DR. KENNETH H. GOLDSTEIN, MD

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This study looked at a new digital method for marking the area that needs radiation treatment in patients with advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Researchers found that using this digital approach reduced the area requiring radiation by an average of 25.71%, which helps focus the treatment more accurately and may limit damage to nearby healthy tissues. This matters because better-targeted radiation could lead to fewer side effects and improved survival rates for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma undergoing radiotherapy.

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This study looked at how different blood-thinning treatments affect the risk of blood clots in patients with head and neck tumors undergoing surgery that involves reconstructing tissue. Researchers analyzed 92 patients and found that those who received a continuous drip of heparin during surgery had a lower risk of pulmonary embolism (a type of blood clot in the lungs) at 6.5%, compared to 17.4% in those who had a single dose of heparin after surgery. This is important because it shows that continuous heparin during surgery can help prevent dangerous blood clots without increasing bleeding complications. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing head and neck surgery, particularly those needing tissue reconstruction.

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Researchers studied how cold temperatures and lithium affect memory loss in tiny worms called Caenorhabditis elegans. They found that being exposed to cold can delay forgetting smells by more than eight times, and that lithium can also help with memory delay, but only in worms sensitive to cold. These findings are important because they help us understand how memories are formed and lost, which could lead to better treatments for memory-related conditions. Who this helps: This helps researchers and potentially patients with memory issues.

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This study looked at how well women veterans understand their risk of heart disease after experiencing specific pregnancy-related health issues, like high blood pressure or diabetes. Out of 28 women interviewed, many were unaware of their increased heart disease risk and often received unclear advice from doctors on how to manage it. Additionally, challenges like finances and childcare made it harder for them to adopt healthy lifestyle changes. Who this helps: This benefits women veterans and their healthcare providers.

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This study examined how wearing face masks affects the way head and neck cancer patients perceive empathy and communication from their doctors. Researchers found that there was no significant difference in patients' feelings of their doctors' empathy whether the doctors wore masks throughout the consultation or only during the examination. However, patients felt more connected to their doctors when they were familiar with them, which is important for building trust, especially during times when masks are necessary. Who this helps: This benefits patients and doctors, particularly in the oncology field.

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This study looked at the effects of a new rectangular femoral stem used in total hip replacement surgery compared to a well-established design. Researchers found that patients with the new stem experienced similar outcomes regarding femoral position, complications, and overall hip function as those with the old stem. However, those with the new stem had shorter hospital stays, showing it could be a beneficial choice for patients. Who this helps: Patients undergoing hip replacement surgery.

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This study looked at how surgery affects the quality of life for patients with a serious jaw condition called medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Researchers followed 27 patients over six months after their surgeries and found that 85% of them saw improvements in their condition. Additionally, patients reported significant enhancements in their overall health, pain levels, and mental health. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with MRONJ and their doctors by highlighting the positive outcomes of surgical treatment.

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This study looked at whether using an inclinometer (a device that measures angles) during total hip replacement surgery improves the positioning of the hip implant. Out of 223 patients, the group that had the inclinometer used during surgery showed a slightly higher average angle of the implant (43.9°) compared to the group that didn't use it (41.5°), but this difference was not meaningful and there were no changes in rates of dislocation or other important measures. Overall, the study found that using an inclinometer does not provide any real benefits in this surgery. Who this helps: This information is important for surgeons and hospital teams working with hip replacement patients.

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This study looked at why Veterans with lower back pain or knee osteoarthritis often hesitate to start physical therapy after being referred. Researchers interviewed 44 Veterans and found that confusion about the health system, doubts about the effectiveness of physical therapy, and concerns about therapists' abilities influenced their decisions. Improving access to physical therapy, such as reducing wait times and making appointments easier to book, could encourage more patients to seek this important treatment. Who this helps: This helps Veterans dealing with lower back pain and knee osteoarthritis.

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This study looked at how certain small pieces of RNA can be passed down from mother worms to their offspring without involving the cell nucleus. Researchers found that these RNA molecules can be inherited even when the mother only passes on the cell's fluid and not the nucleus, which normally contains most genetic material. Specifically, they discovered that these inherited small RNAs behave similarly to other types of RNA that are well studied, confirming that some genetic information can be transmitted outside the traditional nuclear pathway. This matters because it challenges long-standing beliefs about how traits are inherited and suggests there are other ways epigenetic information can pass between generations. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying inheritance and genetic expression in all living organisms.

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This research studied how tranexamic acid (TXA) affects patients undergoing arthroscopic surgeries, focusing on pain, blood loss, and complications. The analysis of 724 patients showed that those who received TXA had lower pain scores two weeks after surgery, required fewer joint aspirations, and had less drainage from the surgery site. Importantly, there were no increased risks of serious complications, and surgery times remained essentially the same. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing knee and shoulder surgeries.

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This study looked at how the strength of two types of dental crowns—zirconia and lithium disilicate—was affected after creating access holes for root canal treatment using different diamond tools. They found that while the strength of zirconia crowns dropped when accessed with a fine diamond tool (2077 versus 2335 N for no access), the lithium disilicate crowns maintained their strength regardless of the tool used (ranging from 2049 to 2240 N). This is important because it shows that if dentists use a coarse diamond tool for endodontic access, it has less impact on the durability of zirconia crowns, while lithium disilicate crowns remain strong no matter the method. Who this helps: This benefits dentists and patients needing root canal treatments with ceramic crowns.

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The study looked at a 44-year-old woman who developed a condition called isthmocele after having three cesarean sections, which contributed to her severe pelvic pain and infertility. It was found that she had multiple areas of endometriosis both in the isthmocele tissue and in her abdominal lining. After a specialized surgery to remove the isthmocele and the endometriosis, her symptoms greatly improved, with a report of almost complete relief two weeks later. Who this helps: This research benefits patients dealing with pain and infertility after cesarean sections, as well as doctors treating these conditions.

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This study looked at a young man with a specific type of brain aneurysm that couldn’t be treated with standard methods. Surgeons used a special imaging technology called FLOW 800 during surgery to clearly visualize the blood vessels and successfully performed a bypass procedure to cut off blood flow to the aneurysm, ensuring it was no longer a threat. They confirmed that the new blood flow was working well and that the aneurysm was now safely excluded from circulation. Who this helps: This benefits patients with similar brain aneurysms that can't be treated with traditional methods.

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This study looked at two methods for cleaning operating rooms: traditional manual cleaning with chemicals and a new automated cleaning method using focused multivector ultraviolet (FMUV) light. Researchers found that the FMUV method reduced germs by 96.5%, which is over 2.5 times more effective than the manual method, which only reduced germs by 38.4%. This matters because cleaner operating rooms can lead to fewer infections in patients. Who this helps: Patients undergoing surgery.

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This study examined the role of special sensory neurons in the gut, called nociceptors, in protecting against the Salmonella bacteria. Researchers found that these neurons help control the number of microfold (M) cells, which are crucial for preventing Salmonella from entering the body; they also support beneficial gut bacteria that help fight infection. Specifically, nociceptors release a chemical that enhances the body's defenses, lowering the risk of infection by Salmonella. Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk for Salmonella infections, including those with compromised immune systems.

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This study looked at how creating an arteriovenous fistula (a surgical connection between an artery and a vein) affects the structure and flexibility of veins in mice. Researchers found that after the procedure, veins became more stretchy and adaptable to blood flow, which is important for the fistula to work properly. Specifically, both types of veins studied showed similar increases in flexibility and changes in the proteins that support the vein structure after the surgery, suggesting that the venous remodeling is beneficial for their function. Who this helps: This helps patients who undergo fistula procedures for dialysis, as improved vein properties can enhance treatment effectiveness.

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This study examined the safety and effectiveness of heart procedures related to abnormal heart rhythms, performed by private practice doctors in Germany. Researchers looked at data from 1,400 procedures between 2014 and 2018 and found no deaths during the procedures, with complications occurring in just 5% of cases, while the success rate was 98% right after procedures and 65% after one year. This is important because it shows that these heart treatments can be done safely and effectively outside of hospitals, increasing patient access to care. Who this helps: This helps patients with atrial fibrillation and other heart rhythm issues.

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The study looked at how well the training for Good Clinical Practice (GCP) prepares clinical trial researchers to conduct their work effectively. Researchers interviewed 13 clinical investigators and 10 research sponsors and found that while GCP training covers important tasks like obtaining informed consent and ensuring participant safety, there are significant issues with the training format, including repetitive content and a lack of engagement. The study highlights that to improve trial quality, GCP training needs to be more practical and relevant to real-world scenarios. Who this helps: This benefits clinical investigators and patients involved in clinical trials.

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This study looked at how different factors during cervical spine surgery affect the ability of neuromonitoring to predict potential nerve damage. Researchers reviewed data from 468 patients, finding that 100 had changes in neuromonitoring signals during surgery. Out of these, 69 patients recovered their signals, and only a few experienced new nerve problems after transient changes, while more had issues after permanent changes. This is important because it helps surgeons understand when neuromonitoring is most effective and may reduce the risk of complications. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing cervical spine surgery by improving surgical outcomes.

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This study looked at the differences in heart health between male and female veterans using the VA Health Care System. The researchers found that women veterans, who made up 7.1% of the veterans studied, had fewer traditional risk factors for heart disease but were more likely to experience chest pain and heart palpitations compared to their male counterparts. This information is important because it highlights the specific heart health needs of women veterans, which can help tailor care and improve outcomes. Who this helps: This helps female veterans and healthcare providers working with them.

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Researchers examined how various interventions in emergency departments (ED) impact older adults aged 65 and over. They found that while ED interventions had a small positive effect on patients' functional status, there were no significant improvements in quality of life, patient experience, or rates of hospitalizations and return visits to the ED. Using multiple strategies for interventions appeared to lead to better outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits older patients and healthcare providers working in emergency care.

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This study reviewed research on how racial and ethnic groups have unequal access to BRCA genetic counseling and testing, especially important for identifying breast and ovarian cancer risks. It found that eligible minority groups, including family members of individuals at high risk and breast cancer survivors, have lower rates of counseling and testing. Key obstacles include lack of awareness, high costs, and issues with communication between patients and healthcare providers, which means many people may not receive the critical information or services they need. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those from racial and ethnic minority groups who may be at risk for breast and ovarian cancer.

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This study examined 38 restored peatland areas in Europe, focusing on how similar they are to healthy ecosystems in terms of plant life and functions. The researchers found that while both restoration methods—rewetting and removing topsoil—made the plant communities look more like non-degraded fens, topsoil removal was better for improving nutrient uptake strategies. Specifically, after topsoil removal, competitive plant species declined by an unspecified amount while stress-tolerant species increased, indicating a shift in the plant community dynamics. Who this helps: This research benefits environmental scientists and conservationists working on wetland restoration projects.

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This study looked at how weight loss differed between men and women participating in the Veterans Health Administration's MOVE! program, which helps overweight and obese veterans manage their weight. Out of nearly 63,000 participants, women lost an average of only 1.5% of their weight, while men lost 1.9%. Both genders had similar chances of losing at least 5% of their weight, with most participants losing less than that, indicating a need to understand challenges faced in the weight-loss program. Who this helps: This helps veterans, especially those who are overweight or obese.

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This study focused on improving care for patients transitioning from hospitals to home or skilled nursing facilities by training medical interns. Researchers found that after participating in the program, 79% of interns reported a better understanding of team roles and 79% continued to use medication checks at discharge. This matters because effective transitions can reduce risks and improve patient outcomes after hospital stay. Who this helps: This helps patients with complex medical histories and the healthcare teams that care for them.

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This study looked at how repositioning a patient's head during cervical spine surgery affects the monitoring of nerve signals, which is crucial for preventing nerve damage. Out of 381 patients, 9 experienced a loss of these signals while their heads were positioned; in 5 cases, repositioning restored the signals immediately. The findings highlight the importance of head positioning in preserving neural function during surgery, as it may help avoid new nerve-related problems for patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing cervical spine surgery by reducing the risk of nerve damage.

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This study looked at pain levels reported by both male and female veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, focusing on how pain relates to mental health and daily functioning. It found that female veterans reported higher levels of headache and muscle soreness, with 26% of female veterans experiencing high levels of pain compared to 17% of males. Pain in these veterans was linked to worse mental health and daily life functioning for both genders, indicating that pain significantly affects their well-being. Who this helps: This research helps veterans by highlighting the importance of addressing pain management alongside mental health support.

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Researchers studied a community-based program that allowed internal medicine residents to engage with older adults while learning about their health needs. Over three years, 71 residents led 64 sessions at senior centers, and they reported improved communication skills, increased knowledge of available resources, and a better understanding of health topics related to aging. Additionally, more than half of the 815 seniors surveyed felt that the residents communicated health information clearly and found the topics relevant. Who this helps: This benefits both medical residents and older adult patients by improving healthcare communication and understanding.

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This study looked at how many different medications older adults are taking and the potential risks of drug interactions between those medications. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 10,600 people in a survey and found that seniors taking three or more medications often had a unique list of drugs, leading to a rising number of alerts for drug interactions—from about 3 alerts for 5 medications to nearly 12 alerts for 10 medications. This is important because it shows that as older patients take more medicines, the risk of harmful interactions increases, which can affect their health and treatment outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially the elderly who are often prescribed multiple medications.

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This study looked at how home blood pressure monitoring can help people manage high blood pressure, a condition affecting about one in three Americans. The findings show that using this technology can lead to lower blood pressure and happier patients. However, more research is needed to determine how cost-effective it is and what the long-term health benefits are. Who this helps: This benefits patients with high blood pressure and their healthcare providers.

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This study focused on how digital media can be used to educate people about kidney disease. The National Kidney Disease Education Program revamped its website and boosted its presence on social media, leading to better website traffic and increased engagement on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. This is important because it helps make reliable kidney disease information more accessible to both patients and healthcare providers. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers seeking reliable kidney disease information.

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This study looked at brain activity in people with milder forms of bipolar disorder (like cyclothymia and bipolar II) to see if it could predict if they would develop the more severe bipolar I disorder later on. Researchers found that those with higher brain activity in a specific region (the left frontal area) were more likely to transition to bipolar I over an average follow-up period of 4.7 years. Specifically, 16 out of 58 participants made this transition, showing that early identification of brain activity patterns can aid in predicting the progression of bipolar disorder. Who this helps: This helps doctors and mental health professionals in identifying patients at risk of developing more severe forms of bipolar disorder.

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Researchers studied how heat acclimation—getting used to hot temperatures—affects heart function, particularly in rats with thyroid hormone differences. They found that heat-acclimated rats had a unique response to a heart hormone (angiotensin) that improved their heart performance, showing a 50% reduction in one type of receptor and a 30% increase in another type on heart cells, which is linked to better heart health during stress. This matters because it suggests that adapting to heat could help protect hearts from damage caused by other stressors, especially in conditions related to thyroid issues. Who this helps: Patients with hypothyroidism and related heart conditions.

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The researchers studied how local television news coverage affects people's beliefs about cancer prevention. They found that local TV news stories often focus less on potential solutions and more on the causes of cancer compared to newspapers. Their analysis showed that people who watch local TV news are more likely to have a fatalistic view, believing that they cannot prevent cancer; specifically, they found this association among nearly 1,800 survey respondents. This matters because it highlights how media can shape harmful beliefs that may discourage individuals from taking proactive steps to reduce their cancer risk. Who this helps: Patients who want accurate information about cancer prevention.

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Researchers adapted a U.S. HIV prevention program to help adolescent girls in Ghana who face increased risks of infection due to cultural pressures. They found that, after participating in the program, over two-thirds of the 61 girls aged 10-14 felt very worried about HIV, but they gained significant knowledge about HIV (p = .001) and felt more confident discussing it with men (p < .001) and boys (p < .001). This study is important because it shows that targeted education can help empower girls to make safer choices, though further work is needed to tackle deeper social and economic issues. Who this helps: This helps girls in Ghana who are at risk of HIV infection.

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This study looked at a rare type of cancer called transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) that starts in the ureter, which is a tube connecting the kidney to the bladder. The researchers found that brain metastases, or cancer spreading to the brain, from ureteral TCC are extremely rare, with only one other similar case reported before. The significance of this finding is that it highlights a unique situation where a patient was successfully treated by removing the brain tumor, showcasing an important treatment option. Who this helps: This helps patients with rare cancers and their doctors by providing insights into treatment possibilities.

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This study describes a unique case of a patient with a slow-growing type of leukemia called T-prolymphocytic leukemia. The patient's blood tests showed an unusual genetic change (called t(3;22)) and higher levels of a certain protein (beta2-microglobulin), but they did not have common symptoms like swollen lymph nodes. Despite facing this rare condition, the patient has maintained a stable white blood cell count and is doing well after a year without treatment. Who this helps: Patients with rare forms of leukemia and their doctors.

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This study looked at a program that helps people with AIDS find jobs or continue their education. Out of 90 people who finished the program, 60 found employment, went back to school, or started volunteering, leading to a success rate of 66.7% for those who completed it. This matters because it shows that vocational programs can significantly improve the lives of people living with AIDS, helping them regain a sense of purpose and stability. Who this helps: This helps patients with AIDS seeking to improve their employment or education opportunities.

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This study looked at how ongoing seizures in rats affect blood cell production, which plays a role in immune function. The researchers found that after 30 days of induced seizures, the rats had less bone marrow but an increase in certain blood cell precursors. These findings suggest that seizures can disrupt how blood cells are made, which may impact the immune system. Who this helps: This helps patients with epilepsy and their doctors by improving understanding of how seizures affect overall health.

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This study looked at the effects of blocking one or both hypogastric arteries during surgery to repair aortoiliac aneurysms in 154 patients. Researchers found that while there were some minor complications, such as persistent buttock pain in 12% of those with one artery interrupted, overall, the procedure had a low risk with no major issues like death or severe tissue damage. This is important because it shows that safely interrupting these arteries can be a part of necessary surgeries, potentially improving outcomes for patients with complex aneurysms. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing aortoiliac aneurysm repair.

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This study looked at a new device called a proximal occlusion catheter (POC) designed to prevent harmful particles from traveling to the brain during carotid artery stenting, a procedure used to treat blocked arteries. The researchers tested this device in dogs and found that it effectively stopped particles from causing problems, with 100% success, while a standard catheter allowed particles to reach the brain. This is significant because it could lead to fewer strokes during these procedures. Who this helps: Patients undergoing carotid artery stenting will benefit from reduced risk of stroke.