DAVID A. TABER, M.D.

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This study looked at how certain non-invasive tests, which measure genetic material and cell-free DNA from a kidney donor, can help predict whether a transplanted kidney will function well over the long term. The researchers found that if a patient had high levels of both tests at the same time, the risk of kidney failure increased significantly, with a more than fourfold higher risk (aHR 4.29). This information is important because it can help doctors identify patients at higher risk for kidney problems, allowing for closer monitoring and better management of their care. Who this helps: This helps kidney transplant patients and their doctors.

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This study looked at how trust in kidney doctors affects the willingness of African American patients with end-stage kidney disease to consider live donor kidney transplants. It found that patients who had positive attitudes towards live donor transplants and trusted their kidney doctors were more likely to discuss the option with family and friends. Specifically, trust in doctors was linked to a significant increase in the likelihood of these discussions, suggesting that improving trust could help increase access to transplants for these patients. Who this helps: This benefits African American patients with end-stage kidney disease who are considering live donor kidney transplants.

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This study looked at how different transplant centers in the U.S. handle the processes for evaluating candidates for liver, kidney, and pancreas transplants. The researchers found that there are significant differences in various aspects of care, such as how referrals are made, how patients are screened, and whether there’s an appeal process for patients who are turned down for a transplant evaluation. For example, only 25% of centers had a formal appeal process for liver transplants, while many had informal processes or none at all. This matters because inconsistent processes can lead to poorer outcomes and make it harder to collect reliable data on transplant effectiveness. Who this helps: Patients seeking organ transplants.

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This study looked at whether an 8-week program teaching veterans to train service dogs could help female veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The results showed that, after participating in the program, the veterans experienced improvements in symptoms: their PTSD severity decreased significantly, along with their perceived stress and anxiety. Additionally, the veterans in the training group showed signs of slower biological aging, as indicated by an increase in telomere length. Who this helps: This helps female veterans dealing with PTSD.

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This study is comparing two antiviral medications, maribavir and valganciclovir, to see which one is more tolerable and effective at preventing cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in kidney transplant patients who are at high risk. Initial findings suggest that maribavir has a lower incidence of neutropenia (5%) compared to valganciclovir (15%-18%), which is important since neutropenia can lead to serious health issues. This research matters because it could lead to better treatment options for preventing CMV infections, which are common in transplant recipients. Who this helps: This helps kidney transplant patients at high risk for CMV infection.

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This study looked at the use of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEI/ARB) in elderly kidney transplant patients, focusing on their impact on kidney health and the survival of the transplanted kidney. Researchers found that starting these medications within the first year after a transplant reduced the risk of losing the kidney (by 38%) and decreased the chance of acute kidney injury by 30%. This is important because protecting kidney function can lead to better overall health and longer life for older transplant recipients. Who this helps: This helps elderly kidney transplant patients and their doctors.

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This study investigates the differences in kidney transplant success rates for African American patients compared to White patients, focusing on the higher risk of graft loss, which can be nearly double for African Americans. The researchers designed a program to improve medication adherence and management through a telehealth approach, hoping to enhance health outcomes for these patients. They will track results over two years for 190 participants to see if this program leads to better control of issues like medication levels, blood pressure, and diabetes, ultimately aiming to reduce hospital visits and improve graft survival. Who this helps: This benefits African American kidney transplant patients by addressing disparities in care.

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The study looked at a new procedure called the MILLER banding procedure, which is used to help patients with problems caused by dialysis access, specifically those with steal syndrome, pulmonary hypertension, and heart failure. Out of 13 patients treated, 100% had successful initial procedures, and after 6 months, 83% still had good results from the treatment; this number dropped to 66% after a year. These findings are important because they show that the MILLER procedure effectively improves symptoms for these patients, though additional treatments may be needed to keep the results stable over time. Who this helps: Patients undergoing dialysis with complications related to their vascular access.

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This study looked at two programs for people living with HIV to see which one was more effective at improving health outcomes: a traditional hospital-based program and a nurse-led program that supported patients in transitioning from hospital to community care. It found that both programs helped increase attendance at HIV appointments and improve viral suppression, with the nurse-led program, Linkage to Care Plus, achieving the best results. It highlighted that social factors, such as housing and mental health issues, significantly affect patients' health outcomes and that addressing these needs is crucial to combat the HIV epidemic. Who this helps: This benefits people living with HIV, healthcare providers, and public health policymakers.

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This study examined how diabetes affects kidney transplant patients who switch from immediate release tacrolimus to LCP-tacrolimus. It found that patients with diabetes had a higher conversion ratio of 79.8%, compared to 67.5% for those without diabetes, meaning diabetes increased the ratio by about 13-14%. This is important because it helps understand how diabetes influences medication adjustments in transplant patients, which can impact their overall health and treatment outcomes. Who this helps: This helps kidney transplant patients, especially those with diabetes.

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This study looked at how well a new approach to managing pain after kidney transplants reduces the use of opioids, which can cause serious health risks. Researchers found that after implementing this new pain management protocol, the total amount of opioids used by patients dropped from an average of 1,203.7 milligrams to 581.9 milligrams in the first year after the transplant. Additionally, 62.9% of patients in the new protocol group used no opioids at all, compared to only 2.9% in the old group. Who this helps: This benefits kidney transplant patients by reducing their reliance on opioids and lowering associated risks.

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This study looked at how obesity affects the dosing of two types of tacrolimus—one that's taken right away (IR) and a longer-acting version (LCP)—in kidney transplant patients. It included 292 patients and found that those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher had similar average doses of LCP as those with a lower BMI, but the dosing ratios differed. The findings highlight the need for adjusting the weight used for dosage calculations to ensure that all patients get the right amount of medication. Who this helps: This helps kidney transplant patients and their doctors determine better dosing strategies for medications.

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Researchers studied how experts from different fields understand cyber security and cyber security risk. They interviewed specialists from academia and the military, finding that key themes included the importance of context, system resilience, and maintaining confidentiality, integrity, and availability (referred to as CIA). This research matters because it creates a clearer and more consistent understanding of these concepts, which can help enhance cyber security measures across various sectors. Who this helps: This helps organizations, including businesses and government agencies, improve their cyber security strategies.

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This study looked at how involved clinical pharmacists are in the care of patients who receive heart and lung transplants in Brazil, comparing it to practices in the United States. The research showed that 45.5% of Brazilian transplant centers don't have a pharmacist involved at any stage, which means around 158 patients are missing direct pharmaceutical care. The findings highlight a significant gap in pharmacy support for transplant patients in Brazil, emphasizing the need for improvements to ensure better patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps transplant patients and healthcare providers in Brazil.

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This study looked at the use of opioids in patients who had total knee replacement surgery. Out of 1,507 patients, 69% continued to use opioids for a long time after surgery, with factors like previous opioid use and high doses shortly after surgery increasing the chances of ongoing use. Understanding these patterns is important because it highlights the need for better pain management strategies to reduce long-term opioid reliance in these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by identifying those at risk for long-term opioid use after knee surgery.

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This study focused on older adults who received kidney transplants and looked at their hospitalizations and kidney function outcomes. Researchers examined 500 patients aged 60 and above and found that 62% were hospitalized after their transplant, which significantly increased the risk of losing the kidney they received (by 84%). Additionally, 56% experienced acute kidney injury (AKI), further raising their risk of losing the graft by 2.6 times. Who this helps: This research benefits older kidney transplant recipients and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how missing appointments for lab tests and check-ups affects medication compliance and health outcomes in kidney transplant patients. Researchers found that of 1,413 patients, those who missed appointments (659 people) were more likely to skip their medications and face complications like acute rejection of their transplanted kidney. Specifically, missing appointments increased the risk of not taking medication by three times and raised the chances of having acute rejection episodes significantly. Who this helps: This information benefits kidney transplant patients and their healthcare providers by highlighting the importance of keeping appointments for better health outcomes.

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This study looked at how kidney transplant recipients use emergency departments (ED) at transplant versus non-transplant centers, and what that means for their health outcomes. The research found that after the first year following a transplant, patients used the ED less at transplant centers, but their visits remained high at non-transplant centers. Importantly, patients who visited non-transplant EDs for complications related to their transplanted kidney had a much higher risk of losing their kidney or dying, with risks more than double compared to those who visited transplant centers (2.93 times higher for graft loss and 1.75 times higher for death). Who this helps: This research benefits kidney transplant recipients and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how reducing immunosuppressive drugs affects kidney transplant patients. Out of 1,114 patients, 57% did not reduce their medication, while 16% reduced it due to infections and 27% due to intolerance. Those who reduced their medication were more likely to experience kidney rejection, indicating that reducing immunosuppression can harm the long-term health of the transplanted kidney. Who this helps: This benefits kidney transplant patients and their doctors by highlighting the risks associated with reducing immunosuppressive medication.

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This study looked at how pancreas transplants affect people with different types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Researchers analyzed 214 transplant cases and found that both groups had similar overall success with no major differences in rejection rates or survival. However, those with type 2 diabetes experienced more complications, including higher rates of pancreatitis and kidney issues caused by the BK virus. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with diabetes considering a pancreas transplant and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the costs of treating veterans who have both Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and depression, focusing on those who served in the U.S. military during recent conflicts. It found that more than 66% of veterans who served before the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and over 87% of those who served during those conflicts also suffered from depression. Treating these conditions greatly increases costs, totaling over $1 billion a year for all affected veterans, but addressing depression might reduce some hospital costs for veterans who served in OEF/OIF. Who this helps: This helps veterans battling both TBI and depression, as well as the healthcare system serving them.

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This study looked at how depression affects patients after they have a liver transplant. Researchers found that among 161 patients, those with poorly managed depression visited healthcare providers more often and had higher rates of complications; for instance, 27% of them experienced graft loss compared to 14% of patients without depression. This is important because effectively treating depression can lead to better health outcomes after a liver transplant. Who this helps: This helps liver transplant patients by highlighting the importance of managing depression for better recovery.

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This study looked at the effects of two medications, tacrolimus and cyclosporine, on kidney transplant patients. It found that tacrolimus resulted in fewer cases of acute rejection (14% versus 24%) and better survival rates for the transplanted kidneys (88% at three years compared to 79% for cyclosporine). This is important because using tacrolimus can lead to better long-term outcomes for patients who receive kidney transplants. Who this helps: This benefits kidney transplant patients.

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This study looked at the role of specialized pharmacists trained in managing medications for organ transplant patients, particularly in preventing and treating infections. It found that these pharmacists play an important part in improving the overall care of transplant recipients, thanks to their unique knowledge and skills. This matters because having a dedicated transplant pharmacist helps ensure better patient outcomes after surgery, leading to fewer complications and improved survival rates. Who this helps: Patients who receive organ transplants benefit from the expertise of these specialized pharmacists.

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This study looked at factors that predict whether young kidney transplant patients will take their medications as prescribed. Researchers found that certain high-risk groups—like older males, those living in cities, and patients with legal issues—were more likely to miss their medications. Patients who didn't stick to their medication regimen faced more than double the risk of having kidney rejection, almost twice the chance of being hospitalized, and a significantly higher risk of losing their graft. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and healthcare providers by giving them tools to better monitor and support young transplant patients.

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This study looked at whether pharmacists could effectively review patient records and make recommendations for kidney transplant patients without needing to be present during follow-up visits. Researchers found that only 28% of the pharmacists' recommendations made through written notes were accepted by doctors, compared to 92% of those made during face-to-face meetings. This means that having pharmacists attend clinic visits in person is much more effective in influencing doctors' treatment decisions. Who this helps: This benefits kidney transplant patients by ensuring they receive the best possible care based on pharmacist recommendations.

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This research looked at the ongoing shortages of drugs needed for nutrition therapy in adult patients who can't eat normally. It found that these shortages disrupt patient care, leading to potential health risks, and it outlines strategies for managing these shortages to lessen their impact. This matters because ensuring patients receive proper nutrition is crucial for their recovery and overall health. Who this helps: This helps patients who rely on parenteral nutrition.

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The study looked at the effectiveness of two drugs, erlotinib and bevacizumab, for elderly patients or those with poor health who have a specific type of lung cancer. Out of 25 patients tested, only 28% showed no worsening of their disease after four months, which is much lower than the target rate of 60%. This matters because it suggests that this treatment combination is not effective enough for these patients, which can help doctors make better treatment choices. Who this helps: This helps doctors and oncologists understand treatment options for elderly or less healthy lung cancer patients.

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This study looked at whether giving patients aspirin right after liver transplantation could lower the risk of a serious blood clotting problem called hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT). The researchers analyzed 439 adult liver transplant patients and found that those who received daily aspirin were less likely to have early HAT within the first 30 days compared to those who did not take aspirin, leading to better chances of keeping their new liver. This is important because HAT remains a leading cause of immediate graft failure after transplant, and using aspirin can help improve patient outcomes without causing more bleeding or complications. Who this helps: This benefits patients receiving liver transplants.

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This study looked at the drug dasatinib to see if it could help patients with advanced colorectal cancer that had already been treated with other chemotherapy drugs. Out of 19 patients, only one (5%) showed some stability in their condition for 7.3 months, and overall, the treatment didn't work well, with most patients experiencing a progression-free survival rate of just 5.3% after 4 months. This matters because it shows that dasatinib is not effective as a single treatment for these patients, highlighting the need for better options in this challenging stage of cancer. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers understand which treatments are ineffective, guiding them to pursue more promising therapies for colorectal cancer patients.

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This study looked at the effects of having pharmacists manage a specific blood-thinning treatment for patients with suspected heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). It found that after implementing a new protocol, patients reached the target blood test levels in about 3.4 hours compared to 7.7 hours before the protocol, and medication errors dropped from 40% to 12%. This matters because it shows that pharmacist involvement can make treatment faster and safer for patients at risk of serious blood clots. Who this helps: Patients receiving treatment for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

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This study looked at the drug sunitinib in patients with advanced head and neck cancer who had already undergone up to two rounds of chemotherapy. Out of 22 patients, only one showed any improvement in their tumors, and the average time before the disease worsened was about 8 to 11 weeks, with overall survival ranging from 19 to 21 weeks. These results indicate that sunitinib is not effective for treating this type of cancer on its own, but it was manageable for patients with a poor health status. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors and researchers exploring treatment options for head and neck cancer patients.

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This study focused on creating a system for managing drug therapy for hospitalized patients using direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs), which are powerful medications often requiring close monitoring. Over two years, a detailed protocol was developed that includes guidelines for doctors and pharmacists on how to safely use these drugs, resulting in improved patient safety and reduced medication errors. The new process allows pharmacists to help determine the right DTI doses, which can lead to better treatment outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients who receive DTIs and healthcare providers involved in their care.

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This study looked at combining two drugs, gefitinib and celecoxib, to see if they could help patients with advanced lung cancer who had not yet undergone chemotherapy. Of the 31 patients treated, only 16% saw their cancer shrink, and the average time before cancer progressed was about 3.2 months, with an overall survival of 7 months. This approach was found to be less effective than traditional chemotherapy, which is important for guiding treatment choices. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors making treatment decisions for lung cancer patients.

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This study looked at how combining two drugs, irinotecan and cyclosporine, might reduce side effects for patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Out of 16 patients who received the treatment, only 13% experienced severe diarrhea, which is a common side effect of irinotecan, and 6% showed some signs of improvement in their cancer. This matters because it could help make irinotecan safer for patients without making it less effective. Who this helps: Patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

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This study looked at different forms of F2-isoprostanes, which are substances created in the body that can affect small blood vessels in the retina and brain. The researchers found that several types, particularly 15-epi-15-F2t-IsoP and both forms of 12-F2t-IsoP, caused significant constriction of these blood vessels, while some other forms didn’t have much effect. Understanding how these substances cause blood vessels to narrow is important because it sheds light on possible mechanisms behind damage due to oxidative stress, which can affect conditions like eye diseases and cerebrovascular disorders. Who this helps: Patients with eye or brain conditions related to blood vessel issues.

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In this study, researchers tested a combination of three drugs—paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and carboplatin—to treat patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. They found that about 26% of the 65 patients responded to the treatment, with 23% showing a partial improvement in their cancer, and the average time patients lived without the disease worsening was 4.8 months, while the overall survival was 9.4 months. This treatment approach is safe and effective, providing similar benefits to currently used chemotherapy combinations. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients and their doctors in finding better treatment options for advanced lung cancer.

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This study looked at the drug flavopiridol to see if it could help patients with metastatic kidney cancer. Out of 35 patients treated, only 2 showed any improvement, leading to a response rate of just 6%. The treatment also caused significant side effects, with 83% of patients experiencing extreme fatigue and 77% suffering from diarrhea, as well as serious blood clotting issues in some cases. Who this helps: This information is crucial for doctors and researchers working to find effective treatments for kidney cancer.

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This study focused on measuring a specific compound related to a type of stress in the body, called 15-F2t-isoprostane, through urine samples. Researchers developed a precise testing method that showed typical levels of this compound in healthy adults were around 0.39 nanograms per milligram of creatinine. Increased levels of this compound may indicate higher oxidative stress, and understanding these levels can help us study its role in different diseases. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers understand stress in the body and how it may relate to various health issues.

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This study looked at the effects of a drug called pyrazine diazohydroxide (PZDH) on patients with advanced kidney and colorectal cancers. Researchers found that PZDH did not shrink tumors in any of the patients, and it caused significant blood-related side effects, particularly low platelet counts in 24% of treatment cycles. Interestingly, colorectal cancer patients faced more severe low platelet counts (76,000 cells/microl compared to 151,000 for kidney cancer patients), suggesting that their previous treatments affected their tolerance for PZDH. Who this helps: This research benefits oncologists and cancer patients by providing insight into the safety and effectiveness of a new treatment option.