DR. RODNEY A. JOHNSON, M.D.

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This study explored how new types of vascular grafts, designed to release a substance called hydrogen sulfide, can help improve healing and reduce inflammation in blood vessels. Researchers found that these grafts released significantly more sulfide over time—about ten times more than regular grafts—leading to better growth of healthy cells and less inflammation. Importantly, when tested in rats, the grafts remained open and worked well for at least 12 weeks, showing promising signs of healing and integration with surrounding tissues. Who this helps: Patients needing vascular grafts, especially those with smaller arteries.

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This study looked at how effectively a new implant that releases a drug called islatravir can protect against HIV in macaques. The researchers found that after multiple exposures to a virus similar to HIV (SHIV), 5 out of 6 macaques with the implant stayed protected, giving it an effectiveness rate of 96.8%. This is significant because it shows that this implant could offer a long-lasting and reliable way to prevent HIV infection, potentially improving adherence to prevention strategies for women. Who this helps: This helps women at risk of HIV, as well as healthcare providers looking for effective prevention methods.

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The BioDIGS project explored the variety of microorganisms in soil by bringing together students, researchers, and educators from over 40 different institutions. They worked together to collect soil samples and analyze data to see how these tiny organisms connect with environmental conditions and human health. This research is important because it helps us understand how soil quality can impact health and the environment. Who this helps: This benefits farmers, environmental scientists, and public health officials.

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This study looked at a 2-month-old baby girl who had extremely low sodium levels due to a blockage caused by a mass in her abdomen. After doctors discovered that the mass was affecting her kidneys, she underwent surgery, which helped her recover significantly. This is important because it shows how quickly diagnosing and treating certain conditions in infants can prevent serious health problems. Who this helps: This helps doctors and parents of infants with similar symptoms.

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This study looked at how certain regions of DNA become single-stranded, which is important for DNA functions like copying itself and repairing damage. Researchers found that when DNA is negatively twisted (supercoiled), it leads to more single-stranded areas being formed than previously expected, suggesting that these DNA structures might be in unstable states. Understanding this process is crucial because it can help develop new treatments that target the structure of DNA and RNA. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors working on gene therapy and cancer treatment.

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This study looked at the outcomes for patients who had surgery using a colon to divert urine, comparing those who also had their colon connected back together (anastomosis) with those who did not. Researchers tracked 179 patients and found that 28.5% faced serious complications within 30 days after surgery, and 30.2% needed additional procedures within 90 days. Importantly, patients with higher pre-surgery protein levels were less likely to have serious complications. Who this helps: This research benefits patients undergoing urinary diversion surgery and their doctors by providing insights into potential risks and factors that can improve outcomes.

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This study looked at how well a natural gum from the Pentadesma butyracea tree can help control the release of diclofenac sodium, a common pain medication, from tablets. The researchers found that tablets made with this gum released over 50% of the drug within 45 minutes, while a control tablet without the gum only released 60% of the drug in the same time. The best-performing tablet with the gum released nearly all its medication within 24 hours, showing that this natural gum could be a useful ingredient for creating long-lasting versions of pain relief medications. Who this helps: Patients needing consistent pain management.

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This study examined a specific lung pattern called the "headcheese sign," which can be seen in CT scans of patients with a lung condition known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Researchers found that this sign features a mix of areas in the lungs: some parts are cloudy (higher density), some are trapped air (lower density), and some appear normal. Understanding this pattern is important as it can help doctors diagnose hypersensitivity pneumonitis more accurately. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients with lung conditions.

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This study looked at how well demographic information—like age, sex, race, and socioeconomic status—is reported in studies treating acquired apraxia of speech (AOS). While almost all studies shared participants' age and gender, only 24% included race or ethnicity, and none reported socioeconomic status, with 89% of studied participants being White. These gaps in demographic data limit how applicable the research findings are to diverse patient groups, highlighting the need for better data collection to improve treatments for everyone. Who this helps: This helps patients by ensuring that treatments for AOS are effective across different backgrounds.

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This study looked at how partnerships between nurses with advanced degrees (Doctor of Nursing Practice or DNP, and Doctor of Philosophy or PhD) can improve health equity, especially in communities facing significant health disparities, like many Black communities. The findings showed that using teamwork and shared leadership in these partnerships helps create more trustworthy and effective health interventions. Specifically, the researchers provided examples from projects aimed at preventing HIV that illustrated how this collaborative approach leads to better health outcomes and supports lasting changes in health policies. Who this helps: This benefits patients in marginalized communities and healthcare providers working to improve health equity.

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This paper studies a fungus called Lecanicillium aphanocladii, which has the potential to be used as a natural pest control agent in agriculture. Researchers found that this fungus can effectively target a wide range of insect pests and plant diseases, with over 95 different strains identified worldwide. This matters because it offers an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides, helping to protect crops while minimizing environmental impact. Who this helps: This helps farmers and the agricultural industry by providing a sustainable pest control option.

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This study looked at whether using reusable gowns in hand surgeries affects the rate of infections after the surgery. Researchers compared infection rates before and after introducing reusable gowns in 396 surgeries and found that the rates were 1.58% before and slightly higher at 1.94% afterwards, but overall, there was no significant increase in infections. This matters because using reusable gowns can save money and reduce waste without increasing the risk of infections, which helps support their wider use in hospitals. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how common a heart condition called diabetic cardiomyopathy (DbCM) is among adults with type 2 diabetes in low- and middle-income countries. It aims to gather data from various studies to figure out the average prevalence of DbCM in these regions, which is currently not well understood. Understanding how widespread DbCM is matters because this condition can lead to serious heart failure if not diagnosed, and knowing its prevalence can help with better healthcare planning and prevention efforts. Who this helps: This benefits patients with diabetes, healthcare providers, and policymakers in low- and middle-income countries.

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This study looked at how different types of diets affect blood sugar and insulin levels in lean and obese cats after they eat. Researchers found that when cats ate a low-protein diet, their insulin levels after meals were lower compared to when they ate low-carbohydrate or low-fat diets. This is important because it shows how diet can influence metabolic health in cats, which can help prevent future health issues. Who this helps: This benefits cat owners and veterinarians focusing on the dietary needs of their pets.

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This study looked at how experiencing violence in their neighborhoods affects sexual minority youth's likelihood of getting tested for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the U.S. It found that these young people were more likely to get tested if they witnessed violence or felt unsafe, with increased testing seen particularly among males and those from diverse racial backgrounds. Understanding this connection is important because it highlights how neighborhood safety influences health behaviors and points to the need for better support and testing opportunities in these communities. Who this helps: This helps sexual minority youth and public health officials working to improve testing access and safety in vulnerable neighborhoods.

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This study looked at how often the SARS-CoV-2 virus shows up in wastewater in South Africa throughout the year. Researchers tested 480 samples from various treatment facilities and found that 210 of those samples (or 44%) contained the virus, with amounts ranging from 700 to 40,000 copies per milliliter. The highest levels of the virus were found in winter, which could help officials track potential COVID-19 outbreaks earlier than clinical tests alone. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and healthcare providers by offering an early warning system for virus outbreaks.

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This study looked at self-harm in children who took part in family court cases in England and Wales. It found that kids involved in private family court cases have a 2-fold increased risk of self-harm compared to children who are not in court, while those in public family court have a 5-fold higher risk. This matters because it highlights the need for support and interventions for children dealing with family legal issues. Who this helps: This information benefits children involved in family court proceedings and the professionals working with them.

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The study looked at how general practice nurses in England are handling reviews for patients with multiple long-term health conditions. It found that while some nurses used these reviews mainly to collect data for financial reasons, others found them valuable for engaging in meaningful discussions about complex health issues, which they found empowering. The nurses expressed a need for better training and organizational support to improve how they manage multiple health conditions. Who this helps: This helps patients with multiple long-term conditions and the nurses who care for them.

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Researchers created a new tool called the Short Treatment Burden Questionnaire (STBQ) to help identify patients who struggle with the demands of their medical treatments. They interviewed 15 adults with multiple health conditions and found that after three rounds of interviews, issues with the questionnaire's layout and wording were gradually resolved, making it easier to use. This tool can improve patient communication and care by encouraging them to share their treatment challenges, ultimately leading to better health services. Who this helps: This benefits patients dealing with multiple health issues and their doctors.

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This study looked at a 9-month-old girl with cystic fibrosis (CF) who was given an early form of treatment called ETI (Trikafta), even though it's only approved for children aged 2 and older. Remarkably, the girl became able to properly digest food without needing extra enzymes, and she didn’t experience any harmful side effects. This is important because it raises questions about how doctors should respond when parents want to try unapproved treatments for their children, especially when there are promising signs of benefit. Who this helps: This research helps doctors and families dealing with cystic fibrosis.

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This research looked at whether adding a specific procedure (posterior wall isolation) to a common heart treatment (pulmonary vein isolation) would benefit patients with persistent atrial fibrillation who have a high genetic risk for the condition. The study found that for these patients, there was no significant difference in heart rhythm stability or quality of life between those who had the more intensive procedure and those who had only the standard treatment, with both groups showing similar outcomes over nearly four years. This matters because it indicates that a more complicated approach may not be necessary for these patients, potentially simplifying their treatment. Who this helps: Patients with persistent atrial fibrillation and high genetic risk.

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This study looked at how food and the type of pill affect how well the cancer drug migoprotafib works in patients. Researchers found that taking migoprotafib as a tablet instead of a capsule had very little difference in absorption, but eating a high-fat meal before taking the drug significantly reduced its peak concentration in the bloodstream. These results help doctors determine the best way to prescribe migoprotafib for patients with advanced solid tumors. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients taking migoprotafib.

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This study looked at high levels of uric acid in the blood, known as hyperuricemia, and found that it can increase the risk of heart problems and kidney disease, especially in people with existing health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity. The research emphasized an individualized treatment approach for managing hyperuricemia, rather than a one-size-fits-all method, recommending lifestyle changes and specific medication when necessary. Importantly, while standard treatment for people without symptoms isn't advised, focusing on those at high risk might help improve their health outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients with high cardiovascular risk factors, such as those with high blood pressure or heart disease.

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This study looked at the use of bridging therapy (BT) before a specific type of treatment, brexucabtagene autoleucel (brexu-cel), for patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) in the UK. Researchers found that 90% of the 176 patients received BT, mainly a combination of chemotherapy and radiation, which led to an overall response rate of 46%. Those who experienced disease progression during BT had a lower response rate to the follow-up treatment (77% vs. 91%), and this method was linked to more serious side effects like severe low blood cell counts. Who this helps: This benefits patients with mantle cell lymphoma and their doctors by providing insights on effective bridging therapies before advanced treatment.

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This study looked at how ticks develop their saliva glands when they attach to a host to feed. Researchers found that before feeding, ticks have precursor cells in their saliva glands that change into specialized cells when they start feeding. Specifically, these changes allow ticks to produce saliva that helps them avoid being detected by the host's immune system and supports pathogen transmission. Understanding this process could lead to new ways to stop ticks from feeding and spreading diseases. Who this helps: This information benefits researchers and doctors working on tick-borne diseases.

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This study looked at how virtual healthcare is being used in Canada, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic increased its popularity. Researchers analyzed 208 pieces of research and found that while many studies focused on patient satisfaction and challenges, there was a lack of information about the overall health outcomes and the effectiveness of virtual care for different populations. Improving the quality of virtual healthcare and expanding research in areas like rural access and care for underserved groups is essential for providing better services. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those in rural areas and underserved communities.

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Researchers studied how different analyses of the same data in social and behavioral sciences can lead to different conclusions. They looked at 100 studies and found that only 34% of independent reanalyses reached the same result as the original report when using a tight standard. When allowing for a broader range, this number increased to 57%, showing that many findings may not be as reliable as thought. This matters because it highlights the need for better practices in evaluating research to ensure that conclusions are trustworthy. Who this helps: This helps researchers and policymakers in making informed decisions based on social and behavioral science research.

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This study looked at how location affects the chances of severe injury and death in children who are hurt and taken to hospitals in the U.S. It found that children living in more rural areas are more severely injured and have a higher chance of dying from those injuries; specifically, rural children had a 32% higher chance of dying in the hospital compared to those in large urban areas. Understanding these differences is crucial to improving care and outcomes for injured children in rural regions. Who this helps: This benefits injured children and their families living in rural areas, as well as healthcare providers working to improve trauma care in those communities.

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The study focused on the deer tick virus (DTV), a tick-borne virus that can cause serious illness in people. Researchers found that in Martha's Vineyard, 7.8% of tested deer tick nymphs were infected, with the virus being passed between ticks in various ways. They discovered three distinct virus types, where one type was commonly found in ticks that had fed on shrews, while another type did not show any specific host association, indicating different methods of transmission may affect the spread and severity of the virus. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of tick-borne illnesses and public health officials monitoring disease spread.

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This study looked at the safety of a natural gum from a tree bark that could be used in medications. Researchers tested this gum on rats in two ways: they gave one large dose of 2000 mg/kg and smaller daily doses (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) for four weeks. They found that the gum caused no deaths or serious health issues at lower doses, suggesting it is safe for use, but some signs of mild stress on the liver and kidneys were noted at the highest dose. Who this helps: This research benefits pharmaceutical companies and patients who may use medications containing this natural gum.

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This study looked at genetic variations in the RBM20 gene to understand their role in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a condition that affects the heart's ability to pump blood. Researchers found that about 53% of arrhythmogenic DCM cases could be linked to RBM20 variants. Patients with these variants tend to develop heart issues later in life and generally experience milder symptoms than those with other harmful genetic variants. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with DCM and their families by providing better insights into their genetic risk factors and disease progression.

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Researchers studied how influenza affects different age groups, focusing on the relationship between the body’s immune response and the severity of symptoms. They found that older mice had longer-lasting inflammation due to their immune systems reacting differently, leading to greater weight loss and worse symptoms, even though the virus levels were similar across ages. This shows that simply looking at how much virus is present doesn't fully explain how sick a person gets; age influences the way the body responds and suffers from the infection. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers understand how to treat older patients with influenza more effectively.

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This study looked at a rare heart problem in a developing baby called a coronary sinus aneurysm, which is an unusual bulge in a blood vessel. An ultrasound and MRI at 23 weeks of pregnancy showed that the baby had a large aneurysm, and further tests after birth confirmed it. Recognizing this condition before birth is crucial because it allows for better planning and care for the baby once they are born, especially since other types of heart bulges can pose different risks. Who this helps: This helps expectant parents and healthcare providers by ensuring better preparation and management for rare heart conditions.

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This study examined how cannabidiol (CBD) might help people with diabetic heart disease, a condition that can lead to serious heart issues due to various factors in the body. Researchers found that CBD can reduce harmful stress and inflammation in the heart, improve blood vessel function, and prevent heart tissue from scarring, indicating it may have multiple benefits for heart health in this context. However, real-world evidence in humans is still lacking, and more specific clinical trials are needed to confirm how effective and safe CBD is for diabetic patients. Who this helps: Patients with diabetic heart disease.

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Researchers studied a specific mutation called NRAS G12D, which is mainly found in certain types of skin cancer and blood cancers. They developed a new drug, IACS-56676, that effectively targets this mutation without affecting a similar protein, KRAS, and found it significantly improved the way it works against NRAS G12D. This research is important because it lays the groundwork for new treatments specifically targeting this harmful mutation in cancer cells. Who this helps: This helps patients with melanoma and blood cancers that have the NRAS G12D mutation.

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This study looked at how the spinal cords of children who had surgery before birth for a condition called myelomeningocele (MMC) are affected after the operation. Researchers found that children with better spinal cord function had higher measurements of spinal cord health, known as ADC values; for example, those with intact S1 motor function had an ADC of 1.25 compared to 1.19 for those without. This is important because it shows that imaging techniques can help doctors understand how well the spinal cord is functioning after surgery, potentially guiding future treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families by improving understanding of outcomes after MMC surgery.

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This study looked at how the drug glycopyrrolate behaves in the bodies of juvenile rabbits when given through two different methods: an injection into a vein (intravenous) and an injection into the muscle (intramuscular). Researchers found that when glycopyrrolate was given intravenously, it cleared from the body quickly (about 104 mL per kg per minute) and had a half-life of 2.49 hours. In contrast, the intramuscular method had a much lower absorption rate (only about 10%) and a half-life of 3.34 hours, indicating that higher doses might be necessary for muscle injections. Who this helps: This information will benefit veterinarians treating rabbits, especially in surgical settings.

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This study looked at how different doses of lidocaine affect heart and lung function, as well as recovery, in horses undergoing surgery with anesthesia. Researchers used 30 horses and compared those receiving two different doses of lidocaine (50 or 100 micrograms per kilogram per minute) under two types of breathing support. They found that while horses had slightly different blood pressure levels based on the dose and breathing method, all groups showed similar recovery quality and function, meaning that both lidocaine doses worked well and safely. Who this helps: This benefits veterinarians treating horses requiring surgery.

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This study looked at how oral rehydration solutions can help patients with an ileostomy manage their fluid and electrolyte levels. It found that using these solutions is important for both short-term and long-term recovery, helping to improve hydration and reduce complications. Standardized guidelines for using these solutions could lower the risk of kidney problems and hospital readmissions for these patients. Who this helps: Patients with ileostomies.

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This study looked at how safe it is to use a drug called cabozantinib together with radiation therapy for patients with certain types of soft tissue tumors in their arms or legs. The researchers found that the combination was safe, with no severe side effects from the radiation and half of the patients needing a lower dose of cabozantinib due to milder side effects. All patients had stable disease after 12 weeks, and most were able to have successful tumor removal surgery, which is important for improving their chances of recovery. Who this helps: This helps patients with soft tissue sarcomas in their extremities.

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This study focused on analyzing the genetic information from over 9,600 individuals who donated brain tissue and had various central nervous system disorders. Researchers identified more than 171 million genetic variations and confirmed known links between certain genes, like HTT and APOE, and diseases such as Huntington's disease and Alzheimer’s. This large genetic database will help researchers better understand the risks and causes of these neurological and psychiatric conditions, which is important for developing new treatments and therapies. Who this helps: This helps patients with central nervous system disorders and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how a drug that blocks the CXCR4 receptor, called compound 1, could help mice with a genetic issue that severely reduces their neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that fights infections. The researchers found that after giving the CXCR4 blocker, the mice showed significant improvements: their neutrophil counts in the blood returned to normal, their bone marrow was healthier, and their ability to fight off pneumonia improved. This is important because it suggests a new treatment option for patients with similar neutrophil deficiencies, potentially leading to fewer infections and better overall health. Who this helps: Patients with neutropenia, especially those with specific genetic conditions affecting their immune system.

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This study looked at how well Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs teach nurses to understand and use nursing theories in their work. Researchers found that there is a lack of focused teaching on this topic, and they proposed a new term called "nursing theory conversance" to describe the ability to apply these theories in practice. This is important because better understanding of nursing theories can lead to improved patient care and nursing practices. Who this helps: This helps nursing students and healthcare professionals improve their skills and patient outcomes.

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This study looked at how a protein called linker histone H1 affects the structure of chromatin, which is the material that makes up our DNA. The researchers developed a new method to measure the compactness of chromatin and found that removing linker histone H1 globally loosens chromatin across the genome and increases the accessibility of thousands of DNA sites, leading to the activation of over a thousand genes. This matters because understanding how chromatin compaction works can help researchers pinpoint how gene regulation happens, which is important for studying diseases. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying genetics and diseases related to gene regulation.

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This study looked at pectin extracted from four types of fruit waste commonly found in Ghana, including Keitt and Solo varieties. Researchers found that the amount of pectin extracted ranged from about 7% to nearly 27%, and all samples met high-quality standards for use in pharmaceuticals. This matters because it shows that fruit waste can be turned into a valuable ingredient for medical products, helping reduce waste while providing a sustainable resource. Who this helps: Patients and the pharmaceutical industry.

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This study looked at the representation of osteopathic (DO) medical graduates in general surgery residency programs across the United States over five years. It found that 35.3% of the programs had a higher than expected number of DO residents, while 64.7% had below-average representation; overall, DOs made up about 13.8% of the 7,846 residents evaluated. The findings highlight ongoing challenges for DO students in getting into general surgery and emphasize the need for continued efforts to ensure fair representation in surgical training programs. Who this helps: This benefits aspiring osteopathic surgeons and their educators.