DR. PERRY W. GREENE III, M.D.

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This study looked at how our brain and body work together to reach for objects, considering both the computer-like calculations our brain makes and the physical limitations of our bodies. The researchers found that when creating a model of how we use our arms, it showed a clear preference for using joint angles to guide movements and could adjust its actions to avoid obstacles by specifically directing movements around them. This is important because it enhances our understanding of how the nervous system controls movements and may improve approaches to rehabilitation or robotics. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from injuries, as well as doctors and therapists who design rehabilitation programs.

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This study looked at 28 patients in Scotland with a genetic change in the SMAD4 gene, which leads to a condition called Juvenile Polyposis-Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia (JP-HHT). The researchers found that a high number of these patients developed serious problems: 87% had colon polyps, and 25% were diagnosed with colorectal cancer by an average age of 33. This information is important because it highlights the need for regular check-ups and early treatment for patients to prevent severe complications. Who this helps: This helps patients with SMAD4-related conditions by emphasizing the need for ongoing medical care and monitoring.

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This study looked at how different parts of the brain work together when people make decisions, especially while gambling in a card game. Researchers found that stronger connections between certain brain networks were linked to better betting choices, with participants who had more activity in these networks earning more money. Specifically, those with higher connectivity made more logical bets, showing that how the brain communicates during decision-making is important. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors understand brain function in decision-making, which can benefit patients with decision-making difficulties.

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Researchers studied a 7-year-old girl who had painful swelling in her genital area, initially thought to be caused by hormonal issues. They found that the swelling was actually due to T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a type of blood cancer, which also affected nearby lymph nodes and other organs. This matters because it highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis in unusual cases of genital enlargement, ensuring timely and appropriate treatment. Who this helps: This helps doctors better recognize and treat similar cases in young patients.

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This study examined participants from a past trial that tested a type of brain surgery for people with advanced Parkinson's disease. It found that long-term survivors of the procedure were mostly younger women who performed better on cognitive tests and showed greater openness in personality assessments compared to those who did not survive. Specifically, five out of six survivors were female, and they were notably younger than those who passed away. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and researchers working on future treatments for Parkinson's disease by helping them identify the best candidates for new therapies.

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This study looked at the challenges faced by uninsured patients in North Carolina after being discharged from a hospital when trying to access a free medication program. Out of the patients surveyed, over a third (35.29%) said they were unsure of how to apply for the program, which matched the hospital employees' belief that this was the biggest barrier (56%). Making the application process clearer could help these patients get the medications they need for better health after leaving the hospital. Who this helps: This helps uninsured patients who need medications after being discharged from the hospital.

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The study looked at how primary care doctors and specialists in the Veterans Health Administration feel about using electronic consultations, or e-consults, to improve access to specialty care. Researchers interviewed 60 healthcare professionals and found that e-consults can efficiently address specific medical questions, but many doctors are not fully aware of them, which limits their use. Increasing understanding and support for e-consults could help make care more effective and transparent for veterans. Who this helps: Veterans seeking specialty care through their primary healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how different shapes and arrangements of electrical recording probes used on neurons affect our ability to pinpoint where those neurons are located. Researchers found that using a specific method can improve the accuracy of identifying neuron positions, especially when considering the size of neurons and the layout of the probes. The findings highlight that the best spacing and number of contact points on these probes can lead to more precise readings, which is important for understanding brain networks and improving data analysis in neuroscience. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working with brain studies and therapies.

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This study looked at how the brain controls arm movements by testing different ways to represent movement using a computer model. The researchers found that the brain functions best using a "joint angle" system, which means it's more efficient when the brain's signals relate directly to how joints in the arm move, rather than using a simpler grid-like approach. This finding is important because it helps us understand how the brain organizes motor control, which could improve treatments for motor function disorders. Who this helps: This helps patients with motor control issues, such as those recovering from strokes or living with conditions like cerebral palsy.

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This study looked at certain genetic changes in two proteins called lamin B1 and lamin B2, which are important for the structure of cell nuclei. Researchers found that 13 individuals with severe brain size reduction (microcephaly) had specific genetic variants in these proteins, which disrupt their normal function. Understanding these findings is important because they identify a new genetic cause of primary microcephaly and may lead to better diagnosis and treatment options. Who this helps: Patients with microcephaly and their families.

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This study looked into how to create a helpful alert system to prevent low blood sugar events, known as hypoglycemia, in hospitalized patients. Over 100 hospital providers participated in a survey, and focus groups revealed that they believed this problem is significant and that an effective alert should be timely, clear, and offer treatment suggestions. They also noted concerns about alert fatigue, where too many notifications can overwhelm staff. Who this helps: This benefits hospital doctors and patients, especially those with diabetes who are at risk for low blood sugar.

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This study looked at how attention, measured by brain activity in a specific area called the cingulate cortex, affects how much people win while gambling. The researchers found that changes in a type of brain wave called alpha power were connected to the gamblers' total winnings. In particular, the gamblers who placed less strategic bets (the illogical group) won the least money, which shows that being attentive plays a key role in successful gambling. Who this helps: This helps gamblers and can inform strategies for improving focus during gambling.

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This study looked at how brain cells in the motor cortex control arm movements by creating specific patterns of activity based on arm position and direction. Researchers built a model that simulates the motor cortex and found that when they optimized how these brain cells connect and work together, they could mimic natural movements and make the system stable. This matters because understanding these patterns could help improve treatments for movement disorders, making it easier for the brain to control the body. Who this helps: This helps patients with movement disorders.

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This study focused on creating and testing a weight loss program called MOVE!+UP specifically for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The program consisted of 16 group sessions and individual meetings with dieticians, and it helped participants lose an average of 14 pounds, with 71% losing at least 5% of their weight, and also showed improvements in PTSD symptoms. This matters because veterans with PTSD often struggle to lose weight, and effective programs can improve both their physical and mental health. Who this helps: This helps veterans with PTSD who are trying to manage their weight and improve their overall well-being.

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This study looked at a collection of cultivated plants from the UK to verify their species identities using DNA testing. The researchers found that about 70% of the plants were correctly identified, but 30% had incorrect labels. This is important because ensuring that plants are correctly identified helps maintain quality and accuracy in horticulture and research. Who this helps: This benefits horticultural researchers and gardeners relying on accurate plant species information.

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This study focuses on creating a small and efficient optical frequency reference using rubidium-87, which is crucial for next-generation portable optical clocks. The researchers achieved a very stable frequency measurement, with a precision of 2.9 x 10^-15 for short time intervals and designed the device to be compact, roughly the size of a shoebox, while consuming low power (about 450 mW). This advancement is important because it paves the way for more accessible and accurate timekeeping technologies that can benefit various fields like navigation and communications. Who this helps: This helps patients needing precise time measurement for medical imaging and surgeries, as well as scientists working in telecommunications and physics.

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This study looked at how the brain responds to unexpected outcomes during gambling by monitoring activity in a specific brain area called the orbital frontal cortex (OFC). Researchers found that in three out of four participants, the brain activity changed quickly in response to whether their expectations matched the actual results of their bets. This finding is important because it helps us better understand how people make decisions based on luck and risk, which can be useful for improving gambling interventions and understanding decision-making processes. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those struggling with gambling addiction.

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This study examined how brain activity in the cingulate cortex affects decision-making during gambling. Researchers found that when people paid less attention, as indicated by higher alpha-band brain activity, they were less able to focus on the potential risks and rewards of their choices. This is important because it shows how attention impacts financial decisions, potentially leading to poor outcomes like losing money. Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk of gambling problems by highlighting the importance of attention in decision-making.

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This study focused on a specific gene called PRIM1 and its role in a rare type of dwarfism known as primordial dwarfism. Researchers found that five individuals with this condition had mutations in the PRIM1 gene, leading to very low levels of the PRIM1 protein in their cells. As a result, these patients experienced serious growth issues due to impaired cell growth and division. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with primordial dwarfism and their families by providing a better understanding of the genetic causes of their condition.

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This study looked at how primary care doctors in the Veterans Health Administration feel about using electronic consultations (e-consultations) to connect with specialists. While the doctors found e-consultations helpful for providing timely and better care, they also reported that managing these consultations added to their workload, making them feel more burdened. Out of the 34 doctors interviewed, many recognized that despite the added work, e-consultation can still improve patient care and efficiency, highlighting the need for future studies on its effects on job stress and turnover. Who this helps: This helps primary care doctors and ultimately benefits their patients.

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This study looked at how to quickly classify brain electrode contacts during surgery for epilepsy patients, specifically distinguishing between contacts in gray matter (active brain areas) and white matter (inactive areas). The researchers developed an automated method that analyzes brain signals, achieving an accuracy rate of about 85% in identifying the types of tissue from signals recorded during surgery. This matters because it can speed up the surgical process and improve the safety and effectiveness of treatment by helping doctors focus on the right areas of the brain. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing epilepsy surgery and their doctors.

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Researchers created a digital tool to help doctors manage insulin for hospitalized patients, who often face complex challenges when using this medication. The tool, which integrates information about a patient's weight, diabetes type, and insulin needs, aims to improve safety in insulin dosing. By using this system in two hospitals, they hope to reduce errors and improve patient care, with plans for further studies needed to see how well it works in practice. Who this helps: This helps hospitalized patients who require insulin therapy.

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This study looked at how feelings of stigma related to HIV affect the health of African-American women living with the virus. Researchers found that among 100 women, 95% felt some level of stigma, and those with higher stigma levels were less likely to have their virus under control; specifically, for every increase in stigma, the odds of being virally suppressed decreased. This matters because it highlights the need to address HIV-related stigma to help improve the health outcomes of these women. Who this helps: This helps African-American women living with HIV.

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This study focused on improving knowledge graphs that summarize biomedical information, which often become outdated as new research is published. The researchers created two automated workflows to update these graphs and correct any errors, ensuring they remain accurate and useful. They tested these methods on data from the NeuroMMSig database and made the workflow available for others to use, which helps keep scientific knowledge current. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and healthcare professionals who rely on accurate biomedical information.

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This study focused on three neurodegenerative disorders—progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and corticobasal degeneration (CBD)—that can appear similar to Parkinson’s disease but do not respond to standard treatment. Researchers found that while these conditions eventually display unique symptoms, early on they may not show clear differences from Parkinson's, making correct diagnosis important. Understanding the symptoms helps doctors provide better care, as these disorders are generally untreatable but can be better managed with accurate diagnosis. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from atypical parkinsonian syndromes and their doctors.

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This study looked at the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) during the first trimester of pregnancy by analyzing data from almost 4.7 million pregnancies in the U.S. They found that 6,879 instances of GBCA exposure occurred in 5,457 pregnancies, which is about 0.12% of all pregnancies. Most of these exposures happened in the first trimester, highlighting that many women may be exposed to this agent before they even realize they are pregnant. Who this helps: This information is important for doctors and pregnant women to understand the potential risks associated with medical imaging during early pregnancy.

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This study focused on an unusual form of thumb movement called involuntary thumb flexion observed in people from the Faroe Islands during a detailed neurological exam. Researchers found that this movement is a type of dystonia, a condition affecting muscle control, and was diagnosed by experts after reviewing video recordings of the exams. Identifying this novel form of dystonia is important because it may highlight specific health issues in the isolated Faroese population, which could lead to better understanding and treatment options. Who this helps: This helps patients with dystonia and healthcare providers by improving diagnosis and treatment.

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The study looked at a 6-month training program called LEADS, designed to help biomedical and health informatics professionals improve their analytics skills and build professional networks. After completing the course, 29 participants reported significant improvements in their abilities, with 96% saying they would recommend it. They also saw their professional networks double in size and made notable progress in areas like data management and policy knowledge. Who this helps: This benefits health informatics professionals by enhancing their skills and connections.

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This study looked at ways to get more African American women involved in breast cancer research, especially because they face more health challenges related to this disease. Researchers tested two different outreach methods in rural areas and found high consent rates for participating in surveys (96%) and providing health data. However, only 40% got mammograms after participating, and women in one approach were less likely to return for their scheduled tests (19% compared to 64%). Who this helps: This benefits African American women by encouraging their involvement in important health research.

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This study looked at how people in the U.S. switch between brand-name and generic medications, focusing on two drugs: metoprolol (for high blood pressure) and lamotrigine (for epilepsy). Researchers found that after some generic versions of metoprolol had manufacturing issues, the number of prescriptions dropped significantly from 25,465 in December 2008 to 13,128 in February 2009. Additionally, nearly 20% of patients who switched from the brand-name lamotrigine to its generic returned to the brand within two years. This research helps ensure that patients have reliable access to safe medications and informs doctors about switching behaviors of their patients. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers.

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This research looked at how critical care nurses develop their professional skills by reviewing 21 studies. It found that key areas of competence include managing situations, making decisions, and working well with others. Understanding these competencies is important because it helps ensure that nurses can provide high-quality care in intensive care units. Who this helps: This benefits nurses, patients in critical care, and healthcare organizations.

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This study focused on new graduate nurses who started working in adult intensive care units and how they adjusted during their first three years. Researchers found that these nurses often felt both confident and uncertain, faced challenges, and relied on teamwork and support to succeed. It highlighted the importance of providing diverse clinical experiences and encouraging collaboration early on to help new nurses thrive and stay in their jobs. Who this helps: This benefits new graduate nurses and healthcare facilities looking to retain skilled staff.

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This study looked at how patients with advanced Parkinson's disease rated their own motor abilities after watching a video of themselves performing tasks without medication. Out of 40 participants, those who received actual neuron implants reported better self-ratings on a scale from -3 (much worse) to +3 (much improved) after watching the video, especially if they believed they had received a sham treatment. These findings are important because they show that watching a video of past performance can influence patients' perceptions of their improvement after treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with Parkinson's disease and their doctors.

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This study examined the use of ondansetron, a medication for nausea, among pregnant women in the U.S. from 2001 to 2015. It found that the use of ondansetron skyrocketed from less than 1% of pregnancies in 2001 to 22.2% in 2014, while the use of other anti-nausea medications like promethazine and metoclopramide decreased during the same period. This matters because it highlights a significant trend toward using ondansetron during pregnancy, but more research is needed to ensure its safety and effectiveness for mothers and babies. Who this helps: Pregnant women experiencing severe nausea.

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This study focused on distinguishing two similar plant groups, Liriope and Ophiopogon, which are often used in traditional medicine and landscaping. Researchers tested 75 samples and developed a simple DNA test that identifies these plants accurately at the genus level, using differences in their genetic material. This is important because it helps prevent confusion in identifying these plants, ensuring that the right species are used for medicinal and commercial purposes. Who this helps: This benefits patients, herbal medicine practitioners, and plant suppliers.

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This study looked at how often doctors give out free samples of prescription drugs in the U.S. between 1993 and 2013. It found that from 2009 to 2013, 44.7% of patients starting the brand-name drug sitagliptin received samples, while only 3.6% of patients starting the generic drug metformin did. This matters because the unequal distribution of drug samples can affect research on medication effects, particularly when studying side effects that happen soon after starting a new drug. Who this helps: This helps researchers and healthcare providers who rely on accurate data about medication use.

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This study looked at how using an Audience Response System (ARS) during training can improve lay health promoters' ability to prevent chronic diseases. The researchers found that this interactive training method increased the effectiveness of the promoters in implementing health interventions, although specific success rates or numbers weren't provided. This matters because better-trained health promoters can lead to more effective disease prevention in communities. Who this helps: This helps lay health promoters and the communities they serve.

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This study looked at the differences between two similar conditions: progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Researchers reviewed the cases of 10 PSP and 13 MSA patients and found that 30% of PSP patients were misdiagnosed, especially those lacking a specific symptom called down-gaze palsy. Understanding these differences is important because it can help doctors make more accurate diagnoses and improve care for these patients. Who this helps: Patients and doctors involved in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders.

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This study looked at how ultra-thin layers of nickel (Ni) behave when they are placed on silicon dioxide (SiO2) surfaces. Researchers found that when heated, these nickel films began to form holes at the interface with the SiO2 layer rather than at the surface, and that nickel islands tried to pull together into a more stable shape. They also observed that chromium (Cr) created oxide layers but did not stop the nickel from spreading out; instead, it changed how the nickel islands looked. Who this helps: This research assists material scientists and engineers working on thin films and coatings.

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This study looked at how different parts of the hippocampus, a brain area important for memory, work together to recognize objects based on their context. The researchers built computer models to see how well these brain regions perform when given incomplete information, finding that different areas need different balances of object and context information to work best. Specifically, they found that the parts of the hippocampus responsible for processing context helped improve recognition, especially when object details were unclear. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with memory disorders and helps doctors understand how the brain organizes and retrieves memories.

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This study focused on the need for better training in suicide prevention for psychiatric mental health (PMH) nurses in hospitals, as they often care for patients at high risk of suicide. The research found that while there are competencies established for mental health clinicians regarding suicide risk, there are no specific training standards for PMH nurses. This lack of training means nurses may not have the necessary skills to effectively assess and manage suicide risk, which is critical since suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S. Who this helps: This helps nurses and the patients they care for by improving the quality of suicide prevention practices in hospitals.

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This article features an interview with Philip Greene, the President of the British Society of Periodontology, who talks about how much periodontics, the study of gum health, has evolved over the last 40 years. Greene believes that the way general dentists are rewarded should change to encourage them to provide better gum care to their patients. He emphasizes that strong dental health is crucial for overall patient well-being. Who this helps: This helps patients who need better gum care and general dentists looking to improve their practices.

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This study looked at how many prescriptions and sales of bisphosphonates, a medicine used to treat osteoporosis, changed in the U.S. from 2002 to 2012. It found that prescriptions for oral bisphosphonates peaked at 31 million in 2007 and then dropped by 53% to 14.7 million by 2012. This decline occurred alongside a significant increase in the use of intravenous bisphosphonates, although that also saw a decrease later on. Understanding these trends is important because they might indicate changing attitudes about the safety and effectiveness of these treatments, which can impact how osteoporosis is managed in the future. Who this helps: Patients with osteoporosis and their healthcare providers.

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This study compared three types of flexible cystoscopes used for looking inside the bladder: a new high-definition model (HD-DS), a standard-definition model (SD-DS), and an older fiberoptic model (FO). The HD-DS cystoscope provided much clearer images with higher resolution (6.35 line pairs/mm compared to 4.00 for SD-DS and 2.24 for FO) and better color representation and depth of field. These improvements matter because they could lead to better diagnosis and treatment for bladder conditions. Who this helps: Patients undergoing bladder procedures.

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This study looked at colorectal cancer screening in Arkansas, where the cancer death rate is higher than the national average. Researchers surveyed over 2,000 people and found that those aged 50 to 64, uninsured individuals, and those earning $15,000 or less were less likely to get screened, while having a regular healthcare provider and receiving screening advice increased compliance. Addressing these barriers is important to ensure everyone can access potentially lifesaving screenings. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those in low-income and underserved communities.

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Researchers studied the effectiveness of a new training program designed to teach frontline cancer care workers important skills in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). So far, they have conducted four out of the planned eight workshops and reported that the recruitment and implementation of the training have been successful. This matters because many cancer survivors experience ongoing mood and thinking issues after treatment, and trained professionals can help improve their quality of life. Who this helps: This helps cancer survivors and their care teams.

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This study looked at how well community groups and a medical university in Arkansas work together to improve cancer care for underserved populations. Researchers surveyed 51 members of local cancer support groups and found that while leadership and member involvement were strong, areas like development and effectiveness needed improvement. Understanding these strengths and weaknesses helps the partnerships provide better training and address cancer disparities more effectively. Who this helps: This benefits patients in underserved communities and the healthcare professionals working to support them.

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This study looked at the challenges faced by nurses during the relocation of Menninger Hospital and how they worked to maintain the hospital's important care practices in the new location. It highlights the difficulties in transferring long-standing patient care approaches and the steps taken to ensure continuity of care. The findings matter because they show the importance of effective planning and support for nursing staff during hospital moves, which can directly impact patient care. Who this helps: This benefits nurses and patients receiving care at the hospital.