DANIEL A. FUNK, MD

Plain English
This study looked at Twiddler's syndrome, a rare problem where wires connected to devices like pacemakers twist because the devices rotate in the body. The researchers found that it's not just patients actively playing with their devices that cause this issue; in one case, a woman with a device for Parkinson's disease experienced this twist after a fall, suggesting that external trauma can also lead to this problem. They propose renaming it to PETS to better reflect the different reasons this can happen. Who this helps: This helps patients with implanted devices and their doctors by providing a clearer understanding of the syndrome.

Plain English
This study looked at different types of damage to the placenta in a group of 2,486 high-risk pregnancies, particularly those with fetal congenital anomalies. Researchers found that certain types of placental damage, especially acute inflammation and a specific type of blood flow issue called distal villous fetal vascular malperfusion, were closely linked to worse health outcomes for babies. Understanding these connections can help doctors better predict and manage complications in pregnancies with placental injuries. Who this helps: This helps doctors treating high-risk pregnant patients.

Plain English
This study looked at how male rats self-administer oxycodone and its stronger counterpart, oxymorphone, to understand which drug is more addictive. The researchers found that while oxymorphone is more potent, oxycodone led to more drug-seeking behavior, particularly when they were given a certain dose; oxycodone caused a strong relapse effect at 0.25 mg/kg, compared to oxymorphone's slight effect at 0.025 mg/kg. These results matter because they show important differences in how these drugs behave in the body, which can inform treatment strategies for addiction. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers develop better approaches for treating opioid addiction.

Plain English
This study looked at how a single dose of psilocybin, a compound found in magic mushrooms, affects brain activity in male rats, specifically how it impacts a protein called Fos that indicates brain cell activation. The researchers found that psilocybin increased Fos expression in key brain areas, such as the central amygdala, which is important for processing emotions and stress, with the strongest effects coming from higher doses (up to 3 mg/kg). This is significant because it helps explain how psilocybin might alleviate symptoms of depression and addictions by promoting changes in brain connectivity. Who this helps: This benefits patients dealing with depression, stress disorders, and addiction.

Plain English
This study developed a new sensor to monitor how a substance called polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) changes as it hardens, which is important for its use as bone cement in orthopedic surgery. The sensor measures how the frequency of sound changes (shifts up to 14 Hz) during the curing process, showing consistent shifts of about 0.046 Hz every second over 400 seconds while the material is still soft. This helps ensure that the PMMA is hardening properly, which is crucial for safety and effectiveness in medical applications. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing orthopedic procedures by ensuring the bone cement sets correctly.

Plain English
This study looked at how a new intubation protocol for patients with COVID-19 affected the success of emergency intubations at a major hospital. Researchers analyzed data from 630 patients and found that the success rate for the first attempt at intubation increased from 73.1% before the protocol to 82.2% after it was introduced, along with a drop in complications like incorrect intubations. These improvements matter because they can lead to better patient outcomes and reduced risks during emergency airway management. Who this helps: This benefits patients who need emergency intubation, particularly those with COVID-19.

Plain English
This study looked at how successfully emergency medical teams were able to place breathing tubes in patients at a trauma center over a one-year period. Out of 416 attempts to intubate patients, the success rate on the first try was 73.1%, which varied by location: 84.3% in the emergency department, 66.1% in ICUs, and just 57.5% on regular wards. Understanding these differences is crucial because it helps improve protocols for better patient safety and outcomes during emergency situations. Who this helps: This benefits patients who need urgent airway management and the doctors treating them.

Plain English
This study examined how iron is stored in brain cells, specifically looking at a protein called ferritin, which stores iron. Researchers found that as brain cells break down after death, neurons lose iron from ferritin more quickly than glial cells. They discovered that while glial cells have higher overall ferritin levels, neurons accumulate more ferritin when patients have more of it in total, indicating a unique way neurons handle iron. Who this helps: This helps researchers and healthcare professionals understand iron management in the brain, which has implications for neurological diseases.

Plain English
This research studied how a drug called lorcaserin, which stimulates serotonin receptors, affects behaviors in male mice related to eating, reward-seeking, and impulsiveness. The study found that lorcaserin reduced eating at a high dose of 5 mg/kg and impacted how much the mice worked to get a reward at a lower dose of 1 mg/kg. It also showed that lower doses (0.05-0.2 mg/kg) significantly reduced impulsive behavior without affecting attention. These findings are important because they suggest that drugs like lorcaserin could help manage impulsive behaviors, which is relevant for conditions like obesity and drug addiction. Who this helps: This research can benefit patients struggling with obesity or impulse control issues.

Plain English
This study looked at two ways to treat water for drinking: one that blends reclaimed water with lake water and another that uses only lake water. The research found that neither method fully met drinking water quality standards, with a blend of 25% reclaimed and 75% lake water showing poor results. This is important because it shows that advanced water treatment could be a workable option for providing safe drinking water without using complex methods like reverse osmosis. Who this helps: This helps water treatment facilities and the communities they serve.

Plain English
This study looked at injuries caused by burning trash and yard waste, focusing on 136 patients over five years. They found that 25% of patients had access to free waste disposal, and many suffered serious burns, with 36% experiencing deep tissue damage. Additionally, patients with lower functioning before their injuries stayed in the hospital longer and faced a higher chance of death, leading to over $32 million in hospital costs. Who this helps: This research helps patients at risk of burn injuries and healthcare providers by highlighting the need for better waste disposal access and injury prevention strategies.

Plain English
This study looked at the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients who had lung surgery. Out of 1,045 patients, 57 (about 5.5%) developed AKI within two days after the surgery. Key factors linked to a higher risk of AKI included having higher creatinine levels before surgery, being male, using certain medications, and how long one lung was kept under anesthesia. This is important because patients with AKI had more complications, needed more intensive care, and had a higher risk of death. Who this helps: This information helps doctors better manage the risks associated with lung surgery for patients.

Plain English
This study looked at how to improve HIV care for Latinx individuals in Washington, D.C., by making sure the care is culturally relevant and focused on patients' needs. Over the course of the project, the clinic made several changes, including training staff and improving workflows, which led to better patient outcomes and higher satisfaction with care. For example, staff reported feeling more knowledgeable about providing patient-centered care. Who this helps: This benefits Latinx patients living with HIV and the healthcare providers who care for them.

Plain English
This study looked at how two drugs, pimavanserin and lorcaserin, affect alcohol drinking and cravings in male and female rats. The researchers found that lorcaserin significantly reduced alcohol consumption and cravings, while pimavanserin had little to no effect. This matters because it highlights that activating certain serotonin receptors can help manage alcohol-related behaviors more effectively than blocking them. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with alcohol use and healthcare providers looking for effective treatment options.

Plain English
This study looked at how certain brain receptors are involved in alcohol dependence and the craving for alcohol in rats. The researchers found that alcohol dependence created different effects in male and female rats: non-dependent females wanted alcohol more than males, but dependence reduced their cravings, while males showed little change. Understanding these differences is important because it helps in developing tailored treatments for alcohol dependence based on sex. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working on treatments for alcohol addiction.

Plain English
This study looked at how infectious the original and Delta variants of the COVID-19 virus are in children compared to adults. Researchers found that children infected with the Delta variant are 2.7 times more likely to spread the virus than those with the original variant. This is important because it suggests that children could play a bigger role in spreading the Delta variant than they did with earlier versions of the virus. Who this helps: This information helps public health officials and parents understand the risks of COVID-19 transmission in children.

Plain English
This research focused on creating guidelines for using basic point-of-care ultrasound (bPOCUS) by anesthesiologists in Canada. A group of 55 experts from 12 Canadian universities worked together to agree on 56 key statements covering training and practice areas, including the heart, lungs, and abdomen. These guidelines will help standardize how bPOCUS is taught and used, ensuring better patient care during surgeries. Who this helps: Patients undergoing surgery benefit from improved care and safety measures.

Plain English
This study looked at how often nurse practitioners (NPs) and physicians complete Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) forms, which help patients express their wishes for medical treatment. The research found that NPs completed nearly twice as many forms as physicians, averaging 9.54 forms compared to 5.66 forms. Importantly, NPs were more likely to order do-not-resuscitate instructions and comfort measures than physicians, indicating they approach end-of-life care differently. Who this helps: This benefits patients who rely on NPs for clear communication about their treatment choices.

Plain English
This study examined how long the COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) can survive on different types of personal protective equipment (PPE) used by healthcare workers. Researchers found that the virus remained viable on materials like N-95 masks and plastic visors for up to 21 days but disappeared from 100% cotton fabric within 24 hours. These results highlight the need for careful handling of PPE to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in healthcare environments and suggest that cotton could be effective in reducing transmission. Who this helps: This helps healthcare workers and patients in hospital settings.

Plain English
This study focused on how Ebola virus spreads among healthcare workers in an intensive care unit, using infected non-human primates to simulate the care environment. Researchers found that the Ebola virus was detectable in the blood of the infected animals as early as three days after infection, but other fluids and swabs showed the virus only in later stages of the disease. Understanding these risks is crucial for developing effective safety measures to protect healthcare workers during potential Ebola outbreaks. Who this helps: This helps healthcare workers and hospitals preparing for Ebola cases.

Plain English
This research looked at how contagious the SARS-CoV-2 virus is in children compared to adults. It found that out of 305 samples tested, only about 19% of samples from children 10 years or younger and 23% from children aged 11-17 allowed the virus to grow in culture, compared to 44% in adults. This indicates that children tend to have lower levels of the virus and are less likely to spread COVID-19, which is important for understanding how to control the virus in communities. Who this helps: This helps parents, teachers, and public health officials make informed decisions about children's safety and school policies during the pandemic.

Plain English
This study looked at how a free online program could help people with anxiety by changing how they interpret situations. Researchers had 807 participants with high anxiety, and those who received positive training (where 90% of the scenarios were positive) showed a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms compared to those who received no training; specifically, this group had better outcomes over time. The program is feasible for use, but many participants dropped out before finishing all the sessions, which is a concern. Who this helps: This helps people with anxiety.

Plain English
This study looked at a new way to deliver a drug called dynantin, which is effective against certain brain receptors linked to pain and mood disorders. The researchers found that using special particles called glycoliposomes made it possible to get about 3 to 3.5 times more dynantin into the brain, which also led to a significant increase in dopamine levels. This improvement in drug delivery is important because it can enhance treatment options for brain-related diseases. Who this helps: Patients with conditions affecting the central nervous system.

Plain English
This study looked at a new way to treat wastewater so that it can be safely reused as drinking water, specifically using ozone and biological filtration instead of the commonly used reverse osmosis. Researchers mixed advanced treated wastewater with lake water in different amounts and found that a 15% blend of recycled water met safety standards, while higher blends showed some contamination issues. The study is important because it shows that this method can safely provide clean drinking water while potentially reducing the risk of harmful bacteria compared to traditional practices. Who this helps: This benefits water treatment facilities and communities looking for sustainable drinking water solutions.

Plain English
This study looked at how well a common test for COVID-19 (RT-PCR) can predict whether a person is still infectious based on the test results and how long they’ve had symptoms. Researchers found that only 28.9% of tested samples could grow the virus and that samples with higher test cycle numbers (Ct greater than 24) or symptoms lasting longer than 8 days were unlikely to be infectious. These findings are important because they can help shape public health guidelines, aiding in decisions about when to isolate patients or lift restrictions. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and healthcare providers manage COVID-19 safety measures.

Plain English
This study looked at how adding chickpea flour to pea protein can help create a meat-like texture in plant-based foods. The researchers found that using 10-20% chickpea flour produced the best results in terms of texture, with improvements in firmness and chewiness compared to using no chickpea flour at all. This is important because it offers a healthier and non-allergenic alternative for making plant-based proteins that appeal to more consumers. Who this helps: This benefits people looking for plant-based meat alternatives, especially those with allergies or concerns about genetically modified ingredients.

Plain English
This study explored how certain drugs affect impulsivity in rats using a test that measures attention and quick responses. Researchers found that yohimbine increased impulsive behavior, making the rats respond too quickly without waiting for the right cue, while another drug, U50,488, and alcohol had the opposite effect by reducing impulsivity. The finding that yohimbine’s effect was blocked by a specific drug indicates that the kappa opioid receptor is involved in this process, which could help us understand how impulsivity relates to drug relapse. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with addiction by providing insights into impulsivity and its role in relapse.

Plain English
This study looked at how repeated exposure to alcohol vapor affects the desire for alcohol when stress triggers cravings. Researchers found that rats exposed to the alcohol vapor were more likely to seek alcohol again when given a specific drug, U50,488, compared to those not exposed to the vapor. Specifically, these vapor-exposed rats showed higher activity in certain brain areas linked to stress and addiction, indicating they are more sensitive to the effects of stress-induced cravings. Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from alcohol dependence and their healthcare providers by providing insights into addiction mechanisms.

Plain English
This study looked at how comfortable patients are with using products from beehives, like honey and bee venom, as part of their medical treatments. It found that most patients are familiar with honey, but not with less common products like bee venom or the air from beehives, and only 17% of patients found live bee stings acceptable as a treatment. Understanding patient preferences is important for doctors to consider when offering new treatments, as it can guide them to suggest options that patients are more willing to try. Who this helps: This helps patients considering alternative treatments and doctors aiming to provide acceptable options.

Plain English
This study looked at how US health centers reported information about patients' sexual orientation and gender identity during the first year of a new requirement. Out of nearly 26 million patients, a large amount of information was missing—77% for sexual orientation and 63% for gender identity. Among those who did provide details, about 3.7% identified as part of the LGBTQ+ community and 0.4% as transgender, which aligns with national averages, suggesting that more training is needed for health centers to improve these reports. Who this helps: This helps patients by ensuring their identities are recognized in health care, which can lead to better tailored services.

Plain English
This study looked at the effects of a lower dose of a common anesthetic, bupivacaine, during cesarean sections to see if it could improve recovery times and reduce complications. Researchers found that using 4.5 mg of bupivacaine led to faster recovery from paralysis (54 minutes compared to 132 minutes for the standard dose) and shorter time spent in recovery (70 minutes vs. 92 minutes), although both doses resulted in a decrease in heart function. This matters because quicker recovery can help new mothers get back to caring for their babies sooner. Who this helps: This benefits mothers undergoing cesarean sections.

Plain English
This study looked at two specific changes that can happen to proteins produced in CHO cells (used to make some medicines), called sulfotyrosine and 4-hydroxyproline. The researchers found that one type of protein had a surprising modification that made it slightly heavier (by 80 units), and another type had modifications that resulted in differences of 16 and 32 units. These findings matter because they help ensure the quality and consistency of biotherapeutics, which must be closely monitored to ensure they are safe and effective. Who this helps: Patients needing safe and effective biotherapeutic medications.

Plain English
This study looked at how intensive care treatments might affect the health of monkeys infected with a lethal strain of the Ebola virus. Four monkeys received various treatments such as fluids, medications to support blood pressure, and blood transfusions. While none of the monkeys survived past an average of about 166 hours, the study found that some treatments had brief benefits, like reducing lactate levels and improving blood pressure temporarily, but overall, the supportive care did not significantly change the disease's course. Who this helps: This research helps scientists and medical professionals working on Ebola therapies and supportive care methods.

Plain English
This study looked at how the drug prazosin affects alcohol cravings triggered by a specific stressor in rats. Researchers found that when they gave prazosin to the rats, it prevented a return to alcohol-seeking behavior, and it also reduced brain activity in areas linked to stress and addiction. Specifically, prazosin blocked 100% of the cravings induced by the stressor and decreased brain activation levels by 50% in key regions. Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from alcohol addiction, especially those experiencing stress-related cravings.

Plain English
This research looked at how intensive care support affects the health of monkeys infected with the Ebola virus. The study found that providing strong medical care improved the monkeys' chances of survival and their overall condition when infected with Ebola. This is important because it helps establish how effective treatment can be in combating deadly diseases like Ebola. Who this helps: This benefits patients who are infected with Ebola and the doctors treating them.

Plain English
In this study, researchers investigated how a certain brain receptor, called the κ-opioid receptor (KOR), affects the desire to drink alcohol after a period of not drinking. They found that when they injected a drug that activates KOR (U50,488), it significantly increased alcohol-seeking behavior in rats that had previously stopped drinking, especially when they targeted a specific brain area known as the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). The most effective dose of U50,488 led to increased brain activity marked by Fos expression, and blocking KOR activity in the BNST stopped the reinstatement of alcohol-seeking. Who this helps: This research helps doctors and scientists better understand addiction mechanisms, which can lead to improved treatments for individuals struggling with alcohol dependence.

Plain English
This study investigated how alcohol dependence affects the choice between drinking alcohol and consuming a sweet substance called saccharin in rats. Researchers found that rats with alcohol dependence showed a significant preference for alcohol over saccharin; specifically, they chose alcohol over saccharin much more often than those without dependence. This is crucial because it highlights how addiction can alter decision-making, which could inform treatments for people struggling with alcohol use. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with alcohol addiction and the doctors treating them.

Plain English
Researchers studied how to improve HIV care for Latino patients at a health center in Washington, D.C. They talked to both staff and patients, which helped them understand what training and resources were needed for better service. This approach led to more engaged staff and clearer goals for measuring improvements in care. Who this helps: This benefits Latino patients living with HIV and the healthcare providers serving them.

Plain English
This study looked at how different species, including humans, break down chemicals used in agriculture (agrochemicals) to understand potential health risks. Researchers created lab tests to compare how humans and common lab animals process these chemicals. They found that it's crucial to ensure that if a chemical breaks down in humans in a way that doesn’t occur in animals, the safety of that breakdown product needs further assessment. Who this helps: This helps researchers and regulators in assessing the safety of agricultural chemicals for humans.

Plain English
This study created a way to provide full intensive care, similar to what humans receive in hospitals, to Rhesus macaques experiencing severe illness, specifically from Ebolavirus-induced septic shock. The researchers found that the macaques responded in ways that are similar to humans when given treatments like mechanical ventilation and fluid management. This matters because it establishes a better animal model for testing new treatments for critical illnesses like sepsis, which has a high death rate, without putting patients in danger during research. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers developing better treatments for critically ill patients.

Plain English
This study looked at the rise in a surgical procedure called thoracic decortication in Manitoba from 2007 to 2014, which increased from five to 45 procedures per year. A total of 192 patients were analyzed, and those who had the surgery for infections, primarily pneumonia, had worse recovery outcomes compared to those whose surgery was due to non-infectious reasons, with complications occurring in 44.4% of infectious cases versus 24.2% for non-infectious cases. This matters because it highlights the need for careful monitoring and potentially more intensive care for patients with infection-related surgeries. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing thoracic decortication, especially those with infections.

Plain English
This study looked at how rats behave when they self-administer nicotine compared to a sweet solution (saccharin). Researchers found that after some training, the rats' desire for nicotine became habitual and didn't change much even when they were conditioned to dislike it, while their desire for saccharin was easily influenced by their experiences. Specifically, the rats' craving for nicotine only dropped by 4% when they were made to dislike it, compared to a 30% drop in their craving for saccharin, meaning that nicotine use can become a stubborn habit more quickly. Who this helps: This research helps understand tobacco addiction, which benefits patients trying to quit smoking and healthcare providers working on cessation strategies.

Plain English
This study looked at how a specific method of measuring how well patients respond to fluid treatment affects outcomes for adults in intensive care units (ICUs). Researchers found that using this method lowered the risk of death by 41% and reduced the time patients spent in the ICU by about 1.2 days and on mechanical ventilation by about 3 hours. These findings are important because they suggest that more precise fluid management can lead to better recovery for patients in critical condition. Who this helps: This benefits ICU patients who need fluid treatment.

Plain English
This study looked at how certain factors can predict the risk of delirium after surgery, a condition that affects some patients’ mental state. Researchers tested 12 patients using a mix of psychiatric evaluations, brain imaging, and monitoring during surgery. They discovered that 3 out of 12 patients experienced full delirium, while 3 others showed early signs, suggesting that mental health and cognitive abilities are important in understanding who might experience this after surgery. Who this helps: This research helps doctors identify patients at higher risk for post-operative delirium, enabling them to provide better care during and after surgery.

Plain English
This study looked at how two medications, prazosin and doxazosin, affect alcohol-seeking behavior in rats when triggered by a stressor called yohimbine. The results showed that prazosin significantly reduced alcohol-seeking by up to 69%, while doxazosin was even more effective, reducing this behavior by 78%. Understanding how these drugs work could help develop new treatments for people struggling with alcoholism. Who this helps: Patients dealing with alcohol addiction.

Plain English
This study looked at how the craving for nicotine changes over time after stopping use, particularly focusing on whether starting nicotine use during adolescence affects this craving. It found that both adolescent and adult rats showed increased nicotine-seeking behavior, peaking on the 14th day after withdrawal, with adults seeking nicotine more than adolescents. The research highlights that certain brain cells in the central amygdala are key to this increasing craving, suggesting that these mechanisms may be important for understanding addiction. Who this helps: This information can benefit researchers and healthcare providers working with patients recovering from nicotine addiction.

Plain English
This study looked at how well men who have sex with men (MSM) manage both HIV and Type 2 diabetes, using 88 participants for the analysis. It found that men with poor blood sugar control were more likely to have other health issues: 70% had high blood pressure, 93% had high triglycerides, and 67% dealt with depression, among other challenges. Understanding these patterns is crucial because treating just one health problem may not be enough when multiple issues are present, highlighting the need for comprehensive care strategies. Who this helps: This benefits patients, healthcare providers, and public health officials working with vulnerable populations.

Plain English
This study looked at why some young people at high risk for HPV, a virus that can lead to serious health problems, are getting vaccinated against it. Out of 2,537 youth aged 13-26, only about 8% of men and 29% of women received at least one dose of the vaccine. The researchers found that visiting a doctor for regular check-ups or for other health concerns increased the likelihood of getting vaccinated, especially for women who had Pap tests or STD visits, while being identified as transmale lowered the chances. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors and healthcare providers working with at-risk youth, enabling them to encourage vaccination through regular healthcare visits.