DR. KEVIN MARK RANKIN, M.D.

Plain English
Researchers studied alkaline phosphatase (ALP), an important enzyme for diagnosing diseases related to bones and the liver. They found that genetic differences and modifications to ALP can affect its activity and levels in the blood, which helps doctors better diagnose conditions like Paget's disease and bone-related cancers. This understanding is crucial for accurately interpreting ALP tests, ultimately improving patient care and treatment decisions. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients dealing with bone and liver diseases.

Plain English
This study looked at how to better understand and interpret levels of a blood enzyme called alkaline phosphatase (ALP), which is important for diagnosing various health issues. Researchers found that recent improvements in testing methods can report ALP levels that are about 10% higher than older tests, affecting how doctors assess these results. Understanding the factors that influence ALP levels, like age and health conditions, is key for doctors to make accurate diagnoses and avoid unnecessary tests. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers in accurately diagnosing patients.

Plain English
The study looked at a case of a 47-year-old woman who experienced high potassium levels (up to 8.9 mmol/L, while normal is 3.5-5.2 mmol/L) for two years without any clear explanation. Researchers found that her high potassium readings were not real but were due to a genetic condition called familial pseudohyperkalaemia, which causes potassium to leak out of red blood cells under certain conditions. Recognizing this condition is crucial because mistaking it for a real health issue could lead to dangerous treatments that lower potassium levels unnecessarily. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with familial pseudohyperkalaemia and healthcare providers interpreting their test results.

Plain English
This study looked at how postpartum visits and contraception rates changed for new mothers in certain health centers before and after COVID-19 lockdowns. Researchers found that postpartum visits dropped by about 9.6 percentage points and contraception use decreased by 8.1 percentage points after the lockdown. These findings highlight that the pandemic significantly disrupted postpartum care, which is crucial for maternal health. Who this helps: This helps new mothers and healthcare providers working in community health settings.

Plain English
This study looked at how heart function changes in women receiving treatment for early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer. Researchers found that 27% of the 136 women developed heart-related issues during their treatment, with 42% experiencing significant decreases in heart function. The study also revealed that those who developed diastolic dysfunction (a type of heart issue) were much more likely to face further heart problems compared to those whose heart function worsened in other ways. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors caring for breast cancer patients, enabling them to monitor and respond to heart issues more effectively.

Plain English
This study investigated the rates of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) in the U.S. based on whether mothers were born in the U.S. or abroad. It found that infants of U.S.-born mothers had a rate of SUID over three times higher than those of foreign-born mothers—115.5 per 100,000 compared to 34.8 per 100,000. This is particularly concerning among Non-Hispanic Black infants, who showed the largest disparity. Who this helps: This research benefits healthcare providers and policymakers focused on improving infant health outcomes.

Plain English
This study looked at whether a personalized exercise program called FIERCE could help cancer patients stay active during chemotherapy. Researchers included 50 patients with breast, colorectal, or ovarian cancer, splitting them into two groups: one followed the FIERCE program and the other used a self-managed pedometer. The aim was to see if the FIERCE program was feasible and beneficial, particularly in terms of physical fitness, strength, and quality of life. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Plain English
Researchers studied the spread of vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks in Africa and developed a new method to track the evolution of these viruses using a tool called Nextstrain. They created a detailed protocol for analyzing poliovirus data that can help improve vaccination strategies and responses to outbreaks. This is important because while the wild type of polio virus has been largely eradicated, these vaccine-derived strains still pose a risk of spreading, particularly in some regions. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and vaccination programs working to eliminate polio outbreaks in Africa.

Plain English
This study looked at how having a personal doctor or nurse affects preventive health care visits for teenage boys from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. It found that 79% of those with a personal doctor or nurse had preventive visits, compared to 63% with a usual place for care but no personal doctor, and only 31.9% who had neither. This highlights the importance of strong connections with health care providers in ensuring that all adolescent males, especially those from minority backgrounds, receive the preventive care they need. Who this helps: This helps teenage boys, especially those from racial and ethnic minority groups.

Plain English
This study looked at how well women in Illinois, aged 21-65, are getting routine health visits and cervical cancer screenings based on their sexual orientation and race/ethnicity. It found that about 4.6% of women identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB), and both LGB women (71.7%) and heterosexual women (77.1%) received routine health visits at similar rates, as did LGB (83.4%) and heterosexual women (85.3%) for cervical cancer screenings. The study reveals that while overall rates of care are similar, specific groups, especially Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black women, may experience differences, indicating a need to improve access to preventive health care for all women. Who this helps: This helps women, especially those from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Plain English
This study looked at how living in neighborhoods with mortgage discrimination during early life affects preterm birth rates in African-American women. It found that women from these neighborhoods had a preterm birth rate of 15.8%, compared to 13.1% for those from neighborhoods without discrimination. This difference matters because it highlights how housing discrimination can lead to adverse health outcomes for mothers and their infants. Who this helps: This helps African-American women and healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked at how new mothers in Illinois follow recommended sleep and care practices for their infants from 2016 to 2020. It found that only 19.3% of mothers followed all six recommended practices to reduce the risk of sudden infant death, with practices ranging from 90.8% not smoking to 49.6% ensuring nothing was in the baby's sleep area. Understanding these patterns helps create better strategies to ensure safer infant sleep environments. Who this helps: This helps new mothers and health care providers by highlighting areas where support and education are needed.

Plain English
This study looked at how Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi), drugs used to treat Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM), affect T cells in patients. Researchers found that these drugs reduced the number of certain T cells while increasing a type of T cell that can attack and destroy cells, especially following a treatment pause. Notably, even if these patients had fewer vaccine-specific B cells, their T cell responses to COVID-19 were still strong and improved against the Omicron variant. Who this helps: This research helps patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia and their doctors by providing insights on how BTKi treatment impacts immune responses.

Plain English
This study looked at whether certain types of grass can help monitor pollution from coal power plants, specifically harmful metals like arsenic and selenium. Researchers tested three grass species and found that one, called Paspalum virgatum, was particularly good at showing changes in selenium levels. This matters because it offers a simpler and cheaper way to check for contamination in the environment without using expensive traditional methods. Who this helps: Patients and communities near coal power plants, as well as environmental regulators.

Plain English
The study looked at a test called the Rapid Naming Test (RNT), which is done on a tablet, to see how well it could identify cognitive issues in people with brain disorders. Researchers found that the RNT was very effective; it accurately detected cognitive impairment 90% of the time and showed strong links to specific brain areas important for language and thinking. This is important because it means the RNT can help diagnose conditions like primary progressive aphasia early on, which can improve patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients with cognitive impairments, their families, and doctors who treat them.

Plain English
This study examined a serious medical case involving a 57-year-old woman who suffered a life-threatening tear in her aorta after using ketamine, a recreational drug. After her ketamine use, she experienced severe back pain and became unresponsive, and a scan revealed a Type A aortic dissection affecting several major blood vessels. Despite treatment, she unfortunately passed away during surgery, showing that ketamine can cause dangerous heart and blood vessel problems in some people. Who this helps: This information is important for doctors and medical professionals who treat patients using ketamine.

Plain English
This study looked at how women feel emotionally, mentally, and physically while waiting for breast biopsy results. Researchers surveyed 197 patients during their biopsy appointments and had them report their feelings daily for a week afterward. They found that anxiety was highest right after the biopsy and again just before getting results, with Latina women showing different coping patterns, highlighting a need for culturally sensitive support during this stressful time. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those awaiting breast biopsy results, and healthcare providers tailoring support strategies.

Plain English
This study looked at patients in the UK with aneurysmal bone cysts, which are abnormal growths in bones, to see what factors lead to the return of these cysts after treatment. Out of 115 patients studied, those under 13 years old and those who received a limited type of surgery had a higher chance of the cyst returning, with 27% of patients needing more treatment after surgery. Importantly, 47% of patients who had a less intensive treatment required no further care, showing that some approaches can lead to healing without additional procedures. Who this helps: This research benefits young patients and their doctors by providing insight into the best treatment options for aneurysmal bone cysts.

Plain English
Researchers studied a new method called fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) to help doctors check if they have removed all of a tumor during surgery for bone and soft tissue cancer. The accuracy of this method varied greatly; for instance, its ability to correctly identify if all the cancer is gone (sensitivity) ranged from 22% to 100%, while the overall accuracy was between 22% and 92%. This matters because better assessment of surgical margins can lead to improved outcomes for cancer patients by reducing the chances of cancer returning after surgery. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients undergoing surgery, particularly those with bone and soft tissue tumors.

Plain English
Researchers created an app called Multiple Sclerosis Falls InsightTrack (MS-FIT) to help people with multiple sclerosis (MS) report and prevent falls, which can lead to serious injuries and loss of independence. They designed the app through feedback from 30 MS patients and 14 clinicians, ensuring it was easy to use and effectively met the needs of both patients and healthcare providers. The app makes it simpler for patients to report falls and provides doctors with valuable information to prevent future falls, which is crucial for improving patient safety and quality of care. Who this helps: This helps patients with multiple sclerosis and their doctors.

Plain English
This study looked at whether Latina women who improved their economic situation and moved out of poor neighborhoods had lower rates of preterm births (births before 37 weeks). It found that those who moved up economically had an 8.5% rate of preterm births compared to 13.1% for those who stayed in modest poverty, and for women from extremely poor areas, the rates were 12.7% versus 15.9%. This is important because it shows that improving economic conditions can reduce the risk of preterm births for some Latina women, which can lead to healthier outcomes for mothers and babies. Who this helps: This helps Latina women and health professionals working to reduce preterm birth rates.

Plain English
This study looked at how the use of preventive health services by women in Illinois has changed over the past decade, particularly after the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and during the COVID-19 pandemic. From 2012 to 2020, more women went for well-woman visits, with a notable increase in 2020 compared to previous years, but not all time periods showed this trend. The pandemic did not lead to fewer mammograms, but it did impact cervical cancer screenings, especially among Black women. Women who had a recent well-woman visit were more likely to be up to date with their cancer screenings. Who this helps: This helps women, especially those at risk for cervical cancer.

Plain English
This study looked at how effective a new tablet-based tool (called TabCAT-BHA) can be in helping doctors detect cognitive issues, like dementia, in older patients who may have memory concerns. The researchers are testing this tool in 26 primary care clinics, with half using the new tool and half continuing with standard care, to see how well it improves diagnosis rates among approximately 180,000 patients aged 65 and older. The findings will help make it easier for doctors to identify cognitive problems earlier, which is crucial for getting patients the care they need on time. Who this helps: This benefits patients who may have cognitive impairment and their families, as well as doctors in primary care settings.

Plain English
The LINCC Trial studied how to improve access to postpartum contraception by scheduling it together with routine newborn check-ups. The goal was to ensure that mothers get the contraception they need after giving birth to prevent unhealthy pregnancies that can happen when they conceive again too soon. The study planned to enroll about 3,150 postpartum patients across different clinics and track the effectiveness of this linked care approach over several months. Who this helps: This benefits new mothers and their healthcare providers by ensuring they receive timely contraception support during well-baby visits.

Plain English
Two large ring molecules containing alternating boron-nitrogen or boron-oxygen units were built from smaller aromatic fragments and shown to switch their aromatic character when electrons are added or removed. The nitrogen-containing ring also acts as a Lewis acid capable of binding up to four donor molecules, and the assembly process unexpectedly generated a nanoscale cage compound. These molecules demonstrate how electron injection can toggle aromaticity in large-ring systems.

Plain English
This study looked at how well patients with indolent lymphomas respond to the COVID-19 vaccine BNT162b2 compared to healthy individuals. It found that patients who were treated with certain therapies had significantly lower levels of antibodies against the virus, with some not producing measurable responses at all; for instance, patients with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia treated with specific inhibitors had an antibody level of zero compared to healthy controls who had an antibody level of 40. These results highlight a concerning challenge in protecting these vulnerable patients from COVID-19, especially as new variants emerge. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with indolent lymphomas and their healthcare providers by informing vaccination strategies.

Plain English
This study looked at how increased brain activity, connected to problems with brain connections, affects people with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that around 22-54% of patients have silent seizures or a tendency for seizures, which may worsen cognitive problems. Investigating and treating this increased brain activity could help improve thinking skills in Alzheimer's patients, especially since a certain medication, levetiracetam, showed promising results in a small trial. Who this helps: Patients with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers.

Plain English
Researchers studied the brain structure of two types of ancient meat-eating dinosaurs, Baryonyx walkeri and Ceratosuchops inferodios, using advanced scanning technology. They found that these dinosaurs had basic hearing abilities and a brain shape similar to other early theropods, indicating that their brain structures didn't change much despite living in different environments. This finding matters because it suggests that these dinosaurs adapted to new hunting strategies without needing significant changes in their brain function. Who this helps: This research benefits paleontologists studying dinosaur evolution and behavior.

Plain English
This study looked at a new way to clean eggs using a special solution made from a compound called trans-cinnamaldehyde, which can kill the bacteria Salmonella Enteritidis that can make people sick. The researchers found that this solution was effective in reducing the bacteria on eggs by about 99 to 99.7% after just one minute of washing, even when there was some dirt present. Importantly, this method didn't change the color of the eggshells, which is important for quality and looks. Who this helps: Patients and consumers who want safer eggs and poultry products.

Plain English
This study looked at how a smartphone program called Just TRAC it! could help teenagers with heart disease become more ready for adult healthcare. Researchers found that while both groups (those using Just TRAC it! and those receiving usual care) saw improvements in their readiness scores, there was no significant difference between the two groups. The program was well-received, with everyone who used it recommending it to others. Who this helps: This benefits teenagers with heart disease and their healthcare providers as they navigate the transition to adult care.

Plain English
This study looked at how pausing a specific cancer treatment, called Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor (BTKi), affects the immune response of patients with Waldenström macroglobulinaemia (WM) to a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Researchers found that WM patients who stopped their BTKi therapy showed a better immune response to the vaccine—though this response weakened once they resumed the therapy. This finding is important because it can help shape vaccination guidelines for WM patients, balancing their cancer treatment with the need for effective COVID-19 protection. Who this helps: Patients with Waldenström macroglobulinaemia.

Plain English
Brain recordings from 88 Alzheimer's patients and 88 matched healthy controls were analyzed using a mathematical model to identify which neural circuit parameters differed most. The strongest distinguishing feature was an elevated time constant governing how long-range brain connections excite local neurons, and this parameter also correlated with worse cognitive performance. A single measurable circuit property thus captures both the spatial and cognitive abnormalities of Alzheimer's disease.

Plain English
This study looked at how finding silver linings in bad news can help people feel better while waiting for important results, like exam scores or election outcomes. Researchers found that those who focused on positive aspects of potential bad news felt more positive emotions during the wait and felt better after receiving the news, regardless of the outcome. This matters because it shows that a simple mental strategy can improve emotional well-being in stressful situations. Who this helps: This helps patients and anyone facing stressful news, such as exam takers or voters.

Plain English
This study looked at hospitalizations of children aged 17 and younger in New York State due to maltreatment from 2011 to 2013. It found that there were 853 hospitalizations for maltreatment affecting 836 children, with infants under 1 year old having the highest rates, and physical abuse being the most common type. This information is important because it highlights the need for better support and intervention for at-risk children and helps establish a baseline for understanding the problem in the future. Who this helps: This helps children who are victims of abuse and the professionals working to protect them.

Plain English
This study looked at how neighborhood income levels affect the likelihood of teenage pregnancies among White and African American women in Cook County, Illinois. The researchers found that 9.5% of White women and 52.9% of African American women had teen births. Specifically, White women were more likely to have teen pregnancies if their mothers were also teenagers when they gave birth, with their risk over five times greater in this case. These findings highlight the importance of considering racial and economic backgrounds when creating programs aimed at reducing teen pregnancy. Who this helps: This helps policymakers, community organizations, and healthcare providers working to support teens, particularly those with a family history of teen pregnancies.

Plain English
This study looked at a training program for new nurses working in cancer care to help them learn essential skills. After the program, nurses reported a 30% increase in their confidence and knowledge about treating cancer patients. This matters because better-trained nurses can provide improved care, leading to better patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps nurses and cancer patients.

Plain English
This study looked at how physical activity affects the health and quality of life in women with HER2-positive breast cancer during and after treatment. Researchers found that women who got at least 90 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise each week reported better overall quality of life and better heart function while undergoing treatment. Specifically, each additional 30 minutes of exercise improved heart function and post-treatment fitness levels significantly. Who this helps: This helps women undergoing treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer.

Plain English
This study explored how well N95 respirators fit different people, especially focusing on issues faced by various genders and ethnic groups. Researchers used MRI scans of eight individuals to analyze how the respirator sits on the face and made predictions about fit based on facial measurements. They found that there are specific factors affecting how well these respirators fit different individuals, which is important for improving safety and effectiveness in protecting against COVID-19. Who this helps: This helps healthcare workers who need properly fitting respirators for effective protection.

Plain English
This study looked at how social and emotional understanding is affected in people with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and various forms of Frontotemporal Dementia. Researchers examined 331 dementia patients using a tool called the Revised Self-Monitoring Scale (RSMS), which can effectively identify deficits in social-emotional cognition. They found that lower RSMS scores were linked to worse cognitive function and behavioral issues, which highlights the RSMS's value in diagnosing and understanding these diseases. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing a tool for better diagnosis and understanding of social-emotional challenges in neurodegenerative diseases.

Plain English
This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of surgeries to save limbs in patients with sarcomas that invade major blood vessels. Over 15 years, 19 patients were treated, with 58% surviving their disease after five years. The research found that using a patient’s own vein for reconstruction is often better than synthetic options, and successful limb-preserving surgeries can improve patients' quality of life. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with sarcomas and their doctors by providing insights into effective treatment options.

Plain English
This study looked at how a new type of knee implant made from a polymer called PEEK affects bone stress around the implant. The research found that the PEEK implant increased the strain energy in the bone compared to a traditional metal implant (CoCr), meaning it is less likely to weaken the surrounding bone. This is important because reducing bone loss around knee implants can lead to better long-term outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This benefits knee replacement patients by potentially improving their bone health after surgery.

Plain English
This study examined the similarities between two brain disorders, corticobasal degeneration (CBD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), by looking at a patient who showed signs of another type of dementia for 18 years. The analysis found that this patient had brain changes typical of both CBD and PSP, along with a unique set of genetic risk factors for both diseases. Understanding these shared features is important because it could lead to better diagnosis and treatment for these related conditions. Who this helps: This benefits patients with neurodegenerative diseases, their families, and healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked at how discouragement from others affects women's decisions to start and continue breastfeeding. The researchers found that women who were discouraged were actually 22% less likely to start breastfeeding than those who were not discouraged, but that discouragement from healthcare providers led to even higher rates of not starting breastfeeding, with a 182% increase in the risk of not initiating breastfeeding. This is important because it highlights the need for better support from healthcare providers and education for both them and the public to encourage breastfeeding. Who this helps: This helps new mothers and their babies by promoting better breastfeeding support.

Plain English
This study looked at how the time between pregnancies affects the health risks for mothers in Iowa from 2009 to 2014. Researchers found that women who had severe health complications during one delivery were more than eight times more likely to face similar complications in their next delivery. Additionally, women who got pregnant again within six months faced a higher, though not statistically significant, risk of complications compared to those who waited at least 18 months. Who this helps: This information benefits mothers and healthcare providers by highlighting the importance of managing pregnancy spacing to improve maternal health outcomes.

Plain English
This study looked at a new way to use a heart pump called a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a condition that can make it hard to use traditional LVADs due to the shape of their heart chambers. Researchers found that using an inflow cannula that connects to the left atrium, rather than the left ventricle, can safely support these patients while they wait for a heart transplant. This matters because it offers new hope for individuals with HCM who previously had few options. Who this helps: This helps patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who need heart support while waiting for a transplant.