DR. MONA D. DUNCAN, M.D.

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This study looked at how different levels of resistance exercise affect brain function and blood flow in the brain. They found that high-intensity exercise improved performance on tasks measuring inhibition and working memory more than moderate exercise or resting, with the most significant improvement seen in working memory tasks after exercising. Specifically, high-intensity exercise resulted in a moderate boost in performance scores by about 0.80, while moderate exercise showed lesser improvements. Who this helps: This helps young adults looking to enhance their cognitive function through exercise.

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This study created a new way to classify haemochromatosis arthropathy (HA), a joint condition linked to iron overload. Researchers gathered data from 154 patients with HA and 120 others with similar diseases to identify key features of HA. They developed a scoring system (from 0 to 11) where a score of 5 or more accurately identifies HA 93.3% of the time, helping doctors distinguish HA from other joint conditions. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and researchers working with patients who have joint pain related to iron overload.

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This study looked at how harmful certain tiny worms, called entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), can be to honey bees, especially when used in areas outside of their usual soil environments. Researchers found that honey bee larvae and adult workers are quite vulnerable to these pests, with up to 10% of workers and over 50% of larvae dying after exposure to the most harmful EPN strain. This matters because using EPNs for pest control could threaten honey bee populations, which are crucial for pollination and biodiversity. Who this helps: This benefits beekeepers and farmers who rely on healthy honey bee populations for crop production.

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This study looked at children and young people with functional tic-like behaviors (FTLB) to see how common autism is among them. Out of 63 patients, nearly 70% (69.8%) were diagnosed with autism, and many also had ADHD (61%) or specific learning disorders (27%). The findings highlight that children with FTLB often also have autism and other related challenges, and current methods for identifying autism, like the Development and Well-Being Assessment, are not effective enough. Who this helps: This information is beneficial for doctors and mental health professionals working with children who have tic-like behaviors.

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This study looked at how combining plyometric exercises with two different types of high-intensity training—repeated sprints and interval training—affects fitness in 29 young soccer players aged 14-15. After 8 weeks, players showed significant improvements in their muscle power, sprint speed, and overall aerobic fitness, with results indicating that both training methods were effective, but neither one was clearly better than the other. This is important because it shows coaches can choose either training method to improve their players' fitness levels without worrying about which is superior. Who this helps: This helps young soccer players and their coaches improve physical performance.

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Researchers studied how the nervous system of a small roundworm responds to hydrogen peroxide, a common chemical that can be harmful. They found that 24 types of neurons help the worm detect hydrogen peroxide and trigger escape responses. This process is crucial because it suggests that problems in this detection system could contribute to issues in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists studying aging and neurodegenerative diseases.

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This study looked at how common exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is among elite summer athletes in China. Researchers found that 27.6% of the 500 athletes tested had EIB, with the highest rates in swimmers (51.5%) and the lowest in wrestlers (6.4%). The study highlights that more female athletes (31.1%) experienced EIB than male athletes (23.7%), and athletes participating in outdoor sports had higher rates of EIB compared to those in indoor sports, at 37.4% versus 19.4%. Who this helps: This research benefits athletes, coaches, and healthcare providers by identifying those at higher risk for respiratory issues during sports.

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This study looked at various efforts in schools to prevent obesity in children aged 6 to 12. Researchers examined 262 published studies and found 642 different ways to measure outcomes related to obesity, with body mass index (BMI) being the most commonly reported metric. The findings show that the lack of consistent measurement makes it difficult to compare results across different studies, underscoring the need for a standardized set of outcomes to improve future research on childhood obesity prevention. Who this helps: This helps children and schools by providing clearer guidance for effective obesity prevention programs.

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This study looked at how well certain cylindrical ionization chambers measure radiation doses from kilovoltage x-rays, which are used in cancer treatment. Researchers analyzed data from 150 calibrations of these chambers and found that there were variations in how accurately they measured doses, with differences up to 4.3% for specific beam qualities. The findings highlight that many commonly used chambers do not meet international standards, suggesting that the guidelines for measuring radiation doses may need to be updated. Who this helps: This benefits medical physicists and healthcare providers involved in radiation therapy.

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This study looked at how resistance exercise and a high protein diet affect the body's ability to use different energy sources in older men. Over 12 weeks, 33 healthy older men participated, and those who did resistance exercise saw a notable improvement in metabolic flexibility, with specific measurements showing increases in their ability to switch energy sources, such as a change from 0.00 to +0.02 during fasting and sleep periods. However, the high protein diet only showed slight benefits, and combining both approaches did not provide any additional advantages. Who this helps: Older men looking to maintain better metabolic health and muscle function.

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This study looked at how being Lesbian, Gay, or Bisexual (LGB) and having high stress levels (measured as allostatic load) affects the risk of dying from cancer. It found that LGB individuals with high stress have a cancer death risk that is three times higher than heterosexual individuals with low stress levels. Factors like household income and access to healthcare only partly explain this risk, suggesting that improving financial support and mental health care could help reduce cancer-related health issues for LGB individuals. Who this helps: This helps LGB patients and healthcare providers by highlighting the need for better support and access to care.

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This study looked at the emotional effects of parenting on adoptive parents, focusing on trauma they may experience from their child's difficult past or current behaviors. Nearly 20% of adoptive parents showed signs of significant trauma, with 10% likely experiencing PTSD, while many reported feeling more stressed and less satisfied than average. This matters because it shows the need to support adoptive parents by addressing their child's behavioral issues, which could lessen the trauma the parents face. Who this helps: This helps adoptive parents and the professionals who support them.

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This research looked at how different factors work together to influence motor skills, which are important for movement and coordination. The study introduced a new way to analyze these complex interactions using multilayer networks, which can better represent how various influences change over time. This method has the potential to enhance our understanding of motor skills development and could lead to improved strategies for helping individuals develop these skills. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly children and individuals seeking to improve their motor skills.

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The study developed a new tool called TraitTrainR that helps scientists run large simulations related to how traits change over time in different species. This tool makes it easier to analyze complex data, includes features like handling measurement errors, and was tested on several real-life examples related to evolutionary models. This is important because it enhances researchers' ability to understand and predict how traits evolve in nature, leading to better insights in the field of biology. Who this helps: This helps researchers and scientists studying evolution and related fields.

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This study looked at how well Brazilian preschoolers followed movement guidelines—like physical activity, sleep, and screen time—and how this affected their thinking and behavior skills. Among 223 preschoolers, boys were more likely to meet physical activity recommendations (52%) compared to girls (33%). It was found that following these guidelines linked to better cognitive skills but also showed that more physical activity was associated with lower behavioral self-control. Who this helps: This helps parents and educators understand the importance of movement habits in preschoolers for their cognitive and behavioral development.

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This research studied how trainee teachers in the UK build resilience, which helps them handle stress and avoid burnout. The researchers found that factors like how teachers interpret situations and manage their emotions can significantly influence their resilience over time. Specifically, having a positive way of interpreting experiences was linked to better resilience, which is important for their mental well-being during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Who this helps: This helps trainee teachers by providing insights into improving their resilience, benefiting their overall mental health and teaching effectiveness.

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This study explored a digital health app designed to help people in Brazil adopt healthier lifestyles. Out of 3,812 people contacted, 27.2% showed interest in the app, and 65.4% of those who expressed interest actually used it; however, only 4.5% continued using it after 12 weeks. The findings reveal that while there was initial interest, many users stopped engaging, highlighting the need for better outreach and support to keep people using digital health tools. Who this helps: This benefits patients looking to improve their health and healthcare providers seeking effective tools for lifestyle management.

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This study looked at how using the wrong evolutionary trees can lead to incorrect conclusions in biological research, specifically when comparing traits among species. The researchers found that mismatched models can result in very high false positive rates—meaning they might wrongly indicate that a relationship exists—whether the trees were small or large, or simple or complex. This matters because it highlights the need for careful selection of evolutionary trees to avoid misleading results in study designs. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and biologists who are comparing traits in different species.

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This study looked at whether using a standard cleaning routine, which included daily baths with a special soap and nasal treatment, could lower blood infections in patients on a heart-lung machine known as ECMO. The research involved 776 patients and found no significant change in infection rates after the cleaning routine was introduced, with infections per 1,000 ECMO days rising from 10.7 to 14.0. This matters because it shows that the new cleaning practices did not effectively reduce infections, highlighting the need for further research in treating and preventing these serious complications. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers by providing information on infection control practices for ECMO patients.

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This study looked at how certain types of tiny worms, called entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), can help control small hive beetles, which are pests harming honey bees and beekeeping. The researchers tested 32 different EPN strains and found that one strain, H. indica Hi.HRN, was especially effective, killing over 90% of the beetles in controlled conditions. This is important because finding natural ways to manage these pests can protect bee populations and, consequently, the beekeeping industry from harmful chemicals. Who this helps: Beekeepers and honey bee populations.

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This research looked at how virtual and hybrid work environments affect team well-being, focusing on team dynamics rather than just individual experiences. The study found that certain factors, like having choices about work and strong leadership, can either promote a positive work atmosphere or lead to stress and burnout. For example, teams that feel empowered and connected tend to have better well-being. Who this helps: This research helps team members and their leaders create healthier work environments.

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The study looked at the experiences of adolescents diagnosed with functional tic disorders and their parents, especially how they navigate the healthcare system and seek support following the diagnosis. Researchers interviewed seven girls aged 12 to 18 and their parents, uncovering key themes such as feeling blamed and disbelieved, the struggle to find help, and the need for more comprehensive support. These findings highlight the importance of educating both the public and professionals about functional tics to reduce stigma and ensure families receive better assistance. Who this helps: This helps adolescents with functional tic disorders and their families.

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This study looked at two methods for measuring how well the heart is pumping blood (cardiac output) in patients with a specific type of lung condition (WHO group 3 pulmonary hypertension) who received lung transplants. Researchers found that the two methods provided different results: the average cardiac output measured by the indirect Fick method was 5.93 liters per minute, while the thermodilution method showed an average of 5.46 liters per minute, indicating a significant difference that could impact patient care (p = 0.0061). The thermodilution method was also more effectively linked to better outcomes after the transplant, meaning it may be the better choice for assessing these patients. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and healthcare teams caring for patients with pulmonary hypertension who are undergoing lung transplants.

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This study looked at how factors related to healthcare access affected whether young boys with undescended testicles (cryptorchidism) received ultrasound scans and when they were referred to specialists. Researchers found that boys living in rural areas or places with fewer medical resources were 1.38 to 20.5 times more likely to get an ultrasound before a doctor visit, but they were also referred to urologists at a younger age. In contrast, boys with private insurance or those living in wealthier areas were less likely to have ultrasounds. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare policymakers by highlighting how location and wealth influence medical care for children.

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This study looked at how people's natural body clocks and light physical activity affect their thinking skills during simulated night shifts. Researchers found that those with a more flexible body clock who broke up sitting with short walks performed better on attention tasks than those with a rigid body clock, especially after multiple night shifts. Specifically, flexible types in the walking group showcased better sustained attention, while rigid types struggled more over time. Who this helps: This benefits shift workers, particularly those with flexible circadian rhythms, by suggesting practical strategies to enhance cognitive performance during night shifts.

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This study looked at a new injectable drug for treating parasites in goats, comparing it to a standard oral drug. The injectable combination of levamisole and doramectin was found to reach a peak concentration in the blood of 468.57 ng/mL after about 2.24 hours, while the oral drug reached a peak of 573.21 ng/mL in just 0.5 hours. After using the injectable, there was a 61.97% reduction in parasite eggs in feces, indicating it may be effective for controlling parasites in goats. Who this helps: This research benefits goat farmers and veterinarians dealing with parasite resistance in livestock.

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This study looked at how certain diagnosed behaviors, like impulsivity and irritability, affect the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in young people who have early-onset depression. Researchers followed 219 children from preschool to early adolescence and found that those with externalizing disorders were much more likely to experience suicidal thoughts (66.7%) compared to those without such disorders (27.6%). Specifically, impulsivity and irritability significantly increased the risk for these thoughts and behaviors, highlighting the need for early treatment of these issues alongside depression to help reduce suicide risks. Who this helps: This helps children with depression and their doctors by highlighting the importance of addressing additional behavioral disorders.

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This study looked at whether people’s self-reported fatty acid intake matched the actual fatty acids found in their red blood cells. Researchers worked with 58 healthy Australian adults and found a moderate agreement between the two methods, meaning that those using a food questionnaire were generally accurate in reporting their intake (with correlation coefficients between 0.20 and 0.60). This matters because it shows that food frequency questionnaires can be a useful tool for estimating long-term fatty acid intake in adults, though they may not be perfect for everyone. Who this helps: This helps patients and nutritionists who track dietary fatty acid intake.

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This study looked at how caffeine affects soccer players' performance and found that while caffeine can boost physical and mental abilities in sports, there isn’t enough specific research on its impact during soccer games. It highlights the need for more studies to understand how caffeine can be used safely and effectively in soccer, especially since professionals often use it without solid evidence supporting its benefits. This matters because it helps clarify how soccer players can enhance their game while ensuring their health. Who this helps: Soccer players and their coaches.

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This study looked at how different playgrounds affect children's movement skills and physical activity. Researchers observed 29 children playing on three playgrounds and found that climbing equipment was the most popular, with kids spending an average of 1,217 seconds using it, while standing and moving around were the main activities. The study showed that playgrounds generally don’t encourage more vigorous play or skills like throwing and catching because they lack the right equipment. Who this helps: This research benefits parents and playground designers by highlighting the need for better playground features to support children's physical development.

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This study looked at specific genes in wood-eating beetles that help them break down plant cell walls. Researchers found that two groups of beetles, Cerambycidae and Buprestidae, independently developed similar genes through a process called horizontal gene transfer, which allowed them to adapt to their wood-based diet. The study shows that these genes evolved over 250 million years, helping these beetles thrive in their environment by improving their ability to digest plant material. Who this helps: This helps researchers and biologists studying evolution and the dietary adaptations of insects.

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This study looked at how choosing different evolutionary trees (phylogenies) affects the analysis of traits across various species. Researchers found that using the wrong tree can lead to a high number of incorrect conclusions, with some models showing false positive rates of over 60% when analyzing a large range of traits together. This is important because it highlights the risks researchers face when trying to study complex biological data, but it also shows that using robust statistical methods can help reduce these mistakes. Who this helps: This helps researchers and scientists working in comparative biology and evolutionary studies.

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This study looked at a 20-week football program designed for children aged 5-10 with cerebral palsy, focusing on how it helps their physical abilities and social interactions. Parents reported significant improvements in their children's skills, confidence, and enjoyment of physical activity, with all parents noting better social interactions and many feeling the program was tailored to their child's needs. This matters because it shows how structured physical activities can support the overall development of children with cerebral palsy and foster community connections. Who this helps: This research benefits children with cerebral palsy and their parents.

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This study looked at a new way to use livers from donors who died after their heart stopped, particularly those on a special life-support system called ECMO. Researchers found that using a technique called normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) enabled successful liver transplants in three older donors, where the livers were preserved well enough for transplantation. Each recipient had a short hospital stay of 5 to 7 days, demonstrating that this method is practical and effective in these complex cases. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing liver transplants, especially those who might be receiving livers from medically complex donors.

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This study looked at a new training session designed to teach medical students about the links between climate change and health. Out of 375 students, those who completed the assessment scored an average of 80% on a quiz after the session, and 82% reported learning new climate change strategies. The training session improved students' confidence in their ability to tackle climate-related health issues, with 89%-100% feeling prepared after participating. Who this helps: This benefits medical students and ultimately their future patients by equipping them with the knowledge to address climate-related health challenges.

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This study looked at what factors help identify talented young beach handball players in Brazil, focusing on 64 players aged about 16 and a half. It found that for male players, greater fat-free mass and faster ball throwing significantly increased their chances of being selected for the national team—44% more for each extra kilogram of fat-free mass and 17 times more for each meter per second increase in throwing speed. For female players, better jump height and larger palm size improved their selection odds by 29.5% and 6.7 times, respectively. Who this helps: Coaches and trainers looking to identify and nurture talent in young beach handball players.

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This research paper looked at how different imaging techniques are used to detect gastric cancer, which is becoming more common and deadly because it's often found too late. The study found that combining methods like endoscopic ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI is essential for accurately diagnosing and staging the cancer, improving patient outcomes. It emphasizes the need for teamwork among medical specialists to enhance diagnosis and treatment, ultimately aiming to save lives. Who this helps: This benefits patients with gastric cancer and their doctors.

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This study focused on creating a new home-based exercise program tailored for adults living with overweight and obesity. Researchers used a systematic approach called the Behavior Change Wheel to identify the best methods for encouraging physical activity, leading to the incorporation of 24 specific techniques such as goal setting and monitoring progress. The findings help make exercise more accessible and effective for those struggling with weight management. Who this helps: This helps adults living with overweight and obesity.

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This study looked at how teachers feel and cope when working with children who have experienced trauma. Interviews with six teachers revealed that while they are taking on more responsibility for supporting these children, they face high levels of stress and burnout, and need more training and support from school leaders. This is important because better support for teachers can lead to better outcomes for traumatized students. Who this helps: This helps teachers and school administrators.

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This study looked at how many kilovoltage (kV) radiation therapy machines are being used in Australia and New Zealand, how they are utilized, and the methods used to measure radiation doses. Out of 61 radiotherapy providers surveyed, 57 responded, and 43 had kV machines, which were used for 4,458 treatment courses across different beam quality settings. The findings highlight key differences in treatment techniques and measurement methods, ensuring that practices meet national and international standards, which is important for patient safety and effective treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients receiving radiation therapy and the healthcare providers involved in their treatment.

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This study looks at 17 years of pediatric liver transplants done in Johannesburg, South Africa, with a total of 270 transplants performed from 2005 to 2021. It found that two-thirds of the recipients were under 5 years old, and the survival rates were 80% at one year and 68% at five years after the transplant. The research highlights improvements in the transplant service, especially a drop in waiting list deaths from 27.3% in 2017 to 5.9% in 2021, but also indicates the need for better patient outcomes and broader access to transplants. Who this helps: This information benefits children with severe liver disease and their families.

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This study looked at how adding elastic bands to back squats affects strength and muscle performance in basketball players. The researchers found that using more elastic resistance led to higher velocity and power during the squats, with significant muscle activity increases in key leg muscles at the highest resistance levels. For example, the mean power increased significantly as resistance was raised, showing benefits in how quickly muscles could exert force. Who this helps: This information benefits athletes and trainers looking to improve strength and performance through resistance training.

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This study looked at two patients with a rare condition called dermatomyositis, which affects the skin and muscles, and explored a possible link between their illness and COVID-19. The patients had symptoms that worsened after getting a COVID vaccine and later contracting the virus; one needed a finger amputation and both required intensive treatments to manage their symptoms. This connection could help doctors better understand how COVID-19 might impact patients with this condition and improve their treatment plans. Who this helps: This research is beneficial for patients with dermatomyositis, their doctors, and healthcare teams involved in managing their care.

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This study examined how walking affects the lower back in older men compared to younger men. Researchers found that walking was about 20% more demanding on the lower back of older men (around 67 years old) than on younger men (around 25 years old), even though these differences weren't statistically significant. Understanding these changes is important because they can help highlight the need for older adults to adjust how they walk to avoid injuries. Who this helps: This helps older adults and their caregivers by informing them about safer walking strategies.

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Researchers created a precise method to measure how much ibuprofen is in elephant blood using advanced laboratory techniques. They found that their method could detect very low levels of ibuprofen (as little as 0.05 micrograms per milliliter) with over 95% accuracy, making it reliable for monitoring medication levels in elephants. This is important because it allows veterinarians to safely manage pain relief in elephants by ensuring they receive the correct dosages. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and researchers working with elephants.

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This research studied how people feel and behave when working from home, focusing on their mental health and wellness. The study involved 491 people and found that important factors like managing workload and being able to disconnect from work significantly influenced their health and wellbeing. Specifically, those who felt more in control of their work environment tended to have better sleep and overall happiness. Who this helps: This benefits home-workers looking to improve their health and wellbeing while working remotely.

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This study looked at how university students in the UK experience sitting while studying at home. Researchers interviewed 14 students and found that although they knew sitting for long periods can be harmful to their health, they felt that interrupting their study time would hurt their productivity. The study highlights the need for developing strategies to help students reduce sitting without affecting their ability to get their work done. Who this helps: This helps students and educators by encouraging healthier study habits.

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This study examined two types of jump training for young male volleyball players, comparing a method based on each player's best jump height (MRHT) to a standard method using a fixed drop height (SDHT). Researchers found that those using the MRHT saw significant improvements: their jump height increased by 20.4% from 30 cm jumps, 20.3% from 40 cm, and 18.3% from 50 cm. The MRHT group also improved their sprint times, with a 9.2% enhancement in 5-meter sprints, while the standard method showed no such benefits. Who this helps: This helps young male volleyball players improve their performance.

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This study looked at the presence of tiny plastic particles and other pollutants in the edible parts of various fish and shrimp along the U.S. West Coast. Researchers found these particles in nearly all samples tested, with pink shrimp showing the highest levels at about 10.68 particles per gram. This is important because it highlights how seafood can carry contaminants that might affect human health and safety. Who this helps: This helps consumers and health officials concerned about seafood safety.