Dr. Kinnard studies significant health challenges facing individuals, including mental health issues like self-harm and suicidal thoughts, as well as the survival rates of cancer patients. He has explored how emotional connections and coping strategies can prevent self-harm and enhance mental wellness. His research on cancer survival highlights the disparities among different population groups, specifically how these groups fare with various cancers. Additionally, he has conducted work on plant biology, investigating new types of fats in plants which could inform future agricultural practices.
Key findings
In a study on self-directed violence, 166 adults reported that using healthy coping skills and caring for loved ones significantly helped them avoid self-harm.
From 1997 to 2008, the five-year cancer survival rate in Oklahoma was 51.5%, with notable survival rates of 79.2% for breast cancer and only 12.9% for lung cancer, highlighting treatment disparities.
Neuroblastoma cells treated with dibutyryl cyclic AMP produced three times more of a specific enzyme than untreated cells and exhibited increased levels of the cancer-associated N-myc gene by four to eight times.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Kinnard study mental health issues?
Yes, he researches self-harm and suicidal thoughts, focusing on the factors that can prevent these behaviors.
What does Dr. Kinnard’s cancer research reveal?
His research indicates varying survival rates among cancer patients in Oklahoma, highlighting significant disparities between different racial groups.
Is Dr. Kinnard's work relevant to cancer patients?
Absolutely, his research on cancer survival rates informs healthcare providers and patients about treatment outcomes and disparities.
What are the implications of Dr. Kinnard’s plant biology research?
His findings on new fat molecules in barley can improve our understanding of plant health, potentially benefiting agricultural research.
What treatments has Dr. Kinnard researched for cancer?
He has explored the effects of dibutyryl cyclic AMP on neuroblastoma cells, which may influence treatment strategies.
Publications in plain English
"I wanted to be proud of myself, not ashamed": A qualitative investigation of suicide and self-injury inflection points.
2026
Death studies
Rasmussen S, Kaufman EA, Kaniuka AR, Meddaoui B, Miller RH +3 more
Plain English This study looked at the key moments that can stop someone from hurting themselves or considering suicide. Researchers surveyed 166 adults in the UK who have experienced self-directed violence and found that people are often influenced by their concern for how their actions could hurt loved ones, their use of healthy coping skills, and their relationships with others. Importantly, those who effectively used coping techniques were better able to prevent self-injury and suicide at these critical times.
Who this helps: This benefits patients struggling with self-harm or suicidal thoughts and the mental health professionals treating them.
Five-Year Cancer Survival Rates in Oklahoma from 1997 to 2008.
2016
The Journal of the Oklahoma State Medical Association
Campbell J, Gandhi K, Pate A, Janitz A, Anderson A +2 more
Plain English This study looked at the survival rates of cancer patients in Oklahoma from 1997 to 2008, focusing on three groups: American Indians/Alaskan Natives, African Americans, and whites. It found that overall, 51.5% of cancer patients survived for five years, with survival rates varying by cancer type: 79.2% for female breast cancer, 77.5% for prostate cancer, 12.9% for lung cancer, and 49.9% for colorectal cancer. While survival rates are generally improving, there are significant gaps in survival between African American and American Indian/Alaskan Native patients compared to white patients.
Who this helps: This research benefits cancer patients and healthcare providers by highlighting survival rates and disparities in treatment outcomes.
Novel Phosphoinositides in Barley Aleurone Cells (Additional Evidence for the Presence of Phosphatidyl-scyllo-Inositol).
1997
Plant physiology
Narasimhan B, Pliska-Matyshak G, Kinnard R, Carstensen S, Ritter MA +2 more
Plain English This study focused on discovering a new type of fat molecule, called phosphatidylscyllo-inositol (scyllo-PI), found in barley seeds. Researchers used various techniques to confirm its existence and figured out that scyllo-PI is often missed by standard testing methods. This finding is significant because it adds to our understanding of plant biology and could influence how we study plant health and development.
Who this helps: This benefits plant scientists and agricultural researchers.
Berman SA, Bursztajn S, Kinnard R, Cashman N, Arnason BG
Plain English This study looked at how a treatment called dibutyryl cyclic AMP can make neuroblastoma cells, a type of cancer, mature into a more developed state. Researchers found that after five days of treatment, these cells not only grew more robustly but also produced three times more of a specific enzyme than untreated cells. Additionally, the treated cells had four to eight times more of a gene called N-myc, which is often associated with cancer, indicating that even mature cancer cells can still express this gene at high levels.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with neuroblastoma by providing insights into cancer cell behavior and potential treatment strategies.