KENNETH S. WEISS, M.D.

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This study looked at a rare genetic variation in the IKZF1 gene, which is linked to immune system problems and blood clotting disorders. Researchers observed a family where two siblings experienced repeated infections and episodes of a condition called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), associated with low levels of a specific protein important for blood clotting. Both siblings had a similar genetic change that may explain their health issues, highlighting how IKZF1 variations can lead to a wider range of immune and blood disorders. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and researchers who treat patients with IKZF1-related conditions.

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This study focused on mutations in a protein called ZBTB24, which plays an important role in genetic regulation. Researchers found that certain changes to this protein, particularly in the BTB domain, can cause it to become unstable and lead to a serious condition called ICF2 syndrome. Specifically, they described a patient who had severe health issues and was found to have a specific mutation (p.Val43Leu) in ZBTB24, similar to those seen in others with ICF2 syndrome, resulting in significant DNA changes. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with ICF2 syndrome and their doctors by improving understanding of the genetic causes of their condition.

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This study looked at a new way to measure the amount of fat in the pancreas using advanced MRI techniques, which can be done quickly while the patient holds their breath. Researchers analyzed data from 104 MRI scans of 71 adults and found that the average pancreatic fat content decreased from 15% to 8.2% over a year among participants. This is important because monitoring pancreatic fat can help assess metabolic health and risks, especially in people with obesity. Who this helps: This benefits patients dealing with obesity and their doctors who want to monitor their metabolic health.

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This study looked at how a 10-week walking program affects thyroid function and heart health in obese women who have gone through menopause. The program showed that participants significantly lowered their body fat, thyroid-stimulating hormone (by 5.29%), triglycerides (by 7.29%), and other harmful cholesterol markers, while increasing healthy cholesterol levels by 13.36% and improving their walking distance by 2.81%. This matters because it offers a simple way to help improve health and reduce risks in a group that typically faces greater health challenges. Who this helps: This benefits obese postmenopausal women seeking to improve their thyroid and heart health.

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This study looked at where the fastest older marathon runners in the New York City Marathon came from between 1999 and 2024. It found that while younger runners (ages 20-39) were mainly from Kenya and Ethiopia, older runners (50 and over) increasingly had top times from the United States, Japan, Germany, and Switzerland, showing a trend of shifting performance based on age. This matters because it provides insights into how marathon performance evolves over time and varies by region, potentially influencing future training and competition strategies. Who this helps: This helps athletes, coaches, and sports organizations understand marathon performance trends across different age groups.

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This study looked at children diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in Northern Israel to find out if there were specific genetic causes for their condition. Out of 75 patients, 18 were suspected of having a rare genetic form of SLE, and genetic testing confirmed this in 6 of those patients, making it 8% of the total group. Identifying these genetic links is important because it can improve treatment and help us understand how regular SLE develops. Who this helps: This benefits pediatric patients with SLE and their doctors.

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This study looked at how long it takes people to drive to the nearest clinic that provides pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that helps prevent HIV, across the United States from 2017 to 2025. It found that by 2025, the average drive time to a PrEP provider was 30.2 minutes, with many rural areas having much longer times—up to 8 times longer than those in big cities. Overall, about half of the counties were considered "PrEP deserts," meaning they lacked easy access to this crucial healthcare, affecting 36 million people. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those at risk for HIV who live in rural areas.

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This research looks at how participating in team sports can affect anxiety and mood disorders. It aims to review various studies to find out whether team sports can effectively lower anxiety levels and improve mood. The findings could provide clear evidence about the mental health benefits of team sports, helping healthcare providers and community programs advocate for sports as an alternative to medication for treating these disorders. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with anxiety and mood disorders.

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This study looked at how quickly genetic testing, called rapid exome sequencing, can help diagnose and treat young patients with heart conditions like cardiomyopathy and acute heart failure. Out of nine patients studied, 55% received a confirmed diagnosis of a serious heart issue, and for three patients whose condition worsened quickly, the test results significantly changed their immediate treatment. This is important because faster and more accurate diagnoses can improve care, reduce unnecessary tests, and help families understand their risk for heart issues. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients with heart conditions and their families.

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This study looked at a new teaching method called "Did You Know?" that combines online learning and traditional classes to improve gymnastics instruction for high school students in Tunisia. Out of 44 students, those using the new method scored significantly better in performance and knowledge retention than those learning through traditional methods, with p-values showing strong evidence of improvement (p < 0.001). This means that using blended learning can enhance both the skills and understanding of students in gym classes, which is important for keeping them motivated and engaged. Who this helps: This benefits physical education teachers and high school students.

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This study looked at the rates of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among endurance and ultra-endurance runners, finding that 9.7% of these athletes showed signs of ADHD. Interestingly, half-marathon runners had the highest rates at 14.8%, while marathon and ultra-marathon runners had lower rates of 8%. This matters because these rates are higher than those found in the general adult population and highlight the need for better understanding and support for runners with ADHD. Who this helps: This helps athletes, coaches, and health professionals by raising awareness and prompting support for those with ADHD in the sports community.

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This study examined the performance of the first woman to complete 30 long-distance triathlons in 30 days during the 2024 Triple Deca ultra triathlon. The athlete maintained a steady pace but showed a trend of slowing down during cycling while running faster in the final days, with strong links found between cycling speed and overall race time. Understanding her pacing strategy can help improve training and performance in extreme endurance events. Who this helps: This helps ultra-endurance athletes and their coaches.

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This study looked at how physical fitness affects feelings of anger and anxiety. Researchers found that people with higher cardiorespiratory fitness (measured by oxygen uptake) have lower levels of anxiety and better emotional control when faced with stress. Specifically, individuals with below-average fitness had a 775% higher chance of experiencing increased anxiety compared to those with above-average fitness. Who this helps: This benefits individuals struggling with anxiety and mental health professionals seeking effective strategies for treatment.

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This study looked at how combining small-sided soccer games with a training approach called Differential Learning affects the skills of amateur male soccer players under 20 years old. After eight weeks of training, players who used the combined method showed more improvement in important skills like ball possession (42% improvement) and tackling (74% improvement) compared to those who only practiced small-sided games. This matters because it shows that using varied training methods can make players more adaptable and skilled, which is especially helpful for youth teams that may not have many resources. Who this helps: Coaches and young soccer players.

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This study looked at how well pregnant women in Rwanda attend antenatal care (ANC) services and take multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) compared to traditional supplements. Researchers found that 74% of the women attended ANC and 79% took MMS, mainly because they understood its benefits and were motivated by reminders from family and healthcare providers. However, they also discovered that issues like poor counseling, financial difficulties, and stock shortages hindered the program's success. Who this helps: This benefits pregnant women and healthcare providers in Rwanda.

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This study looked at the challenges and opportunities for using advanced tests that quickly detect multiple infectious diseases in Canadian hospitals. Through interviews with health leaders, researchers found that key factors affecting the use of these tests include current testing methods, the spread of diseases in different regions, the capacity of hospitals to handle new tests, and how these tests could improve healthcare management. This information is important because it helps hospitals understand what changes they need to make to successfully implement these lifesaving tests. Who this helps: This benefits hospital patients and healthcare providers seeking faster and more accurate diagnosis of infections.

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This study looked at how a 12-week Zumba program affected thyroid function and heart health in 22 overweight or obese postmenopausal women. The women who participated in Zumba showed significant improvements, including a 40% reduction in Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels and decreased body fat, waist and hip size, as well as lower blood pressure. These findings suggest that Zumba can be a fun way to boost health in this group, potentially improving their overall well-being. Who this helps: This helps overweight and obese postmenopausal women looking to improve their health.

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This study looked at a 60-year-old marathon runner who completed over 500 marathons and ran approximately 127,000 kilometers over his lifetime. Despite his extensive training, he showed no signs of heart disease and had a very low risk score (3.3%) with no coronary plaques detected in his arteries. This finding is important because it suggests that high levels of endurance exercise might not always lead to heart issues, highlighting the need for personalized heart health assessments for athletes. Who this helps: This information benefits athletes and doctors by providing insights into heart health risks associated with long-term endurance training.

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This study looked at a new method for quickly mapping liver health using a technique that improves the evaluation of liver tissue without the need for contrast agents. Researchers tested this method on 43 patients with various liver conditions and found that it covers all parts of the liver and accurately identifies areas where there may be fibrosis, a sign of liver damage. Specifically, the new mapping method detected 21 liver segments with fibrosis that were not visible in traditional images, highlighting its effectiveness. Who this helps: This benefits patients with liver conditions as well as doctors diagnosing liver diseases.

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This study looked at factors that predict how severe pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL), two types of tumors, may be in patients with specific genetic variants. Out of 221 patients, 143 had genetic changes associated with these tumors, and 91 of them developed PPGL. The key findings showed that younger patients (under 41 years) with a family history had a 100% chance of having these genetic changes, while those diagnosed over 40 with a single tumor had a much lower risk. This research helps doctors identify at-risk patients and tailor monitoring and testing to improve outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with hereditary PPGL syndromes and their families.

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This study looked at how our brains respond to social feedback that differs from how we see ourselves. Researchers found that when people received feedback that was better or worse than their self-view, it triggered stronger brain activity, particularly in areas related to evaluation and reward. For instance, the brain's response was larger for positive feedback compared to negative feedback, highlighting the importance of how we interpret social evaluations in shaping our self-perception. Who this helps: This benefits patients who are dealing with self-esteem issues or social anxiety, as well as therapists and counselors working to improve their clients' social interactions and self-views.

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This study looked at how physical activity intensity, a measure of fitness called V̇O₂max, and motherhood impact mental health, particularly anxiety and depression, in women. Researchers found that mothers reported lower levels of depression compared to those without children, with a significant difference in scores (mothers: lower depression score, p = 0.012). Additionally, increased vigorous physical activity was linked to reduced depression symptoms (r = -0.361, p < 0.001) and also had a positive effect on anxiety (r = -0.198, p = 0.010). This matters because it highlights the importance of physical activity and the role of motherhood in mental health for women. Who this helps: This helps women, particularly those who are mothers, by emphasizing the mental health benefits of being physically active.

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This research reviewed how 24-hour ultra-marathons impact athletic performance and the body. It found that runners, especially those over 35, typically cover 150-160 kilometers in these races, with top contenders exceeding 200 kilometers; men generally outpace women, although the gap is narrowing. The study highlights that while these long races can temporarily affect various bodily systems, such as the heart and kidneys, most issues resolve within a couple of days, and proper training and nutrition are crucial for optimal performance. Who this helps: This helps ultra-marathon runners and coaches looking to improve performance and recovery.

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This study looked at a way to monitor heart transplant patients in children that is less invasive than the usual method. Researchers followed 46 pediatric heart transplant recipients and found that using regular check-ups and heart scans instead of frequent biopsies worked well: 97.8% of patients had a functioning transplant one year later, and 95.7% after two years. This is important because it shows that less invasive monitoring can effectively track heart transplant health, which could lower risks and costs associated with more invasive procedures. Who this helps: This helps pediatric heart transplant patients and their families.

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This study looked at the effects of a short-term high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on kidney function in 33 obese young women. While participants who did HIIT showed improvements in body weight and fat after nine weeks, there were no significant changes in kidney function or blood-related measures between those who exercised and those who did not. This matters because it suggests that although HIIT can help with weight loss, it doesn't seem to impact kidney health in the short term. Who this helps: This helps obese adolescent females looking to improve their health.

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This study looked at how moderate exercise, like cycling, affects feelings of anxiety and anger in young women when they're shown upsetting images. While exercising generally helps reduce anxiety, the results showed that doing so while looking at negative images did not help; in fact, it made feelings of anger worse in some cases. This matters because it suggests that exercising under stress might not provide the same emotional benefits we usually expect. Who this helps: This helps mental health professionals and patients dealing with anxiety and anger management.

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This study examined what factors affect the performance of everyday runners in races from 5 km to ultramarathons. It analyzed 66 studies and found that finish time is the most common way to measure performance. Key factors that negatively impacted performance included body measurements, smoking, high body weight, alcohol use, and weather conditions, while proper training and social support helped improve performance. Who this helps: This research benefits recreational runners and coaches looking to improve race outcomes.

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This study examined how well an automated tool for detecting brain bleeding (intracranial hemorrhage) works in real-life settings at a large stroke center. The tool accurately identified 81% of cases with bleeding and 99% of cases without bleeding when compared to radiologists' readings. This is important because it shows that automated systems can effectively assist doctors in quickly diagnosing brain bleeding, which is crucial for timely treatment. Who this helps: This helps doctors and stroke patients by improving the speed and accuracy of emergency diagnoses.

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This study looked at how a new deep learning method could improve the quality of brain MRI scans in children, especially those who don't need sedation. Researchers found that these deep learning-enhanced scans had significantly better image quality, with higher contrast and sharpness, compared to traditional methods. Specifically, the deep learning scans had a contrast-to-noise ratio of 29.9, compared to 26.7 for the standard method, and showed less motion blur, which can lead to clearer diagnoses without sedation. Who this helps: This benefits pediatric patients and their doctors by making brain imaging safer and faster.

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This study looked at how a simple electronic reminder embedded in echocardiogram reports could help doctors refer patients with severe aortic stenosis (a heart condition) to specialists for treatment more effectively. After implementing this reminder, referrals increased from 94% to 97%, and the overall treatment rate for these patients improved from 89% to 93%. This is important because timely referrals can lead to better care and outcomes for patients with serious heart conditions. Who this helps: Patients with severe aortic stenosis and their doctors.

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This study looked at the serious side effects of ciprofloxacin, a commonly prescribed antibiotic. It described a case of a 41-year-old man who started experiencing severe pain in his Achilles tendons just three days after taking the medication, leading to chronic pain and other symptoms like tingling in his limbs and heart palpitations. Doctors found signs of tendon irritation and possible internal damage, showing how dangerous this antibiotic can be for some individuals. Who this helps: This research benefits patients taking ciprofloxacin and their doctors by highlighting potential risks.

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This study looked at how different amounts of exercise affect people's quality of life. Researchers found that men who exercised at levels recommended by the World Health Organization (150-600 minutes of moderate activity per week) had better quality of life scores than those who exercised less (15.5 points lower in physical health and 19.1 points lower in mental health). Interestingly, those who exercised even more than the recommended amount didn't see any extra benefits in quality of life compared to those who met the guidelines. Who this helps: This helps patients looking to improve their health and well-being through exercise.

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This study looked at the fastest runners in 6-hour ultra-marathons to find out where they come from, their age group, and which race courses are the best. It analyzed nearly 118,000 race records from over 51,000 runners across 65 countries, revealing that most top runners come from Europe and that male runners generally perform better than female runners, with gender being the strongest factor influencing speed. This information is important for understanding trends in ultra-marathon running and could help improve training and competition strategies. Who this helps: This helps athletes, coaches, and race organizers.

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This study looked at what factors affect the life expectancy of older adults in Brazil. Researchers followed 332 individuals over five years and found that living alone and taking more prescribed medications increased the risk of death, while being more physically active and having a larger hip circumference decreased that risk. Understanding these factors is important for developing strategies to help older adults live longer and healthier lives. Who this helps: This helps older adults and their caregivers.

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A study looked at how regular physical activity and time spent sitting affect the chances of dying in older adults over five years. They found that doing at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week and limiting sitting time to less than about 500 minutes a day can lower mortality risk, especially for women, where low activity was linked to higher death rates. This is important because it highlights how making simple lifestyle changes can potentially extend life, guiding public health efforts. Who this helps: This helps older adults improve their health and longevity.

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This study looked at how regular exercise affects feelings of depression in young Brazilian men after they completed mandatory military service. It found that recruits who were more active had fewer depressive symptoms; specifically, high overall activity reduced the risk of depression by 35%, while participation in sports lowered that risk by 54%. This matters because it highlights the importance of exercise in improving mental health for young adults in a military setting. Who this helps: This helps young military recruits and mental health professionals.

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This study looked at how well certain dry-land exercises, like vertical jumps, could predict the performance of competitive junior male swimmers in butterfly sprints and dolphin kicks. The results showed strong links between jump height and swimming speed, with a correlation score of up to 0.90, suggesting that improving jump performance might help swimmers go faster in the water. This is important because it means coaches can use simple land exercises to help swimmers improve their strength and speed without needing to be in a pool. Who this helps: This benefits coaches and competitive swimmers.

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This study focused on a new way to differentiate between benign and malignant lung lesions using a technique called quantitative MR relaxometry that doesn't involve radiation. Researchers tested this method on 64 patients with various confirmed lung lesions and found that it accurately identified benign tumors 100% of the time and malignant ones 93.8% of the time, with an overall accuracy of 95.7%. This matters because it could lead to fewer invasive tests like biopsies for patients, making the diagnostic process safer and simpler. Who this helps: Patients with lung lesions and their doctors.

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This study looked at how the amino acid leucine helps maintain important proteins in mitochondria, which are the energy powerhouses of cells. Researchers found that leucine prevents certain proteins from breaking down, leading to more efficient energy production in cells. Specifically, when leucine is present, it helps increase the amount of outer mitochondrial membrane proteins, boosting respiration rates in mitochondria. Who this helps: This benefits patients with metabolic disorders and those affected by certain cancers.

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This study looked at how anxiety and depression symptoms are related among endurance runners, specifically 382 athletes who participate in events like ultramarathons, marathons, and half-marathons. The researchers found that certain symptoms of anxiety and depression tend to influence each other strongly, indicating that addressing these symptoms together may be effective. This is important because improving mental health can enhance overall well-being and performance for athletes. Who this helps: This helps athletes and sports psychologists.

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This study looked at the first woman to complete 30 Ironman-distance triathlons in 30 days, focusing on her energy use, heart rate, and movement patterns while swimming, cycling, and running. The findings revealed that her swimming pace remained steady, her cycling pace slowed down significantly, and her running pace got better as the race progressed. This is important because it shows how endurance athletes adapt their performance over time, particularly in running, which can help optimize training strategies for multi-day triathlons. Who this helps: This research benefits athletes and coaches training for long-distance triathlons.

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This study looked at how effective shorter, one-minute stages are for measuring maximum exercise capacity in amateur endurance athletes, comparing them to longer tests. The research found no significant differences in the overall oxygen uptake or heart rate between the two test lengths, but the shorter tests resulted in lower maximum power output. This is important because it shows that one-minute stages can be a faster and still effective way to assess athletes' endurance without compromising the accuracy of the results. Who this helps: Athletes and coaches.

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This study looked at two genetic disorders, Rett syndrome and Duplication syndrome, and how they affect a specific histamine receptor in the brain. It found that people with Rett syndrome had lower levels of this receptor, while those with Duplication syndrome had higher levels. In mouse tests, a treatment called RAMH helped reduce anxiety in mice with Rett syndrome, but another treatment, pitolisant, did not affect mice with Duplication syndrome. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with Rett syndrome and their doctors by suggesting potential new treatment options.

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This study looked at how different factors like age, gender, country, and race location affect the performance of age group triathletes in the IRONMAN70.3 races. Researchers analyzed data from over 823,000 finishers and found that men under 30 from Switzerland or Denmark, competing in specific locations like Austria and Switzerland, performed the best. Understanding these patterns helps triathletes plan their races more effectively, improving their chances of success. Who this helps: This helps triathletes improve their race strategies and outcomes.

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This study looked at how exercise influences the release of certain proteins called exerkines that could help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases. The researchers reviewed data from 11 studies involving 1,135 participants and found that exercise significantly lowered levels of two inflammatory markers, C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, while also increasing interleukin-6. Specifically, C-reactive protein dropped by about 29% and tumor necrosis factor-alpha decreased by around 34%. These findings highlight the potential of exercise as a way to combat inflammation and prevent diseases related to heart and metabolism. Who this helps: This helps patients looking to improve their health and prevent chronic diseases through exercise.

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This study tested a new agility assessment called the Team Agility Plus Test (TAPT) for athletes involved in sports that require quick movements in different directions, like basketball or soccer. Researchers found that the TAPT is highly reliable and accurately measures agility, showing strong connections with other agility tests (scores ranged from -0.34 to 0.79). This is important because it better reflects the real demands of sports, where athletes often move in three dimensions, making it a more effective tool for evaluating their performance. Who this helps: This helps athletes and coaches in multidirectional sports improve training and performance evaluation.

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This study examined how different swimming intensities affect the performance of amateur triathletes in the cycling and running parts of a triathlon. It involved 20 athletes and found that women performed better when they swam at moderate or high intensity compared to low intensity, with a notable difference in overall race time (43 seconds faster at higher intensities). Men, however, did not show any change in performance based on swimming intensity. Who this helps: This research benefits female triathletes by providing insights into how swimming pace can impact their overall race results.

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This study looked at how fat under the skin changes in ultrarunners during a 7-day ultramarathon and whether these changes are better measured by body measurements rather than just weight. Researchers found that the thickness of this fat significantly decreased, especially in the belly and thighs, while overall weight and body mass index (BMI) also dropped. They concluded that using ultrasound to measure fat thickness, along with body measurements like BMI and waist-to-height ratio, provides a more accurate picture of body changes than weight alone. Who this helps: This research benefits ultrarunners and sports physicians who monitor athletes’ body composition.

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This study looked at how school attendance changed for teenagers with chronic pain before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers found that more teens after the pandemic were using online or homeschooling options, and those attending school in person missed fewer days (p < 0.05) compared to before the pandemic. However, those who attended school online missed even more days and faced greater challenges (p < 0.01), suggesting that while some changes in schooling helped, they also introduced new problems for these students. Who this helps: This benefits adolescents with chronic pain and their families.