MICHAEL H. ELLIS, M.D.

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This research focuses on the healthcare challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ patients, particularly in gynecologic care. It found that many queer patients delay or avoid seeking medical help due to fears of discrimination and a lack of understanding from healthcare providers. The study emphasizes the need for inclusive practices, such as using gender-neutral language and better training for medical staff, to improve care for these patients. Who this helps: This benefits LGBTQIA+ patients seeking gynecologic care.

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This study focused on creating tiny hollow nanoparticles that can deliver cancer drugs more effectively when combined with ultrasound, especially for hard-to-reach areas like the pancreas affected by pancreatic cancer. The researchers found that using ultrasound helped release the drug SN-38 significantly more—by 54% and 19%—than traditional methods, and this approach also reduced cancer cell survival by 20%. This is important because it shows a new way to target cancer treatments more precisely while minimizing side effects. Who this helps: This benefits patients with pancreatic cancer and their doctors by improving treatment options.

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This study looked at how young people aged 14 to 18 in the UK who hear voices find help and talk about their experiences in mental health services. Researchers talked to nine young people and found that issues like stigma, long wait times, and staff not being well-informed made it harder for them to seek help. In contrast, when they felt trust and good communication with healthcare providers, they were more likely to share their experiences and engage in treatment. Who this helps: This benefits young people experiencing voice-hearing and the mental health professionals supporting them.

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This study looked at how caregivers who speak languages other than English participate in family-centered rounds (FCR) at a children's hospital. Researchers found that, while both English-preferring and LOE-preferring caregivers were present at the bedside about the same amount of time (70.3% vs. 69.7%), LOE-preferring caregivers participated in only 55.6% of rounds compared to 88.1% of English-preferring caregivers. The main reason LOE-preferring caregivers didn’t participate was that they weren't invited to join. Who this helps: This research benefits families with language barriers, ensuring they are included in the care process for their children.

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This study examined a new virtual training system for teaching colorectal surgeons how to perform a specific surgical procedure called ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). Researchers tested 22 participants, splitting them into novice and experienced groups, and found that experienced surgeons performed significantly better on two key tasks: measuring the length of a J-pouch (3.67 points for experienced vs. 1.50 for novices) and managing the gap during a specific part of the surgery (3.89 vs. 1.50). This matters because effective training tools can help improve surgical skills, ultimately enhancing patient care. Who this helps: Patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

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This research focused on understanding the genetic factors behind amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in Malaysian patients. The study analyzed genetic data from 201 patients and found that 6.3% had harmful genetic changes associated with ALS, while 42.9% had uncertain genetic variants. These insights are important because they improve our understanding of ALS in Southeast Asian populations and can help in diagnosing the disease more effectively. Who this helps: This helps patients with ALS and their doctors by providing better diagnostic tools.

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This study created a virtual reality simulator that helps train surgeons in sewing techniques used in open surgery. It managed to operate smoothly while simulating realistic tissue and suturing threads, hitting rates between 50-80 frames per second even with complex interactions. Out of 24 surgical trainees and experts tested, 71% found the simulator's realism impressive, and half thought the sense of touch was realistic, showing it's a useful training tool despite needing some improvements. Who this helps: This helps surgical trainees and educators in healthcare.

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This study looked at the calculations needed to understand how charges move in materials, particularly focusing on the effects of electrical interactions within the materials. It found that when the researchers included variations in the electrical energy at different points in the materials, it led to a decrease in the ability of holes (positively charged particles) to move freely, reducing their mobility by about 9% in one direction and 30% in another. This matters because it helps improve the accuracy of simulations used to predict how these materials behave in real-world applications, aligning more closely with experimental results. Who this helps: This helps researchers and engineers working on organic electronic materials and devices.

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This study looked at how different genetic mutations cause Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a nerve disorder that affects movement and sensation. Researchers studied 23 patients from 13 families and identified nine specific genetic variants, with some causing severe symptoms starting in childhood and others resulting in milder symptoms that appear in adulthood. Understanding these different genetic impacts is important because it can help doctors better diagnose and treat patients based on their specific genetic makeup. Who this helps: This helps patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and their doctors in making more informed decisions about treatment.

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This study looked at how effective prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) is at stopping major gastrointestinal bleeding caused by factor Xa inhibitors, a type of blood thinner. Out of 62 patients analyzed, 73% stopped bleeding within 12 hours of treatment, with 6.5% experiencing blood clots and 12.9% dying in the hospital. These findings are important because they show that 4F-PCC is a useful option for reversing the effects of these blood thinners in urgent situations, with outcomes similar to other treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing severe bleeding due to blood thinners and their doctors managing their care.

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This study looked at how different types of cleaning solutions and tools affect bacteria in the root canals of lower back teeth. Researchers found that cleaning the canals effectively reduced bacteria by over 68% after using special tools and techniques, but the type of cleaning solution used didn't significantly change the results. This is important because it highlights that the method of cleaning the root canal is more crucial for reducing infection than the cleaning solution itself. Who this helps: This helps dentists and their patients by providing better methods for cleaning infected root canals.

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Researchers studied the effectiveness and safety of a treatment called 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) for patients experiencing bleeding in the brain due to a blood thinner called factor Xa inhibitor. Out of 52 patients, 75% showed effective control of bleeding, and 71% maintained stable neurological status after 48 hours. Importantly, only 1.9% had serious complications like blood clots, and 23% died within 30 days, indicating that 4F-PCC is a safer option compared to other treatments. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with brain hemorrhages caused by blood thinners, as well as the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how using handheld dumbbells affects young athletes' jumping abilities. Researchers found that when the athletes jumped while holding dumbbells that were 20% and 30% of their body weight, their jump heights increased significantly, with the most improvement seen at the heavier load. This matters because understanding how to enhance jump performance through added weight can help athletes improve their training and competition results. Who this helps: This helps young athletes and their coaches.

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This study looked at what makes the eyes of young Black women attractive by analyzing over 300 images. They found that attractive features included shorter upper eyelids and a smaller angle between the corners of the eyes. With attractive upper lids showing an average of 8.15 mm compared to 9.84 mm for less attractive ones, understanding these specific traits can help create better cosmetic procedures tailored to this group. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking eye cosmetic surgeries that reflect their cultural beauty standards.

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This study looked at how effective a medication called four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) is in reversing the effects of oral blood thinners (specifically factor Xa inhibitors) before urgent procedures that might cause bleeding. Out of 59 patients treated with 4F-PCC, about 90% experienced normal or mildly abnormal blood clotting, and there were only a few cases of severe problems. This matters because it shows that 4F-PCC can safely help patients who need urgent procedures while being treated with these blood thinners. Who this helps: Patients needing urgent surgeries while taking factor Xa inhibitors.

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This study examined the spread of rabies among wildlife in Alabama from 2020 to 2025, focusing on raccoons and bats, the main carriers of the virus. Researchers analyzed 65 samples from rabid animals and discovered two main types of the virus: one connected to raccoons and the other to bats. The findings show that raccoon rabies can spill over into domestic animals, highlighting the need for careful monitoring to prevent the spread of rabies in the community. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and wildlife managers address rabies risks to both wildlife and domestic animals.

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The study looked at the effects of fedratinib, a medication for myelofibrosis (a type of blood cancer), in patients who did not respond to or could not tolerate another drug called ruxolitinib. Out of 16 patients, only 43.75% reported some improvement in symptoms after switching to fedratinib, with median spleen size initially decreasing but then increasing again after a year. This is important because it indicates that fedratinib might not be very effective for patients who've been on ruxolitinib for a long time, suggesting that switching to fedratinib earlier could lead to better outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with myelofibrosis who are not benefiting from ruxolitinib.

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This study examined how remote presence robotic technology can improve healthcare delivery in rural and remote areas of Canada. Researchers found that 50-63% of patients could receive care in their own communities without being transferred to bigger hospitals, and high satisfaction was reported by patients and healthcare providers. Additionally, remote robotic ultrasound exams were helpful in 81% of early cases but not as effective for later-stage pregnancies. This is important because it shows that using robots can enhance healthcare access and reduce costs for rural patients. Who this helps: Patients living in rural and remote areas.

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This study looked at how effective the drug asciminib is for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who have already tried several other treatments without success. Out of 30 patients treated, 85% who hadn't achieved a complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) were able to do so after using asciminib, and 60% reached a major molecular response (MMR). Importantly, only 10% showed signs of resistance to the drug, and no heart-related issues were reported, even among patients with other health problems. Who this helps: This benefits patients with chronic myeloid leukemia who have not responded well to prior treatments.

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The study focused on a 27-year-old woman who experienced blurry vision due to a rare form of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) affecting her optic nerves. Despite having no other symptoms of CML, doctors discovered her condition after finding abnormal changes in her eyes. She was treated with radiation and medication, which restored her vision to normal (20/20). Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients with similar symptoms, leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment of CML.

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This study looked at a new type of antibody, called BYbe, which can target two different parts of a disease at once. Researchers found that how these antibodies are made influences how well they are produced in cells, specifically Chinese hamster ovary cells; in some cases, three of the four BYbe formats actually produced more molecules than the traditional antibodies they were based on. This matters because improving the production of effective treatments could lead to better therapeutic options for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients needing advanced antibody treatments.

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The study looked at the mental health impacts on households in eastern Kentucky following the region's deadliest flood on July 28, 2022. About 30% of households reported mental health issues in one assessment, while nearly 40% did so in another, with around 15% showing signs of depression and 20% showing signs of anxiety. This is important because it highlights the ongoing mental health challenges faced by flood survivors and their preference for receiving local, in-person mental health support. Who this helps: This helps flood survivors and mental health professionals working in disaster relief.

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This study looked at a specific genetic feature related to the ATXN2 gene in 148 Malaysian patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and 100 healthy individuals. Researchers found that 2.8% of the ALS patients had longer CAG repeats in the ATXN2 gene, which may increase the risk for this disease. This is important because understanding the genetic factors involved in ALS can improve testing and potentially lead to better treatments for patients. Who this helps: This helps ALS patients and doctors involved in their care.

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This study looked at how patients with skin conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis access specialty medications when their insurance requires them to try other treatments first. Out of 83 patients, those who had to follow step therapy waited an average of 75 days for a second referral, with 60% needing to switch to a different specialty medication because the initial alternative didn't work. This matters because lengthy delays in getting the right treatment can lead to worsened skin conditions and increased patient frustration. Who this helps: Patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis who rely on specialty medications.

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This study looked at how UK newspapers report on dental tourism, where people travel abroad for dental treatment, often attracted by social media trends. Researchers found 201 articles about dental tourism, with 131 analyzed in detail. They discovered that social media played a big role in promoting dental tourism, while many articles warned about the risks and sometimes shamed those who sought treatments overseas. Who this helps: This information benefits patients considering dental tourism, as well as dental professionals concerned about its safety.

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This study examined whether blending hands-on simulation with traditional classroom instruction helps perfusion students perform better at changing oxygenators during heart surgery. It found that students who received both types of training did the change-out significantly faster, taking an average of around 6 minutes, compared to 9 minutes for those who only had classroom instruction. This is important because quicker responses in real clinical situations could improve patient outcomes in surgeries. Who this helps: This helps perfusion students and ultimately their patients by enhancing training effectiveness.

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This study looked at 15 patients who had no IgA detected in their kidney biopsies, suggesting they might have a condition called selective IgA deficiency (sIgAD). The results showed that most of these patients experienced acute kidney injury and had a history of infections, autoimmune diseases, or allergies, with only one previously diagnosed with sIgAD. Notably, the kidney biopsies revealed kidney diseases related to the immune system, particularly lupus nephritis in several cases, highlighting the importance of recognizing the absence of IgA to better understand and treat associated health issues. Who this helps: This helps patients with kidney problems and doctors diagnosing immune-related diseases.

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This study explored how different types of natural dietary fibers affect the gut bacteria in humans and their metabolism. The researchers found that a variety of fibers led to unique changes in the gut microbiota and metabolic profiles, depending on the structure of the fibers used. Notably, the inclusion of pineapple pulp fiber showed promise for promoting health by improving gut bacteria balance, which is important since fiber gaps in diets are linked to various health issues. Who this helps: This helps patients looking to improve their gut health and overall well-being through better dietary fiber intake.

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This study looked at kidney transplants from ABO-A2 donors to patients with ABO-O and ABO-B blood types, aiming to improve access to transplants for these patients. Researchers found that many candidates previously labeled as ineligible for ABO-A2 donor kidneys actually had low levels of the harmful antibodies that can cause rejection. Specifically, 55% of these so-called ineligible candidates had antibody levels similar to those who successfully received transplants. Who this helps: This benefits patients with ABO-B and ABO-O blood types seeking kidney transplants.

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This study focused on workshops designed to improve communication skills for addressing microaggressions in academic medicine, which are subtle comments or actions that can harm individuals. The workshops involved both students and faculty/staff, and participants reported significant increases in their knowledge (with a very high relevance factor of less than 0.001) and comfort (also less than 0.001) when responding to these issues. This research highlights the effectiveness of collaborative workshops in fostering a more supportive environment in academic settings. Who this helps: This helps students, faculty, and staff in academic medicine by equipping them with better tools to handle microaggressions.

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This study focused on a group of lymphoma patients to see how well the OHI index could predict early death and the effectiveness of etoposide treatment. Among 135 patients, those with high OHI scores had a much lower chance of survival, with only 33% alive after one year compared to 81% of those with normal scores. Most deaths in high OHI patients were due to organ failure rather than the cancer itself, highlighting the need for targeted treatments that could improve outcomes for these high-risk individuals. Who this helps: This benefits lymphoma patients who are at high risk due to organ dysfunction.

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This study looked at how using a digital health record system in nursing education can reduce paper usage and promote sustainability. After implementing the HealthiERSim® system, the study found that paper consumption dropped by 12.59% in the Bachelor of Nursing program, demonstrating a significant reduction in paper use. This is important because it shows that integrating digital tools not only makes learning more efficient but also helps nursing students understand and apply sustainable health practices in their future careers. Who this helps: This benefits nursing students and ultimately leads to better environmentally-friendly practices in health care.

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Researchers studied the American goshawk, a bird of prey, over 20 years to understand how often they stay with their territory and mate, and what causes them to move away. They found that 95% of male and 92% of female goshawks remained loyal to their territory, and 97% stayed loyal to their mates, but losing a mate significantly increased the likelihood of moving to a new territory. However, even when they lost their mates, most goshawks (80%) chose to stay in their original territory and find a new mate nearby, meaning that moving didn’t lead to better breeding success. Who this helps: This information is valuable for wildlife biologists and conservationists working to manage and protect goshawk populations.

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This study looked at the presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in breast milk from women who were vaccinated and/or had COVID-19. Researchers tested milk from 236 vaccinated women and 50 women from before the pandemic, finding that the tests used were reliable for measuring the important antibodies IgG and IgA. They established clear guidelines to determine whether the breast milk contains protective antibodies, which is important because it shows how vaccinated mothers can pass immunity to their babies. Who this helps: This research benefits breastfeeding mothers and their infants by providing insights into the protective qualities of breast milk against COVID-19.

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This study looked at how cross-fostering piglets (moving piglets from one mother to another) affects their growth and survival before weaning. The researchers found that piglets raised in groups that included piglets from multiple mothers had lower death rates before weaning, while those raised only with siblings from one mother had higher mortality rates, with numbers ranging from 3.2% to 5.7%. This matters because it shows that using several sources of piglets for cross-fostering can improve the health and survival of piglets, which benefits pig farmers and the overall pig production industry. Who this helps: Farmers and pig producers.

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Researchers tested a new method called the ABO-LiGA to detect specific antibodies in the blood that correspond to ABO blood groups. They found that while ABO-LiGA provided reliable results for identifying these antibodies in 31 healthy individuals, it had some limitations, such as difficulty in detecting weaker antibody responses. This discovery is important because it helps improve blood compatibility testing and diagnostics for blood transfusions and organ transplants. Who this helps: This helps patients requiring blood transfusions or organ transplants, as well as doctors who manage these procedures.

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This study tested how well the medication mirtazapine works to boost appetite and help digestion in guinea pigs. Researchers found that giving guinea pigs 1.88 mg of mirtazapine every eight hours for five days significantly increased their food intake compared to when they weren't given the medication, although their weight didn't change significantly. This matters because improving appetite can enhance the welfare of guinea pigs in research settings. Who this helps: This helps guinea pig patients in research and their caretakers.

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This study looked at how well a blood culture testing system works for people who have received solid organ transplants. Researchers found that out of 737 tests conducted, 185 (about 25%) were not needed, and most (96%) of these tests showed no signs of infection. The results are important because they highlight the need to use blood culture tests more carefully in these patients to avoid unnecessary procedures. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers in treating solid organ transplant recipients.

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This study reexamined two families with a type of inherited nerve disorder called hereditary sensory neuropathies (HSN), which can cause a loss of feeling, particularly in the feet and hands. Researchers found that both families actually had variations in the RFC1 gene, which causes a different type of HSN known as autosomal recessive HSN, rather than the previously thought dominant form. They discovered specific genetic changes (a novel RFC1 expansion called AGGGCAAGGC) in one family that confirmed the inheritance pattern, ultimately showing that a previously claimed genetic link for HSN1B is incorrect. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with hereditary sensory neuropathies by clarifying the genetic factors involved in their condition.

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This study looked at the viruses affecting blueberries in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia, a key area for blueberry production. Researchers found four new luteoviruses in 97 blueberry plants, including two already known in the U.S. and two completely new variants. These viruses are common in the area and often infect the same plant, highlighting that they can spread not only through insect activity but also through planting infected plants. Who this helps: This helps blueberry farmers and growers by providing critical information about viral risks and transmission.

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Researchers studied how different doses of COVID-19 vaccines affect the immune response in mice infected with the virus. They found that mice given a high dose of the vaccine were completely protected from infection, while those given a low dose showed partial protection and had an increased presence of immune cells called eosinophils in their lungs. This matters because it reveals that eosinophils play an important role in helping the immune system fight off SARS-CoV-2, particularly in those who have received lower vaccine doses. Who this helps: This helps patients by improving our understanding of how vaccines work against COVID-19.

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This study looked at two methods of pain control (nerve blocks) during gender-affirming mastectomy surgeries to see which was more effective. It compared the use of these blocks before the surgery (preoperatively) versus during the surgery (intraoperatively) in 438 patients, finding no significant difference in pain relief or opioid use between the two groups. This matters because using intraoperative blocks can save resources without compromising patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing gender-affirming mastectomies and the healthcare providers caring for them.

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This study looked at how different booster vaccines for COVID-19 affect patients with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. It found that while the bivalent booster vaccine (which targets more variants) resulted in a wider range of antibodies, it did not significantly improve the ability to neutralize the virus compared to the earlier version of the vaccine. This research is important because it helps understand how to better protect myeloma patients during the pandemic. Who this helps: Patients with multiple myeloma.

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This study looked at a rare condition called granulomatosis with polyangiitis, which can cause serious heart problems, specifically severe leaking of the aortic valve. In the case discussed, doctors found valve thickening and inflammation, but the valve wasn’t destroyed. The treatment included steroids and rituximab to manage the condition, with surgery being an option for severe cases. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients dealing with this rare heart condition.

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This study examined the outcomes of gender-affirming chest surgery (GCS) in nonbinary and binary transmasculine individuals. It included 281 patients, with about 41% identifying as nonbinary. The findings showed that both groups reported similar improvements in life satisfaction after surgery, but nonbinary patients had different surgical choices, such as fewer opting for certain nipple grafts. These insights are important for surgeons to better understand the diverse needs and goals of all patients undergoing this type of surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by informing better surgical practices tailored to individual patient needs.

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The study examined the mental health needs of families living in shelters after the severe floods in eastern Kentucky in July 2022, which displaced over 600 people. Among those surveyed, 62.3% experienced nightmares, 36.7% felt agitated, and 27% reported being depressed nearly every day. Many individuals faced barriers to accessing mental health services, which highlights the urgent need for support in recovery after such disasters. Who this helps: This helps displaced families and mental health professionals working to provide support.