DR. THOMAS J. HARRIES, MD

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This study looked at how aggressive behavior directed towards parents develops in children, especially how it starts early in life rather than during the teenage years. Researchers found that when children experience harsh and unpredictable family environments, it can lead to ongoing aggression towards parents, with factors like mental health and the quality of the parent-child relationship playing a significant role. Understanding these early patterns is crucial to breaking the cycle of family violence and preventing it from continuing into adulthood. Who this helps: This helps parents and mental health professionals working with families.

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This study looked at how problems with thinking and understanding (cognitive dysfunction) can lead to aggressive behavior directed at parents. Researchers found that both short-term and long-term cognitive issues increase the chances of this kind of aggression, particularly in cases where children spend a lot of time on screens, experience maltreatment, use substances, or have developmental disorders. Understanding this link is important because it can help improve the support and interventions for families dealing with these issues. Who this helps: This benefits parents and mental health professionals working with families.

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This research reviewed 15 studies on how to manage aggression in people who have suffered an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). It found that medications were mostly ineffective, anger management showed varying results, but approaches like mindfulness were effective in some cases. Understanding and improving social rehabilitation methods for these individuals is crucial to prevent aggressive behaviors and support their integration into society. Who this helps: Patients with Acquired Brain Injury and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how intimate partner violence (IPV) affects gay men, particularly in their personal lives and at work. Researchers interviewed four gay men who experienced IPV and found that many faced unique challenges because of their sexual orientation, such as difficulty finding support both at home and in the workplace. The results highlight the need for workplaces to create better support systems for LGBTQI+ individuals who experience IPV. Who this helps: This helps gay men who are victims of intimate partner violence and their employers.

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This study focused on comparing different types of tiny particles, called nanoparticles, that are used in a type of cancer treatment known as photothermal therapy (PTT). The researchers found that nanoparticle shape and size significantly affect how well they convert laser light into heat, which is crucial for killing cancer cells. Specifically, they used three types of nanoparticles and showed how factors like their concentration, laser power, and tissue depth can change the time it takes to reach a target temperature of 43°C, important for effective treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing cancer treatment by improving the effectiveness of therapies that use nanoparticles.

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This study looked at child-to-parent violence (CPV) when substance use is involved (called SU-CPV) and how family factors, like parental monitoring and the child's emotional reactions, affect this violence. Among 119 caregivers of young people aged 12 to 24 who were abusive, researchers found that less parental monitoring was linked to more SU-CPV, especially when the child had strong emotional responses. Understanding these factors is important because it can help improve support and intervention for families dealing with these issues. Who this helps: This helps families, especially parents dealing with substance-involved violence from their children.

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This study looked at how parents' alcohol use affects violence from their children towards them. It found that when parents drink alcohol, it increases the chance of their children being violent, with parents who drink being 29% more likely to experience this type of violence. However, the use of other drugs by parents didn't show the same link. Who this helps: This helps parents and caregivers dealing with child-to-parent violence.

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Researchers studied how effective rehabilitation is for people who show aggression after an acquired brain injury (ABI). They interviewed eight practitioners who work in health and social services, and found that poor rehabilitation is often due to barriers like a lack of specific training, complicated health needs, aggressive behavior in patients, and limited access to services. This is important because better rehabilitation can help reduce aggressive behavior and lower the risk of these individuals ending up in jail. Who this helps: This helps patients with ABI and their healthcare providers.

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This study examined how relational aggression (RA), which involves social manipulation and harm, affects young Australian adults. Researchers identified three main groups based on individuals' experiences with RA: those who mainly experience it as victims, those who both victimize and are victimized, and those who are not involved at all. They found that people who experience RA are significantly more likely to engage in or be victims of other aggressive behaviors, with a 5.17 times higher chance for those who are both victims and perpetrators, and a 3.21 times higher chance for those who are primarily victims. Who this helps: This research helps young adults facing relational aggression and the professionals who support them.

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This study looked at a method called vibration assisted analgesia to reduce pain during a specific hair loss treatment known as intralesional corticosteroid therapy (ICT). Researchers found that this technique is safe and effective, making the treatment less painful and more accessible for patients. Using vibration helped more people, especially younger patients and those afraid of needles, to tolerate the procedure better. Who this helps: Patients undergoing hair loss treatment.

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This study looked at whether measuring a gas called fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) can help predict how well patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will respond to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). The researchers analyzed six relevant studies and found that in three of them, higher FeNO levels were linked to better lung function and quality of life improvements after using ICS. This is important because using FeNO could help doctors make better treatment decisions for COPD patients, leading to improved care. Who this helps: Patients with COPD.

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This research examined how different methods of using Specimen Mammography (SM) during breast-conserving surgery affect the accuracy of tumor margin analysis. Out of 40 studies reviewed, 39 did not use artificial intelligence (AI), showing wide variations in diagnostic accuracy rates—ranging from as low as 19% to as high as 91.7% for sensitivity. Improving these practices and incorporating AI could lead to more consistent and reliable results, which is crucial for patient care. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery and their doctors.

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This study looked at how childhood abuse, substance use, and brain skills like memory and decision-making affect aggressive behavior in adults. Researchers found that physical abuse during childhood significantly increases the likelihood of aggression later on, with specific impacts from drug use and difficulties in controlling impulses. Understanding these connections can help in developing early interventions for children who have experienced maltreatment to reduce aggressive behaviors in adulthood. Who this helps: This helps children who have experienced maltreatment and the professionals working with them.

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This research looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected violence-related crimes in Australia from 2017 to 2021. The study found that domestic assaults remained steady or increased during the pandemic, while non-domestic assaults decreased but quickly returned to pre-pandemic levels. Importantly, there was no evidence of a "dual pandemic" of family violence tied directly to COVID-19, although high levels of domestic violence continue to be a concern. Who this helps: This helps policymakers and social service providers looking to support victims of domestic violence.

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This study looked at why households in Saudi Arabia often consider leftover food as unwanted, which contributes to food waste. Through interviews with 28 women, the research identified four key reasons: leftover food can seem unclean because it has been touched by others, clean leftovers aren't seen as appealing compared to fresh food, people’s growing wealth makes them less inclined to eat leftovers, and social norms discourage eating homemade food outside the home. Understanding these perspectives can help develop better strategies to reduce food waste. Who this helps: This benefits households, policymakers, and organizations working to minimize food waste.

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This study looked at how well people with drug and alcohol issues think and process information, particularly comparing those who have committed violent crimes to those who haven’t. The researchers examined 190 individuals and found that violent offenders had the lowest IQ and struggled more with tasks requiring divided attention and self-control than those with non-violent offenses. This matters because understanding these cognitive challenges can help tailor addiction and violence treatment programs to better meet the needs of these individuals. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with addiction and their treatment providers.

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This study examined how the size of bars and clubs in central Melbourne influences the number of violent incidents that happen inside them. Researchers found that larger venues, specifically those that can hold between 501 and 1000 people, are 6.1 times more likely to have assaults compared to smaller venues that hold fewer than 100. Additionally, for each extra hour these venues serve alcohol during high-risk late-night hours, assaults increase by 72%. These findings highlight the need for better management and regulation of larger venues to help reduce violence. Who this helps: This helps local authorities, venue managers, and communities aiming to create safer nightlife environments.

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This study looked at how the use of technology at home impacts the school performance of students aged 4 to 18. Researchers analyzed data from 714 students and found that having access to technology and using it at home doesn’t significantly affect academic performance, even after considering factors like family income and parents' education. Although some small positive and negative effects were noted, overall, increased technology use at home isn't likely to harm students' learning, which is especially important as more families rely on technology for education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Who this helps: This benefits parents and educators by providing reassurance about technology use in learning.

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This study looked at how a street service care program in Cairns, Australia, affected incidents of violence and the use of emergency services during times when alcohol consumption is high. After the program started, serious assaults went down by about 1.66 per month, showing that having this service in place may help reduce violent incidents. This is important because it suggests that providing support to vulnerable people in nightlife areas can lead to safer environments for everyone. Who this helps: This benefits community members, nightlife patrons, and emergency service workers.

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This study looked at new types of medications that target the mTOR pathway, which is linked to epilepsy and other disorders. In experiments with mice, a new drug called PQR620 showed a temporary reduction in seizures in one type of epilepsy model, while all the studied drugs, including PQR620, effectively reduced seizures in a model of tuberous sclerosis complex. These findings matter because the new drugs are easier for the body to tolerate compared to current treatments, which could improve options for patients with related conditions. Who this helps: Patients with epilepsy, particularly those with tuberous sclerosis complex.

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This study explored how managing chronic diseases, specifically type-1 diabetes, impacts the everyday lives of young people. Researchers interviewed 25 teenagers in London and found that the technology and routines required for diabetes management often clash with their social activities, leading to feelings of being left out and the need to sacrifice either their health or social interactions. This matters because finding ways to better integrate disease management with daily life could improve the overall well-being of these young individuals. Who this helps: This helps teenagers with chronic illnesses and their families.

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This study looked at how patients with mild to moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) feel about stopping inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), which are often prescribed outside of recommended guidelines. Researchers interviewed 17 patients and found that many did not know they were using ICS, or that these medications were meant to prevent worsening symptoms and could have side effects. Most patients were open to trying to stop or reduce their ICS use if their doctor explained the reasons for it clearly. Who this helps: This information benefits COPD patients and their doctors, helping to improve communication about medication use.

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This research looked at how integrating walking into people's daily routines can help them be more active without needing to change their schedules. It found that by raising awareness about everyday walking—like the walking done during shopping or commuting—people can naturally increase their activity levels. However, the study also noted that using technology to track walking can lead to negative feelings if people focus too much on just the exercise aspect of walking, rather than its broader benefits. Who this helps: This helps patients and individuals looking to improve their health through everyday activities.

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This study looked at whether smartphone apps that give feedback on physical activity can encourage young men to walk more. Out of 165 participants, those who received individual feedback about their step counts walked 60% more, and those who received social feedback compared to others walked 69% more compared to a group that got no feedback at all. Most importantly, providing feedback, whether personal or social, made a significant difference in how much these men moved. Who this helps: This helps inactive young men who need motivation to increase their physical activity.

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This article examines the importance of teaching ethics in Operational Research courses focused on health studies, particularly those that review health records. It points out challenges like getting all involved parties to participate, keeping patient information private, and ensuring everyone gets credit for their work. The authors stress that ethics is crucial for producing reliable research that respects patients' rights and privacy. Who this helps: This benefits patients and researchers by promoting ethical standards in health studies.

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This study examined a woman who got a second-degree burn on her chest from using a heated mustard compress, which she applied as a natural treatment for pneumonia. Three days later, the burn developed severe skin darkening and thick scarring. This is important because it highlights the risks of using heated substances on the skin, showing that they can lead to lasting skin changes. Who this helps: This helps patients considering alternative treatments and their healthcare providers by raising awareness of potential dangers.