Bryan W Heckman

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This study looked at how a hormone called glucagon affects lifespan and health differently in male and female mice. Researchers found that while male mice without glucagon receptors lived normally, female mice lived significantly shorter lives—about 30% less—despite showing better metabolic health, like lower body weight and improved insulin sensitivity. This loss of lifespan in female mice was linked to increased inflammation in their bodies, highlighting a complex relationship between metabolic health and longevity. Who this helps: This research helps scientists understand sex-specific health issues that could affect female patients.

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Researchers studied a long-acting injectable treatment for adolescents with HIV-1, specifically cabotegravir and rilpivirine, over 48 weeks. Out of 144 participants, 140 completed the study, and an impressive 100% of those surveyed preferred injections over oral medication, with 97% reporting satisfaction with the treatment. While some reported more pain with one of the injections (rilpivirine) compared to the other (cabotegravir), overall quality of life remained high throughout the study. Who this helps: This helps adolescents with HIV-1 and their families by providing a more convenient and effective treatment option.

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This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of a new injectable treatment for HIV in adolescents aged 12-18 who were already managing the virus effectively with another medication. Out of 139 participants, 15 (11%) experienced serious side effects, but none had severe reactions related to the drug that caused them to stop treatment. The results show that this new treatment is safe for young people, meaning they can receive their medications less frequently, improving their quality of life. Who this helps: This benefits adolescents with HIV and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of a new treatment for children with HIV, using a combination of three drugs: abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine. After 48 weeks, 54 out of 55 children on the treatment maintained low levels of the virus, and their overall health remained stable with a positive increase in body mass. The treatment was generally safe, with only a few reported side effects, making it a promising option for children living with HIV. Who this helps: This helps children with HIV and their doctors.

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This study looked at how to improve HIV care in Nashville by incorporating trauma-informed care, which recognizes the impact of psychological trauma on health. Researchers found that there were few trauma screenings and services available, and they identified key areas for improvement, such as better communication and support for healthcare staff. The findings highlight the need for culturally responsive care that addresses both patient needs and the wellness of healthcare workers. Who this helps: This helps patients with HIV and the healthcare providers who serve them.

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This study looked at the safety of a medication called tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in women living with HIV who were breastfeeding. Researchers found that women taking TDF experienced some decrease in kidney function during the postpartum period, with a decrease in creatinine clearance of about 11.4 mL/min at six weeks, but these changes were not clinically significant by the end of the study. The findings are important because they show that TDF is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers and does not pose a serious risk to their kidney health. Who this helps: This helps breastfeeding mothers living with HIV and their healthcare providers.

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The study evaluates whether a new drug called delamanid can effectively prevent active tuberculosis in high-risk household contacts of patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Specifically, the trial is comparing delamanid to the standard treatment, isoniazid, over a period of 96 weeks, aiming to reduce the number of household contacts who develop TB from 5% to 2.5%. This research is important because as fluoroquinolone-resistant TB cases rise, finding effective treatment options is crucial to protect vulnerable populations. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families who are at risk of developing tuberculosis.

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This study looked at the safety and how the body processes two new long-acting HIV treatments, cabotegravir and rilpivirine, in teenagers aged 12 to 17 who already have controlled HIV. Researchers found that 97% of the adolescents on cabotegravir and 91% on rilpivirine experienced some side effects, with injection site pain being the most common. Importantly, these treatments showed drug levels similar to those observed in adults, suggesting they could be effectively used for young people as well. Who this helps: This research benefits adolescents with HIV by providing them with effective long-acting treatment options.

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This study looked at how acceptable and tolerable long-acting injectable treatments, cabotegravir and rilpivirine, are for adolescents aged 12-17 living with HIV-1. Out of 55 adolescents, 83% reported little to no pain from the injections after four weeks, and 73% felt similarly after eight weeks, showing these treatments are easy to handle. This is significant because it shows that long-acting injectable options might be good choices for adolescents, potentially improving their treatment experience and adherence. Who this helps: Adolescents living with HIV.

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This study focused on creating and testing a new scale called the Intentions to Co-Use Alcohol and Opioids (ICAO) to help identify people at risk for using alcohol and opioids together, which can be dangerous. Researchers surveyed 261 people with chronic pain who recently drank alcohol and had a prescription for opioid medications. They found that the ICAO was reliable and could help spot individuals who might misuse both substances, which is important for preventing serious health issues like overdose. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic pain who are using alcohol and opioids, as well as their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how pain influences people’s use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes over a period of time. Researchers found that adults with moderate or severe pain were nearly twice as likely to use e-cigarettes and cigarettes compared to those without pain, highlighting that pain is a significant factor in starting and continuing to use these products. Understanding this connection is important because it suggests that people dealing with both nicotine addiction and pain may need special treatment that addresses both issues together. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with pain and nicotine addiction, especially women.

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This study looked at how pain and menthol cigarette use affect nicotine dependence in Black adults who smoke. Researchers found that those experiencing moderate to severe pain had higher nicotine dependence scores compared to those with no or low pain, with a significant difference marked by a p-value of less than .001. Additionally, menthol smokers with moderate to severe pain reported greater cravings and tolerance than non-menthol smokers with low pain. This matters because it highlights the need for targeted support for Black smokers dealing with pain, which could lead to better approaches in treating nicotine dependence. Who this helps: Patients dealing with pain and nicotine dependence, particularly Black adults who smoke.

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This study looked at how well young people living with HIV stick to their medication schedules using an electronic monitoring device over 48 weeks. Researchers found that out of 85 participants, those who had little to no interaction with the device and those who felt panic when making decisions were more likely to have poor adherence. Specifically, 27% of the participants showed consistently high adherence while 34% fell into the worst category, where they used the device the least. Understanding these patterns is important because it can help create better support and interventions for young people with HIV to improve their treatment outcomes. Who this helps: This research benefits youth living with HIV and the healthcare providers working to support them.

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This study looked at factors that influence whether people living with someone who has drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) get infected with or develop active TB themselves. Out of 686 household contacts tested, 471 (about 69%) had evidence of TB infection, while 46 (about 6.5%) were diagnosed with active TB disease. The findings highlight specific risk factors, like age, smoking habits, a history of TB treatment, and living conditions, which can help health workers focus their efforts on those at greater risk. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers identify and manage those at risk for tuberculosis.

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This study looked at a combination of three HIV medications—abacavir, dolutegravir, and lamivudine—in children under 12 years old to see how they work, how safe they are, and whether children can tolerate them. Researchers found that all dosing levels were effective, with 95% of the 57 participants who were already on treatment remaining virus-free through 24 weeks, and two out of three new patients showed improvements as well. This matters because it confirms that these medications can be safely used in young children, making it easier to treat HIV in this age group. Who this helps: This benefits children with HIV and their families.

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This study looked at how the food people eat and access affects their health, especially regarding obesity in the U.S. It found that many people, particularly in underserved communities, face challenges in getting nutritious food due to policies and infrastructure that have been in place for decades. By suggesting ways to improve community food access and quality, this research aims to create fairer health outcomes for everyone. Who this helps: This helps patients and communities struggling with food insecurity.

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This study looked at how to improve HIV care in Nashville, Tennessee, by incorporating trauma-informed care, which recognizes the impact of past trauma on health. Researchers found that many healthcare providers were not screening for trauma or offering trauma-related services, even though they recognized the importance of being sensitive to patient experiences. Four key recommendations were made, including better communication systems, wellness programs for staff, regular evaluations of practices, and initiatives for culturally responsive care. Who this helps: This benefits patients with HIV, especially those who have experienced trauma, healthcare providers, and community organizations.

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This study looked at how workplace rules about e-cigarette use affect how much e-liquid smokers buy. It found that when e-cigarette use was allowed at work, people bought more e-liquid—about 10% more on average—regardless of the nicotine strength. However, the demand for regular cigarettes stayed the same. This matters because workplaces that permit e-cigarette use may see an increase in e-liquid purchases, which could impact smoking habits and health policies. Who this helps: This helps employers, policymakers, and health advocates managing smoking regulations.

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This study looked at the types of nicotine vaping products (NVPs) used by vapers in Australia, Canada, England, and the USA in 2016 and 2018. It found that 80% of vapers stuck with the same device and nicotine level over 18 months, with box-tank devices being the most popular choice at 37.3%. The research shows that different laws in each country influence which vaping products people choose, helping understand consumer behavior in vaping. Who this helps: This helps vapers, public health officials, and policymakers.

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This study looked at how people's views on the future affect their ability to quit smoking. Researchers surveyed over 5,000 daily smokers from the USA, Canada, England, and Australia and found that being focused on future goals helped people try to quit, while being easily distracted by present needs made them more likely to relapse. Specifically, those with a strong focus on the future were 1.5 times more likely to attempt quitting but had a lower success rate, while those who had a high tendency to prefer immediate rewards were more likely to relapse. Who this helps: This research can help smokers looking to quit and the healthcare professionals supporting them.

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This study focused on improving how devices measure blood oxygen levels, especially for people with darker skin tones, using a new system called OptoBeat. Researchers found that traditional pulse oximeters often provide inaccurate readings based on skin tone, but OptoBeat can measure blood oxygen levels accurately—within 1% of true values—even as low as 75%. This is significant because it helps ensure that all patients receive better and fairer health monitoring regardless of their skin tone. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those with darker skin, by providing more accurate blood oxygen measurements.

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This study looked at a program designed to help young people living with HIV take their medication more regularly using remote coaching and electronic monitoring. The results showed that those who participated in the program opened their medication reminders 72% of the time compared to only 41% for those who received standard care, and they had fewer gaps in taking their doses. However, this improvement in adherence did not lead to better viral suppression rates, with both groups achieving similar levels (around 35% for the coaching group and 36% for the standard care group). Who this helps: This benefits young people living with HIV who need support to stay on their medication.

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This study investigated the kidney health of pregnant women and their babies who were treated with an HIV medication called tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), compared to other standard treatments. In a group of over 3,500 pregnant women, those on TDF had slightly lower kidney function at delivery (with a measurement of about 147 mL/min) compared to other treatments, but this difference wasn't considered significant and there were no serious safety issues for mothers or infants. These findings are important because they indicate that TDF is safe for use during pregnancy, which can help prevent HIV transmission to babies. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women with HIV and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how vaping product bans affect people's choices to buy from illegal sources in the USA, Canada, and England. Researchers found that up to 79% of e-cigarette users turned to illegal purchases when faced with vaping restrictions. For instance, e-cigarette users in England had an astonishing 1,722 times higher chance of buying illegally compared to smokers in more restrictive conditions. Who this helps: This research benefits public health officials and policymakers by highlighting the unintended consequences of vaping bans.

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This study looked at the costs of vaping compared to smoking cigarettes by analyzing data from a 2016 survey in four countries. It found that disposable vaping products are usually more expensive than cigarettes in England, the USA, and Canada, and that start-up costs for rechargeable vaping devices are 3-5 times higher than a pack of cigarettes. However, refills like cartridges and e-liquids are generally cheaper than buying cigarettes, which could make vaping a more appealing option for smokers in the long run, as long as they fully switch to vaping. Who this helps: This helps smokers looking for a less expensive alternative to cigarettes.

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This study looked at how pain affects smokers trying to quit. It found that smokers with pain are less likely to start quitting, more likely to start smoking again, and they are less successful in staying smoke-free: only 24% of those with pain managed to stay smoke-free for a week after quitting, compared to 34% of those without pain. This is important because it shows that pain can make it harder for smokers to quit, highlighting the need for support specifically designed for those who deal with both chronic pain and smoking addiction. Who this helps: This helps smokers with chronic pain and the healthcare providers supporting them.

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This study looked at whether cigarette companies could have made very low nicotine cigarettes (VLNCs) earlier and the potential health benefits of doing so. The researchers found that if VLNCs had been introduced in 1965, it could have prevented 21 million smoking-related deaths and saved 272 million life-years over nearly a century. This matters because lowering nicotine levels could greatly reduce smoking, leading to better public health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially current and future smokers, by promoting healthier choices and reducing smoking-related diseases.

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The study looked at how bans on vaping products affect people's likelihood to buy illegal vaping products. It found that when vaping products were banned, people were more likely to purchase from illegal sources; specifically, e-cigarette users showed a higher preference for buying these banned products. The research also showed that increasing financial penalties for illegal purchases reduced the likelihood of buying from illegal markets, especially for e-cigarette users. Who this helps: This benefits policymakers and public health officials aiming to regulate smoking and vaping habits.

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This study looked at young people with HIV in the United States to understand why many have high levels of the virus in their bodies (over 5000 copies/mL). They found that 48% of the 87 participants had these high levels, and issues like depression, alcohol use, and stigma were linked to both high viral loads and struggles with sticking to their treatment plans. Understanding these connections is important to create better support and services for young people living with HIV. Who this helps: This helps youth living with HIV, healthcare providers, and support organizations.

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This study looked at how trying e-cigarettes affects people's dependence on regular cigarettes. It found that smokers who received e-cigarettes for three weeks reported lower levels of dependence and were willing to spend less on cigarettes after using them. Specifically, those using e-cigarettes showed significant drops in their smoking dependence scores compared to those who did not receive e-cigarettes. Who this helps: This helps current smokers looking to reduce their dependence on traditional cigarettes.

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This study looked at how increasing taxes on cigarettes and providing subsidies for e-liquids (used in e-cigarettes) affected people's choices between these products. The researchers found that when cigarette taxes were raised, the demand for cigarettes decreased, and more people turned to e-liquids as an alternative. For example, e-liquids became a significant substitute for cigarettes in all tested conditions, showing that higher taxes and subsidies can help shift consumer behavior towards less harmful products. Who this helps: This benefits smokers looking for less harmful options, public health officials, and policymakers.

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This study looked at how the mix of two ingredients in e-liquids, propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), affects smokers who are trying electronic cigarettes for the first time. Researchers found that while smokers reported a stronger "throat hit" with a higher PG concentration, the overall differences in preference and use between the different PG/VG blends were very small. This means that the specific mix of these two ingredients doesn't significantly change how much smokers enjoy or want to use e-cigarettes. Who this helps: This research helps smokers considering switching to e-cigarettes.

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The study focused on how pain affects the use of e-cigarettes and other nicotine products among smokers. It found that smokers experiencing significant pain in the past two weeks were three times more likely to use e-cigarettes and had tried many more nicotine products, including being four times more likely to have tried e-cigarettes and seven times more likely to have tried cigars. This matters because it highlights the link between pain and increased nicotine product use, which can inform smoking cessation strategies and support for pain management. Who this helps: This helps patients who smoke and experience chronic pain.

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This study looked at how different types of pain affect smokers trying to quit, particularly focusing on how pain persistence and disability relate to nicotine withdrawal and the likelihood of relapsing. Out of 120 participants, those with ongoing pain reported worse withdrawal symptoms and were quicker to start smoking again, regardless of whether they had been without nicotine for 12 hours. This matters because understanding the relationship between pain and smoking cessation can help develop better support strategies for people who struggle to quit smoking while dealing with pain. Who this helps: This helps smokers who experience chronic pain and need tailored support to quit.

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This study looked at seven men aged 17 to 39 with cystic fibrosis who experienced testicular pain after starting a new medication called elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (Trikafta). They all reported this pain within two weeks of beginning the treatment, but it generally went away within a week, except for one case. Understanding this side effect matters because it could affect fertility for those treated with this medication, prompting the need for more research and offering advice about contraceptive options for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with cystic fibrosis and their doctors.

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This study looked at how certain health problems and worries about smoking-related health effects influence people's efforts to quit smoking. They found that 44.4% of smokers tried to quit and 36.8% succeeded, with worries about health effects increasing the likelihood of making a quit attempt. However, having serious health conditions often made it harder for people to succeed in quitting, indicating a need for better support for those with health issues. Who this helps: Patients trying to quit smoking, especially those with chronic health conditions.

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This study looked at how feeling tired or worn out from trying to quit smoking (called cessation fatigue) affects how long people can stay smoke-free. It found that people who had quit smoking for less than six months felt the most fatigue, while those who stayed smoke-free for at least seven months or even two years reported much lower levels of fatigue. This matters because understanding the relationship between cessation fatigue and quitting duration can help improve support for people who want to stop smoking. Who this helps: This helps former smokers and those looking to quit.

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This study focused on how a survey about smoking and vaping was conducted in Australia, Canada, England, and the United States in 2016. It included 1504 smokers from Australia, 3006 from Canada, 3773 from England, and 2239 from the US, along with additional vapers from Canada, England, and the US. The findings are important because they help researchers understand the use of cigarettes and vaping products in different countries with varying tobacco regulations. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and policymakers working on tobacco control.

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This study looked at how often health professionals talked with smokers about using nicotine vaping products (NVPs) to help them quit smoking. Out of over 6,600 smokers surveyed, only 6.8% discussed NVPs with a health professional, and just 2.1% were actually encouraged to use them. The findings show that discussions about vaping were rare, especially in Australia, where health professionals were about three times less likely to recommend NVPs compared to those in the United States. Who this helps: This information is useful for smokers looking to quit, as well as health professionals advising them.

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This study looked at how the availability of vaping products and local regulations affect the demand for cigarettes in Australia, Canada, England, and the United States. Researchers surveyed over 10,300 adult smokers, finding that non-daily smokers who vape tended to want more cigarettes (higher demand) but were less responsive to price changes than non-vapers. In Australia, non-daily smokers showed the highest craving for cigarettes, while the overall demand was similar across the other countries. Who this helps: This research helps policymakers, healthcare providers, and individuals concerned about smoking and vaping habits.

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This study looked at how well adult daily smokers can handle distress and how that affects their urge to smoke when they’ve been abstaining for at least six hours. Researchers tested 106 smokers and found that those with lower distress tolerance were more likely to smoke sooner, reported more severe withdrawal symptoms, and had less motivation to quit. For example, the time until they decided to smoke ranged from 0 to 50 minutes, and lower distress tolerance was linked to greater cravings and negative feelings. Who this helps: This research benefits smokers trying to quit and healthcare providers developing support strategies.

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This study looked at how the prices of cigarettes and vaping products, along with rules about where you can use them, affect people's vaping habits in the United States. It found that when vaping is allowed in smoke-free areas, the likelihood of people vaping increases by 17%, and 11% more people are likely to both vape and smoke. However, when the price of vaping products goes up, people use them less often, and rules that ban vaping in certain spaces also lead to fewer people vaping. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and policymakers who aim to regulate smoking and vaping.

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This study looked at where people who use vaping products, or "vapers," buy their supplies in four countries: Canada, the United States, England, and Australia. It found that 41.4% of vapers bought their supplies from vape shops, 27.5% purchased online, and 31.1% used other retail locations, with specific buying trends influenced by local regulations. For example, in Australia, vapers were much more likely to buy online compared to those in Canada, the US, and England due to stricter rules about selling nicotine products. Who this helps: This research helps vapers who need to understand where they can buy their supplies based on the laws in their country.

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This study looked at the types of nicotine vaping products (NVPs) used by vapers in Australia, Canada, England, and the United States in 2016. It found that refillable devices were the most popular, especially among daily users, with 36.8% of Australian users favoring box-shaped devices, while 47.4% of English users preferred pen-style devices. Most users opted for flavored products, with fruit being the most common flavor, and many reported using products that contained nicotine, even in countries where this was illegal. Who this helps: This information benefits public health officials and regulators looking to understand vaping trends and address safety concerns.

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This study examined how people use both cigarettes and vaping products, classifying them into eight different groups based on how often they smoke or vape. The research found that 10.8% of participants used both products, with more than half of those being daily smokers who vaped less frequently. This classification can help better understand vaping and smoking behaviors, especially since daily users showed different attitudes and quit intentions compared to occasional users. Who this helps: Patients who smoke or vape, as well as healthcare professionals managing their care.

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The study looked at how many people allow smoking and vaping in their homes and how their beliefs about the harms of second-hand smoke versus second-hand vapor influence these rules. It found that 37.4% of smokers allowed smoking indoors, while 60.4% of vapers allowed vaping inside. People who believed second-hand vapor is less harmful than second-hand smoke were more likely to permit vaping in their homes, and other factors like daily vaping and living with a spouse who vapes also played a role. Who this helps: This helps patients who smoke or vape and their families by highlighting the impact of beliefs and living situations on smoking and vaping rules at home.

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This study looked at how people in the Netherlands use cannabis and tobacco together, especially since cannabis is legal there. They found that 5.8% of current cigarette smokers used cannabis in the past month compared to 3.5% of former smokers and just 1.9% of non-smokers. Most people preferred smoking cannabis in joints, and many mixed cannabis with tobacco, which can pose health risks, especially for non-smokers who may not realize they are exposed to nicotine. Who this helps: This research benefits patients and healthcare providers by highlighting the risks of combined tobacco and cannabis use.

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This study investigates a new coaching program called Triggered Escalating Real-Time Adherence (TERA) aimed at helping young people aged 13-24 living with HIV to stick to their treatment and achieve viral suppression, meaning their viral load would be low enough to not transmit the virus. The program includes remote coaching sessions and text reminders to encourage treatment adherence over 48 weeks, compared to standard care. The goal is to see if TERA can achieve better viral suppression rates measured by having fewer than 200 and fewer than 50 copies of the virus in the blood. Who this helps: This benefits young people living with HIV who struggle to follow their treatment plans.