direct evidence for enhanced platelet reactivity in vivo.
1981
The American journal of cardiology
Smitherman TC, Milam M, Woo J, Willerson JT, Frenkel EP
Studies on cell adhesion. 3. Adhesion of baby hamster kidney cells.
1973
The Journal of cell biology
Grinnell F, Milam M, Srere PA
Plain English This study looked at how baby hamster kidney cells stick to plastic surfaces. Researchers found that these cells attach and become harder to remove over time; specifically, they showed that both normal and altered cells stick with the same strength. They discovered that certain chemicals could make it harder for the cells to stick, and that using a protein called trypsin temporarily made the cells less sticky, but they couldn't regain that stickiness if another chemical (cycloheximide) was present.
Who this helps: This research benefits scientists studying cell behavior and developing treatments that involve cell attachment.