DANIEL ANDREW LEARY III, MD

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This study looked at how patients' symptoms changed after they received a kidney transplant. It involved 80 adult patients who reported similar numbers of symptoms before and after the transplant, but with some important differences in frequency. Patients generally felt better about symptoms like itching, fatigue, nausea, and headaches, but many experienced new or worsening symptoms such as tremors and waking up at night. Understanding these changes is crucial for improving care for kidney transplant patients. Who this helps: This helps kidney transplant patients and their doctors manage post-transplant symptoms better.

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This study examined how growing E. coli bacteria in microgravity on the International Space Station affects their ability to produce melanin, a pigment important for various applications. The researchers found that E. coli in space produced significantly less melanin—about 80% lower than those grown on Earth—due to changes in their metabolism and potential stress from the space environment. Understanding these effects is crucial for developing better methods to produce important materials while in space. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and engineers working on space missions and biomanufacturing.

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This study looked at how effectively superficial X-rays kill certain types of cells compared to a radioactive source (Cs-137). Researchers found that the X-rays had a relative effectiveness value of about 1.45 to 1.64, meaning they were more effective than Cs-137 in damaging the cell types studied. This is important because it shows that precise measurement techniques are essential for accurately understanding the effects of X-rays, which can improve cancer treatment strategies. Who this helps: Patients undergoing radiation therapy.

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This study looked at how well radiation therapy helps dogs with urinary blockage caused by a common bladder cancer called urothelial carcinoma. Out of 25 dogs treated, 15 (or 60%) found relief from their blockage, especially those receiving more intensive treatment, which led to a longer median time before they experienced blockage again (8 days compared to 4 days). Overall, the median survival time for the dogs after treatment was 134 days. Who this helps: This benefits dog owners and veterinarians managing bladder cancer in dogs.

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This study looked at how safe and effective it is to provide a treatment called hemodiafiltration (HDF) for kidney failure patients in their own homes. Out of 39 patients who started training for home HDF, all of them successfully completed the program, with an average training time of 61 days. After six months of treatment, none of the patients were hospitalized due to technical issues related to the dialysis, highlighting the safety of this method. Who this helps: This benefits kidney failure patients and their healthcare providers by offering a safe and adaptable home treatment option.

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This study looked at how radiation from superficial x-rays, used in treating non-melanoma skin cancer, affects the bones in patients compared to soft tissue. Researchers found that for different x-ray settings (50, 70, and 100 kVp), the radiation doses to the bones could be more than 500% higher at shallow depths, with significant doses still present even at deeper levels. This information is crucial for doctors to precisely plan treatments and limit harmful radiation to bones. Who this helps: Patients undergoing radiotherapy for skin cancer.

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This study looked at how different types of radiation therapy (RT) affected dogs with a serious heart tumor called cardiac hemangiosarcoma, which can quickly lead to death. Out of 27 dogs treated, those who received RT had fewer emergency fluid removals from around the heart after treatment (from 1.1 times to 0.18 times per week), with an average survival time of 137 days. These findings confirm previous research suggesting that radiation therapy can help dogs with this condition and indicate a need to find better treatments to prevent the spread of the cancer. Who this helps: This helps dogs with cardiac hemangiosarcoma and their owners.

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This study looked at a new way to treat nasal tumors in dogs using a technique called lattice radiation therapy (LRT) combined with a specific type of advanced radiation delivery. Researchers successfully created treatment plans that placed the high-dose regions needed for the therapy effectively while ensuring that surrounding healthy tissue was protected. They found that all treatment plans met important safety standards, and the methods used could potentially lead to more effective treatments for these tumors. Who this helps: This helps dogs with sinonasal carcinoma and their veterinarians.

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This study focused on how to better include patients and caregivers from diverse and underserved backgrounds in research related to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The workshop identified six key strategies, including building trust, fostering community, balancing goals, providing support, making research relatable, and adapting to individual needs. These recommendations aim to create more inclusive and effective research practices, which is important because when everyone is included, research can better meet the needs of all patients. Who this helps: This helps patients, caregivers, and researchers in chronic kidney disease.

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This study looked at how well dogs with oral tumors responded to a treatment called Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT). Out of 98 dogs treated, the average time they lived without the tumors getting worse was about 152 days, with an overall survival time of 270 days, showing similar results across different types of tumors. However, some dogs experienced significant side effects, such as damage to nearby tissues, emphasizing the need to consider these risks when deciding on treatment. Who this helps: This research benefits dog owners and veterinarians looking for effective treatments for canine oral tumors.

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This study looked at how radiation from X-ray machines affects veterinary staff during treatments for horses with skin tumors. It found that radiation exposure can vary significantly depending on the type of X-ray device used, ranging from about 4 to 7,500 milliroentgens per hour. The important takeaway is that when veterinarians stand a certain distance away from the machine, they can significantly reduce their exposure to dangerous levels of radiation, ensuring their safety while treating horses. Who this helps: This helps veterinary staff working with horses undergoing radiation treatment.

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This study examined the harmful effects on the digestive system from combining radiation therapy with the cancer drug sunitinib in mice. The results showed that mice receiving both treatments experienced more weight loss and inflammation compared to those receiving just radiation, suggesting that the combination might hinder the body’s ability to heal itself. This finding is important because it may explain similar gastrointestinal problems seen in some patients undergoing these treatments for cancer. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients receiving radiation and targeted therapies, as well as their doctors.

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This study looked at using a special type of radiation therapy to treat skin tumors called mast cell tumors in three dogs and one cat. The results were promising, with all three pets who finished the treatment showing no signs of their tumors after therapy. The pets experienced only minor side effects, and there was no damage to their eyes from the treatment. Who this helps: This helps pet owners and veterinarians looking for effective treatment options for pets with skin tumors.

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This study looked at how effective stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) is for treating brain tumors called gliomas in dogs. The researchers found that dogs treated with SRT had a median survival time of about 12 months, which is better compared to earlier treatments that only offered around 4 to 6 months. In fact, 91% of the dogs showed improvement in their symptoms after the treatment. Who this helps: This benefits dog owners and veterinarians treating dogs with gliomas.

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This study looked at a 64-year-old man with Wallenberg's syndrome, a condition caused by damage to a specific part of the brain, after he suffered a stroke. The research highlighted how important it is for different types of healthcare professionals to work together in rehabilitation, especially to help patients improve issues like swallowing and other symptoms. A good recovery can significantly enhance patients' quality of life, despite the challenges they face. Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from strokes and their healthcare teams.

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This study looked at how well a type of radiation therapy, called stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), works for dogs with advanced salivary gland cancer. Out of six dogs treated, all of them showed improvements, with a median time of 34 days before treatment effects were seen. The research found that these dogs lived an average of 397 days after treatment, with 50% developing other health issues related to the cancer spreading. Who this helps: This helps dog owners and veterinarians looking for effective treatments for advanced salivary gland cancer in dogs.

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This study looked at a treatment called stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for dogs with primary lung cancer, called pulmonary carcinomas. Out of 19 dogs treated, the average survival time was about 343 days, and 38% were still alive after a year. Notably, the cancer stage didn't greatly affect how long the dogs lived after treatment, and SBRT was found to be a safe alternative to surgery. Who this helps: This benefits dogs with lung cancer and their owners who may prefer less invasive treatment options.

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This study looked at how combining a cancer treatment called toceranib phosphate (TOC) with abdominal radiation therapy (RT) affects dogs with cancer. It found that dogs receiving both treatments experienced higher rates of problems like diarrhea (about 26% vs. 7% in radiation-only groups), vomiting (about 37% vs. 10%), and decreased appetite (hyporexia) more often than those receiving just one of the treatments. This matters because it highlights the risks of using these therapies together, helping veterinarians make safer treatment choices for dogs undergoing cancer treatment. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and dog owners managing cancer in pets.

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This study compared two different computer methods for planning radiation therapy in dogs with cancer in their nasal area. The researchers found that the collapsed cone convolution (CCC) method gave higher dose estimates for the tumor and surrounding organs than the Monte Carlo (MC) method, with differences of up to 3% for the tumor. This is important because accurate dosing is crucial for effective treatment and minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Who this helps: This benefits veterinarians and pet owners by improving cancer treatment for dogs.

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This study looked at two different types of radiation therapy for dogs with thymoma, a type of tumor, to see how well they worked and what side effects they caused. Out of 15 dogs treated, those who received intensity-modulated stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) had better outcomes in terms of completing treatment with fewer side effects—only 25% had lung and heart issues compared to 71% in the other group using non-modulated hypofractionated radiation therapy (NMRT). While both treatments had similar overall effectiveness, SBRT might allow for safer and quicker treatment. Who this helps: This helps dog owners and veterinarians seeking safer treatment options for dogs with thymoma.

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This study looked at how well stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) works for treating nasal lymphoma in cats. The researchers treated 32 cats and found that the average survival time after treatment was 365 days, with many cats surviving over 225 days without disease progression. This is important because it shows that SBRT is a safe and effective option for cats with this type of cancer, which can help improve their quality of life and extend their survival. Who this helps: This helps cats with nasal lymphoma and their owners.

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This study looks at how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in the field of veterinary radiation oncology, which involves using radiation to treat cancer in animals. The research highlights advances in AI technology that can improve treatment planning and patient care, potentially saving time and costs. Although these AI applications have great promise, they need more research to understand their effectiveness and best practices before being widely adopted. Who this helps: This benefits veterinarians and pet owners seeking advanced cancer treatment options for their animals.

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This study looked at a type of cancer in dogs called soft tissue sarcoma and tested a specific treatment method called stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Researchers treated 52 dogs and found that those responding to the treatment lived an average of 475 days, compared to 201 days for those who did not respond. This matters because it shows that SBRT can control this cancer effectively, especially in dogs with smaller tumors or earlier stages of the disease. Who this helps: Patients (dogs with soft tissue sarcoma) and their veterinarians.

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This study looked at how well stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) works for dogs with bone cancer in their limbs, specifically 123 dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma. The treatment helped 84% of dogs improve their limping within about three weeks, with many showing improvements lasting for up to six months. However, 41% ended up with fractures after treatment, and survival times varied, with dogs undergoing salvage amputation living longer on average (346 days) than those who did not (202 days). Who this helps: This research benefits dogs with osteosarcoma and their owners, offering an alternative treatment option to amputation.

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Researchers studied a fast-growing marine bacterium called *Vibrio natriegens* to see if it could produce melanin, a useful pigment, more efficiently than traditional methods. They found that this bacterium could create melanin rapidly, forming nanoparticles that not only protect cells from UV damage but also have the ability to absorb harmful compounds like TNT. This discovery could lead to easier and larger-scale production of melanin for various applications, making it a valuable resource in fields like medicine and environmental science. Who this helps: Patients and environmental cleanup efforts.

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Researchers looked at how electron beam therapy (a type of radiation treatment) affects cancer cells in lab flasks, particularly focusing on how the walls of the flasks can alter the radiation dose the cells receive. They found that when lower energy electrons (3, 4, and 7 MeV) were used, the surviving cancer cells were mostly around the edges of the flasks, but at higher energies (9 and 18 MeV), the cells survived more evenly throughout. This matters because it indicates that not accounting for flask wall effects can lead to incorrect conclusions about how effective radiation treatment is, potentially impacting future research and patient care. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on radiation therapy for cancer patients.

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This study looked at how the yeast Exophiala dermatitidis survives exposure to gamma radiation. Researchers found that melanin, the pigment in the yeast, doesn’t actually help protect it from radiation; instead, factors like nutrients and the age of the yeast cells play a bigger role in survival. They also noted that the yeast's recovery involves many complex biological processes, especially for repairing damaged DNA. Who this helps: This research helps scientists understand how certain fungi withstand radiation, which can be useful for improving food safety and bioremediation efforts.

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This study looked at the effects of a targeted radiation treatment called stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for 26 dogs with tumors located at the base of the heart. The results showed that, on average, these dogs lived for about 404 days after treatment, with most showing either some improvement or stable disease for around 333 days. The treatment had minimal severe side effects, making it a promising option for dogs with progressive heart base tumors. Who this helps: This benefits dog owners with pets diagnosed with heart base tumors, as well as veterinarians seeking effective treatment options.

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This study looked at a treatment called stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for dogs with thyroid cancer, specifically for cases that couldn't be surgically removed. Out of 23 dogs, 70% had tumors that were not operable, and after SBRT, 70% showed a good response to the treatment, with 81% of symptomatic dogs improving within about 16 days. Overall, dogs that responded well lived significantly longer without disease progression and had higher overall survival rates, averaging around 362 days. Who this helps: This research helps dogs with thyroid cancer and their veterinarians by providing an effective treatment option for tumors that cannot be surgically removed.

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This study looked at how two substances—copper-based CuATSM and gold nanoparticles (GNP)—affect radiation treatment in areas of tumors that lack oxygen, known as hypoxic regions. The researchers found that while GNP are less effective in these oxygen-poor areas, CuATSM can deliver copper to those spots and improve radiation dose delivery. Specifically, using CuATSM at higher concentrations can boost the radiation effectiveness up to 7% in these challenging areas compared to standard treatments. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients with tumors that have hypoxic regions by improving the effectiveness of radiation therapy.

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This study looked at how a customizable, 3D-printed device called a bolus can improve radiation therapy for pets compared to standard boluses. The researchers found that the 3D-printed bolus reduced empty spaces (air gaps) and delivered more accurate doses of radiation, especially for tumors located in the head, with a significant improvement (p < 0.001). This matters because better dose distribution can lead to more effective treatments for animals receiving radiation therapy. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and pets undergoing radiation treatment.

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The Tri-Service Microbiome Consortium held its third annual symposium to bring together U.S. Department of Defense researchers to share knowledge and explore various aspects of microbiome research. The discussions focused on five key areas, including how human and environmental microbiomes can impact soldiers, and how innovative studies from universities and businesses can be applied to military solutions. This collaboration is crucial for advancing our understanding of microbiomes, which can lead to better health and performance for military personnel. Who this helps: This benefits military personnel and researchers working to improve soldier health and readiness.

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This study looked at how different types of radiation and chemotherapy drugs affect canine malignant melanoma (CMM), a serious skin cancer in dogs. Researchers tested four CMM cell lines and found that their sensitivity to radiation varied widely, with a ratio of how they responded ranging from 0.3 to over 100 when exposed to 6 megavoltage photon radiation. They also discovered that the effectiveness of radiation treatment can decrease when the cells are in low-oxygen (hypoxic) conditions, and certain chemotherapy drugs may help improve treatment outcomes. Who this helps: This research benefits veterinarians and dog owners dealing with canine malignant melanoma by providing insights for better treatment options.

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This study looked at a new liquid marker called BioXmark to help better identify the surface parts of oral tumors in dogs when planning radiation therapy. Researchers tested it on six dogs and found that using BioXmark increased the size of the tumors identified by an average of 47% compared to traditional methods. This is important because better identification of tumor areas can lead to more effective treatment planning and improved outcomes for dogs with oral tumors. Who this helps: Dog owners and veterinarians treating canine oral tumors.

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This study looked at how a protein complex called mTORC1 connects to the surface of lysosomes, which are parts of the cell that break down waste. Researchers discovered that mTORC1 needs to interact with certain molecules (Rag GTPases) to attach to the lysosome, and specific changes to these molecules can stop mTORC1 from working properly. They used advanced imaging techniques to create a detailed picture of this process, revealing important details that can influence how cells respond to nutrients and grow. Who this helps: This research helps scientists and doctors understand cell growth processes, which could impact treatments for conditions like cancer and metabolic disorders.

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This study focused on improving the production of a malaria protein called CelTOS by adjusting its genetic code to better match the bacteria used for its production. The researchers found that this "codon harmonization" led to a more consistent and stable version of the protein, which produced higher antibody levels in mice—specifically, a significant increase in antibodies compared to the original version. This finding is important because it could enhance the effectiveness of malaria vaccines in the future. Who this helps: Patients at risk of malaria and vaccine developers.

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This study looked at how certain breathing measures change when patients with asthma and healthy individuals use a medication that helps open their airways. Researchers found that in asthma patients, breathing resistance decreased by 23% and a specific measure of airway stiffness also dropped by 23%, while healthy individuals saw smaller decreases of 14% and no change in stiffness. These findings are important because they show that smaller airways play a significant role in breathing difficulties for asthma patients, and using these specific measures can help better assess their condition. Who this helps: This helps patients with asthma and their doctors understand how effectively a treatment opens up their airways.

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This study looked at a radiation treatment called stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) for cats with pituitary tumors causing acromegaly—a condition that can lead to diabetes. Researchers found that out of 41 cats treated, 95% had their insulin needs reduced, and 32% went into diabetic remission. On average, these cats lived for about 1072 days after treatment, showing that SRT not only helps manage diabetes but also increases their overall lifespan. Who this helps: This benefits cats suffering from acromegaly and their owners.

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This study looked at 27 dogs diagnosed with trigeminal nerve sheath tumors to understand their symptoms, treatment options, and outcomes. Most dogs showed signs like muscle wasting in the jaw (26 dogs), neurological issues (13), and eye problems (12). The dogs that received stereotactic radiation therapy lived longer, with a median survival of 441 days, compared to just 12 days for those who did not get treatment, although the overall difference in survival times wasn’t significant. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and dog owners by providing important information on treatment options and expected outcomes for dogs with this type of tumor.

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This study looked at how recently discovered human polyomaviruses affect kidney transplant patients. Out of 167 patients, researchers found that most of these viruses appeared in the respiratory system, with one virus, Merkel cell polyomavirus, commonly detected but not linked to any health problems. However, another virus called KI polyomavirus was linked to respiratory disease in some patients. Who this helps: This research benefits kidney transplant patients and their doctors by providing insights into potential viral infections that could impact their health.

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This study examined how well magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can identify breathing problems in asthma patients by looking at how air moves in their lungs. Researchers found that the percentage of ventilation defects (areas where air doesn't flow properly) strongly related to certain lung resistance measurements, with a significant correlation of 0.91 for specific airway sizes, compared to a lower correlation of -0.68 with traditional lung function tests. This is important because understanding these ventilation defects can lead to better treatments for asthma and improve patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients with asthma and their doctors.

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This study looked at how airway narrowing affects breathing in people with asthma, focusing on both resistance and reactance in the lungs. The researchers found that to model severe asthma, more than 75% of the smaller airways needed to be blocked, and a measure called elastance (Ers) showed better results for assessing small airway function than resistance (Rrs). This is important because using Ers could lead to better detection of early small airway problems in asthma patients, improving diagnosis and treatment. Who this helps: This helps asthma patients by improving disease monitoring and management.

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This study looked at a new way to take x-ray images that focuses on specific parts of the body while controlling the amount of radiation used. The researchers found that by adjusting the ratio of radiation on the target area to the surrounding area, they could take high-quality images of the target while keeping the radiation dose to nearby organs low. For example, they tested ratios ranging from 2:1 to 6:1, which successfully reduced the radiation dose to the outer area while maintaining good image clarity. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing imaging procedures, particularly those needing careful monitoring of sensitive areas near treatment sites.

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This study looked at how uneven branching in the bronchial tubes affects lung function during conditions like asthma. The researchers found that in models with asymmetrical airway branches, areas of poor ventilation (VDefs) appeared quickly and tended to stay in the same places, while also showing increased lung stiffness and decreased resistance—about 50% lower resistance and 25% greater stiffness compared to symmetric branches. Understanding these effects is important because it reveals how certain lung structures contribute to breathing problems in asthma patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with asthma by providing insights for better treatment strategies.

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This study focused on improving the measurement of breathing resistance using a technique called forced oscillation, which can be disrupted by actions like coughing or talking. Researchers developed a new method that accurately detects these disruptions, reporting that they could identify coughs with 96% sensitivity and recognize swallowing 95% of the time, among other findings. This matters because it enables clearer and more reliable assessments of respiratory health, leading to better patient care. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers monitoring respiratory conditions in patients.

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This study compared two types of MRI scans using special gases (helium-3 and xenon-129) to see how they show lung problems in people with asthma before and after taking a medication that relaxes the airways (salbutamol). The researchers found that before the medication, xenon-129 scans showed more breathing issues (8% of lung areas affected) compared to helium-3 (6% of lung areas affected). After using the medication, both scans showed improvements, but the improvement seen with xenon-129 was greater. Who this helps: This benefits asthma patients by providing better ways to identify lung problems.

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Researchers studied how different sizes of airways in the lungs affect breathing difficulties, particularly in conditions like asthma. They found that when the sizes of airways varied more, the unpredictability in airway resistance (how easily air flows through) increased significantly—over four times more. Understanding this helps explain why some asthma patients experience fluctuating symptoms and could lead to better treatment strategies. Who this helps: This research benefits asthma patients and their doctors by improving insights into airway resistance and symptoms.

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This study looked at whether a new type of oral iron supplement called heme iron polypeptide (HIP) is better than standard ferrous sulfate for improving iron levels in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis and treated with a medication called darbepoetin. Researchers gave 62 patients either HIP or ferrous sulfate for six months and found no significant difference in iron levels between the two groups, with transferrin saturation—a measure of iron in the blood—being about 22% for HIP and 20% for ferrous sulfate. Importantly, the patients taking HIP had lower levels of ferritin, a protein that stores iron, and HIP was also seven times more expensive, suggesting that it may not be worth using in this patient group. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients with chronic kidney disease who need effective and affordable iron supplementation.

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This study looked at ways to keep patients warm during and after surgery to ensure better safety and satisfaction. The researchers found that 75% of patients who were warmed with forced-air blankets maintained a safe body temperature after leaving the operating room. This is important because it helps prevent complications related to being too cold during surgery. Who this helps: Patients undergoing surgery.

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This study, called the HEMATOCRIT trial, examined whether a new oral iron supplement, heme iron polypeptide (HIP), is more effective at increasing iron levels in patients on peritoneal dialysis who are receiving treatment with an erythropoietic agent called darbepoietin alpha. Over six months, researchers compared the effects of HIP with traditional iron tablets on iron levels and hemoglobin, measuring specific markers each month. The findings will help doctors decide if switching to HIP can better support the health of these patients by improving their iron levels and reducing side effects. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis who need better management of their iron levels.