LAWRENCE GLENNON EVANS JR., M.D.

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Researchers studied how smoking affects clozapine levels in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia and whether this is linked to side effects from the medication. They found that smokers had lower clozapine levels (0.41 mg/L) compared to non-smokers (0.56 mg/L), which may lead to side effects like constipation and seizures occurring more often in smokers. Understanding this relationship is important to help doctors make better treatment decisions for their patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with schizophrenia, especially those who smoke and are taking clozapine.

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This study looked at how different running styles affect the pelvis in new mothers returning to running after giving birth. Researchers tested 17 runners and found that a style called "grounded running" resulted in lower stress on the pelvis compared to regular running—specifically, it had a peak pelvic acceleration of 2.8 g, which is less intense than what was experienced during normal running. This is important because it shows a way for postpartum women to safely transition back to running without putting too much strain on their bodies. Who this helps: This helps postpartum women who want to return to running safely.

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This study looked at routine testing for a bacteria called group B streptococcus (GBS) in pregnant women during late pregnancy to see if it could help reduce infections in newborns. It involved nearly 320,000 women and found that 72% were offered the test, 82% accepted it, and 17% tested positive for GBS. The results also showed that 87% of women received their test results at least 4 hours before giving birth, making it easier for doctors to provide timely treatment if needed. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women and healthcare providers by improving the management of GBS and potentially reducing infections in newborns.

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This study looked at ticks and tick-related diseases in two suburban counties in Central North Carolina. Researchers collected 108 ticks, primarily from local parks and dogs, and found that up to 41% of the ticks had harmful germs linked to illnesses like rickettsiosis and ehrlichiosis. This highlights that people living in suburban areas are at risk for these diseases, not just those in rural settings. Who this helps: This benefits residents of suburban North Carolina, particularly those with pets and families who use outdoor spaces.

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This study looked at how healthcare professionals (HCPs) give advice about physical activity to pregnant and new mothers. It found that HCPs face many challenges, such as feeling undertrained and having limited time, which makes it hard for them to provide consistent advice. The researchers identified that 26 studies showed these barriers and suggested improvements like better training and support for HCPs to encourage more activity among mothers. Who this helps: This benefits pregnant and new mothers by improving the quality of physical activity advice they receive.

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This study looked at how jail staff view access to physical activity for men and women in a coed jail in the U.S. Researchers interviewed 10 staff members and found that all of them agreed physical activity is important for health, but they also noted challenges in providing equitable access, particularly affected by gender differences. This matters because improving access to physical activity can enhance the health and well-being of incarcerated individuals, who often face significant barriers to healthcare. Who this helps: This helps incarcerated individuals, particularly women, by highlighting the need for better access to physical activities in jails.

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This study looked at a creative art project designed for older Chinese community members in Newcastle, England. Over five months, 13 participants aged 64 to 80 took part in weekly textile workshops that included activities like embroidery and dyeing. They reported feeling more confident, enjoying their creative work, and strengthening their cultural connections, highlighting the importance of arts programs in improving the well-being of seniors. Who this helps: This helps older adults, particularly those from the Chinese community, by promoting social connections and cultural engagement.

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This research introduces the Ocean Equity Index (OEI), a new tool designed to measure fairness in activities related to the ocean. The study found that by evaluating projects and policies based on twelve criteria, the OEI can provide valuable data to help create more equitable solutions for people and marine life. This matters because it encourages decisions that benefit both communities living by the coast and the health of ocean ecosystems. Who this helps: Coastal communities, policymakers, and environmental advocates.

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This study examined how certain faults in the Tibetan Plateau affect the land's movement and deformation. Researchers found that major faults, like the Kunlun Fault, help spread out the stress and strain in the region, with high slip rates observed on the Kunlun Fault contributing to movement across the plateau. Understanding these mechanisms is important because they can help predict earthquakes and geological changes that could impact the area. Who this helps: This benefits geologists and seismologists studying earthquake risks in the Tibetan Plateau region.

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This study focused on developing a new drug called AZD9750 to treat prostate cancer by targeting the androgen receptor, which is crucial for the cancer's growth. Researchers created a compound that successfully degraded this receptor and inhibited tumor growth in mice, showing a significant response. The findings indicate that AZD9750 could be an effective oral treatment for patients with prostate cancer, particularly those with specific mutations that make existing therapies less effective. Who this helps: Patients with prostate cancer, especially those resistant to current treatments.

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This study examined how certain chemical compounds called alkali metal alkoxides interact with aromatic compounds, specifically aryl halides, to create new chemical structures. The researchers discovered that instead of the previously thought method, these reactions generate new structures called benzynes, which then trigger further reactions. Notably, they observed low levels of methylation in some reactions, meaning they could form methyl radicals that contribute to these processes, which had not been documented before. Who this helps: This research benefits chemists and researchers looking to improve synthetic processes in organic chemistry.

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This study looked at how adolescents with autism and those without respond to words that describe varying degrees of things, like "long" or "happy." Researchers found that both groups adjusted their understanding of these words based on the context – for example, they changed what they considered "long" depending on the pictures shown to them. This is important because it shows that autistic teenagers can be flexible in their thinking about these descriptors, although those with stronger language skills tended to stick to their original definitions. Who this helps: This helps patients with autism and their caregivers by highlighting their ability to understand nuanced language.

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This study looked at a rare autoimmune disease called dermatomyositis, which can sometimes show symptoms similar to more common conditions like angioedema, or severe swelling. The case involved a man in his 40s who had significant neck swelling and was initially misdiagnosed, but tests revealed he actually had dermatomyositis. He was found to have a specific autoantibody and muscle damage that necessitated urgent treatment to prevent further complications. Who this helps: This information assists doctors in correctly diagnosing and treating patients with unusual swelling symptoms, particularly those with dermatological or muscular issues.

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This study focused on defining "refractory septic shock," which is a severe condition where patients do not respond to standard treatment. Experts from various countries agreed on 13 key clinical criteria to identify this condition, including high lactate levels (94.6% agreement) and the need for certain medications (75% agreement). This is important because having a clear definition helps doctors provide better care and improves research on treatment options. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing severe septic shock and the doctors treating them.

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This research paper focused on defining "refractory septic shock," a severe condition where patients do not respond well to treatment. The expert panel agreed on 13 key criteria for diagnosing this condition, including high levels of lactate (94.6% agreement) and the need for specific drug doses to manage blood pressure. This clear definition will help doctors better diagnose and treat patients who are severely ill and improve care standards in critical situations. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers treating patients with severe infections.

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This research looked at how counting particles in cryo-electron microscopy (a technique used to observe tiny biological structures) can lead to wrong estimates of their populations. The study found that traditional counting methods are heavily affected by noise, while more advanced statistical methods provide more accurate results. This matters because getting the right population estimates is crucial for understanding how these structures behave in health and disease. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and scientists studying biological materials.

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This study looked at the challenges and support needed for women to start running again after giving birth. Researchers found that many new mothers face emotional and physical barriers, such as pelvic floor issues, when trying to return to running. They created a personalized guide that combines medical advice with insights from postpartum runners to help these women overcome those challenges and get back to running. Who this helps: This benefits new mothers looking to safely resume running after childbirth.

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This study examined how the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) can improve patient safety by becoming a high reliability organization focused on continuous quality improvement (CQI). Researchers interviewed 56 staff members and found that, despite strong support from leadership, many sites did not have the necessary resources or active leadership engagement to participate effectively in quality improvement training. Challenges like limited time, unclear guidance, and burnout, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, hindered staff from developing essential skills for improvement. Who this helps: This benefits patients by promoting safer and more effective healthcare practices.

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The study focused on a method called the Model for Improvement, which is used to enhance patient care in health and social services. The researchers explained how this method works through a two-step process: first, teams identify problems and set goals for improvement, and then they test their ideas using a cycle of planning, doing, studying, and acting. Understanding this approach is crucial for nurses, especially those in leadership roles, because it helps them effectively implement quality improvements in patient care. Who this helps: This benefits nurses and healthcare teams working to improve patient care quality.

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This study looked at how to improve HIV care in jails by using a status-neutral approach, which connects people to treatment if they test positive and to prevention if they test negative. Researchers interviewed 28 people, including jail staff and inmates, and found that while strong partnerships and proactive healthcare help, issues like understaffing and problems with reporting health needs are significant barriers. Addressing these issues and focusing on a patient-centered approach can lead to better HIV care in jail settings, which is crucial for public health. Who this helps: This benefits incarcerated individuals and healthcare providers in the jail system.

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This study, called the OPERA trial, focused on improving treatment for patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a chronic liver disease. Researchers are testing a new approach that combines two drugs, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and obeticholic acid (OCA), for patients at higher risk of poor responses to standard treatment. The trial will involve 106 adults and aims to achieve better health outcomes within 26 weeks, specifically looking to see how many patients can have normal liver enzyme levels, which is a sign of disease remission. Who this helps: This helps patients with primary biliary cholangitis, especially those at higher risk for severe disease.

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This study looked at how well emergency departments can use two different methods (or "bundles") to treat sepsis as quickly as possible, one within one hour and the other within three hours, to see which approach works better. The researchers found that both methods were generally accepted by the staff and led to some important changes to improve the treatment process, including 15 specific adaptations aimed at making the implementation easier and more effective. Understanding and improving how sepsis treatment is implemented is crucial because it can help save lives and improve health outcomes for patients suffering from this serious condition. Who this helps: This helps patients with sepsis and the doctors treating them.

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This study focused on improving how scientists understand the shapes and positions of biomolecules using a technique called cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM). The researchers developed a method called cryo-EM simulation-based inference (cryoSBI), which allows them to quickly and accurately determine the shapes of biomolecules from noisy images, making the identification process much faster and more reliable. Their approach can analyze large datasets in just milliseconds and combines computer simulations with deep learning, providing clear and understandable results. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and scientists studying biomolecules, enhancing their ability to understand key biological processes.

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This study looked at how to treat rectal prolapse in adults who have had surgical repairs for anorectal malformations (ARMs). Researchers found that out of 17 patients, 88% had a specific surgery called the modified Altemeier procedure, and only 12% had a modified Delorme procedure. After an average follow-up of 18 months, only 12% of patients experienced a minor recurrence of prolapse, suggesting these surgical methods are both effective and safe for this group. Who this helps: This information benefits adult patients with anorectal malformations and their surgeons.

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This study looked at how often cancer occurs in artificial vaginas made from intestines, specifically focusing on patients who had surgery to create these neovaginas. Researchers reviewed 16 case reports over 35 years and found that most patients were diagnosed when they were between 17 and 53 years old, with symptoms mostly starting 7 to 53 years after their surgery—bleeding was the most common symptom. Half of the patients had cancer that was still localized, but many experienced returning disease after treatment, highlighting the need for regular check-ups and screening for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients who have undergone intestinal vaginal replacement surgery and their doctors.

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This study looked at whether routine testing for group B streptococcus (GBS) in pregnant women could reduce the risk of infections in newborns compared to a strategy that only tests based on risk factors. Around 320,000 women from 80 hospitals will participate, and the results will help determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of routine testing. This matters because if routine testing prevents early infections in babies, it could lead to healthier outcomes and potentially lower healthcare costs. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women and their newborns by improving infection prevention strategies.

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This study focused on improving an educational approach called Academic Detailing (AD) that helps healthcare providers enhance their practices. Researchers identified 18 key elements of AD and tailored six of them while adding seven new ones across various projects in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, aiming to make the program more effective and applicable. This work matters because it provides a clear framework for implementing AD, which can lead to better healthcare outcomes as it allows for more effective training and evaluation. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers in the Veterans Health Administration.

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This study looked at how lower acuity patients—those not requiring immediate emergency care—are guided to appropriate services in hospital emergency departments (ED) and beyond. It involved interviews with 28 staff members and patients from two hospitals in England, revealing that both groups faced confusion about where to go for care and felt that limited resources in alternative services hindered the process. Understanding these challenges is important for improving hospital efficiency and ensuring patients receive the right care in the right place. Who this helps: This benefits patients seeking timely care and healthcare staff managing patient flow.

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This study reviewed research on diabetic retinopathy (a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes) from 2017 to mid-2024, analyzing data from various countries. It found that globally, about 23% of people with diabetes have some form of diabetic retinopathy, with rates of more severe types like proliferative diabetic retinopathy at 6% and sight-threatening conditions at 11%. It also highlighted a decrease in overall diabetic retinopathy since the last data collection period, but an increase in more severe cases, indicating a need for improved screening and healthcare practices. Who this helps: This benefits patients with diabetes by highlighting the need for better eye care and screening measures.

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This study looks at how community organizations and academic institutions can work together to respond to public health crises like the Flint Water Crisis. It found that creating a partnership protocol called the Research Readiness and Partnership Protocol (R2P2) can improve collaboration and communication, especially in communities affected by systemic racism and other challenges. The researchers identified important elements for successful partnerships, including building trust and ensuring transparency. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly in affected communities, and the health professionals working to support them.

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This study examined how easily people can access naloxone, a crucial medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, in Connecticut pharmacies. Researchers found that while naloxone was available in most pharmacies, over 73% kept it behind the pharmacy counter, it often cost more than $60, and fewer than 20% displayed helpful signs about its availability. This means that even though naloxone can be found in many locations, it's not easy for people to get it when they need it. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of opioid overdose and their families who need immediate access to naloxone.

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This study looked at how people in jail spend their time, especially focusing on their physical activity and how much time they are sedentary. Researchers found that, on average, inmates spent about 571 minutes sitting or lying down, 79 minutes in light activity, and 60 minutes in moderate exercise each day. Notably, women were more active than men and those with jobs in jail moved around more than those without jobs. These findings highlight that even in restrictive environments, individuals can engage in physical activities if their circumstances allow. Who this helps: This research benefits inmates and jail staff by providing insights to improve physical activity and well-being in jails.

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This study examined how effective electroencephalograms (EEGs) are in diagnosing psychosis caused by medical conditions, rather than mental health disorders alone. Researchers found that EEGs correctly identified 71% of individuals with secondary psychosis and correctly showed normal results for 67% of those with primary psychosis, indicating that while EEGs can provide useful information, they don't reliably distinguish between the two types of psychosis on their own. This matters because improved diagnosis can lead to better treatment and outcomes for patients experiencing psychosis related to medical issues. Who this helps: Patients with psychosis caused by underlying medical conditions.

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Researchers studied a new tool called "GutGPT," designed to help doctors make better decisions in managing cases of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding. They found that while users of GutGPT found it easier to use, it didn't significantly change their intention to adopt it compared to a standard AI dashboard. This matters because simply making a tool user-friendly does not guarantee that doctors will choose to use it in real-life situations. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and clinical trainees involved in managing gastrointestinal bleeding.

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This study examined how cannabis-based medicines affect people with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), which causes severe and ongoing pain. Researchers followed 64 patients over six months and found that their reported pain levels decreased from an average of 6.69 to roughly 6.05 on a pain scale, along with improvements in anxiety, sleep quality, and overall health. Although 8% of participants reported experiencing side effects, the overall positive changes suggest that cannabis could be a helpful option for managing this kind of pain. Who this helps: This helps patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome seeking alternative pain management options.

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This study looked at how a workshop about HPV (the virus linked to certain cancers) affected high school students from underserved areas. After attending the workshop, 93.3% of the students learned that HPV can cause oropharyngeal cancer, and 96.7% found out that the vaccine protects against multiple strains of the virus. Importantly, seven students got the HPV vaccine after the workshop, highlighting that education can boost vaccination rates. Who this helps: This benefits high school students, particularly those from underserved communities.

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This study developed a new automated system using deep learning to analyze small sections of bone in mice, focusing specifically on parts of the tibia that are important for understanding bone health and disease. The researchers found that their system accurately classified different bone areas with very high reliability, scoring between 0.92 to 0.99 across various tested regions. This is significant because it makes it easier and more consistent to study bone changes over time, which can improve how we test new drugs and treatments for bone-related conditions. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors studying bone diseases and treatments in mice, ultimately leading to better therapies for patients.

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This study examined digital health tools aimed at improving respiratory health in South and Southeast Asia, reviewing 87 reports across 14 countries. It found that most digital interventions mainly facilitate communication between patients and their healthcare providers, with tuberculosis-focused tools being the most common. However, many of these were only pilot projects and did not effectively meet the region's significant respiratory health needs, highlighting the need for better guidelines and evaluations. Who this helps: This benefits patients with respiratory diseases, healthcare providers, and policymakers looking to improve health outcomes in the region.

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This study looked at how much energy short-finned pilot whales use and how much they need to eat to stay healthy. Researchers found that each whale requires about 142 squid per day, which adds up to around 52,000 squid yearly. With an estimated population of about 8,000 whales in Hawaii, this means they collectively need around 416 million squid each year to survive. Who this helps: These findings benefit marine biologists and conservationists working to protect pilot whale populations.

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Researchers studied how to best address mental health issues in patients with head and neck cancer. They found that these patients experience mental health problems as often as or more than patients with other cancers and are frequently not diagnosed or treated. Using proper screening tools and providing a combination of counseling and medication can significantly improve mental health, quality of life, and survival rates for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with head and neck cancer and their healthcare providers.

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Researchers studied how errors in Markov state models (MSMs), which analyze complex systems like chemical reactions, can affect key measurements like mean first-passage times. They found that poor choices in how data is sampled can lead to significant errors, impacting the accuracy of predictions. For example, using an unsuitable "lag time" can lead to misestimations, highlighting that selecting the right methods is crucial for better accuracy in these models. Who this helps: This benefits scientists and researchers working on complex system analyses in fields like chemistry and biology.

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This study looked at how patients with insomnia felt about their sleep quality after using cannabis-based medicine over a period of time. Researchers found that participants' sleep quality scores improved significantly, rising from an average of 2.66 at the start to 3.81 after 18 months, and they also reported better overall well-being and less anxiety. While some participants experienced side effects, none were serious, indicating the treatment was mostly safe. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with insomnia who are seeking alternative treatment options.

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This study looked at how support from coaches affects athletes at different skill levels, comparing 16 elite athletes with 16 super-elite Olympic athletes. It found that super-elite athletes felt their needs for support were consistently met, reporting more instances of help from coaches throughout their development, especially during the crucial Mastery stage. This research highlights that strong coaching support is vital for athletes’ success and suggests that coaches should prioritize providing ongoing support to all athletes at every stage of their careers. Who this helps: This benefits coaches and athletes, especially those striving for elite and Olympic-level performance.

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This paper outlines new guidelines for diagnosing shock and monitoring blood flow in severely ill adult patients. The guidelines include 50 specific recommendations, such as checking skin blood flow through capillary refill time and monitoring oxygen levels in the blood through central venous catheters. These measures are important because they help medical staff quickly identify the severity of a patient’s condition and guide effective treatment. Who this helps: These guidelines benefit doctors and healthcare teams working with critically ill patients.