DIANE M. CLAUSEN, M.D.

Plain English
Researchers studied how machine learning could help predict which patients are most likely to have kidney stones return within a year after their first treatment. They analyzed health records from over 154,000 patients and created a model that accurately identified this risk with an effectiveness score of 0.727. This finding is important because it could lead to better management of kidney stone patients, helping doctors focus on those who need the most attention to prevent future problems. Who this helps: This helps patients with a history of kidney stones and their doctors.

Plain English
This study looked at a new way to monitor gases released from the skin using a special wearable device. The researchers found that their device could analyze important signals related to sweating and other body processes in real-time without needing a replacement for weeks. This is significant because it offers a better understanding of health and bodily functions compared to existing methods. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers by providing continuous, detailed insights into health conditions.

Plain English
Researchers developed a new device that can wirelessly power electrical stimulation for muscles and the nervous system without using batteries. Their system achieved a power increase of 500% compared to existing technologies, supplying over 300 milliwatts of power with a voltage of ±20 volts. This advancement is important because it enables better control of muscle stimulation over extended periods, which could improve treatments for various conditions, especially for people with spinal injuries. Who this helps: Patients with spinal cord injuries and those requiring muscle stimulation therapy.

Plain English
This study focused on measuring levels of carbon monoxide (CO) in Baltimore, Maryland, to see how it varies across different areas of the city. Researchers created a daily prediction model using low-cost monitors and found that CO levels often spiked near busy roads and certain pollution sources, with notable differences in concentrations depending on location. Understanding these variations is important because high levels of CO can be linked to heart problems, and better monitoring can help protect public health. Who this helps: This benefits patients and communities living near busy roads or pollution sources.

Plain English
This study focused on a new wireless device that can be implanted in small animals to monitor and control their heart functions in real-time. Researchers created a battery-free device that allows for precise stimulation of the heart using light and was successfully tested on freely moving animals, meaning the device can work continuously over long periods. This innovation is important because it provides a better way to study heart conditions and evaluate new treatments that can be applied over time. Who this helps: This benefits researchers studying heart diseases and developing new therapies.

Plain English
This study analyzed the rates and outcomes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in advanced neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) over six years. Out of 17,358 babies admitted, 200 needed CPR, and 45.5% of them survived to go home. Most CPR cases were linked to severe breathing problems, especially in babies on mechanical ventilation, while longer CPR times and certain underlying conditions were linked to lower survival rates. Who this helps: This information helps doctors and healthcare providers understand CPR effectiveness in critically ill newborns, guiding better care decisions.

Plain English
This study looked at the concentration levels of certain oral medications given to premature and low birthweight babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Researchers tested 52 different medications and found that 37 out of 43 of those that could be measured had a concentration higher than 500 mOsm/kg, which is above the recommended limit for these infants. This is important because using medications with high osmolality can lead to serious digestive issues for these vulnerable patients. Who this helps: This helps doctors treating premature and low birthweight infants.

Plain English
This research focused on developing new inhibitors that target specific enzymes called HDACs 1, 2, and 3, which are important for activating dormant HIV. The results showed that the new inhibitors are very effective and selective, with the ability to not impact other enzymes that could cause side effects. Additionally, these compounds performed well in tests using rats and dogs, meaning they are promising candidates for further development. Who this helps: This benefits patients with HIV who need treatments to activate the virus from its dormant state.

Plain English
Researchers studied new drugs that can target specific enzymes (HDACs 1, 2, and 3) to help reactivate HIV that is hidden in the body. They found two promising compounds, numbered 25 and 26, that were effective at very low concentrations in laboratory tests, which shows they have strong potential for helping with HIV treatment. Improving these drugs further could lead to better ways to manage HIV in patients, helping to control the virus more effectively. Who this helps: Patients living with HIV.

Plain English
Researchers studied new drugs called ethyl ketone-based inhibitors that target specific enzymes (HDACs 1, 2, and 3) to help reactivate latent HIV in the body. They found that one of the best compounds, called Compound 13, was very effective and selective, showing impressive results in tests with rats and dogs. This is important because it could lead to better treatments for people living with HIV, helping to manage the virus more effectively. Who this helps: Patients living with HIV.

Plain English
This study looked at new drugs that can wake up hidden HIV in immune cells, making it easier for the body to eliminate the virus. Researchers discovered selective drugs that work effectively to activate HIV, showing strong results such as inducing HIV proteins in patient cells. This is important because it represents a potential step towards curing HIV by targeting and clearing reservoirs of the virus in the body. Who this helps: This helps HIV patients seeking a potential cure.

Plain English
This study looked at a protein called FGF-21 in 25 preterm infants during their first week of life to see how it relates to their growth before leaving the hospital. Researchers found that FGF-21 levels increased significantly over this time, and higher levels of FGF-21 within the first day were linked to better weight and length growth by the time the babies were discharged. Understanding this relationship is important because it might help improve growth strategies for premature infants, which could lead to better long-term health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers caring for premature infants.

Plain English
This study looked at how certain enzymes inside brain cells impact the buildup of amyloid-beta (Aβ), a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease. The researchers found that blocking two specific enzymes, called ECE-1 and ECE-2, led to higher levels of Aβ both inside the cells and released outside of them. Specifically, when these enzymes were inhibited, it resulted in more Aβ aggregates forming inside neurons and increased amounts of Aβ found in tiny bubbles (exosomes) released from the cells. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with Alzheimer's disease and may inform potential treatments for managing Aβ levels in the brain.

Plain English
This study looked at whether taking a protein supplement before sleep could help runners recover better after a week of intense endurance training. Researchers found that both groups, those taking protein and those taking carbohydrates, performed similarly worse in a 5-kilometer time trial after the training—specifically, their times fell by about 11 to 24 seconds. Additionally, markers of muscle damage in the blood increased significantly for both groups over the week, showing no benefits from the protein supplementation. Who this helps: This research helps athletes and coaches understand that protein before sleep doesn’t improve recovery from endurance training.

Plain English
This study looked at whether applying the right amount of cricoid pressure (CP) during a medical procedure called rapid sequence intubation (RSI) could help prevent aspiration (when stomach contents enter the lungs) in emergency patients. Researchers found that neither the ideal cricoid pressure (3.060-4.075 kg) nor any measured pressure was effectively maintained during the procedure, as both groups dropped below the ideal range and had a 26% incidence of visible contamination. Because of this, maintaining the ideal pressure during laryngoscopy was deemed impossible, which raises concerns about the safety of current practices used in emergency intubations. Who this helps: This research benefits emergency doctors and their patients during critical intubation procedures.

Plain English
This study looked at a specific enzyme called PDE1A in rat arteries to understand how it affects the relaxation of blood vessels. Researchers found that PDE1A is the main form of this enzyme in the arteries, meaning that when they inhibited it, the arteries relaxed more effectively, with the strongest inhibitor causing significant relaxation. This is important because it shows a clear link between PDE1A and blood vessel function, which could lead to new treatments for conditions related to blood flow. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with cardiovascular issues by potentially leading to better treatments.

Plain English
This study looked at blood samples from 399 pregnant Indigenous Australian women to establish normal levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and inflammation markers related to heart disease during pregnancy. The researchers found that cholesterol and triglycerides increased as pregnancy progressed, but other markers showed little change. These findings are important because they provide a reference point to help monitor cardiovascular health in pregnant Indigenous women, who are at higher risk for heart disease. Who this helps: This benefits pregnant Indigenous women and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
The researchers created a special breed of mice to study how a genetic deletion linked to a higher risk of schizophrenia affects brain function. They found that these mice were more hyperactive and had unusual responses when given drugs that affect dopamine, a key brain chemical. This matters because understanding these changes in brain activity can help researchers learn more about schizophrenia and how to better treat people with this condition. Who this helps: This helps patients with schizophrenia and their doctors.

Plain English
The Gomeroi gaaynggal study examines the health and development of Indigenous Australian women and their children from pregnancy through early childhood. Researchers looked at over 230 pregnant women, finding that the average birth weight of their babies was about 7 pounds, with nearly 40% needing special care after birth. This research is important because it aims to reveal how early life experiences affect chronic diseases later on, helping to create better health programs for Indigenous communities. Who this helps: This benefits Indigenous Australian mothers and their children.

Plain English
This study looked at how certain markers in the urine related to kidney health in pregnant and non-pregnant individuals, particularly focusing on women from Indigenous Australian communities. Researchers found that varying levels of proteins in the urine during pregnancy could signal early kidney disease, which is important because kidney issues can lead to serious complications like preeclampsia. Specifically, they found strong connections between urinary markers and kidney health, such as a correlation of 0.45 between prorenin levels and protein levels in pregnant women. Who this helps: This research benefits pregnant individuals, especially those at risk for kidney disease and related complications.

Plain English
This study looked at how a specific system in the kidneys (called the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system) functions during pregnancy, especially focusing on differences between non-Indigenous and Indigenous women. Researchers found that during pregnancy, Indigenous women had lower levels of a substance called angiotensinogen relative to creatinine compared to non-Indigenous women, which could indicate a risk for complications like preeclampsia; specifically, Indigenous women averaged 2.9 µg/mmol in contrast to a higher average in non-Indigenous pregnant women. This matters because recognizing these differences may help identify pregnant women at risk for conditions such as preeclampsia, allowing for earlier intervention. Who this helps: This helps both pregnant women and doctors by improving monitoring for potential complications.

Plain English
This study looks at the effectiveness of cricoid pressure, a technique used during rapid sequence intubation (a method to place a breathing tube in emergencies), in preventing patients from choking on their stomach contents. Researchers are testing two methods: one that uses the exact amount of force (30-40 newtons) and another that applies pressure without measuring it. They will track 212 patients for signs of aspiration (when stomach contents enter the lungs) and other complications for up to 28 days after intubation to see which method is safer and more effective. Who this helps: This helps emergency medicine teams and patients undergoing intubation.

Plain English
This study examined how the E7 protein from different types of skin-related human papillomavirus (HPV) affects a specific cell signaling pathway that is important for inflammation and cancer development, known as the NF-κB pathway. The researchers found that the E7 proteins from six different types of cutaneous HPV can weaken the NF-κB pathway, similar to what has been observed with the more widely known HPV-16. This is important because it suggests that these HPV types may play a role in the development of non-melanoma skin cancers. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk for non-melanoma skin cancers.

Plain English
This study explored how well a combination of insulin pump therapy and real-time continuous glucose monitoring works for adults with type 1 diabetes who had not used an insulin pump before, compared to those who continued with daily insulin injections. The findings showed that those using the insulin pump improved their blood sugar levels significantly, with a drop in average hemoglobin A1c from 9.45% to 7.4%, while the daily injection group improved from 8.58% to 7.5%. This matters because it demonstrates that newer technology can lead to better management of diabetes without causing low blood sugar episodes. Who this helps: This helps patients with type 1 diabetes who struggle to manage their blood sugar levels.

Plain English
This study looked at the levels of a protein called follistatin in pregnant women during different types of labor—spontaneous, induced, and planned cesarean section. Researchers found that women who went into labor spontaneously had higher levels of follistatin, peaking at about 57.9 ng/ml during labor, compared to those who were induced (maxing out at 26.9 ng/ml) and those who had a cesarean (which had a consistent level of 18.53 ng/ml). Understanding these differences is important because it could help explain how labor starts and develop better methods to manage labor in expecting mothers. Who this helps: This research benefits pregnant women and healthcare providers.

Plain English
Researchers at the University of Kansas Medical Center created a comprehensive assessment toolbox for evaluating stroke patients. This toolbox includes a range of assessments selected based on established guidelines and research findings, including the Stroke Impact Scale, to improve clinical management and evaluate patient outcomes. By using this toolbox, healthcare providers can better track patients' progress and enhance the quality of stroke care. Who this helps: This benefits stroke patients and their doctors.