Stanley Kam Ki Lam

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This study translated a tool called the Psy-Flex, which measures psychological flexibility, into Chinese for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and tested its reliability. The results showed that the Chinese version, called Psy-Flex-C, is a strong and trustworthy tool, with a high internal consistency score of 0.84 and a very strong test-retest reliability score of 0.88. Additionally, parents with high parenting stress had significantly lower scores on the Psy-Flex-C, indicating that the scale effectively reflects the challenges parents face. Who this helps: This helps parents of children with autism.

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This study looked at whether people with complex PTSD have low self-compassion, examining 995 women from both Western and non-Western countries. The findings showed that those with complex PTSD had significantly lower levels of self-compassion compared to those with regular PTSD and those without PTSD, indicating that this is true across different cultures. These results highlight the importance of including self-compassion techniques in the treatment of complex PTSD to help improve outcomes for these patients. Who this helps: Patients with complex PTSD.

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This study looked at symptoms of functional neurological issues among college students from the Philippines, Turkey, Malaysia, and Taiwan, finding that between 50% and 74% also had symptoms of dissociation—meaning their brain might be affecting their body in stressful ways. Specifically, in three of the four groups studied, dissociative symptoms were the strongest link to functional neurological symptoms, with a significant range of statistical measures showing strong correlation. These findings suggest that classifying these neurological symptoms as possibly related to dissociative disorders could improve diagnosis and treatment in the future. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing functional neurological symptoms and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a new scale called the Preference to Avoid Self-Experiences (PASE), which measures how much people tend to avoid their own feelings and thoughts, especially in the context of trauma. Researchers tested the scale on nearly 1,000 women from over 25 countries and found that it is effective in identifying relationships between avoidance and symptoms of PTSD and complex PTSD. Specifically, the PASE scale showed strong links to PTSD (33% correlation), dissociation (39%), and disturbances in self-organization (43%), highlighting its importance in understanding trauma-related mental health issues. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with PTSD and mental health professionals who work with trauma survivors.

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This study looked at how childhood trauma affects depression in young adults aged 18 to 24, focusing on whether being satisfied in their careers can help reduce depressive symptoms. Researchers found that childhood trauma increased depressive symptoms significantly, and those with low career satisfaction experienced even higher depression levels. This means that having a fulfilling job can provide some protection against the negative effects of childhood trauma on mental health. Who this helps: This helps young adults who have experienced childhood trauma.

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This study looked at how certain imaging features from scans can predict how well patients with RAS-mutated colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver will respond to chemotherapy that includes bevacizumab. The researchers analyzed images from 73 patients and found that features from the area surrounding the tumor were key indicators of treatment response, achieving a performance score of about 72% in their predictions. This is important because it can help doctors identify which patients are more likely to benefit from this type of chemotherapy, potentially leading to more personalized treatment plans. Who this helps: Patients with RAS-mutated colorectal cancer and their doctors.

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This research looked at how increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) levels affect grasslands, which are important for wildlife and food production. The findings showed that while grasslands could grow more (10% increase in productivity), the nitrogen content in leaves would drop by 8%. This means that by 2050, grasslands could yield an extra 2.1 million tonnes of nitrogen annually, saving around $158 billion in health and environmental costs through improved nitrogen efficiency and reduced pollution. Who this helps: This benefits farmers and environmentalists by promoting better land management practices.

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This study tested a new AI model that uses different types of ultrasound images to identify risky carotid plaques in patients, which can lead to strokes. Researchers analyzed images from 241 patients and found that their best model, called the VGG-RF model, was very effective, with a performance score of 0.908, meaning it correctly identified vulnerable plaques 90.8% of the time. This is important because early detection of these plaques can help prevent strokes. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of stroke and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how complex PTSD (CPTSD) and dissociation relate to each other in women from Western and South Asian cultures. The researchers found that a significant number of participants with CPTSD also experienced dissociative symptoms—71.7% to 84.2%—and those with dissociative symptoms were likely to have PTSD 70% to 72.3% of the time. The results show that dissociation may lead to increased PTSD symptoms over time, making it important for doctors to consider dissociative symptoms when treating PTSD. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from PTSD and their healthcare providers by improving treatment approaches.

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This study focused on improving the way doctors use ultrasound images to identify parts of the brain affected by Parkinson's Disease. Researchers tested a computer model called nnU-Net and found that it was able to accurately and quickly segment the midbrain, achieving an impressive accuracy score of 0.910 out of 1.0 on a common measurement, compared to other models. This matters because it could make the process of diagnosing Parkinson's Disease much faster and less biased, improving care for patients. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients with Parkinson's Disease.

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This study examined how to predict severe oral mucositis, a painful side effect experienced by patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma undergoing radiotherapy. Researchers developed two prediction models using different data types and found that the model combining clinical information along with advanced imaging and dosage data was more effective, achieving prediction scores of 0.67 and 0.65 compared to the conventional model's scores of 0.63 and 0.56. This is important because it can lead to better prevention and management strategies, improving the quality of life for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma undergoing treatment.

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This study focused on how brain activity changes as people age, particularly looking at a type of brain signal called "aperiodic neural activity." Researchers examined data from 101 individuals aged between 6 and 54 years and found that as people grow older, the brain shows less "noise" in its activity, which is linked to better attention and memory abilities, especially during tasks. Specifically, older adults showed improved brain activity patterns related to cognitive control, which helps explain why memory performance improves with age. Who this helps: This research benefits patients, particularly children and adolescents, by providing insights into brain development related to attention and memory.

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This study focused on how weight loss during treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (a type of throat cancer) can affect patient outcomes. Researchers developed a scoring system, the Weight Censorial Score (WCS), to compare expected and actual weight loss in 315 patients. They found that patients who lost more weight than expected had worse survival rates and did not benefit from additional chemotherapy, while those who lost less weight than expected may receive significant benefits from further treatment. Who this helps: This helps doctors identify which patients might be at greater risk after treatment and could adjust their care plans accordingly.

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This study looked at how warming changes the nitrogen and carbon cycles in grasslands, which are important for supporting life on Earth. Researchers found that as temperatures rise, grasslands might produce 1% to 9% more plant growth, but they could also lose significantly more nitrogen to the environment—up to 141% more. By 2050, they expect an extra 17 million tons of nitrogen annually, which could lead to pollution problems unless effective management strategies are implemented to balance gains in plant growth with the reduction of nitrogen loss. Who this helps: This research benefits environmental scientists, farmers, and policy makers focused on sustainable agriculture and climate change.

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This study looked at how complex PTSD symptoms, dissociation, and psychotic symptoms are related over time in two different groups of people. Researchers found that, in one group of 214 Chinese-speaking adults, dissociative symptoms predicted issues with psychotic symptoms after six months. However, in another group of 301 English-speaking adults, there were no clear relationships found between these symptoms over a year. Recognizing and treating dissociative symptoms might be crucial for preventing or reducing symptoms of PTSD. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with PTSD and related symptoms, as well as mental health professionals treating them.

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This study looked at how well different types of aphids spread Yellow Dwarf Viruses (YDVs), which can hurt cereal crop yields. They found that while all four tested aphids could spread two common viruses at similar rates, the corn leaf aphid was much better at transmitting a newer virus called barley virus G, at 63%, compared to just 7% reported in previous studies. Understanding how these viruses spread helps farmers manage their crops effectively. Who this helps: This helps farmers and agricultural scientists.

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This study looked at how changes in body weight during treatment affect the health of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients undergoing radiotherapy. Researchers found that a new method, called the Predicted Progression Probability (PPP), was effective in predicting disease progression based on weekly body weight records, with success rates of 76% for those with 7 weeks of data. This matters because it helps doctors identify which patients will benefit from additional chemotherapy and can indicate the likelihood of remaining cancer-free after treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and their doctors.

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This study examined how childhood trauma relates to Internet gaming disorder (IGD) in young adults. Researchers found that symptoms of IGD were linked to non-betrayal trauma from childhood and interpersonal stress, but not to betrayal trauma. These findings highlight the need for protecting children and providing early support to help prevent gaming addiction. Who this helps: This helps children and young adults who may be at risk for gaming addiction.

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This study looked at how much folic acid Hispanic women of reproductive age in the U.S. consume, particularly before and after a change in food fortification laws. It found that before the change, Hispanic women consumed more dietary folic acid (406-456 micrograms daily) than non-Hispanic white women (349 micrograms daily), but when including supplements, their total intake was lower (244 micrograms versus 332 micrograms). Despite the changes in fortification, there was no significant improvement in their folic acid intake or a reduction in birth defects related to insufficient folic acid, as rates of these defects remained similar between Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women. Who this helps: This research is beneficial for healthcare providers and policymakers aimed at improving maternal health among Hispanic women.

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This study looked at how self-criticism and self-compassion affect mental health over time in a group of people. Researchers tracked 412 participants, finding that those who practiced self-compassion and had psychological flexibility—meaning they could adapt their thoughts and feelings—tended to have lower levels of self-criticism and better mental health. For example, after a year, 28% of the original participants were still involved, and the data confirmed connections showing that self-compassion and flexibility help reduce negative self-judgment. Who this helps: This research benefits patients dealing with anxiety, stress, and self-criticism, as well as mental health professionals looking for effective treatment strategies.

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This study looked at how a substance called complement 5a (C5a) affects bone loss after a heart attack in mice. The researchers found that mice experienced the most bone loss seven days after the heart attack, especially in certain parts of their spine and femur. Interestingly, while one type of mouse with low C5a levels showed differences in bone structure, C5a didn't seem to directly cause the bone loss after the heart attack. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and scientists studying heart attacks and bone health.

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This study examined 995 women receiving mental health services to explore the connection between physical symptoms and trauma-related issues, like PTSD. The researchers found that over half of the women (54.9%) reported significant physical symptoms, and those with higher symptom levels were more likely to have PTSD (62.6% versus 28.3%) and dissociative symptoms (61.5% versus 16.0%). This research highlights the importance of recognizing trauma in women with physical complaints, suggesting that better screening and treatment could improve their care. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly women experiencing mental health issues related to trauma.

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This study looked at various methods used to measure sarcopenia, a condition in older adults that involves loss of muscle mass and strength. Researchers reviewed 51 studies comparing five different technologies: MRI, CT, ultrasound, DXA, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). They found that methods within the same category had stronger correlations (like MRI and CT, which had a correlation of 0.978) compared to those between different categories (like BIA and ultrasound, with a correlation of only 0.463). Understanding these measurements and their correlations is important because it can help researchers and clinicians choose the best technology for assessing sarcopenia, ultimately improving patient care. Who this helps: Patients and doctors involved in the care of older adults.

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This study looked at a new wearable device that measures how well cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts are working in patients with hydrocephalus, a condition where excess fluid builds up in the brain. The device accurately identified cases of complete shunt failure 88.9% of the time, which means it can help doctors know when a shunt is not working effectively. This is important because it can lead to faster and more accurate diagnoses, potentially preventing complications for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with hydrocephalus and their doctors by providing a reliable way to check shunt function.

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This study looked at a 13-year-old boy with a large aneurysm (a weak area in a blood vessel) in his brain. After a surgery that connected a nearby artery to the affected area, doctors found that the aneurysm had nearly completely clotted after three months, meaning it was no longer a danger, and the boy could continue living normally without needing further treatment. This is significant because it shows that this type of surgery can effectively treat complex brain aneurysms in children without extra steps. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients with complicated brain aneurysms.

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This study examined how certain cells in lung tumors, called cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), contribute to the spread of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to nearby lymph nodes. Researchers found that when CAFs were present, there was an increase in collagen production and metastasis to these lymph nodes. Specifically, treatment with the drug ABT-199 significantly reduced both the collagen buildup and the number of metastases after eight weeks, showing this approach may help limit cancer spread. Who this helps: This benefits patients with non-small cell lung cancer by potentially improving treatment options.

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This study focused on a gene called LRRK2, which is linked to Parkinson's disease, in a type of brain cell known as SH-SY5Y cells. The researchers successfully used a technique called CRISPR/Cas9 to completely remove LRRK2 from these cells, achieving an effective knockout rate verified through various tests. This is important because understanding how low-expression genes like LRRK2 affect disease could lead to better insights into Parkinson's disease and potential treatments. Who this helps: Patients with Parkinson's disease and researchers studying its mechanisms.

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This study looked at how well the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) works over time in Hong Kong adults. Researchers tested the Traditional Chinese version of this checklist with 412 participants at the start, 232 after some time, and 132 later on, finding that the checklist consistently produced reliable results and measured PTSD symptoms effectively. Specifically, both a four-factor and a six-factor model of PTSD were validated, with the six-factor model performing even better. Who this helps: This research benefits mental health professionals and researchers working with patients who have PTSD.

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This study looked at how common post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD) are using new criteria from the ICD-11. It found that, in non-war affected countries like Germany and Ireland, about 2% of people had PTSD and 4% had CPTSD. In contrast, in countries affected by war, like Ukraine and Nigeria, the rates were much higher, with around 16% showing PTSD and 15% showing CPTSD. This highlights a significant need for better support and treatment for those suffering from these conditions, especially in war-torn areas. Who this helps: This helps patients affected by trauma, especially in regions impacted by conflict.

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This study looked at how to diagnose adjustment disorder—a condition where someone struggles to cope with changes or stress—among college students in Taiwan using a Chinese version of a questionnaire. Out of 766 students surveyed, 265 (34.6%) reported experiencing stress, with 5.4% meeting the criteria for adjustment disorder according to the new guidelines. This research matters because it confirms that the questionnaire is a reliable tool for identifying adjustment disorder in this population, which can help in treating students facing these challenges. Who this helps: This helps college students and mental health professionals.

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This study looked at how brain activity changes as humans age, focusing on how different parts of the brain develop over time. Researchers analyzed brain recordings from 101 children and adults, finding that as people get older, the brain shows less "noise" in certain areas, which improves memory and attention. Specifically, they found that in the prefrontal cortex, adults exhibited sharper patterns of brain activity during focused tasks, while children showed the opposite, indicating that cognitive control develops with age. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly children and young adults, by improving our understanding of how their cognitive abilities develop.

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This study looked at how to identify patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) who are suitable for adaptive radiation therapy (ART) before they start treatment. Researchers analyzed data from 305 patients, using a new deep learning method that combined medical images and clinical information. They found that their method was highly accurate, correctly predicting ART eligibility with a score of 0.9070, which means it can help doctors make better decisions faster and improve treatment outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and their doctors.

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This study looked at ways to encourage more physical activity and reduce sitting time in patients with coronary heart disease. It found that methods combining motivation and behavior change techniques increased overall physical activity time by about 34% and moderate-to-vigorous activity by about 23%. However, the research did not find any significant change in how much time these patients spent sitting. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with coronary heart disease looking to improve their health through physical activity.

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This study looked at how nonviolent communication (NVC) affects the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in young adults. Researchers found that those with higher levels of NVC behaviors experienced fewer depressive symptoms, especially if they had PTSD; for instance, when NVC behaviors were low, the connection between PTSD and depression was stronger. This is important because improving communication skills may help individuals with PTSD better manage depressive symptoms. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with PTSD and depression.

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Researchers studied a way to improve how doctors use ultrasound to assess movement disorders like Parkinson's disease by creating an automated system that selects the best video frames for analysis. They tested this approach on 1,992 ultrasound images, achieving high accuracy in identifying brain features, with scores indicating very good performance (like 85% similarity between selected and actual midbrain features). This innovation matters because it could make assessments faster and easier for doctors, especially those still learning, reducing the need for highly experienced specialists. Who this helps: This helps patients and junior doctors by making the evaluation of Parkinson's disease more efficient and accessible.

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This study looked at borderline personality disorder (BPD) in Chinese teenagers, investigating how trauma and dissociation relate to BPD symptoms. Researchers found that 9.9% of the 1,147 adolescents reported significant BPD features, with a striking 89% of these teens having experienced childhood abuse or neglect. The findings highlight a strong link between traumatic experiences and BPD symptoms, suggesting that addressing trauma is crucial for helping young people with BPD. Who this helps: This benefits adolescents with BPD and the professionals treating them.

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This study looked at a tool called the Screen for Disordered Eating (SDE) to see how well it works for identifying eating issues in university students in Taiwan. Researchers tested it on 766 students and found it reliable and valid; the SDE strongly correlated with another established questionnaire, with a correlation score of 0.664. They also found links between disordered eating and factors like being female, having symptoms of depression and anxiety, and experiencing childhood trauma. Who this helps: This helps health professionals screen for eating disorders among Chinese-speaking university students.

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This study looked at how laughter yoga could help the mood and mental health of 45 adolescents, aged 10-19, with mild intellectual or developmental disabilities. After attending 8 laughter yoga sessions, those who participated reported lower anxiety and feelings of loneliness compared to those who did not participate: on average, anxiety dropped by 32%, and loneliness decreased by 47%. This matters because it shows that laughter yoga may be a useful way to improve the overall mental health of these young people, suggesting schools could include it in their health programs. Who this helps: Adolescents with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

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This study looked at cellists who experience pain and injuries related to their playing, focusing on what ultrasound imaging can reveal about their conditions. The researchers found that the majority of the 51 cellists had severe issues, particularly in the left shoulder and hand; 98% of them were able to return to playing within three months after treatments like physical therapy and special injections. This matters because it highlights specific injuries in cellists and shows that targeted treatments can successfully help them recover. Who this helps: This benefits cellists suffering from performance-related injuries.

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Researchers studied yellow dwarf viruses (YDVs) affecting cereal crops in Australia. They identified 25 different virus genomes from plants, including five known types of barley yellow dwarf viruses and a new type that had been misidentified before. This study reveals a surprising diversity of these viruses, which is important for developing stronger, disease-resistant crops and better testing methods. Who this helps: This helps farmers and plant scientists working on crop health.

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This study looked at how different brain regions work together when we remember things from our past. Researchers found that specific brain activity, called high-frequency broadband (HFB), occurs sooner in the medial temporal lobe than in the prefrontal cortex, and this timing affects how we encode and retrieve memories. Essentially, the prefrontal cortex helps us remember by reacting to what we recall internally, while it shifts to focus on outside events when we're retrieving information, showing that memory is a complex interplay of internal thoughts and external cues. Who this helps: This benefits patients with memory disorders and researchers studying brain function.

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This study focused on improving the consistency of imaging features used to analyze oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC) by creating a database that tracks how well these features hold up against changes in CT scans. Researchers looked at data from 1,274 OPC patients and found that 470 of the imaging features were very reliable, with over 90% consistency. Using these reliable features in their models improved predictions in other patient groups and made the models work better overall. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients and doctors by providing more reliable imaging tools for diagnosis and treatment planning.

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This study looked at how many hospitalized children with cancer and their parents experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress. It found that 77.3% of parents and only 7.9% of the children reported these symptoms. Important factors that increased the chances of parents experiencing stress included having a child diagnosed less than three months ago and living in rural areas, while for children, factors like early diagnosis and low income were linked to higher stress levels. This research highlights the need for mental health support for families dealing with childhood cancer, especially those facing economic challenges. Who this helps: This helps parents of children with cancer and healthcare providers working with these families.

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This study looks at how robots can more effectively interact with people in indoor spaces, like hospitals, by predicting human movements and intentions. Researchers developed a method using special computer hardware that helps robots understand where people are and how to respond to them. They found that their approach improves the robot's ability to serve people in real time, making it more efficient in environments where space is limited. Who this helps: This benefits patients and hospital staff by enabling robots to assist with tasks and enhance care delivery.

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This research studied a new system for monitoring how elderly people sleep, focusing on their body positions. The system uses advanced technology to accurately track sleep postures in real time, which can be challenging. The researchers developed an algorithm that learned from real-time data and could classify body positions, making it easier to ensure safety during sleep. Who this helps: This benefits elderly patients and their caregivers by improving sleep safety and monitoring.

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This study looked at how childhood trauma affects dissociative symptoms, which involve disruptions in a person's sense of identity and reality, among young adults. Researchers followed young adults (146 in total) for about three months and found that over 75% of those showing severe dissociative symptoms initially continued to have these symptoms later. They discovered that experiencing childhood trauma can lead to an increase in these symptoms shortly afterward, and that feelings of self-stigma—negative feelings about oneself due to mental health issues—can make this relationship even worse. Who this helps: This benefits young adults who have experienced childhood trauma and mental health professionals working with them.

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This study examined how mindfulness affects the connection between loneliness and symptoms of depression in 220 Chinese adults. The researchers found that higher levels of mindfulness were linked to lower levels of depressive symptoms, especially for those who felt lonely. Specifically, those with low mindfulness experienced stronger depressive symptoms related to loneliness. Promoting mindfulness practices could help improve mental health in communities. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with loneliness and depression.

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This study looked at how well different AI models can identify and outline a specific muscle in older adults using ultrasound images. It analyzed data from 257 seniors in Hong Kong and found that the Automatic Segment Anything Model (AutoSAM) worked best, surpassing the other models in accuracy and reliability. This is important because it can lead to better and faster detection of sarcopenia, which affects mobility and quality of life for older adults. Who this helps: This helps healthcare professionals and older adults at risk of sarcopenia.

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This study focused on spina bifida, a birth defect affecting the spine, among Hispanic Americans. Researchers found that out of over 50,000 patients studied, about 13,200 (or 26.2%) were Hispanic American, and they often faced higher rates of the condition at birth compared to non-Hispanic whites. Key risk factors included lower maternal education, age, and income, indicating that health disparities play a significant role in the higher prevalence and serious health impacts associated with spina bifida in this group. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with spina bifida and their families, as well as healthcare providers addressing health disparities.