JOHN F. LESKO, M.D.

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This study looked at how well the VELYS robotic system works for total knee replacement surgery compared to traditional manual methods. It found that the robotic-assisted group had better alignment of the knee joint components—specifically, a 1.3-degree accuracy compared to 1.9 degrees for manual methods—and experienced fewer serious complications (6 in the robotic group versus 16 in the manual group). These results are important because they suggest that robotic assistance can enhance surgical precision while reducing risks, making knee surgery safer and potentially leading to better recovery experiences. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing knee replacement surgery.

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In this study, researchers translated a questionnaire about the impact of tinnitus (ringing in the ears) into Croatian and tested how reliable and valid it is for use with Croatian patients. They found that the new Croatian version, called THI-HR, is highly reliable with a score of 0.96 overall, and it effectively measures how tinnitus affects people’s daily lives, connecting well with other psychological measures of anxiety and depression. This is important because it provides a reliable tool for healthcare professionals to assess and understand the effects of tinnitus on Croatian patients. Who this helps: Patients suffering from tinnitus in Croatia and their doctors.

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This study focused on creating a Japanese version of a questionnaire called the Patient's Knee Implant Performance (PKIP), which measures how satisfied people are with their knee function after surgery. The researchers confirmed that most of the questions translated well, but they had to carefully adapt one question about using the toilet due to cultural differences. The final Japanese version is clear and should effectively assess knee function for Japanese-speaking patients. Who this helps: This helps patients in Japan who have undergone knee surgery by providing them a way to express their experiences.

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This study looked at how robotic-assisted knee surgery changes the need for soft-tissue adjustments during the procedure and how that affects recovery. Researchers found that only 43.81% of patients who had robotic surgery needed these adjustments, compared to 86.62% of those who had traditional surgery. Patients who did not require soft-tissue releases had better function scores after six months, one year, and two years, indicating that less invasive procedures can lead to a smoother recovery. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing knee replacement surgery, as it may lead to better outcomes and faster recovery times.

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This study looked at how working irregular shifts affects nurses and medical technicians, particularly focusing on their metabolism and sleep patterns. It involved 157 participants, mostly female nurses, and found that those on rotating shifts had noticeably higher levels of stress hormones like cortisol and prolactin, as well as issues with sleep between shifts. These findings matter because they highlight the health challenges shift workers face, which can impact their well-being and job satisfaction. Who this helps: This helps nurses and doctors by raising awareness of the health risks associated with shift work.

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This study examined how a deficiency in a protein called DAB1 affects the development of the inner ear in mice and humans. Researchers found that most types of connexins, which are proteins important for communication between cells, were significantly lower in the inner ear of mice with DAB1 deficiency compared to normal mice and human samples. Specifically, the levels of these proteins in the cochlear and semicircular ducts were reduced, with one type, Cx40, being more prominent in humans than in either mouse group. Understanding these differences is important for developing new treatments for hearing and balance problems. Who this helps: This helps patients with hearing and balance disorders, as well as doctors working on related therapies.

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This study examined how certain fatty molecules, called phospholipids, behave in lung cancer tissue compared to normal lung tissue. Researchers found that lung cancer samples had a higher level of a specific type of phospholipid, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), indicating that cancer cells are actively producing these molecules more than healthy cells. This information is important because understanding how cancer cells change the way they use fats could lead to better treatments or diagnostic tools for lung cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients with lung cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at how soon patients notice improvements after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), a common knee surgery, and how satisfied they are with the results. Researchers followed 200 patients and found that 81.3% saw improvements in their knee function just six months after their surgery. The biggest improvements occurred in the first six weeks, and while some factors like pre-surgery knee function influenced early results, they didn't affect long-term satisfaction, which was mainly linked to how patients felt after surgery. Who this helps: This information helps patients preparing for knee surgery by setting realistic expectations for their recovery.

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This study looked at how the use of contraception after childbirth changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers found that while overall postpartum contraception rates stayed about the same—30.4% during the pandemic compared to 29.6% the previous year—fewer new mothers attended in-person visits. Instead, many opted for telemedicine, with 83.4% of postpartum visits conducted online, and there was a notable increase in the placement of long-acting contraceptives in hospitals, particularly among Black patients, who had much higher chances of receiving this care. Who this helps: This helps new mothers, especially those from minority backgrounds, access contraceptive services.

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This study looked at how well a new machine learning model could predict the risk of death from COVID-19 shortly after a patient tested positive for the virus. The researchers analyzed data from 11,807 patients across 41 states, finding that their model, called GRU-D, achieved a high accuracy rate of 93.8% in identifying those at risk of death, even when used with data collected as early as 12 hours after the test. This is important because it can help doctors identify patients who are at higher risk and may need more intensive care early in their treatment. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers in making timely decisions for COVID-19 patients.

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This study looked at the connection between colorectal cancer and metabolic syndrome in 67 patients diagnosed with cancer and 30 healthy individuals. Researchers found that patients with colorectal cancer were more likely to have metabolic syndrome compared to healthy controls—48% versus 33%. This matters because it highlights the need for people with metabolic syndrome to be aware of their higher risk for colorectal cancer and encourages them to get screened regularly. Who this helps: This helps patients with metabolic syndrome.

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This study looked at the presence of specific immune cells (CD25FOXP3 and CD4CD25 cells) in the tissue of pregnant women, comparing those with severe or mild pre-eclampsia to those with healthy pregnancies. Researchers found that both types of cells were lower in women with severe and mild pre-eclampsia compared to healthy women, which may indicate that immune system changes contribute to the condition. Understanding these differences can help improve how pre-eclampsia is treated and managed. Who this helps: This benefits patients facing pre-eclampsia and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how cognitive ability affects patients with kidney disease who are trying to get on the transplant list. Researchers found that patients who had cognitive impairment took longer to be listed for a transplant—10.6 months on average compared to 6.3 months for those without impairment. Additionally, only 23% of patients with cognitive impairment were listed for a transplant after one year, compared to 41% of those without impairment. Who this helps: This research benefits kidney disease patients who may face challenges in getting on the transplant list due to cognitive issues.

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This study looked at the types of head and neck surgeries performed at a hospital in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, between 2013 and 2017. The researchers found that while the overall number of surgeries increased, the types of procedures changed: surgeries like tonsillectomy and cochlear implants became more common, while thyroid and ear surgeries became less common. This is important because it helps healthcare providers understand shifting trends in surgical needs, which can improve patient care. Who this helps: Patients needing head and neck surgeries.

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This study analyzed the physical characteristics and traffic accident details of 75 people who suffered whiplash injuries from car accidents. It found that whiplash injuries were evenly distributed among three grades and showed that women generally had smaller neck circumferences than men, which could affect their injury risk. Notably, almost half (50.7%) of the participants were not wearing seatbelts, and many did not believe they were at fault for the accidents, highlighting the need for better safety practices. Who this helps: This research helps patients, doctors, and policymakers in understanding whiplash injuries and improving road safety measures.

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This study looked at the safety of performing breast biopsies on patients who were taking blood-thinning medications, known as antithrombotic therapy. Out of 42 women who had the biopsy without stopping their medication, none experienced bleeding after the procedure, and only 2 reported minor bruising. This is important because it shows patients can safely continue their necessary medications while getting a breast biopsy, reducing the risk of complications from stopping their drugs. Who this helps: This helps patients who need antithrombotic therapy and may require a breast biopsy.

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This study looked at how quickly surgeons become proficient at using a new knee implant called the ATTUNE Knee System by comparing experiences across multiple hospitals. With over 2,300 patients, researchers found that the first ten surgeries for each surgeon took an average of 83 minutes, while later surgeries decreased to 72 minutes without increasing complications or affecting patient satisfaction. This is important because it shows that while there is a learning curve, it doesn't lead to more problems for patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients getting knee replacements and the doctors performing the surgeries.

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This research looked at how well the PINNACLE Acetabular Cup System, used in total hip replacement surgery, performs over time. After following nearly 1,600 hips for 5 to 10 years, the study found that 97% were still working well after 5 years and 94.7% after 10 years, with a small number (41) needing revision surgery. These results show that the PINNACLE system holds up well compared to similar options, which is important for ensuring long-term success in hip replacements. Who this helps: This benefits patients receiving hip replacement surgery.

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This study looked at three scoring systems—Modified Alvarado, Eskelinen, and Ohmann scores—to see how accurately they diagnose acute appendicitis in patients with stomach pain. Out of 70 patients, the Ohmann score was the most accurate, while the Modified Alvarado score was the least helpful. This is important because using the right scoring system can help doctors decide when to operate on patients with appendicitis, improving patient care. Who this helps: This helps doctors making decisions about surgery for patients with suspected appendicitis.

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This study looked at how quickly muscles get tired in patients with whiplash injuries after car accidents. Researchers found that patients experienced muscle fatigue significantly faster than healthy individuals, with higher injury grades linked to quicker fatigue—some patients fatigued almost immediately in certain positions. This is important because it provides a way to objectively assess the severity of whiplash injuries, helping doctors distinguish between those truly injured and those faking symptoms. Who this helps: This benefits doctors diagnosing whiplash injuries.

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This study examined how morning cortisol levels and blood sugar measurements differed between men with moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It found that severe OSA patients had lower morning cortisol levels (about 304 pmol/L) compared to moderate OSA (around 424 pmol/L) and control groups (about 418 pmol/L), and higher fasting blood sugar levels (averaging 5.4 mmol/L compared to 5.0 mmol/L in moderate OSA). This information is important because it highlights how severe OSA can disrupt hormone levels and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes more than moderate cases, showing a clear need for better management of these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with obstructive sleep apnea and their doctors.

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This study looked at how well a new tool, called SKALD, can find specific genetic changes (deletions) in the DNA of critically ill infants using whole-genome sequencing. They found that SKALD correctly identified these changes in about 78% of cases for positive results but missed many actually present cases, with a sensitivity rate of just 27%. Improving these methods can help doctors diagnose genetic diseases more quickly, which is crucial for prompt treatment in emergency situations. Who this helps: This helps doctors and families of critically ill infants by speeding up genetic diagnosis.

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In this study, researchers compared the effects of a balloon-expandable stent plus medication to medication alone in patients with significant narrowing of brain arteries, known as intracranial stenosis. They found that 36.2% of patients receiving the stent experienced a stroke or serious temporary stroke (TIA) within a year, compared to 15.1% for those on medication alone. Additionally, 24.1% of stent patients faced complications like stroke or death within 30 days, compared to 9.4% of those on medical therapy. These results indicate that using a stent for this condition may actually increase the risk of serious problems rather than help. Who this helps: This information is crucial for doctors and patients considering treatment options for symptomatic intracranial stenosis.

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The study focused on a rare complication during pregnancy called cervical varices, which can cause heavy bleeding. In the case of a 37-year-old woman who was 17 weeks pregnant with twins, researchers performed a procedure called uterine artery embolization before her abortion. This procedure seemed to lower the risk of bleeding during the abortion process. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing second-trimester abortions who face risks of significant bleeding.

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This study looked at hospital costs for two types of back surgeries: minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and traditional open surgery. It found that patients who had minimally invasive surgery for two-level fusions stayed in the hospital for an average of 3.4 days and incurred lower costs ($33,879) compared to those who had open surgery with a hospital stay of 4.03 days and costs of $35,984. This is important because it shows that minimally invasive techniques lead to shorter hospital stays and reduced costs, making them a better option for patients needing this type of surgery. Who this helps: Patients undergoing lumbar interbody fusion surgery.

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This study looked at pregnancy outcomes for women who had weight-loss surgery (bariatric surgery) compared to those who are just obese or morbidly obese. The researchers found that women who had bariatric surgery had no cases of gestational diabetes during their pregnancies, while 16.4% of the morbidly obese group and 9.3% of the obese group experienced it. However, these surgery patients had a higher rate of their babies being small for their gestational age (17.4%) compared to the morbidly obese group (5.0%). Who this helps: This research benefits women who are considering pregnancy after bariatric surgery and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how well different types of blast furnace slags—byproducts from steelmaking—can remove phosphorus from water. Researchers found that both crystalline and amorphous slags effectively absorb phosphorus, following a specific pattern of absorption. They also discovered that the slags can help neutralize acidity in water, which is important for maintaining healthy water systems. Who this helps: This benefits environmental engineers and water treatment facilities working on reducing phosphorus pollution.

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This study looked at a new method to measure naproxen, a common pain reliever, in human blood while also checking for its breakdown product, 6-O-desmethylnaproxen. The researchers found that their new testing method worked well for identifying naproxen in the blood samples, and they confirmed their results matched those from another established testing technique. This matters because accurately measuring naproxen levels can help in monitoring treatment and ensuring patient safety. Who this helps: This helps doctors and pharmacists who need to track naproxen levels in patients.

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Researchers studied how two types of rats, known as Fischer 344 (F344) and Sprague-Dawley (S-D), responded to glucose infusions and how this related to obesity. They found that the F344 rats had higher levels of insulin and leptin (a hormone related to fat storage) after receiving glucose, and when fed a high-fat diet, they gained about 40% more weight and over 100% more body fat than the S-D rats, even though they started off similarly in body fat percentage. This matters because it highlights differences in how these rats respond to diet and insulin, which could help us understand obesity better and how to treat it. Who this helps: This helps researchers and healthcare providers working on obesity treatments.

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This study looked at how a growth factor from the pseudorabies virus affects egg-producing cells from pig ovaries, specifically granulosa cells. Researchers found that when these cells were treated with high doses of the growth factor (specifically 10^9 I.U.), they multiplied faster, but it did not boost progesterone production in cells from smaller follicles. However, it did significantly increase progesterone output in cells from larger follicles during the last days of the experiment, indicating that the growth factor can enhance hormone production depending on the cells' maturity. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and veterinarians working with reproductive health in pigs and potentially other animals.

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This study looked at how a protein called pseudorabies virus growth factor (PRGF) affects the structure of cells, specifically looking at normal human cells and cancer cells. The researchers found that in normal cells, PRGF quickly changed the arrangement of actin, a protein that helps maintain cell shape, reducing the number of actin filaments within just 10 minutes and causing more significant changes after 24 hours. In contrast, in cancer cells, PRGF increased the amount of actin structures, suggesting it has different effects depending on the cell type. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and doctors trying to understand how to target cancer cells while preserving normal cells.

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This study looked at how certain immune cells called mast cells produce substances that can attract another type of immune cell involved in allergic reactions. Researchers found that when mast cells were activated, they quickly increased levels of two important proteins, IL-5 and GM-CSF, which support the inflammation seen in allergies. Specifically, IL-5 levels peaked 24 hours after activation, while GM-CSF peaked at 12 hours, showing that mast cells play a key role in promoting allergic inflammation. Who this helps: This helps patients with allergies by improving understanding of allergic reactions and potential treatment targets.

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The study looked at oliguria, which is when adults in hospitals produce very little urine. It found that if not addressed quickly, this condition can lead to serious health issues. Understanding the various causes of oliguria is important for nurses to accurately diagnose and treat it. Who this helps: This helps patients in hospitals by ensuring they receive proper diagnosis and treatment.

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Researchers studied the use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for cystic fibrosis in couples both carrying the common mutation that causes the disease. Out of 18 treatment cycles, they successfully analyzed 83 embryos and transferred healthy embryos in 15 cycles, leading to 5 pregnancies, all resulting in healthy babies without cystic fibrosis. This approach shows that IVF with genetic testing can effectively help couples at risk of passing on cystic fibrosis have healthy children. Who this helps: This helps couples at risk of cystic fibrosis and their future children.

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Researchers studied the levels of a chemical called metalaxyl in different Slovakian wines to see how much of it was present and how to effectively measure it. They found that metalaxyl was present in the wines at levels ranging from about 0.02 to 1.96 milligrams per liter, with recovery rates for the chemical between 80-99% depending on the type of wine. This matters because understanding how much metalaxyl is in wine is essential for ensuring safety and quality, given that it's used as a pesticide. Who this helps: This helps wine drinkers and producers by ensuring products are safe and meet regulatory standards.

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This study looked at how well a new type of porous carbon material can remove specific fungicide residues from Slovak wines. Researchers found that they could recover 80-97% of two fungicides, vinclozolin and iprodione, at different levels in wine samples. This is important because it provides a method to detect and ensure wine safety by identifying harmful chemicals that could affect consumers. Who this helps: This helps wine consumers and regulatory authorities ensure the safety of wine products.

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This study looked at how different strains of the pseudorabies virus, which affects pigs, react to specific antibodies made in the lab. Researchers found that out of seven Slovak virus samples, only two reacted with all the antibodies, while three antibodies reacted with other known strains. One sample did not react with any of the antibodies at all, highlighting that these viruses can be quite different from one another. Who this helps: This benefits veterinarians and pig farmers by improving disease management strategies.

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This study looked at how a growth factor from the pseudorabies virus (PRV) affects different types of cells. Researchers found that the factor can be split into two active parts that still cause changes in normal cells, but don't suppress changes in cancer cells. When both parts are used together, they can restore the suppressing effect on cancer cells. These findings suggest a link between a specific virus protein and the growth factor's actions. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists studying viral effects on cells and potential cancer treatments.

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This study looked at how a specific growth factor from the pseudorabies virus affects Syrian hamster embryo cells. Researchers found that this growth factor can transform these cells into a different form at very high concentrations, ranging from 10 million to 10 trillion units per milliliter, without harming the cells. Understanding how this growth factor works is important because it can provide insights into cell behavior and disease processes. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying viral infections and cell transformation.

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Researchers investigated a method to produce large quantities of the infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) virus using special microcarriers in cell cultures. They found that this new method increased virus production by about ten times compared to traditional techniques, allowing for much greater yields. This is important because higher virus production can improve research and vaccine development efforts. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and veterinarians working to control viral infections in cattle.

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This research studied how well the canine distemper virus grows in special cell cultures on tiny beads called microcarriers. The results showed that the virus produced over 10 times more in these microcarrier cultures than in traditional methods. This matters because it can lead to more efficient production of vaccines for canine distemper, ultimately helping to protect dogs from this serious illness. Who this helps: This helps dogs at risk of canine distemper disease.

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This study examined the intravenous solution Infusio Darrowi and found small amounts of organic contaminants that came from the rubber stoppers used during its production. Specifically, they detected compounds like di-n-butyl phthalate at levels between 0.000005 and 0.00000005 grams per liter. This matters because even trace levels of these compounds can potentially affect patient safety and drug effectiveness. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving Infusio Darrowi and healthcare providers ensuring the safety of intravenous solutions.

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Researchers studied two growth factors linked to herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and pseudorabies virus (PRV) in mouse and human cells to understand how these viruses establish and maintain a dormant state in the body. They found that these growth factors can change healthy cells and suppress changes in already transformed cells, and treatments like interferon can boost their production while other treatments can block it, leading to higher virus replication. This matters because understanding how these viruses behave in the body can help develop better treatments for infections. Who this helps: This helps patients with infections caused by HSV-2 and PRV.

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Researchers studied how certain strains of the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) produce a growth factor called HSGF-1. They found that the ability to produce this growth factor is linked to specific strains of the virus, with the "syn+" strains producing more HSGF-1 than the "syn" strains; sometimes, mixing these strains boosted or completely stopped HSGF-1 production. This research helps understand the virus's behavior and could lead to better treatments for infections caused by HSV-1. Who this helps: This benefits patients with herpes simplex virus infections.