DR. JILL K. POTTS, M.D.

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This study looked at how different factors related to patients and dialysis centers affect the use of home dialysis therapy in England. Researchers analyzed data from over 32,000 patients who started kidney treatment between 2015 and 2019 and found that patients were nearly twice as likely to use home dialysis if their center had quality improvement projects or offered assisted dialysis. This is important because it shows that making changes at dialysis centers can help more patients access home therapy, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. Who this helps: This helps patients needing kidney treatment, especially those from disadvantaged communities or minority ethnic groups.

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This study looked into a program in England that places researchers in adult social care settings to improve the use of evidence in decision-making. Over 32 months, the researchers found that while having dedicated staff helped build research capacity, challenges like financial pressures and the aftermath of COVID-19 made it tough to work effectively together. Specifically, they noted that clearer job definitions helped improve the program's success. Who this helps: This benefits both patients receiving care and the professionals providing that care by improving the quality and effectiveness of services.

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This study looked at how different ethnic groups and levels of poverty affect the way kidney failure patients transition between various treatment options, like dialysis and transplantation, and their overall survival. Researchers analyzed data from over 93,000 patients in England from 2005 to 2020 and found that Asian and Black patients, along with those living in deprived areas, face barriers to receiving certain treatments and have different rates of returning to dialysis or dying. For instance, Black patients were much less likely to move from in-centre dialysis to home dialysis (47% lower) and had higher chances of returning to in-centre dialysis after a transplant (73% higher compared to White patients). Who this helps: This research benefits kidney disease patients and healthcare providers by highlighting inequities in treatment access and outcomes.

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This study looked at how different cells and microbes interact during acute sepsis, a severe infection, using mice as the model. Researchers found that the composition of microbes changed significantly over time, with specific bacteria increasing or decreasing in numbers. Understanding these changes is crucial because it helps describe how the body responds to severe infections, which can lead to better treatments for sepsis. Who this helps: This benefits doctors treating sepsis and patients suffering from severe infections.

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Researchers studied a new online tool called PETRUSHKA that helps personalize antidepressant treatment for people with major depressive disorder. They found that after 8 weeks, only 17% of participants using PETRUSHKA stopped their medication, compared to 27% in the usual care group. At 24 weeks, those using PETRUSHKA also reported fewer depressive symptoms (average score of 7.1 vs. 9.2) and anxiety symptoms (average score of 4.6 vs. 5.8), indicating this tool could help people stay on their medication longer and feel better. Who this helps: This helps patients with major depressive disorder.

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This study looked at how long people aged 50 and older with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) can expect to stay healthy and work in 19 European countries. It found that in six of these countries, people with RMDs could expect to live healthy working lives for only around 50% of the time compared to those without such diseases. For example, in Austria, the healthy working life expectancy for people with RMDs was just 2.6 years, which is only 42.9% of the average for those without RMDs. This is important because it highlights the significant impact RMDs have on people’s ability to work and stay healthy, suggesting that targeted policies and interventions are needed to support these individuals. Who this helps: This benefits patients with rheumatic conditions and healthcare policymakers aiming to improve their quality of life and employment opportunities.

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This study looked at how to measure pollution in water caused by animal and human waste. Researchers found strong connections between specific genetic markers and the actual amounts of sewage and dog waste, achieving accuracy levels above 94%. This is important because it helps people understand how much pollution is coming from different sources, which can improve water quality and protect ecosystems. Who this helps: This benefits water quality managers, environmental scientists, and public health officials.

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This study examined why the use of home dialysis varies widely between kidney services, affecting mainly ethnic minorities and those from low-income areas. Researchers observed 43 sessions and interviewed patients and staff, finding that factors like strong leadership and a commitment to quality improvement increased home dialysis use significantly (odds of nearly double). It also noted that starting dialysis at home can improve life quality and save the healthcare system over £13,000 compared to in-center treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing dialysis, particularly those from underrepresented communities.

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This study looked at how to automatically track and identify important trends in mental health research, focusing on conditions like anxiety, depression, and psychosis. The researchers analyzed nearly 183,000 articles from 2015 to 2025 and found 973 different topics, predicting that 165 of them were currently trending, such as the use of ketamine for hard-to-treat depression and mental health issues among students. This is important because it helps researchers, doctors, and policymakers quickly spot significant developments and questions in the fast-growing field of mental health research, which can lead to better treatments. Who this helps: This benefits patients, doctors, and mental health researchers.

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This study looked at how lung function varies by region, using data from over 15,000 healthy non-smoking adults aged 40 and older across 41 locations. It found that the forced vital capacity (FVC), which measures how much air a person can exhale, showed significant differences: for men, the average was 2.97 liters in the Far East and 4.08 liters in Europe; for women, it was 2.44 liters in the Far East and 3.24 liters in Europe. Understanding these regional differences is important for accurately assessing lung health and helping with diagnosis and treatment. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers assess lung health more accurately in different populations.

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This study looked at a rare type of cancer called foamy cell angiosarcoma in a 59-year-old man who had swelling and redness on his face. Over nine months, doctors took several skin biopsies that showed unusual "foamy" cells and abnormal blood vessel growth, leading to a diagnosis of foamy cell angiosarcoma after ruling out other conditions. Identifying this type of cancer is important because it can be mistaken for other diseases, and using specific tests like the ERG marker can help doctors make a more accurate diagnosis. Who this helps: This helps patients with rare skin cancers and their doctors by providing clearer diagnostic criteria.

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This study looked at the effects of new drugs that target trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) in treating psychosis, specifically focusing on two drugs, ulotaront and ralmitaront. It found limited improvement in overall symptoms for these drugs compared to a placebo in 1,291 adults with acute schizophrenia, with a small effect size of 0.15. Ralmitaront proved to be less effective than the standard drug risperidone. However, these new drugs had fewer side effects compared to traditional antipsychotics, making them a promising option for treatment. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with schizophrenia and their doctors by providing insights into new treatment options.

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This study looked at how lung function, specifically a measure called forced vital capacity (FVC), relates to the development of heart and metabolic diseases in people from various countries. Researchers followed 5,916 individuals over nearly ten years and found that those with better lung function (higher FVC) were less likely to develop conditions like diabetes (9% lower risk), heart disease (14% lower risk), and stroke (19% lower risk). Understanding this connection can help improve early detection and prevention strategies for these serious health issues. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk for heart and metabolic diseases, as well as healthcare providers seeking to identify and treat these conditions early.

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This study looked at how to design communication tools for children with cortical visual impairment, a condition that affects how they see and communicate. Experts from focus groups shared their insights on useful features, like high-contrast backgrounds and specific color preferences, to improve these tools. The feedback highlighted important design elements that can help children effectively use speech-generating devices. Who this helps: This benefits children with cortical visual impairment and the professionals who support their communication needs.

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This study looked at the relationship between Pacific oyster deaths and the levels of certain bacteria in the water over 27 months in Port Stephens, Australia. Researchers found that when oyster deaths were high, the bacteria also increased significantly, peaking during the summer. After the mortality event, the bacteria levels dropped sharply, showing that warmer ocean temperatures and higher amounts of phytoplankton might boost harmful bacteria linked to those oyster deaths. Who this helps: This helps oyster farmers and anyone who consumes oysters.

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This study looked at how vitamin A, especially in the form of carotene, affects lung function in adults. Researchers analyzed data from 150,000 people and found that higher carotene intake is linked to improved lung capacity, showing an increase of 13.3 mL for every 100 micrograms consumed, particularly in smokers. This is important because it highlights that a diet rich in carotene might support better lung health, especially for those who smoke. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those with lung issues or who smoke.

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This study looked at how well a lung test (spirometry) can identify early signs of chronic airflow obstruction, which is important for diagnosing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Researchers followed 3,057 adults for about 8.4 years and found that a specific spirometry measurement (the FEV/FVC ratio) lower than -1.336, or the 9th percentile, was effective at indicating chronic airflow obstruction with 78% sensitivity and 72% specificity. This finding is important because it helps doctors spot potential lung issues earlier, particularly in smokers and men. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially smokers and those at risk for COPD.

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Researchers developed an online tool called PETRUSHKA to help personalize antidepressant treatment for adults with unipolar depression. The tool uses large amounts of patient data and incorporates both individual preferences and potential side effects to suggest the best antidepressant options. In testing, the tool showed promise in improving the way treatment decisions are made, with plans to involve over 500 participants from Brazil, Canada, and the UK. Who this helps: This helps patients with depression and their doctors make better treatment choices.

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This study looked at whether how people respond to bronchodilator tests can predict if they'll develop chronic airflow problems in the future. Over nearly 9 years, researchers tracked 3,701 adults and found that those who showed a positive response to bronchodilators had a 36% higher chance of developing chronic airflow obstruction. This was especially true for women, who had a 45% increased risk compared to non-responsiveness. Who this helps: This information benefits patients, particularly women and never smokers, by identifying their risk for lung issues.

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This study looked at how breathlessness affects quality of life for people in different countries, analyzing responses from over 19,700 adults. It found that people who experience breathlessness had significantly lower quality of life scores, with a drop of about 7.6 points for physical health and 3.5 points for mental health. This impact was particularly pronounced in wealthier countries, highlighting that breathlessness can seriously diminish well-being globally. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with lung conditions and healthcare providers aiming to understand the broader impacts of breathlessness on quality of life.

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This study looked at Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS), which causes visual hallucinations in people with poor vision, specifically among military veterans in the UK. They found that 11.2% of the veterans screened had CBS, with most participants being around 82 years old and suffering from vision problems mostly due to age-related macular degeneration. Many of the veterans experience bothersome hallucinations but only 44% had talked to a doctor about it, highlighting a gap in support and treatment options. Who this helps: This helps visually impaired military veterans and their healthcare providers.

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This study focused on using augmented reality (AR) technology to assist in surgeries involving the face and neck, aiming to improve surgical planning and execution. Researchers evaluated 33 surgeries performed with a new AR navigation system, finding that it offered real-time 3D views of the surgical area and helped surgeons identify important structures during operations. This technology has significant advantages over traditional methods, such as better visualization and improved tracking of surgical instruments. Who this helps: This helps surgeons and patients undergoing craniomaxillofacial and head and neck surgeries.

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This study focused on a 66-year-old man who experienced sudden psychiatric symptoms that might have been mistaken for a brain degeneration issue. After extensive tests, doctors found no signs of brain degeneration and diagnosed him with very late-onset schizophrenia instead. He improved on a specific medication for schizophrenia, showing the importance of accurate diagnosis in treating mental health issues in older adults. Who this helps: This benefits older patients experiencing psychiatric symptoms.

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This study examined how heat affects the proteins in pollen-producing cells of two tomato varieties: 'Black Vernissage' and 'Micro-Tom.' It found that under high temperatures (37°C), the 'Black Vernissage' showed a wider range of heat-shock proteins and better resilience compared to 'Micro-Tom,' which aligns with its superior pollen productivity. Understanding these protein changes is crucial because it provides insights for improving tomato pollen production in increasingly warmer climates. Who this helps: This helps tomato growers and researchers working on crop resilience to heat stress.

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This study focused on diagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) in pregnant women, a serious condition that can lead to death if not identified early. Researchers highlighted that tools like the revised Geneva score and the pregnancy-adapted YEARS algorithm can safely assess the risk of PE, while both CT scans and ventilation-perfusion scans are equally safe and effective for confirming diagnosis. These findings matter because they help ensure that pregnant women receive timely and appropriate care, significantly reducing the risk of complications from PE. Who this helps: This helps pregnant patients and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the financial and health benefits of starting kidney patients on home dialysis instead of in-centre dialysis. They found that starting home dialysis leads to an increase of 0.30 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and saves the healthcare system £15,272, with a high chance (82%) of being more cost-effective. This is important because it shows that home dialysis not only improves patients’ lives but also saves money for the healthcare system. Who this helps: Patients with kidney failure who need dialysis.

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This study looked at two lung function tests—forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume (FEV)—to see how well they can help identify breathing problems in adults over 40 from around the world. Out of nearly 29,000 participants, about 10% had chronic airflow obstruction detected by FEV and 9% by FVC, while 37% showed signs of lung restriction via FVC compared to 35% via FEV. The findings indicate that both tests are reliable for diagnosing breathing issues, which is important for better patient care and treatment strategies. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients with lung conditions.

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This study looked at plastic pollution along coastlines using data collected by volunteers from 39 countries. The research found significant differences in plastic amounts across various regions, showing how human activity and natural processes affect pollution patterns. This is important because it highlights the need for better community involvement and data collection to tackle the growing problem of plastic in our oceans. Who this helps: This benefits environmental organizations, coastal communities, and researchers working to reduce marine pollution.

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This study looked at how well a large language model (GPT-4o) could help screen research papers for a living systematic review, which regularly updates evidence on a specific treatment. The model showed impressive results, achieving 100% sensitivity in identifying studies that were ultimately included after full review, while human reviewers had variable sensitivity ranging from 58% to 100%. This means the model could potentially save researchers 65-85% of their time when reviewing new studies, making the process more efficient. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and healthcare professionals working on systematic reviews.

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This study looked at how well newborns with congenital kidney failure, who need ongoing kidney treatment, can grow in their first 90 days. Out of the 18 babies who survived that period, 39% had a good height measurement, and 56% had a healthy weight for their age. It highlights that many of these infants struggle with malnutrition, pointing to a need for better nutritional guidelines to help them grow properly. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers working with infants who have kidney problems.

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This study looked at how specific genetic factors might influence the risk of small airways obstruction (SAO) in people who have been exposed to various workplace pollutants. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 39,000 participants and found 36 genetic variants linked to SAO, with eight of them increasing the risk when people were exposed to substances like pesticides and dust. These findings are important because they can help identify individuals who are more vulnerable to lung problems due to their work environment. Who this helps: This helps patients and their doctors by identifying those at higher risk for lung issues based on genetic factors and occupational exposures.

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This study examined how well a new artificial intelligence (AI) system can detect parasites in stool samples compared to traditional microscopy. The AI was able to accurately identify 94.3% of the positive samples and 94% of negative ones. Overall, it detected 98.6% of true positives after all results were confirmed, outperforming human technicians who missed some organisms. This is important because it could make diagnosing gastrointestinal infections faster and more accurate, ultimately improving patient care worldwide. Who this helps: Patients who might have parasitic infections and healthcare professionals diagnosing these conditions.

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This study focused on creating a set of expert recommendations for two medical procedures: cholangioscopy and pancreatoscopy, which are used to diagnose and treat issues in the bile ducts and pancreas. Thirty experts contributed to the consensus process, and 42 recommendations were accepted, primarily covering aspects like preparation for the procedures and specific conditions like bile duct stones and strictures. These guidelines are important because they help standardize practices across Europe, ensuring patients receive the best possible care during these procedures. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers treating patients with pancreatic and biliary disorders.

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This study looked at whether drugs that increase dopamine levels can help reduce feelings of pleasure loss (called anhedonia) in people with major depressive disorder (MDD). The researchers found that these pro-dopaminergic drugs led to a small reduction in anhedonia symptoms based on data from 6 studies with over 2,000 participants. However, other types of antidepressants, which do not focus on dopamine, showed a greater impact on anhedonia symptoms, suggesting more research is needed to understand how different treatments work. Who this helps: This benefits patients with major depressive disorder seeking better treatment options for their anhedonia symptoms.

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This study examined a new approach called GATE, which aims to combine different types of evidence—like animal studies and early human trials—to improve mental health research. The researchers found that by using this method of triangulation, they could identify important areas to focus future studies on, ultimately leading to better treatments for mental health conditions. This matters because it helps fill the gaps in research, particularly where high-quality human trials are lacking. Who this helps: This benefits patients with mental health issues, as well as researchers and doctors looking for better treatment options.

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This study investigated how acute sepsis, a severe infection caused by multiple microbes, affects immune responses and blood bacteria in mice. Researchers found that during sepsis, the mice shifted from a strong immune response to a weaker one, with specific immune cells called myeloid-derived suppressor cells becoming significant players in this process. The study identified important biomarkers that could help predict who is at risk of developing severe sepsis, which is crucial because sepsis can lead to a high death rate. Who this helps: This benefits both patients at risk of sepsis and doctors by providing insights to improve diagnosis and treatment.

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This study looked at how visually impaired military veterans experience Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS), which causes them to have visual hallucinations due to their sight loss. Out of 115 veterans identified with CBS, 46 participated in interviews, and many reported feelings of fear and annoyance from their hallucinations, impacting their daily lives significantly. The research highlights the importance of raising awareness about CBS among patients and healthcare providers, as better understanding can help manage these challenging experiences. Who this helps: This helps visually impaired military veterans and their healthcare providers.

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This study examined the complete genetic material of the orange-winged sulphur butterfly, a species found only in China. Researchers sequenced its mitochondrial genome, which is a small part of its DNA, and found it consists of 15,264 base pairs with a typical butterfly gene structure, including 13 genes that help make proteins. They discovered that this butterfly's genetic setup fits in with related butterfly species, but there are some differences that challenge older ideas about its family tree. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying butterfly genetics and conservation.

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This research focuses on improving how we understand and organize evidence about mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and psychosis. Researchers are creating a structured framework, called an ontology, to ensure that the information is clearly defined and easy to access. This will help gather and present research findings more effectively, ultimately speeding up the development of better treatments for these conditions. Who this helps: This benefits researchers, healthcare providers, and patients struggling with mental health issues.

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This research examined the effects of exercise on people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and looked into how exercise might work in the body and mind. The study reviewed 11 human studies and 14 animal studies. It found that while exercise didn't significantly reduce PTSD symptoms in humans (with a small average effect of -0.08), high-intensity workouts seemed to be better than moderate ones. In contrast, animal studies showed strong positive results, with exercise improving behaviors and increasing brain activity related to mood and memory. Who this helps: This study helps patients with PTSD and their doctors seek effective treatments.

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This study is looking at how cognitive bias modification (CBM) can help people with social anxiety, which is an intense fear in social situations. The researchers will review various studies to see if CBM effectively reduces symptoms of social anxiety, improves social functioning, and enhances quality of life. By analyzing results from different trials and updating their findings regularly, they aim to determine how well these interventions work over time. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with social anxiety disorder and the healthcare professionals who support them.

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This study examines how exercise helps people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by looking at both human and animal research to understand the underlying reasons for its benefits. The researchers will gather data from various studies to analyze how exercise impacts PTSD symptoms like avoidance and hyperarousal, as well as overall functioning. Understanding these effects is important because it can lead to better treatment approaches for those suffering from PTSD. Who this helps: This benefits patients with PTSD and their healthcare providers.