DR. MAJA K. SANDBERG, M.D.

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This study looked at a new 3D printing method that allows for precise control of how fibers are arranged in materials, which is important because materials often behave differently based on their direction. The researchers found that by rotating and tilting the printing nozzle, they could manipulate fiber orientation in all three dimensions, resulting in designs that can respond in specific ways to heat or pressure. This advancement is significant for creating better products in areas like wearable technology, medical implants, and energy storage devices. Who this helps: This benefits manufacturers, engineers, and patients needing advanced medical devices.

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This study looked at the importance of removing pelvic lymph nodes during surgery for prostate cancer that hasn't spread. Researchers found that doing this can help reduce the risk of cancer spreading to other parts of the body. Even though some guidelines are cautious due to potential side effects, evidence shows that complications are generally low, and new imaging technologies could improve the surgery in the future. Who this helps: Patients with localized prostate cancer.

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This study looked at the health issues faced by people in Sweden who have both intellectual disability (ID) and schizophrenia, compared to those with only one of these conditions. Researchers found that individuals with both ID and schizophrenia had a higher risk of various health problems, such as diabetes and obesity, compared to those with only ID or only schizophrenia. For example, this group had significantly increased risks for conditions affecting blood, the endocrine system, and respiratory diseases. Understanding these risks is crucial to provide better care and treatment for these individuals. Who this helps: This helps patients with intellectual disability and schizophrenia, as well as their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how health diagnoses for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) in southern Sweden compare to those in the general population, focusing on different age groups from 2014 to 2021. Researchers found that people with ID are at higher risk for many health issues, especially as they age, but they had a lower risk of being diagnosed with cancer, possibly due to less frequent screening. This matters because it highlights the need for better health screenings and tailored interventions for people with ID to ensure they receive appropriate care. Who this helps: Patients with intellectual disabilities and their healthcare providers.

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The study looked at how body composition affects the risk of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women under 60, focusing on both nonobese and obese women. It found that nearly 20% of the 6,276 women studied had SUI, with factors like higher body fat, age, smoking, and physical activity levels influencing the risk in nonobese women. For obese women, factors such as higher caloric intake and triglyceride levels were significant. Understanding these links helps tailor prevention and treatment strategies for SUI. Who this helps: Women experiencing stress urinary incontinence, healthcare providers, and researchers in women's health.

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This research looked at how to effectively manage pain after lumbar discectomy surgery to help patients recover faster and better. It analyzed 76 studies involving over 5,600 participants and found that strategies like using paracetamol, NSAIDs, and local anesthetics can significantly reduce the need for opioids and lower pain levels within the first 24 hours after surgery. However, the reliability of these findings is limited due to issues with the quality of the studies, so more high-quality research is needed. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from lumbar discectomy surgery.

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This study examined how societal discrimination affects the relationships between healthcare providers and perinatal women in the U.S., particularly focusing on women of color. Researchers found that women who experienced discrimination often developed vigilant behaviors, which then led to poorer relationships with their healthcare providers. Specifically, race and socioeconomic status were strong indicators of discrimination, and those experiences negatively impacted the quality of care received. Who this helps: This helps perinatal women, especially those from marginalized racial and socioeconomic backgrounds.

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This study looked at ways to reduce the bacteria Campylobacter in free-range chickens, which often have higher levels than conventional chickens. Researchers tested several additives in the chickens' feed and water, finding that adding biochar to the feed reduced Campylobacter levels by 0.70 logCFU/g, and using organic acids in water decreased it by 0.62 logCFU/g. This matters because reducing Campylobacter can lead to healthier chickens and safer meat for consumers. Who this helps: This helps chicken farmers and consumers who want safer poultry products.

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This paper looked at the importance of wood and cellulose as sustainable materials that can help create a better future. The authors emphasize that cellulose, the main component of wood, is the most common natural material on Earth and can be used in various fields like construction, food production, energy, and technology. They believe that by advancing the use of cellulose and wood, we can make a significant positive impact on society and encourage further research into these materials. Who this helps: This benefits everyone, especially those working in construction, food industries, and environmental sustainability.

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This study looked at how congenital heart disease (CHD) affects the start of labor and the type of delivery—natural or cesarean—among women in Norway from 1994 to 2014. Out of over 1.2 million childbirths, those women with mild CHD were more likely to have induced labor (11% more likely) and cesarean deliveries (27% more likely), while those with moderate/severe CHD had even higher rates (34% more likely for induced labor and 80% more likely for cesareans). This information is important because it helps doctors understand the risks associated with pregnancies in women with CHD, guiding better care during childbirth. Who this helps: This helps patients with congenital heart disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how Sweden and Finland can shift from using fossil fuels to a circular bioeconomy, focusing on turning leftover wood from forests into valuable products like biopolymers. The WoodPro project showed that using advanced technologies could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote rural development. It emphasized that these practices not only help the environment but also put these countries in a leading position for sustainable development globally. Who this helps: This benefits patients and communities by promoting a healthier environment and supporting local economies.

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This study compared two imaging methods, transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to see which one better measures the size of the prostate before surgery in men with prostate cancer. Researchers found that TRUS estimates the prostate size to be around 4.8 mL smaller than MRI, and both methods were smaller than the actual prostate weight post-surgery, with TRUS being less accurate overall. However, the differences between the two methods were small enough that TRUS is still considered a reliable option for imaging in prostate cancer patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with prostate cancer by providing reliable imaging options for their treatment planning.

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This study looked at where patients went after surgery for bladder cancer and how it affected their health outcomes. Researchers found that patients who went straight home had a lower chance of dying after the surgery compared to those who went to nursing assistance or skilled nursing facilities. However, going home, nursing assistance, or skilled nursing did not significantly affect the rates of emergency room visits or hospital readmissions. This matters because it highlights that discharge destination does not determine how often patients might require further medical care after surgery, and addresses the need to improve care for those with lower socioeconomic status. Who this helps: Patients recovering from bladder cancer surgery and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy affects bladder cancer cells in a lab setting. The researchers found that bladder cancer cells treated with PEMF therapy grew more slowly compared to untreated cells, with a significant reduction in growth rates (p<0.05). Additionally, the therapy changed the activity of many genes related to cancer pathways, indicating potential benefits for treatment. Who this helps: This research could benefit patients with bladder cancer looking for less invasive treatment options.

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This study looked at the complications patients face after undergoing radical cystectomy, a surgery for bladder cancer. Researchers found that 54.8% of patients experienced complications within 90 days after surgery, with 33.7% needing to visit the emergency department and 18.7% readmitted to the hospital within 30 days. Most emergency visits and readmissions were due to infections, and patients with a specific type of surgery (cutaneous ureterostomy) faced higher risks. This information is crucial for improving patient care and monitoring after this surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by highlighting the need for closer follow-up care for those at risk of complications.

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This study looked at kidney cancer patients with tumor clots from North America, Central/South America, and South Korea to see how their conditions and outcomes differed. It found that patients in Central/South America had higher levels of tumor clots and more advanced cancer stages, while patients in South Korea had better survival rates overall. Specifically, overall survival was better in South Korea compared to Central/South America, and cancer-specific survival was also higher in South Korea compared to the other regions. Who this helps: This information benefits kidney cancer patients and their doctors by highlighting regional differences that can influence treatment and outcomes.

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This study looked at the rates of serious congenital heart defects (CHDs) in Norway from 1994 to 2014 by analyzing data from all births and pregnancies that ended before birth. Researchers found a total of 18,838 cases of CHD among over 1.2 million births and terminations, which means about 149 out of every 10,000 pregnancies had a CHD. While the rate of severe CHDs went up in the early 2000s, it then fell to about 28 per 10,000 by 2014, largely due to fewer cases linked to genetic syndromes. Who this helps: This information is valuable for healthcare providers and parents, particularly those with newborns or expecting children.

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This study looked at newer, less invasive treatments for localized prostate cancer, focusing on techniques like high-intensity focused ultrasound, cryoablation, and irreversible electroporation. They analyzed 45 patients who underwent these treatments from 2023 to 2025, finding that, despite no major changes in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and mostly stable urinary and sexual function, three patients did have cancer return, and the average treatment cost was about $3,804.50. This research highlights effective treatment options that are less costly and invasive compared to traditional methods and provide valuable information about their effectiveness. Who this helps: Patients with localized prostate cancer looking for less invasive treatment options.

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This study looked at the health outcomes of women with intellectual disabilities during and after pregnancy compared to women without such disabilities. Researchers found that women with intellectual disabilities are 67% more likely to develop pre-eclampsia and 130% more likely to experience infections affecting the urinary tract. These findings are important because they highlight the additional health risks pregnant women with intellectual disabilities face, which can help improve their care and support during pregnancy. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women with intellectual disabilities and their healthcare providers.

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This paper reviews how kidney cancer that develops with a blood clot (called tumor thrombus) behaves and how it's treated. Researchers found that the way kidney cancer with a tumor thrombus occurs varies by location, and the biological reasons for tumor thrombus formation are not well understood. Some patients might benefit from a surgery combining tumor removal and blood clot removal, along with other treatments, but the details on who benefits are unclear. Understanding these factors is crucial for improving treatment options. Who this helps: This helps patients with kidney cancer that has developed a tumor thrombus and their doctors.

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This study looked at using whole genome sequencing (WGS) to help identify patients at higher risk for certain diseases in a private healthcare setting in the UK. Out of 104 participants, 23 (or 22%) had genetic variations that could lead to changes in their medical care, including 10 with genes linked to cancer risk. This is important because it shows that WGS can effectively uncover genetic information that helps doctors manage patients' health better. Who this helps: Patients and their doctors.

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This study looked at men with congenital heart disease (CHD) to see how it affects their ability to become fathers and the health of their babies. Between 1994 and 2014 in Norway, the number of men with CHD went up, from 22.7 to 32.2 per 10,000 men. While men with mild CHD could father children at a similar rate as those without CHD, men with moderate or severe CHD had a lower chance of becoming fathers (78 out of 100 compared to other men), but their children did not have a higher risk of being born early or being small for their age. Who this helps: This information helps doctors and healthcare providers understand the reproductive outcomes for men with congenital heart disease and how it affects their families.

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This study compared patients who had bladder surgery for non-cancerous reasons (benign cystectomy) to those who had the surgery for cancer (malignant cystectomy). Researchers found that 51% of the benign cystectomy patients had complications while in the hospital, compared to 36% of cancer patients. Additionally, benign patients had higher rates of returning to the emergency department (51% vs. 34%) and were more likely to be readmitted to the hospital (40% vs. 17%). These findings highlight a significant difference in health outcomes based on the reason for surgery, suggesting that non-cancer patients may need more support after their procedures. Who this helps: This helps patients with benign bladder conditions and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how often kidney stones were found in kidneys donated for transplants and what happened to patients after receiving these kidneys. Out of 4,723 kidney transplants studied, only 8 (0.2%) had stones present at the time of the transplant, with an average stone size of 8 mm. Among these patients, 38% were treated for their stones, and 25% faced kidney failure, indicating that it is generally safe to transplant kidneys with known stones. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving kidney transplants and their doctors by providing insight into the safety of using donor kidneys with stones.

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This study looked at three types of surgery for treating upper tract cancer in the urinary system: open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and robotic surgery. It found that robotic surgery resulted in fewer complications and better cancer survival rates, with patients using this method being 2.5 times less likely to die from their cancer compared to those who had open surgery. Interestingly, patients who had robotic surgery were also more likely to meet quality measures for the surgery, called the tetrafecta. Who this helps: This helps patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma by highlighting safer and more effective surgical options.

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This study looked at three surgical methods for treating kidney cancer that has spread to a blood vessel: open surgery, laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery, and robotic surgery. It involved 392 patients, and while overall survival rates were similar across all methods, those who had robotic surgery had a significantly lower chance of remaining free from cancer spread, with a 30% risk of metastasis. Open surgery took the longest and involved more blood transfusions than robotic surgery, which was the quickest and had fewer transfusions. Who this helps: This research is useful for doctors deciding on the best surgical approach for kidney cancer patients.

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This study looked at how effective systemic therapy (like chemotherapy or immunotherapy) is for patients with kidney cancer that has grown into a blood vessel (known as a tumor thrombus), both when the cancer has spread and when it hasn't. Researchers found that in patients without metastases who did not receive systemic therapy before surgery, over half remained free of metastatic events for about 80 months, while those who received such therapy had a median of just 13 months before metastasis. For patients with metastases, those who received therapy before surgery lived about 24 months, while those who did not lived about 5.7 months. Who this helps: This research helps kidney cancer patients and their doctors understand the importance of systemic therapy in improving survival outcomes.

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This study looked at three types of surgical approaches—open surgery, laparoscopic, and robotic—for a procedure called cytoreductive nephrectomy with tumor thrombectomy (CN-TT) in patients with advanced kidney cancer that has spread to blood vessels. Researchers analyzed data from 131 patients and found no significant differences in survival rates: patients who had open surgery lived for about 1.6 years on average, those with laparoscopic surgery for about 1.5 years, and robotic surgery patients for about 2.5 years. This matters because it shows that the type of surgery does not significantly change survival outcomes, which suggests that doctors and patients can choose the method that best suits their needs and preferences. Who this helps: This benefits patients as they can select the surgical option that is most comfortable for them.

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This study looked at the risks of infection and acute urinary retention (AUR) after a specific type of prostate biopsy called transperineal biopsy. Out of 767 biopsies performed, 1.83% of patients developed infections and 5.48% experienced AUR. It was found that men who had AUR were five times more likely to get an infection, and those with larger prostate sizes were also at higher risk. Who this helps: Patients undergoing transperineal prostate biopsy can benefit from understanding their risks.

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Researchers studied a gene called STX6, which is linked to sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD), a serious brain disorder. In mice with reduced STX6 levels, they found that the time it took for prion disease to develop differed by 12 days compared to normal mice. This matters because understanding how STX6 affects the disease could lead to new insights for treating sCJD and other neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's. Who this helps: This helps patients with prion diseases and other related neurological disorders.

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This study explored how to create affordable and eco-friendly materials for devices called photocatalytic fuel cells (PCFCs), which can both clean water and generate energy. Researchers developed a new type of electrode made from zinc oxide nanoparticles attached to carbon fiber, which performed well in breaking down a water pollutant called salicylic acid. They found that using a special electrode made of a material called PEDOT:PSS was especially effective, degrading 44.1% of the pollutant in 120 minutes under simulated sunlight. Who this helps: This helps environmental engineers and water treatment facilities in their efforts to clean polluted water efficiently and affordably.

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This study examined how certain immune cell counts in patients with renal cell carcinoma (a type of kidney cancer) and a tumor thrombus (a blood clot associated with the tumor) can predict cancer outcomes after surgery. Researchers looked at data from 144 patients and found that those who died from RCC had higher lymphocyte counts before surgery (2 compared to 1.4), while patients with more advanced tumors (showing fat invasion) had higher neutrophil counts (7.5 vs. 5.5). This research helps identify which patients may face worse outcomes after surgery, making it crucial for better treatment decisions. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and patients with renal cell carcinoma.

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This study examined kidney transplant patients who developed bladder stones over almost 40 years. Researchers found that only 0.22% of these patients, or 20 out of 8,835, experienced this issue, typically around 13 years after their transplant. The main cause of the bladder stones was linked to the use of certain sutures during surgery, which the hospital has stopped using. Who this helps: This information benefits kidney transplant patients and their doctors by improving surgical techniques and reducing the risk of bladder stones.

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This review studied salvage robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (sRARP), a surgery for men whose localized prostate cancer has returned after radiation or other treatments. The findings show that while sRARP is generally better than traditional open surgery, it still has worse cancer control and functional outcomes compared to primary surgeries, with only about 50% achieving urinary continence a year after the operation. It’s important for patients to understand these outcomes, as they affect decisions about managing prostate cancer. Who this helps: Patients with recurrent prostate cancer after previous treatments.

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This study looked at how effective and safe a robotic surgery called robot-assisted radical nephroureterectomy is for older patients compared to younger ones with a type of kidney cancer. Researchers followed 145 patients between 2009 and 2022 and found that both age groups had similar rates of cancer returning after 3 years—60% in younger patients and 67% in older patients. Surprisingly, the younger patients had a higher overall survival rate at 1 year (89% vs. 76%) and 3 years (72% vs. 41%), but there were no significant risks for major complications in older patients. Who this helps: This research benefits older patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma by showing that they can safely undergo robotic surgery.

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This study looked at two different treatments for patients with high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer who had never received treatment before. Researchers compared the effectiveness of a sequential chemotherapy method using Gemcitabine and Docetaxel (Gem-Doce) to the standard treatment, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). They found that after 12 months, 87% of patients on Gem-Doce and 85% on BCG had no tumor recurrence, and Gem-Doce caused fewer side effects (40% compared to 74% for BCG). Who this helps: This benefits patients with high-risk bladder cancer looking for effective treatment options with fewer side effects.

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This study investigated how congenital heart disease (CHD) in mothers affects the risk of preeclampsia and negative outcomes for newborns. Researchers examined data from over 1.2 million pregnancies in Norway and found that mothers with moderate/severe CHD had a 62% higher risk of preeclampsia and almost two-and-a-half times the risk of preterm birth compared to mothers without heart disease. This is important because it highlights the need for careful monitoring of pregnant women with CHD to improve outcomes for both mothers and babies. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women with congenital heart disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how people with intellectual disabilities (ID) accessed healthcare before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in southern Sweden. Researchers found that out of 14,716 people with ID, 77.9% received some form of support, and 63.8% had a diagnosis related to their intellectual disability. This research is important because it helps to understand the health needs of individuals with ID, especially during a health crisis like COVID-19, which can influence future care and support policies. Who this helps: This helps patients with intellectual disabilities and the healthcare providers who work with them.

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This study looked at how effective inhaled pain relief medications are for patients experiencing severe pain before they reach a hospital. Researchers reviewed data from seven studies involving a total of 56,535 patients. They found that nitrous oxide can reduce pain compared to a placebo but is less effective than other treatments, while methoxyflurane appears to be better than certain other pain relief options like paracetamol and fentanyl, although the overall evidence was considered low quality. This research is important because it highlights alternative pain relief methods for emergency situations, potentially improving the experience for patients in pain. Who this helps: This benefits patients in emergency care who suffer from acute pain.

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This study looked at a new surgical method to restore feeling in the face after nerves are damaged during cancer surgery. Researchers simulated the procedure on five cadavers and found that they could successfully connect a nerve from the other side of the face with only a small gap of about 15.3 mm between them. This technique could help improve patients' ability to speak and eat, raising their quality of life after surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from head and neck cancer surgeries.

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This study looked at kidney transplant patients to understand how often they develop kidney stones, how those stones are treated, and what factors might contribute to stone formation. Out of nearly 8,835 transplant patients, only 128 (1.4%) developed kidney stones, usually about 6.2 years after their transplant, with an average stone size of 5.7 mm. Treatment success varied, with percutaneous nephrolithotomy being the least effective, and while the overall rates of kidney graft failure were similar, those who formed stones had a longer time before graft failure. Who this helps: This information benefits kidney transplant patients and their healthcare providers by offering insights into kidney stone risks and treatments.

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This study looked at how often patients develop urinary tract infections (UTIs) after having bladder removal surgery with a urinary diversion. Out of 386 patients, 14% experienced a UTI within 90 days after surgery, with the highest rates occurring shortly after the operation. It also found that being female and having a certain type of urinary diversion surgery were significant risk factors for these infections. Who this helps: This information is useful for doctors treating bladder cancer patients to better manage and prevent post-surgery infections.

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This study looked at the rates of schizophrenia among people with intellectual disabilities (ID) in Sweden, comparing them to the general population. Researchers found that 7.2% of people with ID had a schizophrenia diagnosis, which is over eight times higher than the general population. This was especially true for children, where the risk was almost ten times higher, highlighting that those with ID are more likely to develop serious mental health issues earlier in life. Who this helps: This information benefits health care providers and caregivers working with children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

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This study looked at the trends in childbirth among women with congenital heart disease (CHD) in Norway from 1994 to 2014. It found that the number of women with CHD giving birth has increased, with 3504 out of 1,183,851 childbirths involving women with this condition. Women with mild CHD had similar birth rates to those without heart disease (about 1.8 children each), but those with moderate to severe CHD had significantly fewer children, averaging only 1.42. Who this helps: This information helps doctors and healthcare providers understand the reproductive health of women with congenital heart disease.

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This study looked at how often blood clots happen after surgery for bladder cancer and what factors might increase that risk. Out of 372 patients who had a radical cystectomy, 12 (or 3.2%) developed blood clots within 90 days after the surgery. Those who had surgery before 2018 were more likely to have clots, and patients with clots had a worse cancer survival rate compared to those without clots. Who this helps: This information is valuable for patients recovering from bladder cancer surgery and their doctors, as it highlights the need for careful monitoring and possible preventive treatments.

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This study looked at how bladder capacity (the amount of urine the bladder can hold under anesthesia) can help categorize patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). Researchers found that patients with a bladder capacity of 500 cc or less were generally older, more likely to have specific bladder issues called Hunner lesions, and reported more severe symptoms compared to patients with larger bladder capacities. This distinction is important because it can guide better treatment plans based on the specific characteristics of the patient's condition. Who this helps: This helps patients with IC/BPS by providing doctors with better tools to tailor treatment to their specific needs.

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This study looked at a tool called OH-EpiCap to evaluate the DANMAP program in Denmark, which tracks antibiotic use and resistance in animals and humans. The researchers found that while DANMAP effectively addresses health issues for people and animals, it lacks attention to environmental factors. They concluded that the OH-EpiCap tool is easy to use and provides helpful insights, although it's not meant for technical evaluations. Who this helps: This benefits health authorities and stakeholders working to improve antimicrobial resistance monitoring.

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This study examined a 59-year-old man with bladder cancer whose disease returned after initial treatment. He underwent surgery to remove his bladder and urinary system, but two years later, he developed another tumor in his new urinary pouch. After further treatment, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy, he showed no signs of cancer progression 16 months later. Who this helps: This helps bladder cancer patients facing recurrence after surgery.