CAROLYN SHANLEY DAY, M.D.

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The study focused on a Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine (BFLM) program at a hospital that aimed to improve support for new mothers from 2016 to 2024. They found that breastfeeding rates increased by 7% on postpartum floors during this period, demonstrating better support and resources for mothers. This matters because increased breastfeeding can benefit both maternal and infant health. Who this helps: New mothers and their infants.

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The study looked at how long it takes to diagnose chronic urticaria (a long-lasting skin condition causing hives) and what factors contribute to delays. It found that 24% of patients experienced a diagnostic delay of at least one year, with those having a specific type of chronic urticaria, called chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU), facing longer delays—an average of four months compared to one month for other types of the condition. Understanding these delays is crucial because proper and timely diagnosis can lead to better management of the condition and improvement in patients' quality of life. Who this helps: Patients with chronic urticaria and their doctors.

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This study looked at how well routine screening for domestic violence worked in a public dental hospital in Sydney. They found that after implementing screening, the number of women reporting intimate partner violence jumped from 7 to 44 cases in just six months, reaching an 11% disclosure rate by the end of the study. This matters because it shows that dental clinics can effectively identify and support women facing domestic violence without disrupting their dental care. Who this helps: This helps women experiencing domestic violence and the healthcare providers who support them.

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This study looked at how the availability of nutrients affects the effectiveness of antibiotics on clusters of bacteria, specifically E. coli. Researchers found that when nutrients are scarce, bacteria can better withstand antibiotics, with cell death spreading slowly through the population. However, if nutrients are increased, some resistant bacteria can regrow, complicating treatment. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers understand how to better treat bacterial infections.

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This study looked at prostate cancer patients who had low or undetectable PSA levels but still showed signs of disease progression on advanced imaging (PSMA PET/CT scans). Out of over 2,100 patients, 12% (257) had disease progression despite their PSA being undetectable. Most of these patients eventually progressed to a more severe form of prostate cancer. These findings highlight the need for regular imaging to catch disease changes early, even when PSA levels seem normal. Who this helps: This benefits prostate cancer patients and their doctors by improving early detection and treatment strategies.

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This study looked at how often and how long premature newborns experience low oxygen events, called intermittent hypoxemia (IH), and how this information can help predict the severity of a lung condition called bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in extremely low gestational age newborns. The researchers analyzed data from 342 infants and found that as BPD severity increased, the duration of low oxygen events also increased significantly, improving BPD predictions to an accuracy of 79% when IH data was included. This is important because better predictions can help doctors provide targeted care for these vulnerable infants. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers working with premature newborns.

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This study looked at how giving smallholder farmers in Africa timely alerts about crop pests affects their farming success. The researchers found that farmers who received these alerts were 8-32% more likely to use better pest management practices and experienced crop yields and incomes that increased by 18-26%. This is important because better pest management can lead to less food loss and higher incomes, improving food security in the region. Who this helps: Smallholder farmers in Africa benefit from these pest alerts.

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The study focused on reducing the use of painkillers and sedatives in very premature infants (those born at 28 weeks or earlier or weighing less than 1000 grams) who were on a specific type of breathing support called high-frequency jet ventilation. Over a year, the researchers successfully cut the use of opiates by about 76% and benzodiazepines by about 62%, while still effectively managing the infants' pain and not increasing complications like breathing issues. This is important because it helps minimize the potential negative effects these medications can have on the long-term health and development of these vulnerable babies. Who this helps: This helps premature infants and their caregivers by improving their treatment and reducing medication risks.

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This study looked at how safely and effectively hospitals can give penicillin to patients who claim to be allergic to it. Out of over 5,100 patients assessed, 1,573 were given a direct oral challenge with penicillin, and 95.5% of them were no longer considered allergic. The findings showed that patients who were tested with the challenge were 13 times more likely to be prescribed penicillin and less likely to receive stronger, restricted antibiotics. Who this helps: This benefits patients who can receive better antibiotic treatment, as well as doctors who can prescribe more appropriate medications.

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This study looked at how hospitals can safely test patients for penicillin allergies by directly giving them the medication in a controlled setting. The research showed that using a digital toolkit made the process easy to follow and successful, with increased participation, especially from pharmacists. This is important because it helps ensure that more patients can safely receive penicillin, a commonly used antibiotic, which can lead to better treatment options. Who this helps: Patients with suspected penicillin allergies.

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This study looked at whether the drug tecovirimat is effective in treating adults with mpox (formerly monkeypox) compared to a placebo. The results showed that 83% of patients taking tecovirimat and 84% of those on placebo experienced clinical resolution by day 29, indicating there was no significant difference in treatment effectiveness. Since tecovirimat did not help patients recover faster or relieve pain better than the placebo, this finding is important for understanding effective mpox treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients with mpox and their doctors in making informed treatment decisions.

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This study looked at the challenges and supports involved in managing pain for children in emergency medical situations. Researchers found that while the introduction of intranasal fentanyl (a pain relief medication) helped, barriers still existed such as concerns about the child's stability and the knowledge of caregivers about pain medication. Ultimately, improving training for emergency medical staff and increasing awareness among caregivers could lead to better pain management for children. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly children in emergency situations, and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how income and education levels affect the treatment and survival rates of 8,672 patients with multiple myeloma in Sweden from 2008 to 2021. It found that patients with higher education and income lived longer and received more effective treatments, such as lenalidomide and pomalidomide, while those with lower income were less likely to receive stem cell transplants. These differences matter because they highlight the significant impact that socioeconomic status has on health outcomes, even in a universal healthcare system. Who this helps: This helps patients with multiple myeloma, particularly those with lower income or education levels.

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This study looked at how a parenting program called "Being a Parent" can help caregivers of children aged 2 to 11 manage behavioral issues. Researchers in Portugal are testing the program's feasibility and effectiveness to see if it improves parenting skills and reduces behavior problems. They will compare families using the program with those who are not, checking results before and after the program, and their findings could show if this method works well globally. Who this helps: Parents struggling with their children's behavior will benefit from this program.

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This study focused on how to improve research in sports and exercise medicine so that it is fair and inclusive for all groups. The researchers created a guide that includes best practices, such as building diverse research teams and using inclusive methods to gather and analyze data. This is important because it helps to ensure that research findings are relevant and beneficial to all populations, rather than just a few. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those from diverse backgrounds who may experience different health issues in sports and exercise.

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This study looked at the factors that lead to preterm births in North Dakota from 2017 to 2021, focusing on women without a history of preterm births. The researchers found that 6.4% of births in their sample were preterm, and women who were American Indian, over 35 years old, or had high blood pressure or diabetes were at higher risk, with some factors increasing the odds of preterm birth by over four times. Understanding these risks is important for developing ways to reduce preterm births, particularly in vulnerable groups. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers working to reduce preterm birth rates, especially among high-risk women.

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This study examined how blocking a specific enzyme (COX-2) affects blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles during exercise in healthy adults. Researchers found that while the treatment reduced the levels of a substance related to COX-2, it did not significantly change heart rate, blood pressure, or the time participants could exercise. This means that COX-2 doesn't play a crucial role in regulating muscle oxygen supply during exercise, which is important for understanding how our muscles function. Who this helps: This research helps doctors and researchers understand muscle responses during exercise better.

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This study looked at how changes in a system in the body called the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and certain immune responses can predict how severe COVID-19 will be in patients. Researchers found that as the severity of COVID-19 increased, the activity of an enzyme called ACE1 decreased significantly, while higher levels of ACE2 were linked to worse disease outcomes. In their analysis, ACE1 and ACE2 proved to be better indicators of COVID-19 severity than many other immune markers, indicating that understanding RAS dysregulation can help improve patient care and treatment strategies. Who this helps: This information benefits patients and doctors by improving risk assessment and treatment decisions for COVID-19.

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This paper updates guidelines on the roles and responsibilities of team physicians, emphasizing their qualifications to provide optimal care for athletes. It establishes best practices for selecting team physicians and stresses the importance of adequate insurance to protect everyone involved. This matters because having well-defined roles and guidelines helps ensure athletes receive high-quality medical care during sports activities. Who this helps: This benefits athletes, sports teams, and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a parenting program called "Being a Parent" to see if it could help families in Portugal with children aged 2-11 who have behavioral issues. Out of 55 families, those who took part in the eight-week program showed significant reductions in aggressive behavior and improvements in parenting skills. This is important because it shows that effective parenting programs can be useful in different countries, helping parents feel more competent and satisfied. Who this helps: Parents of young children with behavioral problems.

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This study examined the genetic factors that may lead to angioedema, a severe swelling condition, in South African patients who take angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Researchers looked at 202 patients with a history of this condition and compared them to 513 people without it. They found 26 genetic markers that might be linked to the condition, highlighting the need for more research to understand these genetic factors, especially since African Americans are at a much higher risk. Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk of angioedema from ACE inhibitors and the doctors who treat them.

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This study reviews the roles and responsibilities of team physicians who are responsible for the medical care of athletes. It emphasizes the importance of their training and experience in providing care, and outlines guidelines for selecting the right physicians for sports teams. Having properly qualified physicians helps ensure athletes receive the best possible medical support, which is crucial for their health and performance. Who this helps: This helps athletes and sports organizations ensure they have qualified medical support.

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This study looked at a 73-year-old man who developed severe throat swelling (laryngeal edema) a day after routine surgery. He experienced pain and trouble swallowing, and tests showed swelling of his throat and epiglottis (a flap of tissue that covers the windpipe). Thankfully, with treatment using steroids and antibiotics, he fully recovered, highlighting the need for doctors to closely monitor patients who develop throat issues after being put on a ventilator. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers managing patients after surgery.

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This study looked at how COVID-19 affects mental health in patients from Cape Town, South Africa, particularly focusing on symptoms that last more than six months after infection. The researchers found that over 50% of participants reported ongoing mental health issues, with 44% showing signs of cognitive or memory problems. These findings emphasize the need for continued support for people experiencing long-term mental health challenges after COVID-19. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from COVID-19 and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the factors affecting how severe itch feels for people with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), a condition that causes itchy welts. Researchers analyzed data from 3,045 patients and found that those with more intense itching were more likely to experience depression and had higher inflammation markers in their blood. Severe itch significantly lowers quality of life and leads to more doctor visits, showing that managing itch is essential for improving the well-being of these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from chronic spontaneous urticaria and their healthcare providers.

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This study examined the effects of two different lifestyle programs on improving cognitive function in older adults who are at risk of dementia. Over two years, participants who followed a structured program showed a mean increase in cognitive score of 0.243 standard deviations, while those in the self-guided program had an increase of 0.213 standard deviations. The structured program had better results, particularly for those with lower initial cognitive function. Who this helps: This helps older adults at risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

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This study looked at using synthetic data to help researchers study chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in groups of patients that are often ignored, like older adults or those with other health issues. Researchers found that by creating synthetic data that closely matched real patient characteristics, they could achieve reliable results based on only 25% of the original patient group size, increasing the effective sample size by four times. This is important because it allows for better understanding of CSU in diverse populations, which can lead to improved treatments and insights. Who this helps: This benefits patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria, especially those in underrepresented groups.

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This study looked at the effects of using a patient's own blood (intraoperative autologous blood transfusion, or IABT) during major cancer surgeries to see if it caused cancer to spread earlier. Out of 444 patients, only 1.6% showed signs of cancer recurrence within 90 days after surgery, and 7.9% within a year, with most recurrences linked to pre-existing conditions rather than the transfusion itself. The research found that using a patient’s own blood during surgery did not negatively affect survival rates, suggesting it might be a safe option compared to using donated blood. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing cancer surgeries who might benefit from a safer blood transfusion method.

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This study tested a new wearable device that helps women track urine leakage while going about their daily activities. The device was 97.5% accurate in measuring urine flow compared to the standard methods used in clinics. This innovation provides valuable insights into how physical activities affect urine leakage, making it easier for women to understand and manage their condition without relying solely on memory or traditional methods. Who this helps: This helps women with urinary incontinence, doctors, and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how many mothers were able to provide their own breast milk for their preterm babies (born before 32 weeks) until they left the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Out of 436 babies, 372 were included in the final analysis; while 87.9% started breastfeeding, only 53.5% continued until discharge. Factors like older maternal age and producing more breast milk were linked to continued breastfeeding, while high BMI, smoking, and living far from the hospital made it harder for mothers to continue. Who this helps: This helps mothers of preterm infants and healthcare providers supporting them.

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This study looked at what life is like for people after they move from homelessness into stable housing. Researchers found that even when people secured a home, they often faced challenges like social stigma, isolation, and feelings of boredom, which could lead to issues like substance use and mental health struggles. To truly support these individuals, it's important to go beyond just providing housing and instead help them connect with their communities and contribute in meaningful ways. Who this helps: This helps people who have experienced homelessness and the support systems that assist them.

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This study looked at the risk factors for a serious allergic reaction called angioedema caused by ACE inhibitors, a common medication for heart and kidney diseases, in people from Cape Town, South Africa. The researchers found that 237 people had this reaction, while 466 others who tolerated the medication did not. The significant findings showed that Black genetic ancestry was linked to a higher risk, with a specific risk factor measurement indicating that Black individuals were 15 times more likely to experience this reaction compared to others. Understanding these risk factors is crucial because it can help doctors identify which patients might be at greater risk of this severe allergic reaction and take preventive measures. Who this helps: Patients who are prescribed ACE inhibitors, particularly those with Black genetic ancestry.

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This study looked at suicide rates across different counties in Florida, finding that the overall suicide deaths increased from 22.6 to 24.3 per 100,000 people from 2011 to 2019. Certain areas, especially in northwest and northeast Florida, had higher risks, particularly among older residents and individuals facing issues like excessive drinking or mental distress. Understanding these patterns helps target prevention programs more effectively in areas that need them most. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially those at risk for suicide, as well as doctors and community organizations working on mental health support.

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This study focused on a protein called ZMIZ1, which helps regulate the effects of estrogen on the uterus. The researchers found that when ZMIZ1 is disrupted, it leads to problems such as infertility and abnormal changes in the uterus, including reduced cell growth and hormonal responses. In their experiments with mice missing ZMIZ1, they observed reduced ovulation and other significant changes, reinforcing the role ZMIZ1 plays in maintaining healthy uterine function. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with conditions like endometriosis, infertility, and endometrial cancer.

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This study looked at whether getting a biopsy before surgery affects the survival of patients with localized thymoma, a type of tumor. Researchers examined data from over 1,000 patients and found that those who had a biopsy did not have worse survival rates after ten years compared to those who did not have a biopsy, with survival rates at 75% for the biopsy group and 76% for the non-biopsy group. These findings suggest that the preoperative biopsy does not harm patients' long-term survival, which could change how doctors approach treatment decisions for these tumors. Who this helps: This research benefits patients diagnosed with localized thymoma and their doctors by clarifying the risks associated with preoperative biopsies.

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This study looked at a new group program called "Being a Parent-Enjoying Family Life," designed to help parents who are struggling with emotional and relationship issues. Out of 110 interested parents, 70% qualified, and about 49% actually participated in at least one session. The results showed that both this new program and a standard parenting intervention helped improve child behavior, with a moderate effect, meaning parents felt less stressed and had better relationships with their children after the program. Who this helps: This benefits parents dealing with emotional challenges and their children experiencing behavior issues.

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This study looked at how to improve family-centered care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), which involves having families actively involved in their baby's care. The findings showed that the number of NICUs with dedicated family-centered care committees increased from 18% to 59%, and those with Family Partnership Councils rose from 18% to 45%. This is important because involving families in care can lead to better outcomes for babies in the NICU. Who this helps: This benefits families of newborns in the NICU and the healthcare providers caring for them.

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This study looked at how involving families in the care of premature or very small babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can improve outcomes for both the babies and their families. Researchers aimed to increase family participation in care meetings from 0% to 50% and family attendance at follow-up appointments from 74% to 90%. After 18 months, they achieved a participation rate of 39% for family meetings and found that families felt these meetings helped them get more involved in their baby's care, although they didn’t quite reach their goal yet. Who this helps: This benefits families of premature babies and healthcare providers in the NICU.

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This study looked at how a condition called Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) affects the spine's ability to move and endure stress. Researchers tested the spines of ten people with DISH and compared them to eleven normal spines, finding that DISH spines had much less flexibility (1.8 degrees vs. 3.2 degrees) and were stiffer (5.5 N·m/degree vs. 2.9 N·m/degree). Importantly, DISH-affected spines were four times more likely to fracture under pressure, which highlights the increased risk of injury in these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with DISH by identifying their heightened risk for spinal fractures, aiding in better prevention and treatment strategies.

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This study looked at how the growth of head circumference (the measurement around the head) from 1 to 24 months can predict brain function in children at age 4 in Kenya. Researchers found that children with faster head growth had better executive function and cognitive skills at 4 years old, regardless of other factors, like their initial head size or background. Monitoring head growth in infants could help identify those who might need early help with learning and development. Who this helps: This benefits young children, especially those at risk of developmental delays.

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This study looked at a special program that combined dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) with creative arts to help young women who have hurt themselves manage their emotions. Researchers worked with 45 young women, and they found that 62% completed the program. The results showed that the participants experienced fewer self-harming incidents and felt more supported socially and emotionally. Who this helps: This benefits young women who struggle with emotional issues and self-harm.

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A smartphone app called Parent Positive was developed to help parents manage their children’s emotional issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study involving 646 children found that Parent Positive significantly reduced emotional problems, especially in boys, who saw a decrease of 0.76 points after two months compared to children in a control group. This finding is important because it shows that digital tools can effectively support children’s mental health, particularly for boys from various family backgrounds. Who this helps: Parents and their young children, especially boys facing emotional challenges.

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This study looked at two types of diabetes medications, SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists, to see how they affect heart and kidney health in addition to lowering blood sugar and weight. Researchers found that SGLT2 inhibitors can reduce the chances of heart failure and chronic kidney disease, while GLP-1 receptor agonists lower the risk of heart-related issues and kidney problems. These findings are important because they suggest that these medications can help protect against serious heart and kidney diseases for people, even if they don't have diabetes or obesity. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for heart and kidney diseases, including those with or without diabetes.

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This study looked at a rare but serious problem that can happen after hip replacement surgery, specifically when the cement used in the surgery causes damage to nearby blood vessels. In one case, a woman in her 70s experienced severe leg issues 19 months after her surgery, which led to an amputation because of muscle damage. Doctors found that a false aneurysm developed at a spot where the cement touched an artery. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing hip replacement surgery by raising awareness about potential complications.

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This research studied how certain antibodies that attack the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) in the brain impact the way nerve cells communicate and form connections. The researchers found that antibodies purified from specific immunization techniques could block long-term potentiation, a process critical for learning and memory, by interfering with the NMDAR's function in brain slices. This matters because understanding these mechanisms can help develop better treatments for brain disorders linked to these antibodies, like certain types of encephalitis. Who this helps: Patients with neuropsychiatric conditions related to NMDAR antibodies.