CARLA S. SMITH, MD

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This study looked at how two specific measurements—sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD) and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC)—are related to serious heart problems in older adults. Researchers found that among 8,806 participants, 11.3% experienced major heart issues over about 4 years. Those with higher AAC scores and larger abdominal measurements had a significantly increased risk of these events, with the highest risk seen in individuals with both high AAC and SAD. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially older adults, by identifying those at higher risk for cardiovascular issues during routine health checks.

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This study looked at the relationship between certain substances in the blood and psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, using data from over 470,000 participants in two large studies. Researchers found that out of 123 metabolic measures linked to psoriasis, glycoprotein acetyls (GlycA) were consistently associated with the disease. They also discovered that people with severe psoriasis showed more significant metabolic changes and that the amino acid phenylalanine was particularly high in those with psoriatic arthritis. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with psoriasis and their doctors by identifying potential markers for disease severity and joint issues.

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This study looked at how much protein older Australian women eat from both animal and plant sources and how that relates to frailty, a condition that affects health and independence. Out of 1,380 women aged around 75, researchers found that nearly 20% were frail. Those who consumed more protein (about 1.1 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight) had a lower chance of being frail, with a significant drop in odds for those with higher plant and animal protein intakes. Who this helps: Older women looking to maintain their health and wellbeing.

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Researchers studied how to define and organize information related to psoriatic disease, which includes conditions like psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, nail issues, and sometimes even eye and gut diseases. They created a new data platform called the Secure HIPPOCRATES Data Management Platform (SHDMP) to help researchers access a wide variety of datasets about psoriatic disease, improving the consistency and clarity of the data terms. This is important because it will make it much easier for scientists to study these diseases and ultimately improve diagnosis and treatment. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors working with patients who have psoriatic disease.

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This study explored the immune responses in the skin of people with inflammatory diseases by analyzing nearly 5 million skin cells. The researchers identified 26 specific areas, or niches, in the skin where immune cells interact, finding that some of these areas were not visible with traditional methods. They discovered new roles for structures like sebaceous and sweat glands in immune memory, which helps explain how skin diseases can persist. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with inflammatory skin conditions by improving understanding and potential treatment options.

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This study examined the brains of over 3,300 people who donated their brains for research, focusing on various movement disorders, particularly Parkinson's disease and related dementias. Researchers found that misdiagnosis rates for these disorders ranged from 10% to 20%, and that people with dementia-related movement disorders had a much higher presence of Lewy body pathology compared to those without dementia. This matters because understanding the genetic and pathological differences in these disorders can lead to more accurate diagnoses and better treatments. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with Parkinson's disease and related disorders, as well as doctors diagnosing and treating them.

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This study looked at how doctors can better discuss online health information with teenagers during appointments. Researchers interviewed 24 U.S. clinicians who specialize in adolescent sexual and reproductive health, and they found that doctors should engage with teens about the information they find online, especially since it can influence their health. Doctors suggested several ways to start conversations, such as asking patients what they've read, providing resources, and using patient-friendly language to encourage open dialogue. Who this helps: This benefits teenagers by improving their understanding of health information and fostering better communication with their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the belief in the idea that "Undetectable equals Untransmissible" (U=U) among people living with HIV (PWH) in the UK, and how it relates to feelings of stigma, mental health issues, and sexual satisfaction. Out of 4,553 participants, 92% had heard of U=U, but only 64% believed it; people who didn't believe were more likely to experience self-stigma, depression, anxiety, and lower sexual satisfaction. This matters because promoting the U=U message can help reduce stigma and improve the overall quality of life for people with HIV. Who this helps: Patients living with HIV and their mental health care providers.

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This study looked at the experiences of MD-PhD trainees in the humanities, social sciences, and public health compared to those in traditional biomedical fields. Out of 234 participants, 111 were in the SSHPH group and reported feeling less belonging and having more difficulty finding role models, along with higher workload demands during their studies. Addressing these differences can help improve support for SSHPH trainees, ensuring they receive equal opportunities in their academic and professional journeys. Who this helps: This benefits MD-PhD trainees in the humanities, social sciences, and public health.

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This study looked at how to improve the crystallization of proteins by using different types of linkers between a protein called 1TEL and other target proteins. The research found that using short semi-flexible or rigid linkers helped create larger crystals for one type of protein, while flexible linkers worked better for another, with better overall results when a certain tag was removed. This is important because better crystals lead to clearer images of protein structures, which can advance our understanding of how proteins work and aid in drug development. Who this helps: This benefits researchers working on protein structure and drug design.

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This study examined how different surgical methods for treating hip dysplasia in young children affect the reshaping of the hip socket after surgery. It found that children who had a certain procedure called ligamentum teres reconstruction (LTR) experienced an average improvement in hip socket shape of 7.9 degrees per year, much better than 4.7 degrees for those who had open reduction alone and 4.0 degrees for closed reduction. This is important because no child in the LTR group needed further surgery for hip issues, unlike 12.5% and 34.5% of the other groups. Who this helps: This benefits children with hip dysplasia and their families by reducing the need for additional surgeries.

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The study looks at how the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) has collected data over 20 years to improve care for children and families affected by trauma. With information gathered from nearly 26,500 participants across 91 sites, the research found that collaboration, technology, and adaptability in data collection significantly enhance the quality of care provided. This matters because it helps organizations improve services for children who have experienced traumatic events and ensures that care is effective and accessible. Who this helps: This helps children and families who have experienced trauma, as well as the doctors and professionals supporting them.

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This study looked at a substance called NT-proBNP in women who had high blood pressure during pregnancy. It found that 40% of those with high NT-proBNP levels developed persistent high blood pressure after giving birth, compared to 19.4% of those with low levels. The study highlights that measuring NT-proBNP during delivery could help identify women at risk for ongoing high blood pressure postpartum. Who this helps: This benefits new mothers with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.

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This study looked at the different types of cells called fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) in two types of arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Researchers found that FLS in RA had higher levels of certain markers related to inflammation and tissue damage than FLS in PsA, while PsA showed markers related to metabolism and growth. Understanding these differences can help develop better treatments for each type of arthritis. Who this helps: This benefits patients with rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis by potentially leading to more effective therapies tailored to their specific conditions.

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This study focused on how to effectively recruit older adults with advanced heart failure and their caregivers for a clinical trial in rural Appalachia, where challenges like transportation issues and community mistrust exist. Researchers used culturally sensitive methods and local resources to enroll participants, successfully signing up 66 families, which is about 65% of their goal, in just eight months. This matters because it paves the way for better healthcare research tailored to rural populations who often miss out on medical advancements. Who this helps: Older adults with heart failure living in rural areas and their caregivers.

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This study examined a new treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) by combining a medication called Zonisamide with a method known as Contingency Management (CM), which uses rewards to encourage abstinence from alcohol. Over 12 weeks, participants who received Zonisamide along with CM had better outcomes in terms of staying sober compared to those who received a placebo, though specific success rates were not provided in the summary. This research is important because it could lead to more effective ways to help people reduce their alcohol consumption and stay in recovery. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with Alcohol Use Disorder and improves treatment options for doctors.

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This study looked at the rising temperatures and the dangers of extreme heat, which is now the deadliest weather-related issue in the U.S. Over the past decade, we've seen the hottest years on record, prompting discussions about new laws and policies to protect people from heat-related health problems. The research highlights the need for specific protections for vulnerable groups, like people in urban areas who live without cooling systems or face heat exposure at work, and suggests actions based on examples from Florida and New York City. Who this helps: This benefits communities at high risk for extreme heat, including urban populations and workers in hot environments.

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The researchers developed a new method called CLEAR-IT to study immune cells in tumors more efficiently. This approach requires fewer labeled images for training—up to 90% less—while still achieving high accuracy and improving the ability to predict patient survival. By using CLEAR-IT, scientists can analyze tumor environments more effectively, which is important for better understanding and treating cancer. Who this helps: This benefits cancer researchers and doctors focusing on improving cancer treatment.

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This article discusses the UK Infected Blood Inquiry (IBI), which looked into how some patients with hemophilia were infected with HIV and hepatitis from contaminated blood products. It emphasizes the importance of listening to patients and considering the legal and ethical aspects of the situation, revealing that narrow views on consent and accountability can overlook the experiences of those affected. The findings highlight the need for transparency and recognition to ensure that lessons learned from this tragedy are properly understood and remembered. Who this helps: This helps patients, their families, and healthcare professionals involved in hemophilia care.

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This study looked at how often neck pain occurs in adults who have had a concussion. Out of 299 survey participants, 61% reported experiencing neck pain, with an average pain score of 5 out of 10 and a neck disability score of 38%. This is important because it shows that many concussion patients also struggle with neck pain, which can worsen their overall symptoms and recovery. Who this helps: This information helps patients and doctors by highlighting the need to address neck pain in concussion treatment.

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This paper reviews leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that affects people worldwide, especially in poorer tropical areas where it often leads to serious illness and death. The study highlights that diagnosing leptospirosis is challenging due to limited testing and treatment options, particularly in places impacted by natural disasters. It stresses the importance of monitoring patients for organ complications and improving treatment guidelines, noting that current evidence for effective therapies is weak and inconsistent. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers treating at-risk populations.

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This study looked at how certain signaling pathways related to low oxygen levels in the kidneys affect the progress of kidney disease in people with diabetes. The researchers found that there is a network of 237 genes linked to kidney disease that became more active as the disease advanced. Importantly, treatment with a specific medication called SGLT2 inhibitors not only reversed some of the harmful changes in these genes but also showed protective effects in lab models of kidney disease. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with diabetes and kidney disease, as well as doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how a specially designed education program for healthcare providers, taught by people with lived experience of substance use, changed their attitudes toward individuals who use alcohol and other drugs (AOD). The results showed significant improvements; after the program, clinicians were less likely to blame patients personally for their substance use, with all measured attitudes improving at a statistically significant level (p < 0.01). This matters because reducing stigma can lead to better collaboration between healthcare providers and patients, ultimately improving health outcomes for those who use AOD. Who this helps: Patients who use alcohol and other drugs.

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This study looked at various projects that use blockchain technology to share medical data more securely and efficiently. It analyzed 42 different initiatives and found that those with strong governance and clear transaction processes were more likely to continue operating over time. Specifically, the analysis showed that while many factors play a role, only two main configurations consistently supported long-term success, emphasizing the importance of good management and processes in these initiatives. Who this helps: This information benefits healthcare organizations, researchers, and patients who rely on secure and efficient medical data sharing.

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This study looked at how much physical effort basketball players actually put into their training compared to what their coaches planned for them. Researchers recorded the training loads of 23 players during 138 sessions and found that players did less work than planned; on average, they recorded 401 units of effort instead of the planned 422, indicating players were less intense in their training sessions. This matters because trainers can use this information to better align their plans with the players' actual performance, ensuring more effective training sessions. Who this helps: This helps coaches and trainers improve training effectiveness for basketball players.

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This study looked at how doctors who work with teens view online sexual and reproductive health resources available to adolescents. The 24 clinicians interviewed shared their experiences and pointed out that many existing resources could be improved to better support teenagers' unique needs. This matters because better online information can help teens make informed decisions about their health. Who this helps: Teens seeking reliable health information.

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This study looked at a new surgical method for treating a blockage in the thoracic duct, which can cause serious problems for severely ill newborns and infants. Researchers performed a specific procedure connecting the thoracic duct to another vein in eight patients, and they found that 75% of the children survived long enough to go home from the hospital, with follow-up showing all of them still alive after several months. This is important because it offers a new option for managing a previously difficult condition that can make young patients very sick. Who this helps: Patients with thoracic duct obstructions, particularly newborns and infants.

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This study looks at how cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help women dealing with sleep problems during and after menopause. The research aims to find out if CBT specifically designed for insomnia (CBT-I) and for menopausal symptoms (CBT-M) can improve sleep and reduce hot flashes. By examining these effects, the study aims to understand if CBT can also help level the playing field for women from different socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance at better health. Who this helps: This benefits women experiencing menopause, particularly those struggling with insomnia and other related symptoms.

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This study looked at urologic injuries (damage to the urinary system) in adult patients treated at a major trauma center in West Virginia over a decade. Researchers found that out of 354 patients, most injuries affected the kidneys and were often caused by motor vehicle accidents or firearms. Importantly, 95.2% of patients were able to go home after treatment, which suggests effective care despite the nature of these injuries. Who this helps: This information is useful for healthcare providers and public health officials working to improve safety and trauma care in rural areas.

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This study looked at two types of workout training: low load resistance training (LL) and high-intensity interval training (IT) to see how they affect muscle and strength in young adults. Researchers found that after 10 weeks, both training methods improved overall muscle endurance and strength, but LL showed better results in local muscle endurance, while IT led to greater increases in muscle size and power output. This matters because it helps to clarify how different training methods can be effective in improving fitness and strength in young, untrained individuals. Who this helps: This helps young adults looking to improve their fitness, as well as trainers and coaches designing workout programs.

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This study looked at a training program designed to help doctors provide better advice to teenagers about contraceptive information found online. Out of 35 participating clinicians, 77% reported improved knowledge and counseling skills right after the training and four months later, with high satisfaction ratings for the program (around 4.6 out of 5). This matters because effective counseling can help teenagers navigate online information more safely and make informed choices about their reproductive health. Who this helps: This helps adolescents seeking reliable contraceptive information and the doctors who counsel them.

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This study looked at how well ChatGPT, a language model, answered common questions patients have about a treatment called peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) used for neuropathic pain. The researchers found that ChatGPT's responses scored 4.7 out of 6 for reliability, 2.6 out of 3 for accuracy, and 2.8 out of 3 for understandability, meaning the answers were generally good, especially for basic and postoperative questions. However, questions about the actual procedure were rated lower, showing that it's important for healthcare providers to check the information given. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking information about their treatment and doctors looking for reliable educational tools.

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This study looked at how supportive oncology visits affect the healthcare use of cancer patients, specifically focusing on emergency department visits and hospital stays. Researchers found that after these consultations, emergency visits dropped significantly from 0.28 to 0.19 per three-month period overall, and for patients who used healthcare the most, visits decreased by 78%. This reduction is important because it shows how supportive care can potentially reduce burdens on emergency services, although some results may not be entirely accurate without more rigorous testing. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients, especially those frequently using emergency services.

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This study looked at how common syphilis is among pregnant women in Zambia and what factors might be linked to the infection. Out of nearly 1,000 women tested, 136 (about 13.7%) had active syphilis, with the majority detected through simple blood tests. The findings highlight the urgent need for better screening and treatment programs for syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in pregnant women to prevent serious health problems for both mothers and babies. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women and healthcare providers improve health outcomes during pregnancy.

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This study introduces a new software called CasCADE that helps design CRISPR tests for detecting specific pathogens quickly and accurately. The researchers successfully created 15 different tests for nine different organisms, showing that their approach is efficient and effective. This technology matters because it offers faster and more precise results than older methods, which is crucial for responding to outbreaks of disease. Who this helps: This helps doctors and public health officials in diagnosing and managing infectious diseases.

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This study looked at how much patients know about and experience during Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS), which aims to help them recover better after operations. Researchers interviewed 17 women, averaging 59 years old, who had surgeries like gynecologic or breast procedures. They found that most patients had little knowledge about ERAS guidelines, but many felt they received care that followed ERAS recommendations, highlighting a need for better patient education to improve collaboration in their care. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing surgery and their caregivers.

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Researchers created a system called the Elbow Arthroplasty Severity (EASe) score to help predict complications after elbow surgery. In a study of 110 patients, they found that 41.8% experienced complications, with major problems occurring in 21.8% of cases. The new EASe score improved the ability to identify patients at higher risk for these complications, which can aid doctors in planning surgeries and discussing risks with patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing elbow surgery and their doctors.

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This study looked at how a specific particle, called the D^0 meson, is produced when heavy lead nuclei collide in a very specific way. Researchers found that they could measure these particles through certain events where one of the nuclei breaks apart while the other remains intact, and this was achieved using data from high-energy lead-lead collisions. Their findings help improve our understanding of how particles behave at a nuclear level, particularly in terms of the distribution of their constituent parts, showing important data about partons within lead nuclei. Who this helps: This helps physicists and researchers in particle physics who are studying nuclear interactions and fundamental particles.

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This study looked at how certain brain cells, called astrocytes, can protect connections between nerve cells (synapses) from damage caused by a toxic protein related to Alzheimer's disease (AD) in mouse brain slices. The researchers found that in the presence of amyloid-beta, there was a significant loss of synapses over 24 hours, but synapses near astrocytes were more likely to survive. This matters because it shows that astrocytes can help preserve brain function, potentially delaying the progression of Alzheimer's symptoms. Who this helps: This helps patients with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.

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This study focused on a key enzyme called nucleoside diphosphate kinase B (NDPK), which is important for making building blocks of DNA and RNA in a parasite that causes a disease known as Human African Trypanosomiasis. The researchers found that NDPK remains stable under stress and changes shape when it binds to certain molecules. They also discovered that NDPK works best with specific types of substances; for example, it efficiently processes UDP and GDP but not other types, which may make it a promising target for developing new treatments for the disease. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from Human African Trypanosomiasis and researchers developing new treatments for this condition.

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A review of 31 years of formal complaints against ultrasound technicians in New Zealand found only 15 cases where a technician was investigated — roughly 1.5 per year. The most common problem was missing a fetal abnormality during pregnancy scans. The low complaint rate likely reflects shared responsibility between technicians and radiologists, and the findings suggest complaints are rare but concentrated around specific high-stakes examinations.

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A randomized trial tested whether a nerve block (erector spinae plane block) could reduce pain after a procedure to biopsy the lining of the lung. The block provided no meaningful pain relief compared to placebo — pain scores, opioid use, and recovery quality were similar in both groups. The trial was stopped early, and the results suggest this particular nerve block is not useful for this procedure.

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Scientists developed DNA-based tests that can identify which of five snake species caused a bite in Japan. The tests work on tissue, swabs from bite sites, and even containers used to collect venom, detecting tiny amounts of snake DNA with high accuracy. Knowing the exact species matters because different venomous snakes require different treatments, and this tool could improve both patient care and surveillance of snakebite incidents.

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Researchers tracked blood cancer patients after COVID-19 vaccination and found that 37.5% never developed detectable antibodies. Low levels of two immune proteins — CXCL13 and CRTAM — before vaccination reliably identified patients who would fail to respond. This matters because it gives doctors a way to flag at-risk patients early and offer them alternative COVID-19 protections.

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This study looked at how teachers can use generative artificial intelligence (AI) to create helpful learning materials for students with disabilities. It showed that using AI can save time and help teachers make specific resources that meet students' unique needs. The findings highlight the potential of AI to improve student engagement and understanding in the classroom. Who this helps: This benefits teachers and students with disabilities by providing them with better resources tailored to their learning requirements.

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This study looked at how well people understand the laws about using their personal data in Longitudinal Population Studies (LPS). Researchers found that while 88% of people were aware of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK-GDPR), only 11% knew about the Digital Economy Act (DEA), indicating that many are not well-informed about these important laws. This matters because better understanding helps participants know their rights and what to expect regarding their data usage in research. Who this helps: This benefits study participants by giving them clearer information about their data rights.