KAROL HICKS KERR, M.D.

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This study looked at how coronaviruses, like SARS-CoV-2, manage to make their proteins effectively even when faced with challenges in using certain genetic codes. The researchers found that specific changes in the way tRNA is modified help these viruses overcome hurdles in protein production; specifically, they identified four important tRNA modifications that are essential for this process. Understanding this mechanism is important because it could lead to new treatments that target these adaptations in order to fight off coronavirus infections. Who this helps: This helps patients by paving the way for potential new antiviral treatments.

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This study developed a specific set of guidelines for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who work with burn patients, since no such guidelines existed before. Experts reviewed and agreed on 81 key skills needed for SLPs, structured into two levels of expertise—basic and expert—through surveys and meetings. This is important because it ensures that SLPs provide consistent and high-quality care to those recovering from burns. Who this helps: Patients recovering from burns and the SLPs who treat them.

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This study examined differences between men and women with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) in the U.S. Researchers found that while women had a higher body mass index (32 kg/m² compared to men's 28.7 kg/m²), men had better health-related quality of life and were more likely to have their disease considered operable. Importantly, both genders had similar overall survival rates, but women experienced worse quality of life after treatment. Who this helps: This research benefits both patients and doctors by highlighting how sex differences affect the diagnosis and treatment of CTEPH.

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This study looked at how inspiratory muscle training (IMT) can help people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long COVID (PASC). After 8 weeks of IMT, participants showed significant improvements in muscle strength, walking distance, heart rate, and symptoms related to sleep and pain. Specifically, those with ME/CFS saw improvements in blood vessel function and overall autonomic control. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with ME/CFS and Long COVID.

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This study looked at how childhood abuse affects veterans in Australia, particularly regarding military sexual assault and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Researchers analyzed data from 134 veterans with PTSD and found that nearly half had a history of abuse, including 14.9% experiencing military sexual abuse and 13.4% experiencing childhood sexual abuse. Importantly, the study revealed that having a history of childhood sexual abuse did not increase the risk of military sexual assault or worsen psychological symptoms in veterans. Who this helps: This research helps veterans seeking mental health treatment and the professionals who assist them.

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This study examined how the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 changed during the COVID-19 pandemic by comparing 27 different virus variants from 2020 to 2024. Researchers found that newer variants after Omicron still favored infecting the nasal passages and airways but also started showing traits similar to older variants. This finding helps us understand how COVID-19 might evolve and spread in the future. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and researchers tracking virus mutations and guiding treatment strategies.

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This study looked at the effects of combining two immunotherapy drugs, nivolumab and ipilimumab, compared to standard chemotherapy for patients with operable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The results showed that patients receiving the immunotherapy had a median event-free survival of 54.8 months, significantly better than the 20.9 months for those on chemotherapy. Additionally, the 3-year survival rates were 73% for the immunotherapy group compared to 61% for chemotherapy, highlighting a better long-term outcome with the immunotherapy approach. Who this helps: This research benefits lung cancer patients by providing them with potentially more effective treatment options.

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This study examined how rare diseases and orphan drugs are defined around the world. Researchers reviewed 2,712 articles but focused on 93 that provided clear definitions, resulting in 209 distinct definitions for conditions like rare and ultra-rare diseases, as well as orphan drugs. The study found that definitions often vary based on where you are, which can create challenges in healthcare access and research efforts. Who this helps: This helps patients with rare diseases by clarifying definitions that can improve research, drug access, and care.

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This study looked at whether using calcium gluconate instead of calcium chloride during cardiac surgery reduces the risk of blood clots in newborns and infants. Researchers found that while 15% of those who received calcium chloride developed clots, only 4.6% of those who received calcium gluconate had this issue, making the chance of getting a clot more than three times higher with calcium chloride. This is important because it highlights a safer option for treating these vulnerable patients during surgery. Who this helps: This helps newborns and infants undergoing cardiac surgery.

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This research looked at how cancer patients report their health and symptoms using online tools versus in-person at the clinic. Of the 8,556 patients studied, 56.7% completed their reports online before their visit, while 43.3% did so in the clinic. It found that certain groups, like females, patients with commercial insurance, and those seeing radiation oncologists, were less likely to complete their reports in the clinic, while Black patients and those who are unmarried or living in rural areas were more likely to do so. This matters because making it easier for patients to report their symptoms can improve cancer care and management. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients and healthcare providers by ensuring symptom reporting is accessible and effective.

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This study looked at how interpreters translate complex terms during genetic counseling sessions, focusing on two methods: word-for-word and sense-for-sense interpretations. Out of 29 interpreters surveyed, half used each method, and while 89% knew some genetic terms, only 65% found them easy to translate. Improving communication in these sessions is important because it can lead to better patient understanding and outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients and genetic counselors by enhancing clarity during their discussions.

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This study looked at how artificial intelligence (AI) can help analyze surgical videos from gallbladder operations to identify important structures and improve safety. The researchers examined 481 videos and found that experienced surgeons (consultants) were better at visualizing critical anatomy, spending more time on it compared to less experienced surgeons (trainees), especially in complex cases. This matters because it shows that using AI can make it easier to learn from surgical videos, potentially leading to safer surgeries and better outcomes for patients. Who this helps: Patients undergoing gallbladder surgery and their surgeons.

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This study looked at mental health and substance use issues in Toledo, Belize, and involved 163 survey participants and 10 interviews. It found high levels of depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide among individuals, while alcohol use was also a significant concern despite low overall substance use reported in surveys. These findings highlight the urgent need for better mental health services and policies to support the community. Who this helps: This benefits patients and their families in Toledo, as well as mental health professionals and policymakers.

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Researchers studied chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure in the lungs due to blood clots. They found that surgery is the preferred treatment, but if surgery isn’t an option, other medical therapies are available for patients, especially as combined treatment methods have become more effective. The risk of death during surgery is low, with less than 3% for one type of surgery and under 1% for another, leading to very positive outcomes for most patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with CTEPH and their doctors by providing effective treatment options and improved survival rates.

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This study investigated how a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool can be used during cataract surgery to enhance efficiency and assist with surgical training. The researchers analyzed 192 surgery videos and found that using AI helped consultant surgeons complete surgeries faster, reducing their average surgery time by significant amounts compared to cases without the AI support. This matters because it shows that real-time AI can help improve surgical performance and training for both new and experienced surgeons. Who this helps: This benefits surgeons and ultimately leads to better care for patients undergoing cataract surgery.

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This study looked at how public health workers in British Columbia view the use of digital technology in their jobs, especially after the pandemic pushed for changes in health services. Researchers held 18 focus group discussions with 66 practitioners and found three main ideas: first, there's potential to use digital tools to improve health equity, but existing inequalities may worsen; second, many practitioners feel that digital health initiatives don't align well with their core public health roles; and third, there is a desire for a proactive digital public health strategy instead of just reacting to current issues. This matters because having a clear and supportive digital health strategy can help public health workers better use technology to serve communities. Who this helps: Patients and public health practitioners.

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This study looked at how using mental health services and experiencing depressive symptoms relate to each other over time in adolescents. Researchers found that when young people used mental health services at one point, they were more likely to use them again later—specifically, the chance of using services increased by 34% to 61% in subsequent periods. Additionally, experiencing depressive symptoms also predicted future depressive symptoms, showing a cycle between mental health needs and service use. This is important because it highlights the need for school-based mental health services to help young people manage their mental health and encourages them to seek help in the future. Who this helps: This benefits adolescents struggling with mental health issues and the professionals providing care for them.

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This research studied how effective ketamine and esketamine are for treating depression in people who also have borderline personality disorder or traits. The review included nine studies with a total of 281 participants and found that those with borderline personality disorder responded to ketamine/esketamine similarly to those without it. This is important because it shows that these treatments can help improve depression symptoms even in individuals who have more complex mental health issues. Who this helps: This helps patients with depression and borderline personality disorder or traits.

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This study looked at a protein called PROS1, which helps reduce inflammation in the lungs during COVID-19. Researchers found that higher levels of PROS1 in lung cells were linked to less severe inflammation in patients; specifically, PROS1 transformed harmful cell responses into more healing ones during infection. By limiting lung damage and promoting repair, PROS1 could play a key role in improving outcomes for COVID-19 patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients struggling with COVID-19 and healthcare providers managing their treatment.

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This study looked at patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and those with Long COVID to see how their autonomic nervous systems function. Researchers found that while both groups showed similarities to healthy controls in some areas, ME/CFS patients had significantly reduced blood flow regulation during certain tests, while Long COVID patients experienced reduced oxygen levels and less nervous system activity when upright. These findings highlight important differences that could help explain the unique challenges faced by these patient groups. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with ME/CFS and Long COVID by providing insights into their conditions.

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This study looked at the training programs for neuropsychiatry and behavioral neurology across 23 different syllabuses from various countries. It found that these programs cover a wide range of topics, including psychiatric and neurological disorders, along with functional and cognitive issues, and emphasize hands-on skills like clinical assessment and case management. This is important because it helps set standards for training, ensuring that future professionals are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective patient care. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare professionals involved in neuropsychiatry and behavioral neurology.

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The final overall survival analysis of the CheckMate 816 trial confirmed that adding nivolumab to pre-surgery chemotherapy for resectable NSCLC significantly improves 5-year survival compared to chemotherapy alone (65.4% vs. 55.0%, hazard ratio 0.72). Patients who achieved a pathological complete response had a 95.3% 5-year survival rate. This definitive survival benefit cements neoadjuvant nivolumab plus chemotherapy as a standard of care for resectable NSCLC.

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This study focused on improving how computers analyze surgical videos to better identify different parts of the anatomy during operations. Researchers developed a new model that processes video frames in a way that keeps the identifications consistent over time. Their approach resulted in a performance boost, with accuracy increasing by 1.3% and 4.27% in different datasets, plus better consistency in the video analysis by up to 7.23%. This advancement is crucial as it can enhance guidance for surgeons, making surgeries safer and potentially improving patient outcomes. Who this helps: Patients undergoing surgery.

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This study looked at how people with rare diseases in Northern Ireland view complementary and integrative medicines (CIM), since only 5% of these conditions have effective treatments. Out of 29 participants, some found CIM, like acupuncture and yoga, to be helpful, but 7 experienced negative side effects. There is a need for more research and better information about CIM to help patients and healthcare professionals make informed choices since many find these treatments costly and access limited. Who this helps: This benefits patients with rare diseases and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a new device, the TEG6 analyzer, to measure fibrinogen levels in children having heart surgery. Researchers found that the TEG6 consistently overestimated fibrinogen levels before surgery by an average of 138 mg/dL, but after surgery, the estimates became more accurate except for newborns, where it underestimated levels by 38 mg/dL. This matters because accurate fibrinogen measurement is crucial for managing blood clotting during and after surgery. Who this helps: Pediatric patients undergoing heart surgery and their healthcare providers.

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This study focused on improving the way regulatory T cells (Tregs)—a type of immune cell that helps prevent the body from attacking itself—are collected and prepared for use in therapies. Researchers created a reliable method to purify Tregs, achieving up to 92% purity and producing enough cells (between 136 and 732 million) for potential treatments. This advancement is important because it sets the stage for future clinical trials that could enhance treatments for autoimmune diseases and other immune-related conditions. Who this helps: This helps patients with autoimmune diseases and their doctors.

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The study focused on creating the Active Together service, a comprehensive cancer rehabilitation program in Sheffield, UK. Researchers found that this service aims to improve the health and well-being of cancer patients by addressing their physical, nutritional, and emotional needs, especially in an area that sees more cancer cases and deaths than average. This is important because it helps patients better cope with treatment side effects and boosts their overall outcomes. Who this helps: Cancer patients in Sheffield and similar regions.

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Researchers studied how the brain's cortex affects our ability to maintain balance during different tasks. They found that as tasks became more difficult, the brain's involvement increased alongside automatic muscle activity needed for balance. Specifically, while the initial muscle response engaged quickly, a later response tied to cortical activity appeared only during more challenging tasks, which is key for understanding balance issues and falls in older adults or those with conditions like Parkinson's disease. Who this helps: Patients at risk of falls, especially older adults and those with neurological disorders.

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This study looked at how common complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) is among military personnel and veterans compared to regular post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Out of 16 studies reviewed, the prevalence of CPTSD was found to be between 5% and 80.63%, while PTSD was between 3.8% and 42.37%. These results highlight that CPTSD might be more common than PTSD in these populations, which is important for ensuring that affected individuals receive the right care and support. Who this helps: This helps veterans and military personnel dealing with mental health issues.

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This study looked at how to better analyze surgical scenes from video footage, specifically during laparoscopic surgeries. Researchers developed a new method that improved the accuracy of identifying important structures, achieving an increase in precision by 11.3% for the cystic artery and 4.7% for the cystic duct. This improvement is important because it can enhance real-time guidance during surgery and provide clearer information for post-surgery analysis. Who this helps: This benefits surgeons and surgical teams by improving the accuracy of surgical video analysis.

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This study looked at how well California's Medicaid data can be used to assess the quality of palliative and end-of-life care for patients. Researchers found that there are significant challenges with the available data, which makes it difficult to accurately measure care quality and ensure that patients receive the best support during serious illness or at the end of life. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving care and outcomes for patients who depend on Medicaid services. Who this helps: This helps Medicaid patients and healthcare providers involved in palliative care.

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This study looked at how group therapy can help improve the mental health of refugees living in high-income countries. Researchers reviewed 19 studies and found that these interventions significantly reduced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety among participants. This matters because refugees often face unique challenges that can worsen their mental health, so effective support systems are crucial for their well-being. Who this helps: This benefits refugees struggling with mental health issues and the professionals working to support them.

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This study focused on the complete genetic makeup of a virus called white sturgeon herpesvirus 2, which was taken from farmed white sturgeon. Researchers analyzed its genome and classified the virus within its family of related viruses. Understanding this virus is essential for managing its impact on sturgeon farming and ensuring the health of these fish. Who this helps: This helps fish farmers and researchers working to protect sturgeon populations.

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This study explored how artificial intelligence (AI) can help doctors identify critical anatomy during endoscopic pituitary surgery, which involves locating tumors near important brain structures. Researchers found that when medical students used AI assistance, their ability to recognize the target anatomy improved significantly, with their accuracy score increasing from 66.2% to 78.9%. Overall, the presence of AI assistance boosted recognition rates from 70.7% to 77.5%, showing it can enhance surgical training and decision-making in the operating room. Who this helps: This benefits medical students and doctors performing pituitary surgery.

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This study examined how common severe cannabis use issues are among people in Jamaica. It found that more than half (53.3%) of recent cannabis users faced severe problems related to their use, averaging about 62 joints smoked each month. The research highlights that starting cannabis at a young age greatly increases the risk of these issues, showing a need for better treatment options and education about cannabis use. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with cannabis use, as well as healthcare providers and policymakers.

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This study looked at how a new communication device helps children using noninvasive ventilation, which is a breathing support method that avoids putting a tube in their throat. The device, called SPEAX, allowed a 7-year-old girl to better communicate while wearing her breathing mask, resulting in her being more comfortable with it, leading to increased usage and lower anxiety levels. The findings suggest that using this device can help kids communicate more effectively, making their treatment experience better and potentially reducing the need for sedation, which can have harmful side effects. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients relying on noninvasive ventilation, as well as their caregivers and medical staff.

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This study looked at patients with a type of lung cancer called adenocarcinoma who were given a treatment combining nintedanib and docetaxel after earlier treatments had failed. The researchers wanted to find out if certain genetic markers could help predict how long patients would live after starting this treatment. They enrolled 260 patients and found that, on average, they lived for 8.1 months after treatment, with specific conditions like the presence of liver or brain metastases affecting survival. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and helps them understand factors influencing outcomes for patients with advanced lung cancer.

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This study examined a new biodegradable implant, AR-1105, which delivers the medication dexamethasone to treat swelling in the retina caused by blood clots in the eye. In the trial, 44 patients received either one of two versions of the implant, and after six months, those using the second version saw an average improvement of about 8 letters in their vision and a significant reduction in retinal thickness. These findings are important because they suggest that this treatment can effectively help improve vision for patients suffering from this condition. Who this helps: This helps patients with macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion.

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The CheckMate 816 study looked at whether a combination of the immunotherapy drug nivolumab and chemotherapy before surgery is more effective for patients with operable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) compared to chemotherapy alone. The results showed that patients who received nivolumab along with chemotherapy lived longer without their cancer worsening—66% experienced no progression of their disease, compared to 50% for those who only had chemotherapy. Additionally, more patients in the nivolumab group had no cancer cells left after their surgery, and the treatment did not cause more side effects than chemotherapy alone. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with resectable non-small-cell lung cancer.

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This research examined how the stiffness of cell membranes changes when they are made from a mixture of different types of fats, called lipids. The study found that membranes made from a mixture of two lipids are about 25% softer than those made from just one type. This softness is important because it affects how cells create and break down small bubble-like structures essential for various biological processes. Who this helps: This research benefits researchers and doctors working on therapies that rely on cell membranes, such as drug delivery systems.

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This research focuses on chronic thromboembolic disease (CTED), a condition that can occur after a pulmonary embolism, causing breathlessness during physical activity without high blood pressure at rest. The study found that while certain surgical treatments, like pulmonary thromboendarterectomy and balloon pulmonary angioplasty, can be effective for some patients, there is still a lack of comprehensive data on the best long-term management strategies. It highlights the importance of having specialized care to determine the best treatment approach based on each patient's specific symptoms and limitations. Who this helps: Patients with chronic thromboembolic disease seeking effective treatment options.

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This study focused on improving oral health for Looked-After-Children (LAC) in Buckinghamshire, who often face dental issues like untreated cavities and gum disease. The researchers created a care pathway that provided training and resources to caregivers, helping them guide these children on maintaining good oral hygiene. The pilot program, launched in March 2022, received positive feedback from caregivers, indicating a clear interest in further training and resources to support these children's dental health. Who this helps: This helps Looked-After-Children and their caregivers by equipping them with the knowledge and resources to improve oral health awareness and practices.

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This study looked at how different variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 affect lung health in hamsters. Researchers found that some newer sub-types of the Omicron variant, specifically BA.2.75 and EG.5.1, are more harmful than the original Omicron strain. This is important because it helps scientists quickly understand how new virus variants might lead to more severe illnesses in people. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and public health officials monitoring COVID-19 variants.

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This study looked at differences in brain function between young and older adults by measuring blood flow and energy use in a part of the brain called the prefrontal cortex. Researchers found that older adults had weaker connections between both sides of their brain but stronger energy use in specific frequency bands compared to younger adults. These findings are important because they could help provide early indicators of brain health issues, such as Alzheimer's disease. Who this helps: Patients at risk for cognitive decline, including those with early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

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This study focused on how a fellowship program for pulmonary and critical care doctors can improve its recruitment process by adopting a holistic review approach. After training faculty and fellows on these new methods, the survey showed that most of them recognized the benefits, with 79.2% of faculty and 80.0% of fellows believing it reduces economic disparities and 83.3% and 90.0% believing it promotes diversity. This matters because using a holistic review in recruitment can lead to a more diverse and inclusive workforce in medicine, ultimately improving patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients by ensuring a more diverse group of doctors who better understand and serve various communities.

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This study focused on how consistently pathologists can assess tumors in lung cancer patients who have received treatment before surgery. The researchers found that 68 out of 84 patients (about 81%) had unanimous agreement on the assessment of their tumors, and the pathologists worked well together, with a high reliability score of 0.84 for overall agreement. This is important because reliable assessments can impact treatment decisions and potentially improve outcomes for lung cancer patients. Who this helps: This helps patients and their doctors in making informed treatment choices after surgery.

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This study looked at how patients were chosen for two types of treatments for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), which can cause heart failure due to blocked blood vessels in the lungs. Researchers found that out of 153 patients who received balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA), nearly 60% had disease that couldn't be treated with surgery, while 28% of patients who had surgery (pulmonary thromboendarterectomy, or PTE) could have been better served with BPA based on their disease characteristics. This matters because understanding the right treatment options can improve patient outcomes and help doctors make better decisions. Who this helps: Patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how changes in DNA methylation (a process that affects gene activity) are linked to kidney disease in people with type 1 diabetes. Researchers analyzed blood samples from over 1,300 individuals and found 32 specific DNA changes that are associated with diabetic kidney disease. Notably, 21 of these changes can help predict who is more likely to develop severe kidney problems, which is important for early intervention and treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients with type 1 diabetes and their doctors by identifying those at higher risk for kidney disease.

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This study developed a low-cost, portable device to measure the properties of materials that behave in both solid and liquid ways, known as viscoelastic materials. The new device costs less than a tenth of traditional models, making it more accessible and practical for schools and fieldwork. This is important because it allows more people, especially students, to learn about and conduct research on important topics like tissue properties related to cancer and other diseases. Who this helps: This benefits students and researchers in schools and less-funded laboratories.