DR. DERRICK T. LIN, M.D.

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This study examined whether testing for a specific gene (NUDT15) before starting treatment could lower the chance of febrile neutropenia, a serious condition involving fever and low white blood cell count, in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Researchers analyzed data from 243 patients and found that while preemptive testing did not significantly lower febrile neutropenia cases overall, it indicated that very high-risk patients with certain gene variations had a 5.6 times higher risk of this condition. The findings are important as they suggest that testing can help doctors tailor treatments for certain high-risk groups to improve patient safety and outcomes. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients with ALL, particularly those at high and very high risk.

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This study examined the genetic changes in 105 children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in Taiwan to better understand their illness. The researchers identified several important gene alterations, including common patterns linked to worse survival rates. For example, certain genetic markers were found to correlate with lower survival chances, specifically RUNX1 mutations, which were significantly connected to poorer outcomes over five years. Who this helps: This information helps doctors better understand the risks for their young patients with AML and may improve treatment strategies.

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This study used mathematical tools to examine how brain connections in mice with autism differ from those in healthy mice, particularly focusing on the prefrontal area of the brain, which is important for social behavior. The researchers found that the autistic mice had less neural activity and fewer changes in their brain networks when interacting socially, which suggests significant disruptions in their brain circuits. These findings indicate that the brain's prefrontal microcircuits could be key targets for diagnosing and treating autism. Who this helps: This helps patients with autism and their doctors by providing insights for better diagnosis and potential new treatment strategies.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of an online assessment tool called ENTRUST, designed to evaluate the clinical decision-making skills of general surgery residents across different medical institutions. Researchers found that performance on the ENTRUST assessment was strongly linked to residents' experience levels (like year in residency) and their scores on standard exams, with significant correlations noted: a score correlation with residency level of 0.58 and with test scores of 0.68. This matters because it shows that ENTRUST could be a reliable way to measure how ready residents are for real-world responsibilities in surgery. Who this helps: This helps surgery residents and their instructors by providing a clearer measure of readiness for independent practice.

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This study looked at how well different testing methods (flow cytometry and conventional cytology) can detect central nervous system (CNS) involvement in children with a type of leukemia called acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Researchers found that using flow cytometry with a new cutoff of three events improved detection sensitivity compared to the standard method, leading to a better identification of patients at risk for cancer coming back in the CNS. Among the patients studied, those who were identified as positive with the new flow cytometry cutoff had worse outcomes, including a higher chance of relapse in the CNS. Who this helps: This research benefits pediatric patients with ALL and their doctors by improving the methods used to assess and treat their condition.

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Surgeons reconstructing head and neck cancer often take tissue from patients' legs to use as grafts, but this creates damage at the donor site on the leg. Researchers compared how well patients recovered from three different types of leg grafts (fibula, thigh, and calf) by measuring their leg function over a year using a standardized questionnaire. Patients who received calf grafts recovered their leg function faster and had better mobility at one year than those who received thigh or fibula grafts. When choosing which type of graft to use, doctors should factor in how much damage each one causes to the leg, since the calf graft appears to cause the least long-term problems.

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Researchers looked at patients who had already been treated for a type of throat cancer linked to HPV to see if they developed other types of head and neck cancers that were not connected to HPV. They found that about 2.5% of patients did develop these second cancers years later, often in different areas of the mouth or throat, and many had received radiation and chemotherapy for their first cancer. This is important because it shows that these new cancers can have different causes than the original one, suggesting that doctors should monitor these patients long-term and consider retesting for HPV.

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Researchers examined a blood test that detects tumor DNA in patients with a specific type of head and neck cancer that doesn't involve HPV. They found that when the test showed positive results after treatment, it indicated a higher chance of cancer recurrence and lower survival rates. This finding is important because it suggests that this blood test could help doctors identify patients at greater risk after treatment, potentially leading to more tailored monitoring and care.

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Researchers studied a blood test that detects tiny amounts of tumor DNA in patients with a specific type of throat cancer that is not linked to HPV. They found that when this DNA was present, patients were more likely to experience a recurrence of their cancer and had a shorter survival time. This finding is important because it suggests that this blood test could help doctors predict outcomes and make better treatment decisions for patients with this type of cancer.

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This study looked at specific neurons in the brains of mice that help control movement and how those movements can change depending on the environment, like whether it's bright or dark. Researchers found that these "patchy striatonigral neurons" help slow down movement when the mice are in the dark, making them less active than when they are in light. When these neurons were disrupted, the mice moved faster and had trouble distinguishing between light and dark areas. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and doctors studying movement regulation and decision-making in animals and humans.

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The study looked at how well the ENTRUST Assessment Platform, which simulates surgical scenarios, works for evaluating surgical residents' decision-making skills. Findings showed that the ENTRUST scores were closely related to residents’ levels of training, their experience with appendectomies, and their performance on a national surgery exam, with a strong correlation score of 0.66 for ABSITE scores. This matters because it confirms that the ENTRUST platform is a reliable tool for measuring surgical competence, helping to ensure that residents are ready to handle real patients safely. Who this helps: This benefits surgical residents and their instructors by providing a clear standard for assessing readiness.

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Researchers studied how brain cells in a specific area of rats called the nucleus accumbens behave during different activities by using a small imaging device called a miniscope. They developed a new surgical method that allows for both injecting a virus and implanting a lens to capture clear images of brain activity in the same session. This approach keeps the rats safe from repeated exposure to anesthesia and allows for long-term monitoring of brain activity, which is crucial for understanding behaviors that may relate to human conditions. Who this helps: This benefits researchers studying brain behavior and could lead to better insights into human neurological and psychological conditions.

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This study looked at the use of ruxolitinib, a medication, in treating severe cases of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in children who had stem cell transplants. Researchers reviewed the medical records of 16 young patients treated with ruxolitinib between 2018 and 2023 and found that 81% responded positively to the treatment, with survival rates around 56%. This is important because it shows that ruxolitinib can be effective in managing GVHD in pediatric patients while potentially allowing them to reduce steroid use. Who this helps: This helps children who are undergoing stem cell transplants and their doctors managing GVHD.

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This study investigated how specific groups of neurons in the prelimbic cortex of rats help them learn when to act or hold back their actions, especially in response to rewards. Researchers found that different groups of neurons are activated when the rats are either responding to rewards or learning to stop responding when rewards are removed. This matters because it shows that the brain can adapt by using different neuron groups for different types of learning, which is important for flexible behavior in changing situations. Who this helps: This helps researchers understand brain function better, which can lead to improved treatments for conditions like anxiety or addiction.

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Researchers studied how to improve sodium-sulfur batteries, which are a promising option for storing energy at a lower cost and using common materials. They found that using a special substance called Smolecule in the battery's cathode can enhance its capacity, but it also produces unwanted byproducts that reduce efficiency. By designing better catalysts to manage these byproducts and improve battery performance, they hope to make room-temperature sodium-sulfur batteries more effective. Who this helps: This benefits energy storage companies and consumers looking for affordable and efficient battery solutions.

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This study looked at a specific type of neuron in the brains of mice that helps control how fast they move based on their environment’s feel (like light or dark). Researchers found that these neurons – known as "patchy striatonigral neurons" – slow down movement when the environment is less inviting (like in the dark), and if these neurons are removed, mice move faster without adjusting their speed according to the environment. This research matters because it helps us understand how certain brain cells influence behavior in different settings, which could inform treatments for movement disorders. Who this helps: Patients with movement disorders or conditions affecting decision-making and speed.

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This study looked at how specific changes in brain cells relate to substance use disorder (SUD), a complex condition that makes it difficult for people to stop using drugs. Researchers found that both genetic and environmental factors play a significant role in how the brain's cells respond to drug use, affecting whether a person may develop SUD. Understanding these changes is important because it could lead to better, personalized treatments for addiction. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with substance use disorder and their doctors.

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This study looked at whether giving chemotherapy before surgery could help preserve important structures in patients with advanced nasal and paranasal sinus cancer. It found that, among patients treated with chemotherapy before surgery, 50% experienced structure preservation, compared to only 15% for those who had surgery alone. This is significant because it suggests that chemotherapy before surgery may help more patients keep important functions and appearances, particularly for those with certain types of advanced cancer. Who this helps: Patients with T3 and T4a nasal and paranasal sinus squamous cell carcinoma.

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This study focused on monitoring brain activity in mice while they chose between eating food and taking cocaine. The researchers developed a detailed method to record this activity over time using a mini camera and special tools. They aim to understand how the brain's signals change during these different behaviors, which is important for grasping the effects of drugs on decision-making. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors studying addiction and eating behavior.

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Researchers studied a genetic mutation in a gene called ASXL1 that affects the immune system. They found that patients with this mutation suffered from several serious issues, including a weakened immune response, an increased risk of certain blood cancers (like Hodgkin lymphoma), and complications from persistent viral infections. Specifically, the patient experienced a loss of immune cells and problems with immune function, which improved with treatment involving a normal version of the ASXL1 gene. Who this helps: This research helps patients with immune deficiencies and their doctors by identifying a new genetic cause and potential treatment options for their conditions.

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This research studied how the brain behaves differently when people use psychostimulants (like cocaine) compared to opioids (like heroin). The researchers found that these two types of drugs activate different brain pathways, which suggests that treating addiction to them might require different approaches. Understanding these differences is important because it can help develop better treatments for people struggling with addiction. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with substance use disorders.

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This research explored a new type of surgery for glaucoma that aims to reduce eye pressure. In a small study with five monkeys, the surgery successfully lowered eye pressure in many cases, with two out of three normal monkeys and one out of two with glaucoma maintaining lower pressure for up to 18 months. However, there were some complications, including bleeding and displacement of the implant in glaucomatous eyes. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with glaucoma by exploring innovative treatment options.

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This study looked at how specific groups of brain cells in the prelimbic cortex help rats learn when to act and when to hold back, particularly in changing situations like not getting a food reward they expect. Researchers found that different groups of cells were involved when the rats were rewarded versus when they had to stop pressing a lever due to a lack of reward. Specifically, the study showed that one group of cells helped with responding (executing actions), while another group helped with inhibiting those actions, allowing the rats to adapt their behavior effectively. Who this helps: This research benefits neuroscientists and psychologists studying how the brain controls behavior, and could also inform treatments for patients with impulse control issues.

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Researchers studied how a gene therapy using a special virus (AAV-PHP.eB) can restore the functioning of a protein called TDP-43 in mice that mimic an early stage of frontotemporal dementia. They found that this therapy successfully delivered the TDP-43 restoring treatment to about 40% of brain cells in adult mice, which improved memory and reduced neuron loss without causing any negative effects over time. This is important because it opens up new possibilities for treating a currently untreatable form of dementia. Who this helps: Patients with frontotemporal dementia and their families.

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Researchers studied a type of brain cell in mice that helps control movement and decision-making based on the environment's positive or negative cues. They found that a specific group of these cells, called patchy striatonigral neurons, helps mice adjust their walking speeds in different areas, such as slowing down in darker spaces. When these cells were removed or artificially activated, the mice's ability to slow down and discern between different areas based on their speed was disrupted. Who this helps: This research benefits neuroscientists and doctors studying movement disorders and decision-making processes in patients.

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This research examined the effectiveness of a technique called proximal junctional tethering (PJT) in spinal fusion surgery. The study analyzed data from 1,424 patients and found that PJT significantly lowered the chances of developing complications known as proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) and proximal junctional failure (PJF). Specifically, PJT reduced the odds of PJK by 56% and PJF by 64% compared to surgery without this technique, highlighting its importance in improving patient outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing spinal fusion for spinal deformities.

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This study looked at how a specific eye treatment called transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCP) affects the structures in the eye, particularly in conditions like angle-closure glaucoma. Researchers found that TSCP significantly increased the permeability of certain eye membranes, reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) from a median of 40 minutes in untreated eyes to just 5 minutes in treated ones. By day 7 after the procedure, the angles in the anterior chamber of rabbit eyes were wider, showing potential benefits for improving fluid drainage in the eye. Who this helps: This helps patients with angle-closure glaucoma by potentially reducing eye pressure and improving their condition.

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This study examined a rare type of cancer related to human papillomavirus (HPV) called sinonasal carcinoma, which is different in behavior than similar tumors. Researchers found that a high percentage of cancer cells in this tumor type expressed specific HPV-related genes and MYB genes—83% of these cells showed MYB expression compared to 62% in similar tumors. This connection between HPV and MYB helps explain the cancer's characteristics and could lead to better treatment options in the future. Who this helps: Patients with HPV-related cancers.

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This study developed a new device that allows researchers to record brain activity and deliver drugs to rats at the same time, without the problem of tangled wires. The device makes it easier to conduct experiments on how drugs affect behavior, such as seeking and using drugs, and it requires less supervision from researchers. This matters because it opens up new ways to study brain function in real-world settings, potentially leading to better understanding of addiction and treatment. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying addiction and drug effects.

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This study examined how genes and environmental factors affect DNA methylation differences in cord blood. Researchers analyzed samples from 1,662 participants and found that genetic variants mostly influence DNA methylation in combination with environmental factors. This information is important because understanding how these elements interact helps researchers learn more about potential health outcomes for newborns. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and healthcare providers working with newborns.

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This study examined how different types of antibiotics given after surgery for mandibular osteoradionecrosis (a bone condition) affect recovery. Researchers found that patients who received antibiotics based on lab cultures had a 0% rate of surgical site infections, compared to 26.3% for those who received standard antibiotics. Both short and long courses of antibiotics led to similar long-term healing rates, showing that using targeted antibiotics can significantly reduce infection risk without affecting overall healing. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from surgery for mandibular osteoradionecrosis.

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This study looked at how well a specific type of surgery, called submental flap reconstruction, worked for patients with oral and throat cancer. Out of 82 patients with oral cancer, only 9% needed feeding tubes afterwards, while 36% of the 11 patients with throat cancer did. Additionally, 87% of oral cancer patients avoided needing a tracheostomy, compared to 46% of throat cancer patients. This research is important because it shows that this surgery effectively allows many patients to eat normally again and avoid more invasive procedures after treatment. Who this helps: Patients recovering from oral and throat cancer.

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Surgeons use skin and tissue from the calf (called an MSAP flap) to reconstruct damaged areas of the head and neck after cancer or injury. This study tracked 22 patients who received this surgery and tested their leg function over time using a standard mobility test. Patients' leg function was significantly impaired immediately after surgery but steadily improved, reaching nearly normal levels within 6-12 months and fully recovering by one year. This proves the surgery causes minimal lasting damage to the donor leg, making it a safe and effective choice for head and neck reconstruction.

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Researchers studied 8 patients with throat cancer that had returned after initial treatment, whom doctors treated by removing the cancer with robotic surgery and then reconstructing the surgical site using a skin flap taken from under the chin. The surgery took about 5 hours on average, most patients went home within a week, and importantly, patients' ability to swallow remained normal or nearly normal even months after surgery. This approach works well because the chin flap is readily available, doesn't require specialized microsurgery skills, and produces good long-term results with low complication rates.

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This study looked at the expression of a protein called TdT in children with a type of leukemia known as B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) to see how it relates to different genetic subtypes. Out of 331 patients, 12 were found not to express TdT at diagnosis, and many of these non-expressing patients had a specific genetic rearrangement called KMT2A. The findings showed that patients with TdT expression had a significantly better chance of surviving without disease progression (83.8% vs. 46.8%) and overall survival (86.3% vs. 55.4%). Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers treating pediatric leukemia by improving understanding of genetic subtypes and patient prognosis.

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This study looked at how having children affects biological aging in young women aged 20 to 22 in the Philippines. Researchers found that women who had more pregnancies showed signs of faster aging, measured using six different indicators, with 825 women affected in their analysis. In another part of the study, they discovered that women who had more pregnancies between the ages of 25 and 31 continued to show signs of accelerated aging in two specific measurements. This matters because it highlights how early reproductive history can influence long-term health and aging. Who this helps: This research benefits women planning their families and doctors who provide reproductive health advice.

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This study looked at a surgery called trans-epithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy (TE-PTK) to treat patients with recurrent corneal erosion syndrome (RCES) who didn’t improve with standard treatments. Out of 593 eyes treated, 78% of patients needed no further therapy afterward, and only 1.1% had to repeat the surgery due to ongoing symptoms. These findings are significant because they show TE-PTK is a safe and effective option for a condition that can be quite painful and difficult to treat. Who this helps: This helps patients who suffer from recurrent corneal erosion syndrome.

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This research paper explores a new, affordable design for a small testing chamber used in behavioral studies with animals that allows for long-term monitoring and tracking of their actions. The authors created a simple plan that anyone can use to build the chamber using mostly easily available parts, making the process quicker and cheaper. By enabling more researchers to access this technology, it could lead to better studies on animal behavior and improve our understanding of various medical or psychological conditions. Who this helps: This helps researchers and scientists studying animal behavior.

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This study looked at how the brain processes punishment in people with substance use disorders by using advanced imaging techniques and artificial intelligence. It found that understanding the brain pathways related to punishment can help explain why some people stop using drugs while others relapse. This research is important because it helps identify the brain circuits that influence behavior change regarding drug use, which could lead to more effective treatments. Who this helps: This benefits patients struggling with substance use disorders and healthcare providers seeking better treatment options.

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This study looked at how DNA changes relate to youth-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) and the effects of being exposed to diabetes while in the womb. Researchers found 3,830 specific changes in DNA methylation associated with youth T2D, out of which 36 showed strong ties to the condition. This is significant because it reveals how youth-onset T2D is different from adult-onset diabetes and highlights the potential connection between a mother's diabetes during pregnancy and her child's risk of developing T2D. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly children who may be at risk for type 2 diabetes due to maternal health.

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This study looked at patients with neuroblastoma, a type of cancer in children, to find out how certain genetic markers can predict outcomes and help tailor treatments. Researchers found that children with a high tumor mutational burden (10 or more mutations) had a much worse outlook, with significantly lower survival rates; for example, those with high burden faced a much higher risk of events and death. The findings emphasize the importance of genetic testing in managing neuroblastoma, as understanding these mutations can lead to better treatment strategies. Who this helps: This helps pediatric oncologists and children diagnosed with neuroblastoma.

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This study looked at whether giving antibiotics before thyroid surgery helps reduce the chance of infections afterward. Researchers examined data from over 2,400 patients who had thyroid operations between 2010 and 2019. They found that 6.1% of patients who received antibiotics had surgical infections, compared to 3.4% who did not, but when considering other patient factors, there was no clear benefit to using antibiotics, suggesting they might not be necessary for these surgeries. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers by guiding better antibiotic use in thyroid surgeries.

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This research paper focuses on creating affordable and effective housing for rats that wear small imaging devices called miniscopes for long periods. The authors designed specialized chambers that keep the rats healthy and protected while reducing costs, showing that these housing units can be customized to include cameras and different floor types based on research needs. This is important because it allows scientists to study rats more efficiently without harming them or damaging the equipment. Who this helps: Researchers and scientists working with rats in laboratory settings.

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This study looked at a new program where residents in a medical training program (called Resident-Applicant Buddy Programs) connect with applicants to help them learn more about the residency. Out of 125 participants, 70% of applicants felt less stressed about their interviews, 91% gained a better understanding of what resident life is like, and 65% felt more eager to join the program after their buddy meetings. This is important because it shows that these buddy programs can make the application process smoother and more transparent for future applicants. Who this helps: This helps medical residency applicants and the residency programs themselves.

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This study looked at how the brain area called the prelimbic cortex responds when mice are looking for food or cocaine. Researchers found that while most mice showed consistent brain activity patterns, some had very different responses depending on whether they were seeking food or cocaine. This matters because understanding these individual differences could help tailor addiction treatments more effectively. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with addiction by potentially improving treatment approaches.

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This study developed a new type of mini fluorescence microscope that can take images of different groups of brain cells in mice at the same time. Using this new microscope, the researchers successfully tracked the activity of excitatory neurons in red and inhibitory neurons in green, showing that they could observe these different brain cells together without mixing up the colors. These advancements in imaging technology allow for better understanding of how different types of brain cells work together, which is crucial for studying brain functions and diseases. Who this helps: This benefits researchers studying brain activity and diseases, as well as doctors looking for better treatments.

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This study looked at patients with recurring or leftover cases of a throat cancer called hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent a type of surgery known as salvage surgery. It found that after two years, 30% to 50% of patients were cancer-free, and after five years, the rates were between 15% and 57%. Complications from the surgery were common, with up to 71% experiencing issues like a fistula (an abnormal connection between two body parts) and up to 28.6% becoming dependent on feeding tubes. Who this helps: This information helps doctors make informed decisions for patients facing this aggressive cancer.

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Researchers surveyed 67 cancer patients who had neck surgery to remove lymph nodes as part of treatment for throat cancer, asking them how much their surgical scars bothered them at least six months after surgery. Most patients reported that their neck scars had little to no impact on their daily life or quality of life, and their concerns about the scars stayed roughly the same regardless of differences in their age, insurance type, or specific surgical approach.

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Researchers looked at 49 patients who had their larynx (voice box) surgically removed and then developed scarring in their throat that needed to be stretched open. They found that 71% of these patients needed the procedure done multiple times instead of just once, and three things predicted who would need repeated treatments: having a fistula (an unwanted hole), receiving chemotherapy and radiation before surgery, and developing the scarring quickly after their initial surgery. Patients who needed multiple stretching procedures ended up with worse long-term swallowing problems—they had to eat softer foods or rely on feeding tubes—compared to those who only needed one procedure. This means that if scarring develops fast after larynx removal surgery, patients are likely to struggle with swallowing for years to come.

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Doctors use fibula free flap surgery to rebuild the head and neck after cancer or injury, but they disagreed about when patients should start putting weight on their legs afterward. This study of 152 patients found that those who started walking the day after surgery had shorter hospital stays, were more likely to go home (rather than to rehabilitation), and had fewer complications at the surgery site—while patients who waited 3+ days to walk had a higher risk of pneumonia. Early weight-bearing after this surgery should become standard practice because it measurably improves recovery and reduces complications.