ANUPAMA KURUP ACHESON, MD

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This study looked at how a family history of substance use disorders and stressful life events affect the development of brain white matter in children and teenagers. Researchers found that while family history and stressful events alone didn't show strong effects at the start, those with a family history of substance issues who also faced new stressful events had lower white matter integrity over four years, specifically in 19 out of 23 brain areas. This is important because it shows that both the genetic background and life stressors together can have significant impacts on brain development in young people. Who this helps: This helps doctors and mental health professionals understand the risks for adolescents with family histories of substance use.

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This study looked at how opioid exposure during pregnancy affects brain development in fetuses during the third trimester. Researchers compared 14 fetuses exposed to opioids with 15 who were not. They found that the opioid-exposed fetuses had smaller brain volumes and other significant differences in brain structure, such as reduced surface area and sulcal depth, indicating altered brain development. Who this helps: This information is valuable for healthcare providers and expecting mothers to understand the risks of opioid use during pregnancy.

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This study examined how reliable brain imaging data is from different scanners used in the large ABCD project, which tracks the brain development of nearly 12,000 kids aged 9-10. The researchers found that the reliability of measurements related to brain structure was affected by the type of scanner used; for example, data from Siemens scanners was more reliable (with an average reliability score of 0.71 for brain connectivity) compared to GE/Philips scanners (average score of 0.46). These findings highlight the importance of ensuring high-quality data collection in brain studies, which can influence understanding of adolescent brain development. Who this helps: This helps researchers and clinicians who study brain development and seek accurate imaging data.

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This study tested a method called synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (SFS) to detect very small amounts of certain chemicals known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can be found in space and in the environment. The researchers found they could successfully detect anthracene at 23 parts per trillion and pyrene at 2.6 parts per trillion using ethanol as a solvent, showing that SFS is more sensitive than earlier techniques. This is important because it allows scientists to better track these harmful substances, which can affect health and the environment. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying pollution and environmental health.

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This study explored how the brains of miniature pigs develop during adolescence, focusing on the white matter that helps with thinking and behavior. Researchers found that as the pigs matured from weeks 14 to 28, the time it took for their brains to respond to visual stimuli decreased significantly, indicating that their brain wiring was becoming more efficient. Specifically, the latency of brain responses dropped and brain imaging showed improvements in white matter properties, confirming that the pigs are a useful model for understanding brain development and related mental health issues. Who this helps: This helps researchers and clinicians studying adolescent brain development and neuropsychiatric disorders.

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The HEALthy Brain and Child Development Study is researching how a child's surroundings during pregnancy and early life affect their brain and emotional development. Researchers are looking at various factors, such as family stress, racism, neighborhood safety, and experiences of adversity, to see how these elements impact children's growth. This is important because understanding these influences can help improve child health and well-being. Who this helps: This benefits children and families, particularly those facing social and economic challenges.

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This study looked at brain images from nearly 12,000 kids aged 9-10 to see how consistent the results are when using different MRI machines at various sites. Researchers found that the reliability of data from the brain scans was lower for certain measures, with average scores of 0.61 for brain structure and 0.76 for another measure, showing that some machines produced more reliable results than others. Specifically, machines from Siemens were much more reliable than those from GE/Philips, which is important to ensure accurate tracking of brain development. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and clinicians who study adolescent brain development and aim to ensure their findings are accurate and consistent.

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This study looked at young adults with a family history of alcohol or drug problems and compared them to those without such a history. Researchers found that those with a family history had higher white blood cell counts, which are indicators of inflammation and immune system issues. Specifically, they discovered that these individuals had about 37% more neutrophils and similar increases in monocytes, which reflect a potential risk for developing substance use disorders in the future. Who this helps: This research helps those at risk for addiction due to family history, as well as healthcare providers identifying early signs of potential substance use problems.

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This study looked at the brain development of fetuses whose mothers used opioids during pregnancy compared to those whose mothers did not. It found that the opioid-exposed fetuses had smaller brain measurements, including key areas like the cerebellum and corpus callosum, with specific differences such as a 1.2 mm smaller cerebral frontooccipital diameter (93.8 mm vs. 95.0 mm) and a 21% higher chance of being in a breech position (21% vs. 3%). These results highlight the negative impact of opioid use during pregnancy on fetal brain development, which could lead to cognitive and behavioral issues later in life. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers understand the risks of opioid use during pregnancy, improving care for both mothers and their babies.

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This study looked at how family history, pregnancy conditions, and early life experiences affect brain development in children and may make them resemble the brain patterns seen in adults with schizophrenia. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 9,000 children, finding that those with a family history of schizophrenia showed more similarities in brain patterns to adults with the disorder, particularly when considering early life risks. This matters because detecting these patterns early can help identify children who might be at risk for developing schizophrenia later in life. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families by identifying early signs of potential mental health issues.

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Researchers studied the effects of combining a cancer-fighting drug called pembrolizumab with two different chemotherapy drugs (paclitaxel and capecitabine) in women with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer, which is a hard-to-treat type of breast cancer. They found that the combination of pembrolizumab with paclitaxel had a response rate of 29%, while the combination with capecitabine was even better, with a 43% response rate. Both treatment combinations were considered safe, showing no severe side effects in most patients. Who this helps: This study benefits women with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer by providing new treatment options.

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This study looked at the differences in brain structure between fetuses exposed to opioids and those who weren't, using a special type of brain imaging. Researchers found that the brains of the 11 opioid-exposed fetuses showed significant changes in several areas related to white matter, which affects brain communication, compared to the 15 fetuses that weren't exposed. Specifically, they measured higher values in eight different brain regions which could impact cognitive and behavioral outcomes later in life. Who this helps: This helps doctors understand potential brain development issues in babies exposed to opioids during pregnancy.

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This study looked at how a special training program for surgeons in England, called LAPCO, improved their ability to perform minimally invasive colorectal surgeries. After completing the program, these trained surgeons increased the number of laparoscopic surgeries they performed by 37.8%, and they experienced a reduction in deaths after surgery—by 1.6% within 30 days and 2.3% within 90 days. This matters because it shows that better training for surgeons leads to safer surgeries and better outcomes for patients. Who this helps: Patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.

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This study looked at how early life hardships affect young adults with family histories of alcohol or substance use problems. It found that those individuals, especially if they had their own substance use issues, were more likely to show antisocial behavior and depression. Specifically, people with these backgrounds scored lower on socialization tests and higher on depression scales, suggesting that their difficult early experiences could significantly influence these mental health issues. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with family histories of substance use disorders and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how the structure of brain white matter affects impulsive behavior in healthy adults. Researchers found that better overall white matter structure was linked to lower scores in motor impulsiveness and higher scores in nonplanning impulsiveness, indicating that certain types of impulsive behavior relate to the brain's connectivity. Specifically, they noted that motor impulsiveness was associated with specific brain pathways, showing a connection between brain structure and how people act impulsively. Who this helps: This helps researchers and mental health professionals understand impulsivity in various populations.

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This study looked at whether babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), often due to mothers using opioids during pregnancy, also had higher rates of birth defects in Delaware between 2010 and 2017. Researchers found that 3.4% of infants with NAS had a birth defect, which was the same percentage as those without NAS. Ultimately, the study showed no link between NAS and birth defects, indicating that having NAS did not increase the risk of defects in babies. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers working with newborns affected by maternal opioid use.

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This study looked at how effective intramuscular medications are in calming down patients who are very agitated in emergency departments. Out of eight studies reviewed, none had a low risk of bias, but it appears that newer antipsychotics reduce agitation as well as older ones without increased side effects. This matters because understanding the best treatment options can improve care for these patients in urgent situations. Who this helps: This helps emergency department staff and patients experiencing severe agitation.

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This study looked at how genetic factors affect both the brain's white matter and nicotine addiction among smokers. Researchers found that smoking is linked to lower integrity of white matter in the brain, and they identified 272 genetic variations that play a role in this relationship. Understanding these links is important because it could lead to better treatments for nicotine addiction and awareness of its impact on brain health. Who this helps: This helps researchers and healthcare providers working on addiction and mental health treatments.

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This study looked at how certain behaviors, like how adolescents make decisions, control their impulses, seek thrills, and manage their emotions, are linked to substance use problems in teens. The researchers found that these behaviors are often connected to early life challenges, which can increase the risk of substance use issues in adolescence. Understanding these connections can help in developing strategies to prevent substance abuse among young people. Who this helps: This helps adolescents at risk for substance use, their families, and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how early life challenges affect stress responses in young adults, especially those with a family background of alcoholism. The researchers found that those with a family history of alcoholism (about 40% of the 709 participants) showed less change in stress responses compared to those without such a background when faced with stress. This matters because it highlights that these individuals may be more vulnerable to the effects of early hardships, which could increase their risk for alcohol-related issues in the future. Who this helps: This helps patients with a family history of alcoholism by identifying a risk factor that could be targeted for prevention and support.

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This research studied how early life challenges, like trauma or stress, affect people's ability to wait for rewards, which can be linked to substance use disorders. Out of 1,192 young adults, those with substance use disorders or a family history of such disorders showed a higher tendency to prefer immediate rewards over waiting for larger ones. The study found that experiencing early life adversity increased this tendency, highlighting the strong connection between early life challenges and decision-making processes related to addiction. Who this helps: This information benefits patients struggling with addiction and their families.

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This study focused on how stress affects cortisol levels in women, considering whether they use hormonal contraceptives. Researchers found that women on hormonal contraceptives had lower stress responses in the morning, with significantly higher cortisol levels when not under stress, but no response when faced with stress. In contrast, by the afternoon, both groups of women showed normal stress reactions. Who this helps: Women using hormonal contraceptives and healthcare professionals treating them.

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This study looked at how difficult experiences in childhood, known as early-life adversity (ELA), affect alcohol and drug use among young adults with different versions of a specific gene called COMT. The findings showed that individuals who faced more ELA had a lower stress response and were more likely to start drinking earlier; specifically, those with one or two copies of the Met variant of the gene were particularly affected, starting to drink at a younger average age than others. This research highlights how challenging early experiences can shape behaviors that increase the risk of substance use later in life. Who this helps: This helps researchers, mental health professionals, and young adults facing early-life challenges.

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This study focuses on updating a review of how intravenous iron treatments might be linked to the risk of infections in patients. The researchers plan to analyze data from various studies to determine if getting iron through an IV increases the likelihood of infections happening. This is important because understanding this relationship helps ensure patient safety when administering iron, which is often used to treat anemia. Who this helps: Patients receiving intravenous iron treatments will benefit from clearer information on potential infection risks.

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This study looked at how early life adversity (like stress or trauma during childhood) affects working memory and the potential for substance abuse later in life. Researchers found that young adults who experienced more adversity showed worse performance on a memory test, especially if they had certain genetic variations related to cortisol, a stress hormone. Specifically, those with AG and AA gene types were more affected by early adversity than those with the GG type, highlighting the link between childhood experiences and adult behavior. Who this helps: This helps patients and mental health professionals understand the long-term effects of childhood adversity on memory and behavior.

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This research paper looks at the effects of cannabis and its components on both therapeutic uses and potential for abuse. It reviews a variety of studies conducted on humans and animals, showing that while cannabis can be beneficial for certain medical conditions, there are still many unanswered questions and more research is necessary. Understanding these effects is crucial for developing safe and effective treatments and for managing potential abuse risks. Who this helps: This benefits patients using cannabis for medical reasons and healthcare providers who need to understand its effects.

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This study looked at why some heavy drinkers do not develop alcohol use disorders (AUD) despite consuming a lot of alcohol. Researchers found that people who were more emotionally stable, followed social norms, and avoided risky behaviors were less likely to experience AUD symptoms, even with high alcohol consumption. Specifically, those with fewer family members struggling with substance use were also more resistant to developing problems related to alcohol. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of alcohol use disorders and their healthcare providers.

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This study examined young adults with a family history of alcohol and drug problems to identify traits that could signal a higher risk for developing similar issues themselves. Researchers found that as specific negative traits or experiences increased—like emotional struggles (2% increase in risk for every point increase), impulsive behavior (8% increase), and lower intelligence (4% increase)—so did the likelihood of being at higher risk for substance use disorders. Understanding these traits can help inform future research on why some people are more vulnerable to these issues. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers in identifying and addressing risk factors for substance use disorders.

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This study looked at how the brain's white matter develops during adolescence using miniature pigs as a model. Researchers conducted multiple MRI scans on twelve three-month-old pigs and found significant changes over time in the brain's structure, particularly in areas like the corpus callosum, which showed the highest rates of development. Understanding these changes is important because it helps scientists learn more about human brain development and may improve knowledge of brain disorders. Who this helps: This helps researchers and medical professionals studying brain development and neurological disorders.

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Researchers tested a shorter version of a well-known impulsiveness questionnaire (called the BIS-Brief) in three groups of young people aged 10-17: healthy kids, those with a family history of substance abuse, and psychiatric patients. They found that the BIS-Brief worked well for all groups and provided consistent results over time, suggesting it's an effective tool for measuring impulsiveness in youth. This is important because it makes it easier for researchers and clinicians to assess impulsiveness without overwhelming young participants with a longer questionnaire. Who this helps: This helps doctors and mental health professionals working with young patients.

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This study looked at how the brains of young miniature pigs develop over time using advanced imaging techniques. Researchers found that as the pigs aged, certain brain chemicals, such as myo-inositol, declined, while measures of white matter integrity improved, indicating that the brain was getting more developed. This is important because it suggests that miniature pigs can serve as a useful model for studying adolescent brain development in humans. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and doctors studying brain development and related disorders.

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This study looked at how to best close the wound after surgery to remove the rectum due to cancer. It found that while complications are often higher with a certain technique called "extra-levator APE," there's not enough strong evidence to say that another method, "conventional APE," is better for healing. This is important because patients who have surgery for rectal cancer might face different risks based on the closure method used. Who this helps: This helps patients with rectal cancer and their doctors in making informed decisions about surgery options.

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This study looked at how intravenous iron isomaltoside affects anemia and quality of life in patients undergoing palliative chemotherapy for esophagogastric adenocarcinoma. The researchers found that while hemoglobin levels didn’t change significantly between groups, patients receiving IV iron showed a considerable increase in ferritin (from 116 ng/ml to 770 ng/ml) and reported better quality of life across various measures. This is important because it suggests that IV iron can enhance the well-being of patients facing difficult cancer treatments. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients dealing with anemia during treatment.

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This study looked at how early life hardships, like abuse or poverty, affect stress hormone responses in women when given a drug called naltrexone, which blocks opioid effects in the body. Researchers found that women with high levels of early life adversity had a much weaker increase in cortisol (a stress hormone) when given naltrexone compared to those with low adversity. Specifically, the cortisol increase was significantly lower in women with high adversity (p = 0.035), indicating a reduced effect of opioids on stress response. Who this helps: This research helps healthcare providers understand how past trauma affects stress responses in women, guiding treatment for those with a history of hardship.

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This study looked at how certain behaviors and experiences in young people, particularly those with a family history of substance use problems, affect their chances of using drugs or alcohol by age 15. Researchers found that adolescents who sought out new and exciting experiences (known as sensation seeking) and those who faced more stress were more likely to use substances; for example, those who had higher levels of sensation seeking were more likely to be substance users. This is important because understanding these factors can help identify at-risk youth and guide prevention efforts. Who this helps: This helps parents, educators, and health professionals support at-risk adolescents to prevent substance use.

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This study looked at the reliability of measuring brain structure in young people to better understand changes related to substance use. Researchers checked how consistently they could measure a specific brain feature called fractional anisotropy in healthy young adults and adolescents, finding that these measurements were highly reliable except in two specific brain areas. This is important because it means that the method used can be trusted in future studies tracking brain development over time. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors studying brain development in youth, particularly those at risk for substance use disorders.

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This study looked at how early life stress and a specific gene (COMT Val158Met) affect the body's response to stress in adults. Researchers tested 252 young adults and found that those with the Met/Met gene had smaller cortisol responses when exposed to higher levels of early stress, while those with the Val/Val gene showed consistent cortisol responses regardless of early stress levels. This matters because it highlights how genetics and early experiences can influence stress reactions later in life, potentially informing treatments for stress-related issues. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing stress-related health problems and their doctors.

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This study examined a new vaccine made from patients' own tumor cells, called a DRibble vaccine, given along with a cancer drug called docetaxel to people with advanced lung cancer. Out of four patients, two showed signs of a specific immune response to their tumor cells, but all patients had to stop the treatment due to disease progression. While the vaccine was found to be safe and could trigger an immune response, it did not produce favorable outcomes for the disease itself. Who this helps: This research may help doctors understand potential new treatments for advanced lung cancer patients.

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This study looked at how well patients over 85 years old with colorectal cancer respond to different treatments. Researchers tracked 105 patients who received either surgery aimed at curing the disease, other treatment options, or just supportive care. They found that patients who received only supportive care lived an average of 9.7 months, while those getting surgery or other treatments lived about 41.6 and 27.3 months, respectively. This highlights the importance of carefully selecting treatment options for older patients to improve their survival chances. Who this helps: This helps elderly patients with colorectal cancer and their doctors in making informed treatment decisions.

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This study looked at how family dynamics affect the impulsiveness of children with a family history of substance use problems. Researchers found that children with a family history of substance use (FH+) experienced poorer family functioning, which was linked to higher levels of impulsivity; specifically, FH+ children exhibited greater impulsivity because of these negative family dynamics. This is important because understanding these relationships can help develop targeted prevention programs for at-risk youth. Who this helps: This research helps children with a family history of substance use issues and the prevention specialists working with them.

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This study looked at how impulsivity and a desire for new experiences (sensation seeking) change in young people who either start using drugs or alcohol or do not. Researchers tracked 386 youth from before their teenage years to mid-teenage years, finding that those who began using substances were already more impulsive and eager for excitement before they started using. By mid-adolescence, those early traits seemed to lead to increased drug use, showing that these personality traits can predict substance use problems. Who this helps: This research benefits parents, educators, and mental health professionals working with adolescents at risk for substance use.

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This study looked at how boys’ puberty affects their risk for substance use and impulsive behavior. Researchers followed 153 boys aged 10 to 16 and found three patterns of puberty: some boys developed slowly, while others had early or rapid development. Those who matured faster were more likely to come from families with substance use issues and behaved more impulsively when making choices about rewards. Who this helps: This study helps parents and doctors understand the link between puberty and behavior in boys, especially those at risk for substance use.

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This study looked at how a mother's impulsive behavior affects the family environment, especially in families with children facing problems. Researchers found that for sons with fewer emotional and behavioral issues, higher maternal impulsivity was linked to more family problems. However, this link was not seen in sons with more issues or in daughters at all. This matters because it highlights that a mother's impulsivity can impact family life differently based on the child's problems and gender, suggesting that targeting maternal impulsivity in therapy could improve family dynamics. Who this helps: Families with young children, especially those struggling with emotional or behavioral challenges.

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This study looked at 386 adolescents, some with fathers who had substance use issues and some without, to understand how impulsiveness and the desire for new experiences changed during early adolescence. Researchers found that youths with a family history of substance use had higher impulsiveness compared to those without this background, and those who started using substances early showed less improvement in managing their impulsiveness while also having a stronger desire for new experiences. This matters because it highlights the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies for at-risk youths who may struggle with controlling their impulses and sensation-seeking behaviors. Who this helps: This helps at-risk youth and the professionals who support them.

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This study looked at how the medication methylphenidate affects attention and impulsivity in teenagers who have both ADHD and conduct disorder. Researchers gave 31 adolescents either a placebo, 20 mg, or 40 mg of methylphenidate and found that while attention improved significantly with the medication, impulsivity showed less improvement. This is important because it highlights that methylphenidate is particularly effective for attention issues in these adolescents, who often struggle in both social and academic settings. Who this helps: This helps teenagers with ADHD and conduct disorder, their families, and the doctors treating them.

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Researchers studied the occurrence of ventricular septal defects (VSDs), which are heart defects present at birth, in Delaware. They found a high rate of 78.7 VSDs per 10,000 live births, significantly higher than rates in other states, which range from 1.6 to 70.0 per 10,000. This matters because understanding the prevalence helps in identifying areas for improved healthcare support and resources for affected families. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families, healthcare providers, and policymakers.