DR. MARK K. JORDAN, M.D.

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This study tested a new way of communicating with patients about the importance of returning for their annual lung cancer screening. Researchers found that after the intervention, knowledge about when to get screened again improved by 13%, and among first-time screeners, awareness jumped from 62% to 83.9%. This matters because helping patients understand the importance of regular screenings can lead to earlier detection of lung cancer, ultimately saving lives. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly those undergoing their first lung cancer screenings.

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The study looked at how effective the medication calcitriol is in treating children and adults with X-Linked Hypophosphatemia (XLH) over a year. While levels of phosphate in the blood didn't change, two out of four children saw improvements in rickets, and children had lower levels of alkaline phosphatase, indicating some benefit. This matters because it shows that calcitriol is a safe treatment option for XLH, with some positive effects on bone health and mineral balance. Who this helps: This helps patients with X-Linked Hypophosphatemia and their doctors.

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This research looked at how quickly different types of approval boards (single versus local institutional review boards) process studies involving children's health. They found that it took about the same time for both types of boards to approve studies and start enrolling participants, with the average approval time being 20 days for local boards and 19 days for single boards. This matters because it shows that using a single board doesn't necessarily speed up the research process, indicating the need for more evaluation of how these approval systems affect study timelines. Who this helps: This helps researchers and study coordinators streamline their approval processes.

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This study looked at how men and women living with HIV in 13 African countries differ in their health outcomes, such as knowing their HIV status, getting treatment, and managing the virus. It found that, overall, men had worse outcomes than women in these areas, even though men often had more advantages like education and wealth. The gap between men's and women's health outcomes has shrunk over time, mainly due to improvements in addressing barriers like stigma and restrictive gender norms. Who this helps: This helps men living with HIV by highlighting the need for targeted healthcare services that consider their specific challenges.

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This study looked at whether a shorter treatment of 3 months of a medication called romosozumab followed by 9 months of another drug, denosumab, is just as effective as a full 12 months of romosozumab for postmenopausal women with weak bones at high risk of fractures. The findings showed that both treatment plans resulted in similar increases in bone density in the hip: 5.7% for the 3-month group and 6.0% for the 12-month group, confirming that the shorter treatment is just as effective. This is important because it could make the treatment more accessible and less burdensome for patients, given the high cost and inconvenience of regular injections. Who this helps: This helps postmenopausal women at high risk of fractures who need effective osteoporosis treatment.

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This study looked at whether a program called the Changing Mindsets intervention could encourage urban developers to focus more on health issues in their projects. Out of 156 attendees, 19% had a greater intention to act on health right after the program, though most did not change their views much. This is important because improving health-related intentions among developers may help create healthier living environments, especially for communities that are often neglected. Who this helps: This benefits urban development professionals and the communities they serve.

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Researchers created a new type of tool called a nanopore, made from coral, that can detect specific proteins in humans, known as histones. They tested this tool and found that it can distinguish between different types of histones with high accuracy, showing how much electric current is affected as these proteins pass through the nanopore. This is crucial because understanding these proteins better could lead to advancements in diagnosing and treating diseases. Who this helps: Patients and doctors working in disease diagnosis and treatment.

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This study explored how using more electrodes on an EEG device can help researchers understand how the brain processes what we see. By using a system with 512 closely spaced electrodes, the researchers found they could classify visual information, like faces and objects, with an accuracy of 73%. This is important because it shows that better electrode setups can give us clearer and more precise information about brain activity during visual tasks. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and clinicians trying to understand or treat conditions related to visual processing.

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This research introduced a tool called Metapipeline-DNA, which streamlines the process of analyzing DNA data by automating various steps needed to understand genetic information. The pipeline works with both targeted and whole-genome sequencing, ensuring high-quality results while allowing users to customize the analysis to their needs. This development is important because it makes advanced DNA analysis more accessible and efficient, improving research capabilities in genetics. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and healthcare providers working in genomics and personalized medicine.

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This study looked at how often and in what situations conversations about care goals occurred for children with complex medical needs. Out of 1,235 children examined, only 22% had recorded discussions about their care, and most of these conversations took place in the intensive care unit, often close to the time of death (78% occurred within six months of death). The findings highlight disparities in these discussions, particularly among Black and Hispanic children, suggesting that communication about care needs is not happening evenly across different groups, which is important for improving care for vulnerable patients. Who this helps: Patients and their families, particularly those from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds.

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The study looked at the accuracy of diagnosing clavicle injuries at two hospitals between 2008 and 2019. Out of 1,503 patients, researchers found that many injuries were misclassified—specifically, 82.8% of initial medial clavicle fractures were incorrectly coded, while 42.5% of midshaft and 34.2% of lateral fractures also had mistakes. This matters because accurate injury classification is crucial for using large health data to improve patient care and outcomes. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers who rely on accurate data for treatment decisions and studies.

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This study looked at how doing the same hand movements repeatedly affects brain activity, specifically in areas responsible for movement. Researchers found that high gamma activity (a type of brain signal) decreased over time during repetitive hand tasks; for instance, 25% of the electrodes showed reduced activity after consecutive trials. Understanding this decline can help doctors interpret brain signals more accurately when planning surgeries, ensuring better outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing brain surgery for conditions like epilepsy and glioma, as well as the doctors who treat them.

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This study looked at how the HIV drug cabotegravir interacts with morphine in male and female mice. It found that female mice experienced more pain relief from morphine than males, and when cabotegravir was given alongside morphine, it increased morphine levels in the brains of male mice and changed how both drugs were processed by the liver and kidneys. These interactions can affect how well morphine alleviates pain, which is important for managing pain in patients taking these medications together. Who this helps: This helps patients who rely on morphine for pain relief, particularly those also receiving HIV treatment.

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This research looked at using methylene blue to treat low blood pressure that doesn't respond to standard treatments in patients who have taken multiple drugs together, known as polysubstance overdose. In the case of a 67-year-old woman who overdosed on several medications and couldn't maintain her blood pressure despite receiving various treatments, methylene blue was given and helped improve her condition. This finding is important because it shows that methylene blue can be an effective option for patients suffering from severe low blood pressure that doesn't improve with typical therapies. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing severe low blood pressure from drug overdoses and the doctors treating them.

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Researchers studied how oxygen levels during late pregnancy affect the lung development of baby mice. They found that when pregnant mice were exposed to low oxygen conditions, their offspring had serious lung problems, including abnormal lung structures in young mice and high blood pressure in the lungs as adults. This research is important because it helps us understand how poor oxygen levels during pregnancy can lead to long-term health issues in preterm infants. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working with preterm infants and their long-term health.

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This study looked at how pediatric residents feel about their training in eye care by surveying 173 doctors-in-training from various programs across the U.S. It found that 91% felt unconfident using tools for vision screening, and 68% were unhappy with their eye care education. These gaps in training are important because they could impact the quality of eye care that young patients receive. Who this helps: This helps pediatric residents and, ultimately, the children they treat.

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This study explored how healthcare providers in Uganda view process maps that outline the paths patients take to receive HIV services. Researchers found that while providers appreciated the maps for improving service quality and efficiency, they also noted issues, such as confusion over some details and suggestions for better representation of staff and resources. These insights are important for continuously improving HIV care and ensuring resources are effectively used. Who this helps: This helps healthcare providers and organizations working to enhance HIV services in Uganda.

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This study focused on secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH), a serious condition that happens when the body's immune system goes into overdrive, often due to infections or other diseases. The researchers found that properly diagnosing and treating the specific triggers of sHLH, along with managing inflammation, is crucial for better patient outcomes. Understanding and using new diagnostic tools and treatment strategies can lead to significant improvements for people facing this condition, which can be life-threatening if not addressed. Who this helps: Patients experiencing secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and their doctors.

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This study aimed to create a program called "Changing Mindsets" to encourage private sector professionals in urban development, like consultants and developers, to prioritize health and reduce health inequalities in cities. The program was developed through a three-step process that involved gathering evidence and engaging with stakeholders. Preliminary results showed the intervention includes a presentation and discussion session, along with a website offering resources to help these professionals focus on health in urban projects. Who this helps: This benefits urban developers and communities at risk for diseases due to unhealthy environments.

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This study focused on how a specific enzyme, known as extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD), affects a type of immune cell called interstitial macrophages (IMs) in conditions of low oxygen, which can lead to pulmonary hypertension (PH). Researchers found that mice lacking EC-SOD showed a significant increase in these macrophages and their inflammation levels increased when exposed to low oxygen. Specifically, there was a higher accumulation of a certain type of these immune cells in the lungs, which can contribute to serious complications in PH. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with pulmonary hypertension and their healthcare providers by highlighting potential targets for treatment.

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This study looked at how well goals-of-care (GOC) conversations are documented for children in a health system. Researchers examined 429 notes and found that most included important details, such as who was involved in the discussions and the patient’s treatment preferences, but only a third addressed end-of-life care. This is important because clear documentation helps ensure that medical care aligns with the patients' wishes, especially in critical situations. Who this helps: This benefits patients and their families by improving the alignment of medical care with their values and needs.

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This study focused on enhancing medical education for emergency medicine residents by incorporating medicolegal concepts into their journal club activities. Participants engaged in a mock trial based on a fictional malpractice lawsuit, which involved analyzing research papers about treating sepsis. The results showed that 93.3% of the residents felt their understanding of both clinical research and medical malpractice improved significantly after the session. Who this helps: This helps emergency medicine residents and their educators.

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This study looked at whether MRI scans can effectively replace early biopsies in patients who have undergone a specific treatment for prostate cancer called focal cryoablation. The researchers found that MRI was very good at detecting leftover cancer; it correctly identified 83.3% of cases where the cancer was still present and correctly indicated no cancer in 98.6% of cases without it. This matters because if the MRI shows no signs of cancer, patients may safely skip a biopsy, which is a more invasive procedure. Who this helps: Patients undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.

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Researchers studied carvedilol, a small-molecule drug originally used for heart problems, to see if it could help treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a serious lung disease. They found that carvedilol significantly reduced harmful lung cell activity, decreased cell growth, and lowered markers associated with fibrosis in human lung tissues. This is important because it suggests that carvedilol could be a new option for treating IPF, potentially improving outcomes for patients with this chronic condition. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

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This study looked at how to successfully shift responsibility for HIV services from international donors to local leadership in countries like Vietnam and Zambia. It found that effective transitions require strong local health systems, integration of HIV services into national health plans, engagement with community groups, and regional planning. This is important because it can strengthen the long-term sustainability of HIV programs, even as global funding decreases. Who this helps: This helps patients and communities affected by HIV, as well as local healthcare providers and governments.

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This study looked at how COVID-19 affected regular health check-ups for young children aged 0-5, focusing on changes in visit rates and developmental outcomes. It found that during the pandemic, fewer children went to these check-ups compared to before, with children from minority backgrounds and low-income families missing visits even more. Additionally, children born during the pandemic showed more developmental delays, including issues with language and social skills. Who this helps: This information benefits parents and healthcare providers working with young children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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This research study looks at how to improve the use of antibiotics in general practice for treating acute respiratory infections (ARIs), which are often due to viruses, not bacteria. The researchers created a special toolkit to help doctors better manage antibiotic prescriptions and gather feedback on its effectiveness. Over three months, they plan to involve 4 to 6 medical practices, asking around 50 to 100 patients to fill out surveys and participate in discussions to see if the toolkit is helpful and accepted by doctors and patients. Who this helps: This helps patients, doctors, and healthcare providers working to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.

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This study looked at the difficulties in measuring the cost-effectiveness of campaigns aimed at reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is when bacteria become resistant to medications. The researchers found that there are major challenges, such as figuring out how to measure health outcomes and the long-term impact of these campaigns, and progress in methods to assess effectiveness has been slow for over 20 years. This matters because it makes it hard for decision-makers to justify investing in AMR campaigns, despite evidence that society values these efforts. Who this helps: This helps policy makers and public health officials.

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This research paper looked at patients with mental health issues who were conditionally discharged from secure facilities in England and Wales, allowing them to get care in their communities while under certain rules. The review analyzed 23 studies and found that these patients generally had lower rates of violence and return to crime compared to those fully released, indicating that conditional discharge can be beneficial. This matters because it highlights the importance of supportive community care in reducing reoffending among forensic mental health patients. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving mental health care, their families, and healthcare providers.

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This study examined the experiences of patients in mental health facilities who are allowed certain freedoms under conditional discharge rules in England and Wales. The researchers analyzed findings from 15 interviews and mixed-methods studies and identified key themes, such as the struggle between personal choice and social barriers, the value of relationships in recovery, and the impact of factors like substance abuse and living conditions. These insights can help improve support for these patients and adjust existing recovery theories to better fit their unique situations. Who this helps: This benefits patients in forensic mental health care and the doctors who support their recovery.

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This study looked at the relationship between physical strength and the risk of concussions in youth tackle football players aged 14 to 18. It found that players with more lower body power had a concussion rate that was over three times higher for every increase in power level, while older players generally had a lower risk of concussion. This matters because it highlights a conflict between the emphasis on physical performance in football and the increased risk of serious injuries, like concussions, especially in younger players. Who this helps: This information helps coaches, parents, and health professionals working with youth football players.

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This study examined how a peer navigator program in Tanzania could help people engage with HIV therapy and its potential economic effects. The program increased participation in antiretroviral therapy (ART) by 12-15%, leading to significant improvements in viral load suppression (VLS) after three years, with about 33.9% for women and 32.6% for men. Though the benefits in reducing mortality and economic impact were modest, this approach shows how program changes can be linked to broader health and economic outcomes, highlighting its potential in countries with larger HIV populations. Who this helps: Patients living with HIV, especially in regions with high prevalence and limited healthcare access.

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This study looked at a new treatment for pulmonary fibrosis, a serious lung disease that causes scarring and has a short average life expectancy of 4-6 years after diagnosis. Researchers used a special type of RNA called modRNA to boost the enzyme telomerase, which can help repair damaged cells in the lungs. They found that this treatment increased cell growth and reduced markers of lung damage and inflammation. Who this helps: This benefits patients with pulmonary fibrosis by offering a potential new treatment option.

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This study looked at a rare case of a 19-year-old man who developed a serious brain condition called Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) due to a sudden spike in his blood pressure. He experienced severe brain swelling and needed emergency surgery to relieve pressure, unlike most cases where patients have previous health problems. This finding is important because it shows that even young, healthy individuals can face dangerous complications from high blood pressure, highlighting the need for quick diagnosis and treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by raising awareness about the risks of high blood pressure in young people.

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This study focused on how well researchers can use brain activity measured from the scalp to identify specific qualities of images that people see, like brightness and color. They found that with advanced technology allowing for more electrodes to record data (512 in this case), they could accurately decode image properties from individual trials of brain activity, achieving a correlation score of 0.50 between predicted and actual image characteristics. This finding matters because it shows that high-density EEG can provide detailed insights into brain responses, improving our understanding of visual processing. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and clinicians interested in brain activity and visual perception.

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This study focused on creating a structured way to manage risks in competitive alpine skiing, which is important for preventing injuries. Experts in the field met online three times to discuss and build a risk management framework, which includes a "prevention wheel" that outlines different priorities for safety and a step-by-step guide for handling risks. This framework aims to help everyone involved in the sport understand their roles and take action to keep skiers safe. Who this helps: This benefits athletes, coaches, and event organizers in competitive alpine skiing.

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This study looked at how to effectively implement strategies that help doctors avoid unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for common respiratory infections in adults, which is important for preventing antibiotic resistance. Researchers held focus groups with healthcare professionals and patients, finding that factors like patient trust, practice culture, and clear communication greatly influence the success of these strategies. For instance, pharmacists and doctors collaborating could help clarify delayed prescribing methods, and using simple, user-friendly decision-making tools is crucial for patient understanding. Who this helps: This benefits patients by improving their care and reducing unnecessary antibiotic use.

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This study looked at how healthcare professionals can effectively treat people with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD). The researchers found 18 relevant studies and identified key areas of concern, such as the need for better training for healthcare providers and understanding what helps patients succeed in their treatment. These findings are important because they can lead to better support and tailored care for individuals struggling with these challenging mental health issues. Who this helps: Patients dealing with complex PTSD and substance use disorder.

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This study looked at how ankle braces affect athletic performance in young athletes. Researchers found that wearing a brace on the non-dominant ankle slowed down backward foot speed, but did not significantly impact reaction times or forward foot speed. This is important because it helps athletes and doctors understand how bracing might help prevent injuries while also considering its potential impact on performance. Who this helps: Athletes, especially those prone to ankle sprains.

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This study looked at how platelets, a part of the blood involved in clotting, gather together with certain white blood cells called monocytes in the blood vessels of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Researchers found that in the affected blood vessels, these platelets were clustered with monocytes, suggesting a connection between the two types of cells. Understanding this relationship is important because it may help researchers explore new treatment options for PAH. Who this helps: Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

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This study looked at how well two medications, alendronate and raloxifene, helped maintain improvements in bone density and strength after patients stopped taking another medication called denosumab. Researchers found that both alendronate and raloxifene effectively kept the bone density and strength improvements that patients gained from denosumab, with no major differences between the two drugs. This is important because it offers an alternative treatment option for patients who cannot or choose not to take bisphosphonates after using denosumab. Who this helps: This benefits postmenopausal women at high risk for fractures.

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This study focused on understanding how certain light-emitting structures (called micropillar Bragg microcavities) work to improve the collection of photons, or light particles. The researchers found that besides the usual light patterns produced by the mirrors, there are also other important features, referred to as 'non-cavity' modes, that significantly help in gathering light efficiently and enhancing its brightness. Specifically, these features are shaped by the pillar's design rather than the mirrors themselves, which could lead to better-performing light sources in technology. Who this helps: This benefits scientists and engineers developing advanced light sources for applications in quantum computing and telecommunications.

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The research studied how patients in the U.S. get diagnosed with Fabry disease, a rare genetic condition that can cause serious health issues. It found that a lot of these patients, 72.6% in one group and 56.4% in another, had heart-related problems, while over half showed signs of neurologic issues. Recognizing these related health problems early can help doctors diagnose Fabry disease faster and improve patient care. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Fabry disease and their doctors.