DR. ROBERT JUDSON BREWER, M.D.

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The study focused on improving COVID-19 testing and vaccination among low-income individuals, particularly those who are Hispanic/Latino or have a history of legal involvement, by using community connections and educational messaging. Out of 1,328 participants, most (66.3%) got tested for COVID-19, but only 11.9% of those who were unvaccinated at the start got vaccinated after 21 days. Adding educational messaging did not lead to better results in testing or vaccination compared to just using community referrals. Who this helps: This research benefits vulnerable populations who are at a higher risk during the pandemic.

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This study looked at how autistic and non-autistic adults move when tracing shapes on a tablet. Researchers found that while non-autistic individuals had a consistent relationship between their speed and the shape of the curves, autistic individuals showed a wider range of speed changes. This difference might help explain why autistic people can struggle with tasks that require fine motor skills, like writing, and could lead to better support for those challenges. Who this helps: This helps autistic individuals and those who work with them, like teachers and therapists.

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This study explored the stigma faced by Black transgender women in Chicago and how it affects their health, especially concerning HIV care. Researchers interviewed 38 participants and found that stigma occurs at various levels—individual, community, and healthcare settings—often compounding the negative effects on their health. For example, experiences of stigma led to poor health decisions, like not taking medication as prescribed, which increases their vulnerability to HIV. Who this helps: This benefits Black transgender women by informing better healthcare practices and support systems.

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This study looked at how older adults use smart voice assistants in their homes and explored if considering the role of nonhuman elements (like technology itself) can change how we design these technologies for aging individuals. The researchers found that paying attention to how these devices interact with people can provide new ideas for improving technology, particularly since some older adults do not use these tools effectively. This matters because understanding both human and nonhuman interactions can lead to better support for older adults, making technology more accessible and helpful for them. Who this helps: Patients, especially older adults, and their families.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected people's awareness of their bodily signals (called interoception) and their mental health. Researchers found that individuals reported feeling more anxious during the pandemic, which led them to pay more attention to their bodily sensations and to focus heavily on COVID-related news. Notably, people also felt less accurate about their own bodily signals, especially those they associated with COVID-19 symptoms. Who this helps: This research benefits patients dealing with anxiety and related mental health issues during stressful times.

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This study looked at how different factors relate to eating problems in autistic adults compared to non-autistic adults. Researchers found that 46% of autistic adults reported eating disorders, which is higher than the 23% found in non-autistic adults. Atypical eating behaviors were linked to these eating problems specifically in autistic individuals, showing that it's not just about worrying over weight and body image. Who this helps: This research benefits autistic adults and healthcare providers by highlighting the unique factors influencing eating disorders in this group.

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This study created and tested two new sets of tools for researchers to study how well people can recognize feelings like breathlessness or fatigue in others. The researchers put together the Interoceptive States Vocalisations (ISV) database with 191 sounds and the Interoceptive States Point Light Displays (ISPLD) database with 159 animated visual cues. They found that some feelings were recognized more easily than others, and all the tools are available for other researchers to use, which could improve understanding in social interactions and caregiving. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and professionals in health and caregiving.

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This study looked at a program called STEPS, which helps older adults in underserved urban communities manage chronic pain through support from community health workers. Over 414 participants were involved in a 7-week program that included educational videos, weekly phone calls for motivation, and tracking activity with fitness devices. The hope is that those in the STEPS program will report less pain and better daily functioning, making it easier for them to handle their chronic pain effectively. Who this helps: This benefits older adults dealing with chronic pain, especially in underserved communities.

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This study looked at how older adults use voice assistants like Siri and Alexa and how these devices affect their relationships with the world around them. Researchers interviewed 24 older adults and found that these voice assistants play a significant role in various social situations, such as providing companionship to pets, supporting those living alone, and facilitating care between individuals. Understanding these interactions is important because it can help improve technology design to better support the social needs of older adults. Who this helps: This helps older adults by enhancing the way technology supports their social interactions and daily lives.

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This study looked at how well men and women can sense their heart signals and how that affects their emotions. The researchers found no strong connection between heart awareness and emotional understanding for either sex, based on a review of 94 studies. This is important because it challenges the idea that being aware of heart signals is directly linked to how we process emotions, suggesting that current methods to measure this relationship may need improvement. Who this helps: This helps researchers and mental health professionals understand emotional processing better.

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This study looked at a new way to perform a heart procedure called pulsed field ablation (PFA) with a focus on using fewer device exchanges, which can streamline the process. Researchers found that in a review of 873 cases, procedures with zero exchanges were significantly faster, taking about 5.7 minutes for a key step, compared to 15.3 minutes for one or two exchanges and 19.2 minutes for three or more. Importantly, even though the zero-exchange method was more efficient, it did not lead to any increase in complications or a decrease in procedure success rates. Who this helps: Patients undergoing heart procedures benefit from faster, safer treatments.

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This study looked at how feelings (alexithymia) relate to self-reported body awareness (interoception). Researchers found that when sensation-related questions were removed from the assessment of alexithymia, the connection between these feelings and body awareness weakened, suggesting those questions influenced the results. This matters because understanding how these factors interact can improve how we assess and treat people with emotional and bodily awareness issues. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and mental health professionals working with patients who have emotional awareness challenges.

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This study looked at how older adults are represented in research on technology design, highlighting that many past studies made unfair assumptions about their abilities and needs. It found that many researchers are now focusing on how older adults use technology, considering their diverse experiences rather than treating them as a uniform group. This shift is important because it helps create technology that truly meets the needs of older adults, rather than just viewing them as dependent users. Who this helps: This benefits older adults, technology developers, and researchers in the field.

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This study looked at how doctors in the United States are starting to use a new heart procedure called pulsed field ablation (PFA), which treats irregular heartbeats. Researchers analyzed data from 1,076 patients and found that the average procedure took about 67 minutes, with very few complications (only 1.7%). As doctors performed more of these procedures, they became quicker and more efficient. Who this helps: This benefits patients with atrial fibrillation by providing a safe and effective treatment option.

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This study looked at how reducing incarceration and improving mental health and substance use screenings could affect life expectancy for Black sexual minority men and Black transgender women with HIV in the U.S. The researchers found that reducing incarceration by 33% and implementing screenings for issues like alcohol and depression could increase life expectancy by 1.52 years, compared to no changes. This is important because people in this group currently have shorter life expectancies than others living with HIV, and these strategies could lead to significant improvements in their health outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits Black sexual minority men and Black transgender women living with HIV.

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This study looked at how autistic adults and neurotypical adults respond to their own faces and names using a brain activity measurement technique called EEG. The researchers found that neurotypical adults had a stronger brain response to their own face compared to faces of friends and strangers, while autistic adults showed a similar response to their own face and a friend’s face, but the difference wasn’t significant. This research matters because it sheds light on the unique ways autistic individuals process self-related information, which can inform support and interventions for them. Who this helps: This helps autistic individuals and their caregivers or therapists.

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This study looked at how self-control affects different types of online misbehavior among adolescents, analyzing responses from 1,793 teenagers in South Australia. Researchers identified four groups of teens based on their levels of involvement in six types of cyber-deviance, finding that the group with the lowest self-control had significantly more online misconduct. This is important because it helps us understand that while lower self-control is linked to online misbehavior, it does not clearly differentiate between the specific types of online risks teens may engage in. Who this helps: This helps parents and educators understand the importance of teaching self-control to reduce cyber-deviance in young people.

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This study explored how well people with and without eating disorders can recognize their own internal feelings and those of others. It found that people who have trouble recognizing their own emotions (known as alexithymia) also struggle to recognize others' emotional states, but those with eating disorders do not have this same difficulty. This is important because understanding emotions is crucial for social interactions and empathy. Who this helps: Patients with alexithymia and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how yeast adapts to high levels of caffeine and found that certain genetic changes help yeast resist caffeine as well as other drugs. Researchers discovered that specific mutations in genes related to drug resistance and cellular signaling pathways play a significant role in this adaptation. Understanding these mechanisms is important because they can help us explore how caffeine and similar substances affect living organisms, which has implications for both research and industrial use. Who this helps: This helps researchers and industries that work with fermentation processes.

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This study looked at how symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and being incarcerated affect sexual risk-taking, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and depression in Black sexual minority men. It found that while recent incarceration didn't significantly change sexual risk behaviors in those with or without PTSD, being incarcerated was still linked to some risky sexual behaviors. Additionally, men with PTSD showed higher rates of sexual risk and depression, indicating that these two issues may worsen each other and increase health risks in this group. Who this helps: This research benefits Black sexual minority men and those working to support their health needs.

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This study explored the genetic variations of the VHL gene, which is linked to certain tumors like kidney cancer. Researchers tested 2,268 different variations of VHL to understand how they affect its function and found a specific set of harmful mutations that accurately predict the risk of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. These findings help doctors determine the clinical significance of VHL mutations, improving patient care and treatment decisions. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for VHL-related tumors and their doctors.

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This study looked at how yeast, specifically *Saccharomyces cerevisiae*, adapts to tolerate caffeine. Researchers discovered that certain genetic changes in the yeast helped it resist not only caffeine but also other drugs, with three specific genes (Pdr1, Pdr3, and Yrr1) playing important roles. Understanding these adaptations is crucial because it can lead to better insights into how cells respond to caffeine and similar substances, which is valuable for both scientific research and various industrial processes. Who this helps: This helps researchers and industries that work with fermentation processes, like coffee and chocolate production.

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This study focused on creating a special event—an escape room style scavenger hunt—for students from different healthcare programs to learn together. After the event, a survey showed that all participating students felt the experience improved their teamwork skills, with all measured aspects showing improvement. This matters because it helps foster collaboration among future healthcare professionals, which is essential for patient care. Who this helps: This benefits healthcare students and, ultimately, patients who will receive better coordinated care.

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This study looked at the challenges New Jersey healthcare providers face when trying to start HIV treatment quickly, ideally within a week of diagnosis. The research found that while 70% of medical sites offered same-day appointments, only 55% of Ryan White clinics, which serve people with HIV, had extended hours to accommodate patients. Overall, many providers were unsure about new treatment methods and less comfortable starting treatment for patients who engage in certain higher-risk behaviors. Who this helps: This benefits patients with HIV who need timely care to better manage their health.

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This study looked at how men and women differ in their ability to notice and understand signals from their hearts using a new task designed to get better results. In a group of 266 people, women showed better accuracy in identifying their heartbeats than men, but they felt less sure about their answers. This finding is important because it highlights a possible advantage for women in understanding their body's signals, which could affect how we approach heart health and related treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly women, by improving awareness of heart health.

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Researchers studied how well people can sense their heartbeats using a new smartphone test called the Phase Adjustment Task, comparing results from tests done in a lab versus those done remotely. They found that 119 people testing remotely performed just as well as 86 people in the lab, showing no notable differences. This matters because it suggests that remote testing can be just as effective, allowing for more diverse and larger groups to participate in future research. Who this helps: This helps researchers and healthcare professionals who study how people perceive their internal bodily signals.

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This study focused on young Black men living with HIV in Kentucky, a state with a high rate of HIV infections. Researchers interviewed 29 individuals to understand what affects their access to and ongoing care for HIV. They found that factors like having health insurance and understanding HIV were crucial for getting diagnosed, while stable housing and supportive relationships helped keep them in care. This matters because it highlights the need for targeted support to improve health outcomes for this group, who often face barriers to effective treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients living with HIV, especially young Black men who have sex with men.

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This study looked at how Black and Latino sexual minority men in the U.S. are involved in HIV research and prevention efforts. Researchers reviewed 36 studies and found that 72% focused on HIV prevention, with methods like focus groups (39%) and interviews (36%) being the most common ways to engage the community. The findings showed that while there are some examples of effective community involvement, there are also issues with power imbalances and a lack of understanding of how these men view their participation, highlighting the need for better engagement practices in HIV research. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly Black and Latino sexual minority men living with HIV/AIDS.

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This study looked at how aware and accepting certain types of HIV prevention methods, known as PrEP, are among Black sexual minority men and Black transgender women who have been in jail, specifically in Chicago and Baton Rouge. Researchers found that most of the 34 participants were aware of and willing to use traditional daily PrEP and a newer form of PrEP that can be prescribed for pickup after release, with 65% of participants from Chicago showing more awareness than those in Baton Rouge. This matters because it highlights the need for better access to HIV prevention methods in jails and the barriers these communities face, like stigma and concerns about misuse. Who this helps: This helps Black sexual minority men and Black transgender women at risk for HIV.

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This study examined how incarceration affects the likelihood of selling sex among Black sexual minority men and Black transgender women. Out of 1,169 participants, 14% were incarcerated within six months, with 24% of transgender women facing incarceration, which increased their chances of selling sex by about 57%. Understanding this connection is important for addressing the social factors that contribute to risky behaviors in these communities. Who this helps: This benefits Black sexual minority men and Black transgender women by highlighting the need for support and resources during and after incarceration.

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This study looked at how people in the U.S. feel about opioid use and the policies aimed at addressing opioid addiction, particularly in the context of a growing overdose crisis. Researchers found three main groups of attitudes: one that strongly supports punitive measures against opioid users, another that mixes support for both public health and punishments, and a third that primarily favors health-focused policies. The findings suggest that reducing stigma and punitive measures could help address opioid use disorders effectively and that targeting interventions toward those with mixed views could be beneficial. Who this helps: This information helps patients struggling with opioid use, their families, and healthcare providers.

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This study examined how well non-autistic people can recognize facial expressions of emotion made by autistic individuals compared to those made by other non-autistic individuals. Researchers found that non-autistic participants understood the facial expressions of autistic people better, with 632 college students involved in the study. They also discovered that the expressions from autistic individuals tended to be clearer and more intense. This is important because it challenges the idea that non-autistic people can’t understand autistic emotions because of differences in how these emotions are represented. Who this helps: This helps autistic individuals by improving understanding of their emotional expressions.

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This study looked at how negative attitudes towards people with a history of substance use disorders, like those involving opioids, methamphetamine, and cocaine, are linked to hesitancy about getting the COVID-19 vaccine. The researchers surveyed over 6,500 U.S. adults and found that people who held strong stigma against these substances were more likely to hesitate about vaccination—specifically, for opioids, the likelihood increased by 34%, for methamphetamine by 40%, and for cocaine by 28%. This matters because understanding this connection can help us create better strategies to encourage vaccination among these groups. Who this helps: Patients with substance use disorders and health professionals aiming to improve vaccination rates.

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This study examined how effective support after being released from jail can lower HIV transmission rates among young Black men who have sex with men in Chicago. Researchers found that without help, about 12.9 new HIV cases per 100 people occurred among partners of recently released individuals, but providing ongoing HIV care reduced that number by 46%, bringing it down to 5.7 cases per 100 individuals. Overall, effective support could lead to a 19% decrease in HIV cases in the entire group studied. Who this helps: This helps young Black men who have been incarcerated and their sexual partners.

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The study looked at how consistently racial and ethnic minority patients in Chicago use HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) over a year. Out of 2,159 patients, about 40% maintained consistent use, 30% used it for a short time, and 29% showed declining use. Understanding these patterns is important because it helps identify barriers to effective treatment and highlights the need for focused support for specific groups, such as younger patients and those facing stigma. Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk of HIV, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

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This study created a new set of images called the Interoceptive States Static Images (ISSI) database, which consists of 423 pictures showing people expressing different internal feelings and responses. Researchers found that images showing regular actions were easier for people to recognize than those showing internal feelings, and some internal states were clearer than others based on the reactions they received. This matters because understanding how we recognize internal feelings in others can improve our social interactions and emotional connections. Who this helps: This helps researchers, mental health professionals, and educators who study emotions and social behavior.

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This study looked at how well people understand their own body's signals, like hunger or thirst, and how this awareness relates to their focus or attention on those signals. The researchers found that what people think about their ability to feel these signals (self-reported accuracy) doesn’t always match how much attention they pay to them. This difference matters because it can affect how we interpret results in future studies about body awareness and may lead to better approaches in understanding conditions related to body awareness, such as anxiety or eating disorders. Who this helps: Patients with anxiety or eating disorders who need better understanding and treatment options.

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This study looked at how incarceration affects sexual risk behaviors and the likelihood of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV among Black sexual minority men and Black transgender women across several U.S. cities. Researchers found that about 14% of participants had been incarcerated in the past six months. Incarceration was linked to higher chances of engaging in risky sexual behaviors, like selling sex and having multiple partners, with the risk of gonorrhea significantly higher in Los Angeles (over six times more likely). Who this helps: This research benefits Black sexual minority men and Black transgender women by highlighting their increased risk of STIs post-incarceration.

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This study looked at how a type of healthcare called status-neutral care—where support isn’t based on a person’s HIV status—could improve health equity for Black sexual minority men (BSMM). Out of 25 studies reviewed, only 3 used status-neutral approaches, but many showed that strategies like community support, anti-stigma campaigns, and financial incentives could lead to better health outcomes. The findings indicate that focusing on broader social factors and involving the community can help address health disparities for this group. Who this helps: This helps Black sexual minority men seeking better health and HIV prevention support.

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This study looked at how financial incentives can help people living with HIV in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, stay engaged in their healthcare. Out of 781 participants, the number of those involved in their care grew from 70% to 93%, and those remaining in care increased from 32% to 64%. However, the percentage of participants with controlled viral loads dropped from 59% to 34%, indicating ongoing challenges in achieving viral suppression despite better engagement in care. Who this helps: This helps patients living with HIV by improving their chances of staying in treatment.

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This study investigated how certain proteins and genes affect the brain's response to cocaine addiction. Researchers found that increasing the level of a protein called PRMT6 boosts the desire for cocaine, while another protein, Srcin1, helps reduce this craving by stabilizing dopamine levels in a part of the brain called the nucleus accumbens. They discovered that individuals with a specific genetic variation (the DRD2 A2 allele) have fewer dopamine receptors and are less likely to become addicted to cocaine. Who this helps: This research benefits patients struggling with cocaine addiction and offers potential new treatment options for them.

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This research focused on how frontline staff can improve HIV and mental health services for Black men who have sex with men in the US. The study identified five main areas that need attention: adapting to COVID-19, recruiting participants, keeping them engaged, supporting staff well-being, and being flexible in service delivery. These findings matter because they highlight the importance of frontline staff experiences and adjustments needed to effectively reach and help this community, especially during challenging times. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers working with Black men who have sex with men living with HIV.

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This study examined how incarceration affects social support networks and health among Black sexual minority men and Black transgender women. It found that recent incarceration was linked to smaller medical and financial support networks, increasing the risk of poor health outcomes like multiple sexual partnerships and depressive symptoms. For instance, those with smaller social support networks showed a higher chance of having depressive symptoms (16% increase in risk). Who this helps: This research helps patients, particularly Black sexual minority men and transgender women who may face challenges due to incarceration.

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This study looked at how people with mild to moderate dementia use mobile phones and the challenges they face. Researchers interviewed 14 individuals and identified specific difficulties, as well as ideas for improving mobile phone use for this group. The findings suggest new ways to design technology that better supports and empowers people with dementia. Who this helps: This helps individuals with dementia and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how a compound called KB200Z can help patients who experience terrifying lucid dreams, especially those with conditions like ADHD, Tourette's syndrome, and PTSD. The researchers found that 87.5% of patients reported a reduction in their scary dreams after taking the neuronutrient, suggesting it might help correct brain imbalances linked to their conditions. This is important because it could provide a new way to improve the quality of life for patients who suffer from disturbing dreams due to their mental health issues. Who this helps: Patients with PTSD, ADHD, and other related disorders.

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This study looked at how certain genes and environmental factors affect the brain's reward system in adolescents, particularly focusing on risky behaviors related to addiction. Researchers found that teens from families prone to addiction had a 95% risk for drug-seeking behavior and a 64% risk for alcohol-seeking behavior, indicating a lower dopamine response (hypodopaminergia). Understanding these patterns is important because it could help target prevention strategies to keep at-risk teens safe from addiction. Who this helps: This helps adolescents at risk for addiction and their families.

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This study looked at how different groups of Americans were practicing protective behaviors, like wearing masks and keeping distance from others, during the peak of COVID-19 in early May 2020. It found that 73% of people wore masks, 83% practiced physical distancing, 75% avoided crowds, and 90% increased hand-washing. However, certain groups, such as low-income individuals and those with past criminal justice involvement, were less likely to engage in these behaviors, which is important for public health messaging as communities work to prevent further infections. Who this helps: This information helps public health officials tailor their messages to encourage safer practices among at-risk groups.

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This study reviewed how personalized treatment methods can help people struggling with substance use disorders, especially related to opioid addiction. Researchers found that using genetic testing and specific questionnaires could predict who might be more at risk for these disorders, while treatments like a new medication, KB220, can help restore brain balance and prevent relapse. This approach focuses on understanding individual genetic makeup and could significantly improve treatment outcomes for many patients. Who this helps: Patients with substance use disorders, especially those at risk for opioid addiction.

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This study looked at how non-parental adults (NPAs) can support young Black and Latino sexual minority men (YBLSM) in improving their sexual health. Researchers interviewed 20 people—10 YBLSM aged 16 to 22 and 10 NPAs aged 26 to 52—and found that NPAs helped these young men with issues like unstable housing and emotional distress, which can influence their sexual health choices, such as using condoms and taking HIV medication. By partnering more closely with these supportive adults, we can better address the health challenges that YBLSM face, ultimately aiming to lower their rates of HIV and other infections. Who this helps: This helps young Black and Latino sexual minority men and their supportive adults.