JEROME EDWIN JENNINGS, MD

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This study looked at the health of swift foxes in southeastern Wyoming by testing their blood and feces for diseases and parasites. The researchers found that 73% of tested foxes had antibodies for canine parvovirus, 19% for canine adenovirus, and 2% for canine distemper virus. Additionally, a common intestinal parasite was found in 31% of the foxes, and another dangerous parasite was found in just one fox. These findings are important because they highlight health risks that swift foxes face, which can help inform conservation efforts to protect the species. Who this helps: This information benefits conservationists and wildlife biologists working to protect swift fox populations.

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Researchers studied invasive Asian longhorned ticks in Ohio and Pennsylvania to see if they carried any harmful bacteria or parasites. They found that 0.5% of the ticks carried *Anaplasma phagocytophilum*, while in Ohio, 32.8% had *Babesia* parasites, and 14.6% in Pennsylvania, with one specific type of *Babesia* identified for the first time in the U.S. This matters because these pathogens can affect both human and animal health, so monitoring ticks helps public health officials and veterinarians manage potential risks. Who this helps: This helps patients, doctors, and veterinarians by improving understanding of tick-borne diseases.

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This study looked at how well different tests can detect chronic wasting disease (CWD) in the lymph nodes of three types of deer and elk. The researchers found that using a special technique that involves silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) made the tests faster, reducing the average time to get results by nearly 5 hours in white-tailed deer, mule deer, and elk. However, while this method improved the test's accuracy in white-tailed deer, it slightly lowered accuracy in the other two species. This matters because faster and more accurate detection of CWD can help manage this serious disease in wildlife. Who this helps: This helps wildlife managers and veterinarians monitoring CWD in deer populations.

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This study looked at how aware and willing gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in Baltimore are to use a preventative medication called PrEP for HIV. Researchers found that while 75% of participants were aware of PrEP, only 55% were willing to use it. Black men in this group had more concerns about taking PrEP, such as worries about side effects and the belief that it was only for those with riskier sex lives, which may hinder their willingness to use it. Who this helps: This information helps healthcare providers and public health programs better support Black gay and bisexual men in accessing PrEP.

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This research studied the connection between gut bacteria and fibromyalgia, a condition known for causing widespread pain and tiredness. The findings show that changes in gut bacteria are linked to fibromyalgia symptoms, and treatments targeting the gut, like probiotics and antibiotics, might help reduce these symptoms. Understanding this relationship could lead to better ways to diagnose and treat fibromyalgia. Who this helps: This helps fibromyalgia patients looking for effective treatments.

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This study looked at a new blood test called the TRBC1 antibody assay that helps identify certain types of cancerous T cells in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. It found that the test is highly effective, with 92.3% sensitivity (able to correctly identify those with the condition) and 83.5% specificity (correctly identifying those without it), outperforming traditional methods in some cases. This is important because it can help doctors diagnose conditions like Sezary syndrome and mycosis fungoides earlier and more accurately. Who this helps: Patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and their doctors.

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This study examined how to better support parents grieving the sudden or traumatic death of their child. Researchers tested two approaches: one involved personalized help from a Grief Navigator and the other provided basic information about support resources through text messages. Six months after the death, parents using the personalized support reported improved ability to cope with their grief and seek out resources, highlighting the importance of tailored support during such a difficult time. Who this helps: This helps grieving parents find the support they need.

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This study explored various short online programs designed to help adults in the U.S. struggling with depression. Researchers tested 11 different programs with over 7,500 participants and found that while most programs improved feelings of hope and agency right after use, only two actually reduced depression symptoms four weeks later. This is important because it shows that while short interventions can provide some immediate benefits, they aren’t all effective in creating lasting change. Who this helps: Patients experiencing depression.

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This study looked at how accurately two heart rate monitors—Catapult Vector S7 and Polar H10—measure heart rate during different types of running. The researchers found that both devices had an almost perfect agreement, with differences of only 1.6 beats per minute during continuous running and 1.2 beats per minute during intermittent running. This is important because it shows that the Catapult Vector S7 can reliably measure heart rate without needing to wear a chest strap, making it a convenient option for high-intensity workouts. Who this helps: This benefits athletes and fitness enthusiasts who want accurate heart rate data without the discomfort of chest straps.

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This study looked at how certain proteins from a fungal pathogen move between plant cells and how they affect cell communication. Researchers found 14 proteins that can travel between cells, with 3 of them moving faster than expected. This is important because understanding how these proteins interact with plant cell connections can help scientists learn more about plant defenses against diseases. Who this helps: Researchers and agricultural scientists working on plant health and disease resistance.

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Researchers studied how effective device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) procedures were across the UK from 2017 to 2022. They found that out of 2,005 DAE procedures involving 1,663 patients, 70% successfully diagnosed issues and 42.6% involved successful treatments, with a very low complication rate of just 0.6%. This is important because it shows that DAE is safe and effective, meeting high-quality standards, but there are areas that can be improved for even better patient care. Who this helps: Patients undergoing small-bowel procedures.

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This study looked at a program designed to lower the chances of bleeding after heart procedures known as PCI, using data from nearly 8.8 million procedures across many hospitals. It found that hospitals participating in the program saw a 39% decrease in bleeding events compared to those that did not participate. This is important because reducing bleeding can lead to safer and more effective care for patients undergoing these heart procedures. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing PCI procedures and the doctors who treat them.

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This study looked at how well two different statistical methods—neural networks and logistic regression—could predict which young players would be drafted in the Australian Rules Football league. The researchers analyzed data from 708 players and found that neural networks were better, accurately identifying 88% of drafted players compared to logistic regression, which only got it right 15% of the time. These findings are important because they can improve the decision-making process for talent scouts in identifying promising players. Who this helps: This helps talent scouts and coaches in sports organizations.

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This research focused on improving a treatment method that uses electrical signals to stimulate the vagus nerve, which helps control heart rate. The study found that their new method, called Bayesian optimization, quickly identified the best stimulation settings with significantly fewer attempts compared to traditional methods, allowing for safer treatment with fewer side effects. This is important because it enables more tailored treatments for patients, enhancing effectiveness while minimizing risks. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing vagus nerve stimulation therapies.

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This study looked at the Asian longhorned tick, which has recently spread to Ohio and can transmit diseases to animals. Researchers found that these ticks go through their life stages from nymphs to adults and finally larvae between June and fall, and they tested ticks for diseases, finding that about 5% carried a particular bacteria called Anaplasma phagocytophilum. This information is important because it helps us understand how these ticks behave and the potential risks they pose to livestock and possibly humans. Who this helps: This helps farmers, veterinarians, and public health officials by providing crucial information for managing tick-related risks.

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This study looked at a cancer vaccine called SQZ-PBMC-HPV for patients with hard-to-treat HPV16+ tumors. The researchers found that 33% of the patients showed an increase in certain immune cells called CD8+ T cells in their tumors after treatment, and those patients had a much better response to the treatment: a disease control rate of 66.7% compared to 16.7% for those who didn’t have more CD8+ T cells. Additionally, patients with higher CD8+ T cell levels lived significantly longer, with a median survival of 606.5 days versus 170.0 days for others. Who this helps: This benefits patients with incurable HPV16+ cancers.

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This study looked at how different cleaning wipes can damage the plastic surfaces used in healthcare settings. The researchers tested eight kinds of wipes on 13 types of plastic and found that all the wipes caused some level of damage, with harsher wipes (those with a pH over 8) responsible for 74% of the issues, leading to cracks in 22 out of 39 plastic samples. Understanding which cleaning products are safe to use can help prevent equipment failures that might put patients and healthcare workers at risk. Who this helps: This benefits patients, healthcare providers, and manufacturers of disinfectant products.

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The researchers studied how to make vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) treatments more effective and personalized by looking at brain and body responses in anesthetized pigs. They found that analyzing different stimulation settings and using specific types of electrodes could improve the overall effectiveness and safety of VNS, potentially enhancing therapy outcomes. This matters because better-targeted VNS could lead to fewer side effects and better results for patients suffering from conditions like epilepsy or depression. Who this helps: This benefits patients receiving vagus nerve stimulation therapy.

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This study looked at how patient and family advisory boards (PFABs) in U.S. hospitals affect the attention given to patients' social needs, like housing and food security. It found that over half of hospitals (about 56%) had a PFAB, and those hospitals were better at identifying and addressing social needs through screening programs and partnerships. This is important because addressing social needs can improve overall patient health and outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients who struggle with social issues that impact their health.

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Researchers studied how the HIV-1 virus utilizes its capsid, the protective shell around its genetic material, to support a crucial step in its replication called reverse transcription. They found that HIV-1 can effectively carry out this process even without special treatments, showing that a part of the virus called the envelope glycoprotein is key for allowing necessary building blocks to enter the virus. Their work reveals that the virus’s outer layer can take on roles typically attributed to the capsid, enhancing our understanding of HIV's infection strategy. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and healthcare providers working on HIV treatments.

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This study looked at the running and technical skills required in Australian Rules Football for young (elite-junior) players compared to more experienced (elite-senior) players. It found that while overall running demands were similar across both groups, elite-junior players covered less distance, particularly during intense moments of play, and had fewer technical actions during crucial periods. This matters because it highlights the need for coaches to increase training intensity and volume for young players moving to senior levels to better prepare them for the demands of the game. Who this helps: Coaches and young football players transitioning to elite competition.

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Researchers studied how diseases that come from animals, especially wildlife, can spread to humans and lead to outbreaks. They found that actions like protecting forests, improving community health, regulating wildlife trade, and enhancing surveillance can significantly reduce the risks of these diseases spilling over. For example, better biosecurity in farms and stricter wildlife market regulations can help stop the spread before it starts. Who this helps: This benefits patients, farmers, and communities living near wildlife.

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This study looked at a treatment called SQZ-PBMC-HPV, which involves using patients' own immune cells modified to target HPV16 cancer. Researchers treated 18 patients with advanced HPV16-related cancers, and found that the highest dose of the treatment led to significant immune responses, including increased levels of immune cells known as CD8+ T cells in some patients. The treatment was well tolerated, with most side effects being mild, and it showed promise for effectiveness, particularly in one patient who had not responded to other therapies. Who this helps: This helps patients with HPV16-related cancers looking for new treatment options.

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This study looked at patients with total knee replacements who had surgery to address a problem called patellofemoral crepitus, which is a grinding noise or sensation in the knee. Out of 35 patients, 45.7% experienced the crepitus returning, and 17.1% needed another surgery because of it. This information is important because it shows that many patients still face issues after the initial treatment, indicating a significant chance of requiring further intervention. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from knee surgeries and their doctors by highlighting potential ongoing problems.

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This study looked at how to better predict which young Australian Rules Football players will be successful in drafts by combining physical abilities, in-game movements, and technical skills. They found that including technical skills improved the model's ability to identify potential draft stars, with some models showing a sensitivity of up to 41.7%. This is important because it helps coaches and recruiters evaluate talent more effectively, ensuring that promising players are not overlooked. Who this helps: Coaches and recruiters in sports.

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This study explored how certain molecules called lipidoids can form special structures known as bicontinuous cubic phases, which could be useful for creating new materials like drug delivery systems and membranes. Researchers tested 12 different lipidoid designs and found that changing their structure can lead to these cubic phases, with one unexpected result being that complex shapes can help them fit together better. These findings are important because they open up new ways to create effective materials for various applications. Who this helps: This research benefits patients needing drug delivery solutions and scientists developing advanced materials.

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This study looked at Akwesasne Mohawk women and how exposure to certain harmful chemicals—specifically polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB)—is linked to higher levels of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAbs), which can indicate autoimmune thyroid disease. Researchers found that exposure to PCB congener 33 and HCB resulted in more than double the risk of having elevated TPOAbs compared to those with normal levels. This matters because it highlights the health risks that these women face due to environmental pollutants, raising concerns about autoimmune diseases in their community. Who this helps: This helps Native American women and healthcare providers working in affected communities.

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Researchers studied an online training program aimed at reducing the use of antipsychotic medications for dementia patients in a nursing home. They found that, after the training, the percentage of residents receiving these medications decreased significantly from about 16% before training to around 11% afterward. This matters because it demonstrates that proper training for staff can lead to better management of dementia symptoms without relying heavily on medications. Who this helps: This benefits nursing home residents with dementia and their caregivers.

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This study explored how two antimicrobial peptides, OP-145 and SAAP-148, derived from a human protein called LL-37, kill bacteria. The researchers found that both peptides effectively kill various types of bacteria, but their ability to penetrate bacterial membranes did not fully explain how they worked. They discovered that the peptides change the structure of bacterial membranes and disrupt their electrical balance, which is crucial for their ability to kill bacteria. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and researchers looking for new treatments to fight bacterial infections.

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This study explored how different shapes and structures of lipid-like compounds, called lipidoids, affect their ability to disrupt bacterial cell membranes and fight infections. Researchers tested 104 lipidoids and found that those that created a highly curved arrangement (inverse hexagonal liquid crystalline phase) were the most effective, with some working at very low concentrations of just 2 micromolar. Understanding these relationships is crucial for developing new antibiotics that can overcome resistant bacteria. Who this helps: This research benefits patients suffering from bacterial infections and doctors seeking effective treatment options.

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Researchers studied various synthetic molecules called lipidoids that target and damage the membranes of harmful bacteria, specifically focusing on Gram-negative bacteria. They tested over 100 different lipidoids and found that certain structures, like the properties of the tails and charges of the heads, significantly influenced how effectively these compounds could disrupt bacterial membranes. This discovery is important because it helps in designing better treatments against tough bacteria that have protective outer membranes. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from infections caused by resistant bacteria.

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This study looked at how the HIV-1 virus uses its capsid, a protective shell, to help replicate itself inside infected cells. Researchers found that HIV-1 can efficiently replicate its genetic material without needing outside help when it has the right viral proteins. Specifically, they found that when a certain protein (gp41) is present, the virus can allow necessary building blocks to enter and support this replication process. This research is important because it provides insights into the virus's behavior, which can lead to new strategies for developing antiviral treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients with HIV by potentially leading to improved treatment options.

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This study introduced BioDynaMo, a new computer program that helps scientists simulate complex biological systems more efficiently. The program can run simulations significantly faster—up to 1,000 times quicker than existing options—allowing researchers to model scenarios involving one billion agents on a single computer. This improvement is important because it enables better and quicker research in areas like brain studies, cancer, and disease spread. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and scientists working in biology and medicine.

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This study looked at how type 2 diabetes affects the oral health quality of life for adults in the U.S. Researchers found that having diabetes significantly increased the need for dental care, which in turn impacted how well people felt about their oral health. Specifically, nearly 60% of the quality of life regarding oral health was influenced by this need for dental care, with diabetes directly affecting these needs. Who this helps: This helps patients with type 2 diabetes by highlighting the importance of dental care for their overall health.

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This study looked at how effective a combined treatment plan was for managing swelling in patients after knee surgery, specifically total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The treatment included a special compression garment, massage, and at-home exercises. Results showed that the treatment significantly reduced swelling, with patients experiencing a 60% reduction in swelling compared to a control group, and they reported a 93% satisfaction rate with no harmful side effects. Who this helps: This research benefits patients recovering from knee surgery.

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This study explores a new type of highly stretchable and electrically conductive gel designed for use in electronic skin and wearable devices. Researchers created these gels using special materials that allow them to stretch up to 1500% and handle compressive forces of 25 MPa while also detecting movement. This matters because these gels can be used in devices that mimic human skin, have the ability to heal themselves, and are safe for medical use. Who this helps: Patients needing advanced wearable technology and medical devices.

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This study looked at how a drug called trametinib affects cells taken from tumors in 20 patients with head and neck cancer. Researchers found that some patients’ cancer cells responded well to the drug, while others did not, with up to a 72% reduction in tumor size in some cases when trametinib was used alone. They also discovered that combining trametinib with other drugs could reduce tumor volume further by up to 92%, highlighting new treatment options for patients who currently have limited choices. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with head and neck cancer by exploring more effective treatment options.

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This study focused on the effectiveness and safety of a drug called ripretinib for patients with advanced melanoma that has specific genetic changes (KIT-altered). Out of 26 patients treated, 23% showed a positive response to the drug, meaning their tumors shrank or stabilized, with an average duration of response lasting about 9 months. This research is important because it shows that ripretinib can be a potential treatment option for these patients, especially those who haven't previously received similar therapies. Who this helps: Patients with KIT-altered metastatic melanoma.

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This study looked at different kinds of materials (copolymers) to see which ones do a better job of creating and stabilizing foams in ethanol-water mixtures, like those found in hand sanitizers. The researchers found that a specific type of copolymer, made mostly of hydrocarbons, performed better than traditional ones, leading to stronger and more stable foams. This is important because it could lead to more effective and environmentally friendly hand sanitizers and other products that use foams. Who this helps: This benefits manufacturers of hand sanitizers and other foam-based products.

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This study explored a new method called Cell Squeeze, which temporarily opens up a cell's membrane to deliver important materials directly into the cell. The researchers found that this technique significantly improves the way our immune cells, specifically CD8 T-cells, recognize and respond to cancer cells, by enhancing the presentation of cancer antigens. This is vital because it can lead to more effective cancer vaccines and therapies, allowing for rapid development of personalized treatments in less than 24 hours. Who this helps: Patients with cancer.

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This study examined how the presence of bacteremia, or bacteria in the bloodstream, affects patients undergoing a common treatment for joint infections involving implants, called debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR). It found that patients with bacteremia have a higher chance of reinfection or ongoing infection post-surgery, with only 51.5% remaining infection-free at 90 days compared to 65.9% for those without bacteremia. Additionally, the medical costs within the first 90 days for patients with bacteremia were over 50% higher, averaging $14,722 compared to $8,052 for those without. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients by highlighting the need for careful management of bacteremia to reduce infection rates and costs.

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This research studied how special coatings made of polymers can quickly transfer DNA to soft surfaces, like blood vessel tissue, when balloons are inflated during medical procedures. The researchers found that certain types of polymers worked better for this transfer, with some coatings achieving this in just 15 to 30 seconds. This is important because it could improve methods for delivering DNA in various medical applications, such as gene therapy. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing vascular interventions and doctors performing these procedures.

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This study looked at different dietary changes to reduce liver abscesses in cattle, specifically examining things like how grains are processed and the size of roughage particles. The researchers found that past efforts haven't led to consistent success in reducing these abscesses. Understanding the gut bacteria and environment of cattle could lead to better solutions that might lessen the need for antibiotics in managing liver health. Who this helps: This helps cattle farmers and ranchers looking to improve animal health and reduce antibiotic use.

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This study looked at how certain antibiotics, specifically cephalosporins and macrolides, affect the presence of drug-resistant E. coli in cattle. Researchers found that 17.7% of the cattle fecal samples contained these resistant bacteria, with a significant shift to more resistant strains occurring just days after administering ceftiofur, although no difference was seen at slaughter. This is important because it highlights the potential risks to public health from antibiotic use in cattle and emphasizes the need for careful use of these medications in livestock to prevent the spread of resistant bacteria. Who this helps: This helps patients and public health officials by addressing antibiotic resistance concerns.

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This study examined how well different metal allergy tests predict outcomes for patients who have total knee replacements (TKAs). It found that these tests often disagree with each other, and patients with metal allergies who received hypoallergenic implants reported less improvement in their knee function compared to similar patients without metal allergies—specifically, they experienced a 20% lower improvement in their Knee Society Scores and worse overall physical function. This is important because it shows that simply using hypoallergenic implants may not be enough to ensure better outcomes for patients with metal hypersensitivity. Who this helps: This helps patients with metal allergies who are considering knee surgery.

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This study explored a type of polymer made from 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate (HBA) and how it behaves in water. The researchers found that when they heated the polymer, it changed shape from spheres to worms to vesicles, depending on the temperature—specifically, the polymer could switch between these forms as heat was applied or removed, a process that was clearly tracked by several scientific methods. This is important because these shape-shifting materials could have practical applications in drug delivery and other medical technologies, allowing treatments to be tailored based on temperature. Who this helps: Patients needing effective drug delivery systems.

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This study focused on HER-2 positive breast cancer, a type of cancer that can grow quickly due to a specific protein. The research found that patients with this cancer respond well to targeted treatments, improving survival rates significantly—over 90% of patients saw positive results from these therapies. This is important because it highlights how effective treatments can greatly increase the chances of recovery for patients with this aggressive form of cancer. Who this helps: Patients with HER-2 positive breast cancer.

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This study looked at special materials that can interact with and trap substances called siderophores that bacteria use to collect iron. The researchers found that these materials can break down when they come into contact with specific siderophores produced by different types of bacteria. For example, the materials disintegrated when exposed to enterobactin and deferoxamine B, which are produced by certain bacteria to manage their iron levels. This is important because it opens up new ways to control bacterial behavior and could lead to new treatments, especially by releasing antibiotics in response to bacterial presence. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and researchers working on infections caused by bacteria.