DR. KEVIN W. MCCONNELL, M.D.

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This study compared music therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered through telehealth to see which one better reduces anxiety in cancer survivors. Researchers found that after eight weeks, music therapy users had an average anxiety score decrease of 3.12 points, while those in the CBT group decreased by 2.97 points; both methods were effective and similar enough that music therapy is considered just as good as CBT. By week 26, both therapies continued to show significant improvements in anxiety scores, meaning that music therapy can be a valid option for people who might not access traditional therapy. Who this helps: This helps cancer survivors dealing with anxiety, especially those who may find traditional therapy options challenging.

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This study looked at sleep problems in children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Northern Ireland. Researchers found that 43% of the children had serious sleep issues based on current standards, and 74% met the criteria using older standards. The most common sleep problems included difficulties falling asleep and issues transitioning between sleep and wakefulness, highlighting the need for healthcare professionals to pay more attention to sleep in these children. Who this helps: This helps children with cerebral palsy and their families.

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The study looked at how community gym exercise programs can work for adults with childhood disabilities who cannot walk. Ten participants joined four weekly gym sessions, and 70% managed to complete all of them. Feedback revealed that while there's a strong interest in these programs, the current gyms often lack the necessary inclusivity and equipment, highlighting the need for better community-based exercise options. Who this helps: This benefits non-ambulant adults with childhood-onset disabilities, their caregivers, and community health providers.

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This study looked at how many medical physicists are needed to safely manage a new type of radiation therapy called online adaptive radiation therapy (oART) that uses cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for clearer imaging. The researchers found that for a typical workload of treating 100 adaptive and 200 nonadaptive patients per year, a facility would need between 1.4 to 2.9 full-time equivalent (FTE) medical physicists, depending on their specific roles. Understanding these staffing needs is crucial for ensuring patient safety and effective treatment. Who this helps: This helps hospitals and clinics by providing clear guidelines for staffing levels in radiation therapy programs.

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This study focused on cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), a type of cancer that affects the skin. Researchers found that a specific protein called CD38 is present on CTCL cells, and when treated with a CD38-targeting antibody, it reduced CTCL cells in lab tests and improved survival in mice. Notably, combining this antibody with a drug called panobinostat led to even better results, increasing the effects against the cancer. Who this helps: This benefits patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma by offering new treatment options.

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This study looked at how hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS), a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), affects the airway structure and airflow in three male patients. The researchers found that HGNS significantly increased the airway's size, improved airflow, and reduced airway resistance, with muscle activity to open the airway increasing by up to 490%, and airway resistance decreasing by 73-97%. Understanding these changes is important because it can help explain why some patients respond better to HGNS than others, and guide personalized treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients with obstructive sleep apnea who struggle with standard treatments.

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This study looked at a program called El Camino, designed to help Latino teens learn about sexual health and prevent teen pregnancies. It involved almost 750 students from 68 classrooms in Maryland and found that, although the program didn't change their sexual behaviors, it significantly improved their knowledge about contraception, consent, and confidence in discussing sex. For example, 84.7% of participants had positive attitudes towards condom use compared to 67.1% of students who didn't take the program. Who this helps: This benefits Latino youth by providing them with important knowledge and skills related to sexual health.

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This study looked at how a mother's difficult childhood experiences (known as ACEs) affect her child's behavior, specifically symptoms of anxiety, depression, and aggression. Among 5,445 children studied, those born to mothers with more ACEs had higher behavior problem scores: kids of mothers with one ACE had a score increase of 1.81 points, with two ACEs it was 2.07 points, and with three or more ACEs it rose by 2.68 points for internalizing behaviors; for externalizing behaviors, the increases were 1.78, 3.08, and 3.30 points respectively. These findings highlight the importance of screening mothers for past traumas during pregnancy so that they can receive support early, potentially improving outcomes for their children. Who this helps: This helps mothers and their children by providing a pathway for early interventions and support services.

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This study looked at whether a combination treatment of posttransplant cyclophosphamide and abatacept is better for preventing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after bone marrow transplants compared to the usual treatment. For patients on the new treatment, none developed moderate or severe chronic GVHD after one year, while 66% of those who received the standard treatment did. Additionally, about 63% of patients on the new treatment had a better overall health status without complications, compared to only 24% on the standard treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing bone marrow transplants.

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This study looked at how power shutoffs meant to prevent wildfires in California also lead to problems for residents during extreme heat events. Researchers found that between October 2021 and September 2024, when the power was shut off, temperatures sometimes soared above 40°C, putting vulnerable groups like older adults and those in mobile homes at higher risk. Understanding these negative effects is important for balancing safety measures against potential harms to people's health. Who this helps: This research benefits residents living in areas prone to wildfires and extreme heat, especially older adults and people in mobile homes.

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This study focuses on the importance of assessing older adults with cancer to improve their treatment and overall quality of life. It found that many nurses and health professionals lack training in how to conduct these assessments, despite their crucial roles in cancer care. The updated overview provides guidance on assessment tools and interventions that can help address various health concerns, such as nutrition and cognitive issues, ultimately leading to better outcomes for older patients. Who this helps: This benefits nurses, allied health professionals, and older cancer patients.

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The study looked at the effects of a sexual health education program called El Camino on Latino youth, focusing on their sexual behaviors and knowledge. It involved nearly 750 students in Maryland and found that while there were no overall differences in sexual activity between students who participated in El Camino and those who received standard sex education, there was a notable decrease in sexual initiation and unprotected sex among students who had never had sex before. The program also helped improve knowledge about contraception and consent. Who this helps: This benefits Latino youth, especially those who have not yet engaged in sexual activity.

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This study looked at how long it takes to deliver pencil beam scanning proton therapy to patients by using real-time tracking of patient movements in the clinic. Researchers analyzed treatment data from over 12,500 sessions and found that treatment times varied significantly, ranging from 26 minutes for vertebrae cases to 52 minutes for craniospinal and gynecologic cases, with an average time of 35.5 minutes. Understanding these times helps proton therapy centers plan better and improve efficiency, ultimately providing better care for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients and medical centers providing proton therapy treatments.

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This study looked at how acupuncture and massage can help cancer patients manage symptoms like pain, fatigue, and anxiety at a community cancer clinic in East Harlem. Over the course of two years, 635 patients visited the clinic, and 396 of them received treatment, leading to significant improvements in their symptoms right after the sessions. More than 90% of those who received treatment were very satisfied, showing that these alternative therapies can make a big difference in the quality of life for patients who often struggle to access them. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients, especially those from underrepresented groups.

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This study looked at how the muscles in the upper airway respond when children breathe in, which is important for understanding obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in kids. Researchers examined 20 children, some with Down syndrome (trisomy 21), and found that certain muscle activities during inhalation closely linked to the severity of OSA. For example, they discovered that the way the airway expands and contracts relates directly to how severe the condition is, achieving high accuracy in predicting OSA severity with specific measurements. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers working with children who have OSA, especially those with specific conditions like trisomy 21.

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This study looked at the levels of buprenorphine and naloxone in the milk of breastfeeding mothers who use buprenorphine-naloxone for opioid use disorder. Researchers found that buprenorphine and its metabolites were present in low amounts in the mother's milk, which is similar to findings from studies on mothers using only buprenorphine. Naloxone was either not found or was present at very low levels, meaning it is unlikely to affect infants. This is important because it supports the safety of using buprenorphine-naloxone for mothers who want to breastfeed. Who this helps: This helps mothers with opioid use disorder and their infants.

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This study focused on the effects of a drug called KPT-330 on a type of skin cancer known as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Researchers found that KPT-330 significantly slowed the growth of CTCL cells and caused cancer cell death by activating certain pathways in the cells. In mouse models, KPT-330 not only inhibited tumor growth but also improved survival rates, with a strong statistical significance (p < 0.0002). Who this helps: This research benefits patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma by potentially offering a new treatment option.

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This study examined video-based interventions (VBIs) to see how they help improve social skills in autistic children and young people aged 3 to 18. Researchers found 438 studies on VBIs, which included techniques like video modeling and self-modeling, and nearly half of the studies focused on social engagement. The research highlights a significant amount of evidence supporting these interventions, while also pointing out the need for more studies, especially involving girls and a wider range of social skills. Who this helps: This benefits autistic children and their families, as well as educators and therapists looking for effective strategies to support social development.

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This study looked at menopause education programs to see how well they help women understand and cope with menopause. The review included 39 studies, with most recent ones showing that these programs effectively increased women's knowledge about menopause, helped with symptoms, and improved quality of life. The findings highlight the importance of these educational programs and suggest they need clearer reporting and to include women of all ages. Who this helps: This helps women experiencing menopause, as well as healthcare providers offering support.

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This study looked at how short-term low energy availability (LEA) affects blood flow in young women who have regular menstrual cycles. Researchers found that when these women had only 15 calories per kilogram of body weight available each day for three days, their resting blood flow decreased from 1.43 to 1.31 units, and their resting energy expenditure dropped by about 100 calories. This is important because it highlights how not getting enough energy can change circulation and metabolism, which may impact overall health and body function. Who this helps: Patients, especially young women at risk of low energy availability.

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This study looked at the changes in neighborhoods after the 2018 Camp Fire in California by examining over 17,000 homes that were impacted. The researchers found that lower-value homes and those owned by absentee landlords were more likely to be destroyed, while homes that were rebuilt tended to be owner-occupied and worth more before the fire, indicating a trend where wealthier people are moving in. Understanding these patterns is crucial for planning better support for people who are at risk of losing their homes in future wildfires. Who this helps: This helps low-income residents, renters, and communities affected by wildfires.

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This study looked at how the medication buprenorphine-naloxone, used to treat pregnant women with opioid use disorder, affects the behavior of fetuses in the later stages of pregnancy. Researchers monitored 24 pregnant women and found that when the medication levels were highest, fetuses showed decreased heart rate and movement activity compared to when levels were lower at 36 weeks of gestation. Understanding these effects is important because it can help to inform future care and monitoring of infants born to mothers using this treatment. Who this helps: This helps expectant mothers struggling with opioid use disorder and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at T-prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL), a type of cancer that often resists treatment. Researchers tested different drug combinations on 20 samples of T-PLL, discovering that using drugs like cladribine and venetoclax together was particularly effective, leading to improved activation of a protein called P53 that helps kill cancer cells. This matters because it opens up new potential treatment strategies that could improve outcomes for patients who currently have limited options. Who this helps: This helps patients with T-PLL and their doctors by providing new potential treatment approaches.

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This study looked at how the airway walls move during breathing in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and how this movement affects airflow measurements. Researchers found that the airway's shape changed significantly during breathing—up to 300% in size at different points—which caused pressure loss predictions to differ by as much as 400% depending on whether the airway wall was considered to be moving or static. This matters because it highlights the need for more accurate models to understand airflow and pressure in patients with OSA, which can improve treatment strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients with obstructive sleep apnea by potentially leading to better treatment options.

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This study looked at how diabetes status and social factors, like income and education, affect complications related to diabetes in a community in Northwestern Ontario, Canada. The researchers found that people with lower income and education levels are more likely to experience serious complications from diabetes. Understanding these connections is important because it can help improve healthcare and support for those at higher risk. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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Researchers studied how devastating wildfires in the U.S. affected where people choose to live between 1999 and 2020. They found that only the wildfires that destroyed over 258 buildings led to people moving away from those areas, while most other less severe wildfires did not significantly change migration patterns. This is important because understanding the impact of these extreme wildfires on migration can help with planning and responding to future disasters as climate change increases wildfire risk. Who this helps: This helps local governments and disaster response teams.

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This research studied how climate change affects extreme heat in New York City, looking at historical trends and predicting future changes based on different scenarios of greenhouse gas emissions. The findings included concerns about "hot models," which suggest that current methods may underestimate the risks of extreme heat, with some models predicting significantly higher temperatures than others. This research is important because it helps us understand the serious risks of rising temperatures and the unfair ways these risks are experienced by different communities in the city. Who this helps: This helps city planners and public health officials working to protect vulnerable communities from extreme heat.

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This study focused on how a large medical center prepared its pharmacy to handle new cellular therapies that need special preparation before being given to patients. Researchers found that creating a local system for this preparation improved safety and efficiency, facilitating better treatment for patients. The findings highlight the importance of proper training and clear procedures to ensure that these complex therapies can be administered effectively and safely. Who this helps: Patients receiving cellular therapies.

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This study looked at the challenges that elite youth athletes face as they prepare for competitions like the Olympic Games. It found that the current rules and guidelines for youth participation are inconsistent and often lack clarity, which can put young athletes at risk during their critical developmental years. By creating a new, child-centered model that emphasizes health and well-being, the researchers aim to provide tailored pathways for young athletes to achieve success while staying safe and healthy. Who this helps: This helps young athletes and their coaches.

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This study looked at a new type of non-metal tissue expander used in a specific cancer treatment called intensity-modulated proton therapy. Researchers compared this new expander, called AlloX2-Pro, to traditional metal expanders and found that it provided a more consistent and precise treatment. For example, the measurements of water thickness were very close to predictions, with a discrepancy of only 0.22 cm, making it a promising choice for better treatment outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing proton therapy for cancer, as it may lead to more effective and safer treatments.

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This study looked at how newborns exposed to a medication called buprenorphine/naloxone in the womb behave and function during their first month of life. The researchers tested 16 newborns and found that many experienced issues like stress and difficulties with movement, with 94% of mothers smoking during pregnancy and over half testing positive for other substances. This research is important because it sheds light on the potential effects of this treatment on babies, helping to guide future care for mothers and their children. Who this helps: This helps parents and healthcare providers understand the impacts of opioid treatments during pregnancy.

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This study examined how people perform on various language and general skills tasks when tested in a lab versus online. Researchers tested 149 people in a lab and 515 online, finding that those tested online performed just as well as those in the lab, although factors like motivation and the ability to seek outside help can impact results. This is important because it shows that online testing can be a reliable way to study individual differences in abilities. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and psychologists looking to collect data from larger and more diverse groups.

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This study looked at whether community programs could lower the number of opioid overdose deaths in various regions. Researchers compared 67 communities in Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio, finding that the intervention didn't significantly reduce deaths: there were 47.2 deaths per 100,000 in the intervention communities and 51.7 per 100,000 in the control group. This matters because it highlights that even when communities try to implement multiple strategies to reduce overdose deaths, such as education and medication access, the impact may not be as strong as hoped during a time of rising fentanyl-related deaths. Who this helps: Patients struggling with opioid use and their families.

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This paper studied how hope varies across different cultures and groups over the last 30 years. It found that while many people have hope, those facing racial discrimination might actually feel less well overall, even if they have high hope. Understanding how hope works in different contexts is important because it influences people's lives and well-being in diverse ways. Who this helps: This benefits researchers, mental health professionals, and individuals from various cultural backgrounds.

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This study looked at how people leaving areas hit by extreme weather disasters, like hurricanes and wildfires, affects the economy. Researchers found that economic losses due to migration increased in the year of and following these disasters. Specifically, these losses primarily came from more people moving away rather than the value of what they took with them, and while this movement temporarily reduced economic differences between regions, it highlighted ongoing inequalities. Who this helps: This benefits local governments and policymakers aiming to understand and address economic impacts in disaster-prone areas.

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This study focused on creating a clear and useful dataset from nearly 190,000 reports about various incidents in the U.S. from 1999 to 2020, mainly wildland fires (98.4% of reports). The researchers made this information easier to analyze, allowing for better understanding of the impact of disasters like fires, hurricanes, and floods. This is important because it can help better prepare for future emergencies and improve response strategies. Who this helps: This benefits emergency responders, policymakers, and researchers.

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This study aims to gather and organize all the research and guidelines related to education during the Covid-19 pandemic. It plans to create a comprehensive and easy-to-use map that shows what is known and what is still unknown about how education was affected by the pandemic. This is important because it helps teachers, policymakers, and researchers find necessary information to improve education strategies in crisis situations. Who this helps: Teachers, students, and education policymakers.

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This study compared a sexual health program called El Camino delivered either in person or online to see how well each method worked in high schools with many Latino students in Maryland. The researchers found that while overall attendance was better in-person, both methods received high ratings for quality and engagement, with students having positive views about the program. This matters because it shows that even during tough times like the pandemic, effective sexual health education can still reach students, whether online or face-to-face. Who this helps: This helps students and educators by providing flexible options for sexual health education.

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Researchers studied how different people process pairs of words, like "red apple," when reading. They found that those who are better at ignoring distractions and focusing on specific details take longer to read these pairs because they break the words down separately, while others read them as a single unit without hesitation. This matters because understanding these differences can help improve reading strategies and educational approaches for individuals. Who this helps: This helps educators and language therapists develop tailored strategies for supporting different types of readers.

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This study looked at how doctors explain fibromyalgia diagnoses to patients in primary care. Researchers found that 29 articles emphasized the importance of educating both patients and doctors to improve understanding and management of fibromyalgia. They discovered that using analogies to explain the pain can help patients better accept treatment plans, especially when these plans include non-drug therapies in a team approach. Who this helps: This benefits patients with fibromyalgia by improving their understanding and management of the condition.

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This study looked at how people in rural areas of the American West supported each other during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. It found that informal support, like sharing money or resources among friends and family, was almost as common as using government assistance programs. This matters because it shows that personal connections and community support can be crucial during tough times, and understanding these informal networks can improve how we help people in future crises. Who this helps: This helps rural communities and policymakers looking to enhance support systems during disasters.

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This study investigated how to measure the muscle activity in the upper airway of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using advanced imaging techniques. Researchers created a 3D-printed model of the airway and found that the power transfer during breathing closely matched the muscle forces applied to the model, with correlations of -0.79 for exhaling and 0.95 for inhaling. This finding is important because it could help doctors better understand individual patients' muscle function, leading to more personalized and effective treatments for OSA. Who this helps: This helps patients with obstructive sleep apnea and their doctors.

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The study looked at how to effectively involve the public in research about cerebral palsy by testing new guidelines set by the National Institute for Health Research. Over the course of a year, the Northern Ireland Cerebral Palsy Register created a Public Involvement Group and updated their website to improve communication, but they faced challenges like lack of funding and time. This matters because it helps ensure that research is relevant to the needs of those affected by cerebral palsy, making their voices heard in shaping future studies. Who this helps: Patients and families impacted by cerebral palsy.