LORI KAY REED, MD

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This study looked at how subcutaneous infusion pumps are used to deliver prostacyclin therapy to patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a serious condition that affects blood flow in the lungs. Researchers found that using these pumps can improve patient outcomes, but the therapy is not widely used due to concerns about its complexity. Recent improvements to pump design, such as easier setup and better usability features, aim to make the therapy more accessible and encourage more doctors and patients to adopt it. Who this helps: This helps patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and their doctors.

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This study looked at how to safely switch patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) from injectable medications to an oral drug called selexipag. The researchers found that while many patients could benefit from this transition, it requires careful planning and teamwork between the patient and healthcare providers to ensure it's done safely and effectively. They emphasized the importance of monitoring patients closely after the switch to make sure they remain stable and can get the best possible outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension who may find oral medication easier to manage than injections.

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This study focused on a cancer education program aimed at improving knowledge and screening intentions related to oropharynx, colon, and prostate cancers among African American men. Researchers recruited 84 men from four churches and found that after the program, participants showed significant increases in cancer knowledge, self-confidence about cancer, and intentions to get screened for prostate cancer, with notable score improvements (e.g., knowledge score increased by 0.22). The findings highlight the importance of culturally tailored education programs in encouraging health screenings among this community. Who this helps: This helps African American men by increasing their awareness and encouraging them to seek cancer screenings.

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This study looked at how well physical therapy and nursing students in a free clinic were able to implement a specific type of walking training called high-intensity gait training (HIGT) for patients with strokes or spinal cord injuries. They found that while students spent an average of 46 minutes with each patient during the training, only 6 out of 13 patients managed to get their heart rates into the effective zone for at least 13% of the time. This matters because it shows that while students can engage patients for the right amount of time, they are struggling to help them work at a high enough intensity to be truly beneficial. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from strokes and spinal cord injuries by improving how healthcare students learn to treat them effectively.

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This study created a new resource called the Welsh Advanced Neuroimaging Database (WAND), which includes detailed brain scans and activity data from 170 healthy individuals aged 18 to 63. The dataset combines advanced imaging techniques like MRI, MEG, and TMS, and offers over 300 data sets for researchers to analyze brain health and functioning in various ways. This is important because it provides a comprehensive tool for understanding the human brain better, which can lead to improved diagnostics and treatments for brain-related conditions. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and healthcare professionals studying brain health.

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This study looked at the size and proportions of lips on Vogue magazine covers from 1980 to 2023. Researchers found that the ratio of upper lip thickness to total lip thickness increased significantly over the decades, especially after 2004 and May 2015. This suggests that beauty standards, as seen in media, have moved towards fuller lips, which aligns with a rise in plastic surgery popularity. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking cosmetic procedures and doctors who perform lip enhancement treatments.

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This study looked at how a specific gene mutation, called KMT2D, affects brain cancer known as medulloblastoma. Researchers found that when KMT2D is partially lost, it triggers changes in the cancer cells that make them more aggressive, and using a combination of two drugs can greatly reduce the growth of these cancer cells. Specifically, the drugs targeting the cancer's energy production and a specific protein reduced the tumor's ability to grow by nearly 50%. Who this helps: This benefits patients with medulloblastoma, as well as their doctors in tailoring more effective treatments.

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This study looked at how to better prepare simulated patients (SPs) for telehealth training, which has become more important due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It found that SPs need specific training to handle virtual communication and technology effectively, ensuring they can portray realistic patient scenarios. The findings stress the importance of developing structured training guidelines for SPs to enhance the quality of telehealth education. Who this helps: This helps students and health care professionals by improving their telehealth skills.

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This study compares the effectiveness of epilepsy surgery to additional anti-seizure medications for treating patients with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), a severe form of epilepsy with no cure. Researchers will analyze how these treatments affect patients' use of healthcare services and their quality of life, focusing on aspects like communication and behavior. This matters because it aims to provide families with clear evidence on which treatment might be better for managing their loved ones' seizures and overall wellbeing. Who this helps: This helps patients with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and their families.

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This study looked at the use of Tyvaso DPI, a new inhaler treatment for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and related lung diseases. Researchers found that Tyvaso DPI is a convenient and well-tolerated option for delivering medication directly to the lungs, resulting in fewer side effects compared to other forms of treatment. These findings are important because they help improve patient care and outcomes for individuals dealing with these serious lung conditions. Who this helps: This helps patients with pulmonary hypertension and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at two types of surgery for patients with severe arthritis in the subtalar joint: open surgery and a less invasive arthroscopic method. It found that both surgeries are safe and effective, with a 95.4% success rate for open surgery and 93.6% for arthroscopic surgery, and both groups had similar complication rates (44% for open versus 39% for arthroscopic). These findings are important because they help doctors understand the options available for treating this condition and encourage informed decisions about patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients with severe subtalar arthritis.

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This study looked at two ways to teach Autistic individuals how to prepare meals: using simple, low-tech methods versus more advanced, high-tech methods. Both methods helped increase participants' cooking skills, with mixed feelings about which type they preferred. It's important to include feedback from Autistic individuals when creating these teaching tools, as their preferences can help improve learning experiences. Who this helps: This helps Autistic individuals learning new skills like cooking.

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This study looked at how two types of hip surgeries—unilateral and bilateral periacetabular osteotomy (PAO)—affect the alignment of the spine in patients who have hip dysplasia. Researchers found that while the surgery improved hip angles significantly (from an average of 13 to 28 degrees for the unilateral group and from 16 to 32 degrees for the bilateral group), the overall alignment of the spine did not change much after the procedures. This is important because it suggests that the spine's position may be a fixed condition in these patients, rather than something that can be easily adjusted through surgery. Who this helps: This research helps orthopedic surgeons and their patients understand the impact of hip surgery on spinal alignment.

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This study looked at how new U.S. government policies might affect school meals for low-income children. Researchers found that changes to programs like SNAP and Medicaid could reduce the number of kids getting free or low-cost meals at school, impacting nearly 30 million lunches served each day. This is important because nutritious meals are essential for children's health and learning, especially for those from struggling families. Who this helps: This benefits children from low-income families who rely on school meals for proper nutrition.

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This study looked at how well Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs teach nurses to understand and use nursing theories in their work. Researchers found that there is a lack of focused teaching on this topic, and they proposed a new term called "nursing theory conversance" to describe the ability to apply these theories in practice. This is important because better understanding of nursing theories can lead to improved patient care and nursing practices. Who this helps: This helps nursing students and healthcare professionals improve their skills and patient outcomes.

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This study looked at the specific stressors faced by young Black pregnant people and how these stressors affect their mental health and pregnancy outcomes. Researchers found that these individuals experience significant stress due to societal pressures, lack of resources, and feelings of isolation, which can increase the risk of mental health concerns during pregnancy. Addressing these stressors is crucial as it can lead to better support for this group, ultimately improving their health and well-being. Who this helps: Young Black pregnant individuals and their families.

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This study looked at the results of a procedure called sialendoscopy in patients who had minor salivary gland biopsies. Researchers found that out of 22 patients with positive biopsy results, many needed more extensive treatment during the procedure compared to 21 patients with negative biopsies, specifically requiring dilation more often (with a p-value of less than 0.0001). However, other factors like scarring and mucus presence were similar in both groups. Who this helps: This benefits doctors making treatment decisions for patients with minor salivary gland issues.

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This study looked at a new way to repair the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in athletes, particularly those who throw a lot, like baseball players. The researchers described a technique using internal braces and knotless suture anchors, which helps athletes recover effectively and get back to their sport. Their findings show that this method provides good stability and functionality, improving outcomes with fewer complications. Who this helps: This benefits athletes, especially those in sports that involve throwing, like baseball.

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This study examined how to better identify physical abuse injuries in young children using a set of specialized codes from healthcare records. Researchers analyzed data from over 122,000 children, finding that their new set of codes detected confirmed cases of child physical abuse with a sensitivity of 70%, significantly higher than older methods that had sensitivities of only 19% and 54%. This matters because improved detection can lead to better care for vulnerable children and help reduce biases in how abuse is recognized. Who this helps: This helps children at risk of physical abuse and the healthcare professionals who care for them.

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This study looked at how well the drug felbamate works for children with a rare type of epilepsy called myoclonic atonic seizures (EMAtS). It found that 62% of the patients treated with felbamate had a significant reduction in their seizures, which is much better than the 15% success rate for another common medication, levetiracetam, and 32% for valproic acid. Since treatment options for EMAtS are limited and often ineffective, this finding is important as it highlights a potentially better therapy for these patients. Who this helps: This helps children with epilepsy and their doctors by providing a new treatment option.

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This study looked at how young Black pregnant women in Chicago make food choices and what affects their diets. Researchers found that 11 participants highlighted three main factors: limited access to healthy food, stress in their lives, and the influence of family on their eating habits. Tackling these issues, especially the impact of food deserts in their neighborhoods, is crucial for improving health outcomes for Black mothers and their babies. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women, healthcare providers, and policymakers working to improve maternal health.

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This study looked at how choosing between two methods for selecting embryos—one based on their appearance and the other using genetic testing—affects the chances of having a baby for young women facing infertility. Researchers found that women who used genetic testing (PGT-A) had a live birth rate of 72%, compared to 49% for those who relied only on appearance. This is especially important because it shows that genetic testing can significantly increase the likelihood of a successful first pregnancy attempt, especially for younger patients. Who this helps: This helps young women struggling with infertility.

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This study looked at a new automatic device designed to store eggs and embryos at very low temperatures in IVF (in vitro fertilization) labs. Over 164 days, the device successfully managed 329 batches of eggs and embryos without losing any specimens or exposing them to unsafe temperatures, even while maintaining consistent low temperatures around -177°C. This is important because it shows that the new device can improve how IVF labs handle and store specimens, making the process safer and more reliable. Who this helps: This helps IVF patients and clinics by ensuring better preservation of embryos and eggs.

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This study looked at two types of enzymes involved in gene regulation: histone methyltransferases (HMTs) and histone demethylases (HDMs). Researchers found that when these enzymes do not function properly, they can lead to cancer by silencing important genes that stop tumors or activating genes that promote tumors. The same disruptions in these enzymes also play a role in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, worsening brain cell damage and disease progress. Who this helps: This helps patients with cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as doctors treating these conditions.

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This study examined the pregnancy experiences of young Black mothers in Chicago, revealing that they face high rates of health complications during and after childbirth due to racism and bias in the healthcare system. Out of 11 participants, key findings included issues like mistrust in doctors and trauma related to their pregnancies, but the women also found ways to protect themselves, such as seeking out supportive healthcare providers. These insights matter because they highlight the urgent need for better maternity care that acknowledges and addresses the unique challenges faced by young Black mothers. Who this helps: This helps young Black mothers and healthcare providers by improving understanding and care practices.

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This study looked at how a computer-guided consultation (CGC) could help manage asthma for patients in lower-income areas of Greater Manchester, where asthma problems are worse than average. They reviewed 338 asthma patients and found that 72% had "Poor" asthma control. After using the CGC, many patients received better treatment based on current guidelines, with nearly half having their therapy adjusted—82% of those required more intensive treatment. This approach helps improve asthma care and could reduce healthcare inequalities in these communities. Who this helps: Patients with asthma, especially those in low-income areas.

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This study looked at how nursing education can better teach sexual and reproductive health (SRH) to include marginalized groups, particularly sexual and gender minorities (SGM). Researchers found that certain aspects of a caring framework, known as Watson's Theory of Caring, can help strengthen SRH education by providing clear strategies to make nursing programs more inclusive. This is important because it prepares nurses to offer effective care to all patients, especially those with unique needs. Who this helps: Patients, particularly sexual and gender minorities.

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This study looked at how computer modeling can help understand how drugs work and how they can be combined to treat tuberculosis. The researchers created a system that uses biological data and advanced math to simulate the effects of different drug combinations. Their findings demonstrate that this method can optimize four-drug combinations for tuberculosis treatment, potentially replacing the need for extensive animal testing. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers in developing more effective treatments for tuberculosis patients.

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This study looked at how different growing conditions, like light and nutrient levels, affect the levels of pigments and light absorption in two types of cyanobacteria: Dolichospermum lemmermannii and Microcystis aeruginosa. Researchers found that the two species could be easily distinguished based on how they absorbed light, but they responded differently to the growth conditions. For instance, D. lemmermannii showed much more variation in pigment levels than M. aeruginosa, which stayed relatively stable. This information is important because it helps scientists better monitor cyanobacteria blooms using satellite imagery, especially when they don’t know the specific types or growth stages of these organisms. Who this helps: This helps scientists and environmental managers who monitor water quality.

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This research looked at how genetic testing for epilepsy in children has changed over recent years at Children's Hospital Colorado. They found that while the number of tests increased by 292%, the rate of finding clear causes for epilepsy stayed around 11-13%. However, the time it took to get results dropped from 2.9 years to just 0.7 years, and most of the identified causes helped doctors manage treatment better. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients and their doctors by providing quicker answers and better treatment options.

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This study looked at how chronic salivary disorders affect people's quality of life using a modified survey called the Salivary-OHIP (S-OHIP). Researchers surveyed 67 patients with these disorders and a control group of 16 people before and after surgery, finding that those with salivary disorders reported a significant improvement in their quality of life, with an average score decrease of 9.5 points. This matters because it shows that the S-OHIP is an effective tool for measuring changes in the quality of life for patients dealing with chronic salivary issues. Who this helps: Patients suffering from chronic salivary disorders.

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This study focused on evaluating how effective certain microRNAs (miRNAs) are in detecting cervical cancer. The researchers analyzed data from 52 different miRNAs and found that some, specifically miR199a-5p, miR21-5p, and miR-141a, showed strong performance in identifying the disease, with overall detection rates around 76% for various test measures. This is important because better detection methods can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer, improving patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for cervical cancer and healthcare providers involved in diagnosis.

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This study looked at how aging affects the quality of egg cells (oocytes) in mice and women. Researchers found that older oocytes had lower levels of key proteins needed for mitochondrial health, with a significant drop in two important proteins, total-PRKN and phosphorylated-PRKN. When older oocytes were treated with a specific antioxidant, it improved mitochondrial health and increased the chances of successful embryo development. Who this helps: This helps women of advanced maternal age and fertility specialists.

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In this study, doctors looked at a patient with pain on the outer side of the knee caused by an extra tendon linked to the biceps femoris muscle. After trying other treatments that didn't work, they surgically connected this extra tendon to the main tendon, which successfully relieved the pain and snapping sounds during knee movement. This is important because it shows a clear solution for a specific cause of knee pain that isn't easily spotted on MRIs or treated with standard methods. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from lateral knee pain who don't respond to conventional treatment.

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This study looked at how a mutation in the KMT2D gene affects the development of medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumor. Researchers found that when KMT2D is only partially lost, it makes tumor cells more aggressive and helps them grow by changing the activity of other important genes. They discovered that using specific drugs to target the tumor's energy use and the way genes are modified could significantly reduce the growth of these tumors. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with KMT2D-deficient medulloblastoma, offering potential new treatment options.

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Researchers studied embryos from 2,966 women undergoing fertility treatment to see how well embryos developed on their seventh day compared to those on the fifth and sixth days. They found that embryos that reached day 7 had significantly lower chances of resulting in a successful pregnancy, with only 36% achieving live births, compared to 68.5% for day 5 and 55.2% for day 6 embryos. This is important because it helps doctors set more realistic expectations for patients who have embryos that develop slowly. Who this helps: This helps infertility patients and their doctors understand the challenges of slow-developing embryos.

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This study looked at how a family medicine practice provides care to transgender and gender nonbinary (TGNB) individuals. It found that while some care measures were being followed, there are significant gaps, such as the need for follow-up visits (61.5% of cases) and health screenings like mammograms (66.7%). These findings highlight the importance of training healthcare staff to better support TGNB patients and improve their overall health care experience. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly those who are transgender or gender nonbinary.

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This paper looks at how to reuse a certain type of lab animal—specifically, monkeys that have already been used in research—when developing new drugs. The researchers found that many pharmaceutical companies are already reusing these animals, but there’s still a lot of room to grow; the survey they conducted showed that organizations see both a need and an opportunity to increase reuse. Understanding how to safely and effectively reuse these animals is important for improving drug development while also addressing ethical concerns. Who this helps: This benefits patients and pharmaceutical companies by potentially speeding up drug discovery and development.

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This study looked at how early palliative care support for critically ill stroke patients can improve emotional well-being and decision-making for both patients and their caregivers. The research involved 22 patients, and findings showed significant reductions in anxiety and PTSD symptoms—specifically, anxiety decreased by 43% and PTSD symptoms by over 30% three months after early palliative care was provided. This matters because it highlights a way to support the emotional needs of patients and their loved ones during a stressful time in the hospital. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from strokes and their families.

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This study examined how resistant starch (a type of fiber) and aspirin affect cancer rates in patients with Lynch syndrome, who are at higher risk for certain cancers. Over nearly 20 years, 52 patients taking resistant starch developed colorectal cancer, compared to 53 taking a placebo, showing no significant difference in colorectal cancer rates. However, those taking resistant starch had significantly fewer cases of non-colorectal cancers, with 27 patients diagnosed compared to 48 on the placebo group. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Lynch syndrome by potentially reducing their risk of non-colorectal cancers.

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This study looked at how green algae grow under different conditions, including when they use light, organic carbon, or both for energy. Researchers found that algae grew fastest and produced the most biomass with moderate amounts of acetate (1-4 grams per liter), while higher concentrations (10 grams per liter) actually slowed growth. Understanding these growth patterns can help improve the methods used to cultivate algae commercially. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and companies involved in algae cultivation and biotechnology.

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This study focuses on improving nursing education by incorporating lessons on racial equity to address biases in maternal health care. Researchers found that through training programs, health care professionals learned to recognize and speak up against racism, which is vital as racism significantly contributes to higher rates of maternal and infant deaths. This rethinking of nursing education is crucial for creating a more equitable health care system. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially mothers and infants, by ensuring they receive fair and effective care.

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This study looked at how many first-time adolescent mothers in England joined a home-visiting program designed to help them. Out of over 110,000 eligible mothers, only 25,680 (about 23%) enrolled, with rates varying significantly between different areas—from as low as 11% to as high as 68%. The findings highlight that many vulnerable mothers, especially those in poorer areas, were not receiving the support they need, particularly in places with a high number of young mothers. Who this helps: This helps young mothers who are at risk and need more support during their transition into parenthood.

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This research focused on improving how clinical researchers understand and address the challenges faced by family caregivers of dementia patients by using a method called Design Thinking. After conducting workshops that involved these caregivers, researchers reported a better grasp of the difficulties caregivers face and ideas for new support solutions. This is important because it highlights ways to enhance caregiving and create targeted interventions, ultimately leading to better care for dementia patients. Who this helps: This helps caregivers and healthcare researchers.

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This study looked at how a new treatment plan for mild to moderate COVID-19 patients in emergency departments helped reduce crowded hospital conditions. Out of 2,417 patients treated, 20.8% needed to be admitted to the hospital, only 1.1% died, and no deaths occurred in the observation units. By using this protocol, hospitals saved 284 inpatient days and kept bounce back rates low, showing it effectively manages patient flow and healthcare resources. Who this helps: This benefits hospitals by easing overcrowding and ensuring patients receive appropriate care.

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This study looked at repairing rotator cuff tears, which are frequent and painful injuries. Researchers focused on a specific repair technique that uses a type of tissue graft, called dermal allograft, to improve healing. They found that this method can lower the chances of the tear reoccurring, especially for patients with larger tears or who are older. Who this helps: This approach benefits patients with rotator cuff tears, especially those at higher risk for re-injury.