MARK B. SMITH, MD

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This study looked at why Black and Hispanic men with prostate cancer, especially those from low-income backgrounds, struggle to change their diets to improve their health. Researchers spoke with 31 men and their partners and found that having support from family, understanding healthy eating, and dealing with emotional and spiritual factors are all important in making dietary changes. The study highlights that successful dietary programs should involve family support and be sensitive to cultural and emotional needs. Who this helps: This helps men with prostate cancer and their families by improving dietary support and health outcomes.

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This study examined a new artificial device for replacing damaged corneal tissue, called the EndoArt. Researchers found that the EndoArt is smooth, well-designed, and has a dome shape that helps it stick well to the eye without causing damage. This is important because it means less chance of complications and better healing for patients who have had eye surgeries. Who this helps: Patients undergoing corneal surgeries.

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This study looked at a rare type of cancer called synovial sarcoma (SS), which mostly affects young adults. Researchers analyzed tumor samples from 21 patients and found that those whose tumors had certain gene patterns indicating a mesenchymal state were more likely to develop metastases and had poorer survival rates. Specifically, tumors with higher mesenchymal characteristics had a significantly worse survival rate (P = 0.0009), showing that these gene patterns could help predict how aggressive the cancer is. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with synovial sarcoma by potentially guiding treatment decisions based on their tumor characteristics.

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This study looked at the safety and immune response of a new RSV vaccine called RSVpreF in children aged 2 to under 18 years who had previously been exposed to the virus. Researchers found that the vaccine was safe, with only 17-20% of younger children and 49-56% of older children experiencing mild to moderate side effects. Additionally, the vaccine significantly boosted immune responses, with antibody levels increasing by about 17 to 42 times after vaccination, showing that it works well for these age groups. Who this helps: This benefits children, especially those with chronic health conditions at higher risk for RSV infections.

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This study looked at how common anxiety is in new mothers in the U.S. who have commercial insurance. It found that nearly 6% of these mothers (about 85,000 women) were diagnosed with anxiety within a year after childbirth, and this number has increased significantly from 3.1% in 2008 to 12.3% in 2021. Understanding the risk factors for postpartum anxiety, like being younger or having a cesarean delivery, can help identify those who might need support sooner. Who this helps: This benefits new mothers and healthcare providers by highlighting the need for better mental health support during and after pregnancy.

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Researchers studied thin films made of a compound called β-(AlGa)O, focusing on how varying the amount of aluminum affected their properties. They found that as the aluminum content increased, the films' optical properties improved, but the materials became less crystalline and rougher. Specifically, the optical bandgap increased from 4.96 eV to 5.44 eV, meaning that the films could be fine-tuned for better performance in electronic devices, but this came with a cost to their overall quality. Who this helps: This benefits engineers and scientists developing advanced electronic and optical devices.

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Researchers studied a new method to improve CAR T-cells, a type of immune cell used in cancer treatment, by using special tools called bioPROTACs. They found that these bioPROTACs could effectively target and degrade DNMT3A, a protein that makes T-cells less active, mimicking the effects of traditional gene editing without permanently changing the cells. This is important because it offers a flexible way to enhance T-cell function for therapies without the risks associated with gene editing. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients who receive CAR T-cell therapies.

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This study looked at whether damage to the heart's left ventricle (LV injury) affects the risk of having another stroke in patients who have already experienced a stroke without a known cause (cryptogenic stroke). Among nearly 2,700 patients, those with LV injury had a higher risk of experiencing a recurrent stroke, but the difference was less clear after accounting for other factors. Patients with LV injury who were treated with blood thinners (anticoagulants) had significantly lower rates of repeat strokes, major bleeding, and death compared to those who received different treatments. Who this helps: This research benefits stroke patients, particularly those with heart issues.

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This study looked at how different ways of reaching out to Black individuals could help identify those at risk for a specific kind of kidney disease linked to the APOL1 gene. Of the 1,052 people contacted for screening, 789 agreed to participate, and 128 were found to have high-risk gene variants. However, while community events encouraged participation, they only found 1% of registry-eligible participants, whereas electronic health records and doctor referrals were more effective in identifying those who qualified for further trials. Who this helps: This research benefits Black individuals at risk for APOL1-mediated kidney disease and the healthcare professionals who support them.

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This study developed clear guidelines for using venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) in adults in Australia and New Zealand. Experts examined the current research and provided recommendations on when and how to use this life-support technique, focusing on four main clinical questions. These guidelines help ensure that patients receive the best possible care while also acknowledging areas where more research is needed to improve future treatments. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers working with critically ill patients needing advanced respiratory support.

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This study investigates how certain particles called axions can interact with light in materials that have specific properties. The researchers found that these interactions can significantly boost the strength of a lower frequency light beam, achieving amplification much greater than traditional methods—specifically, they noted increases that could be orders of magnitude larger. This finding is important because it could lead to new technologies in optoelectronics, which are essential for devices like lasers and sensors. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and engineers working in the field of optoelectronics.

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This study looked at the mental health of family members who care for adults with learning disabilities. Researchers found that these caregivers often feel overwhelmed and unsupported, with many describing social services as "hostile" or missing entirely. Despite the love driving their caregiving, they frequently struggle to get the help they need, even basic kindness, which can seriously affect their mental well-being. Small gestures of support from health and social care providers can make a significant difference for these caregivers. Who this helps: This research benefits family caregivers of adults with learning disabilities.

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This study looked at how an overseas cultural program (OCP) can increase nursing students' understanding of Latine cultures, which is important for providing better health care. After participating in the program, nursing students showed significant improvements in their cultural competence, with measurable changes in their skills and knowledge around culturally sensitive care. This matters because better understanding of diverse cultures helps reduce health disparities faced by Latine patients. Who this helps: Patients, particularly those from Latine communities.

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This study looked at one-star reviews on Yelp for pain doctors to understand why patients are unhappy. It found that 70% of complaints were about non-medical issues like poor communication from office staff, while 30% were about medical results. Interestingly, female-only practices received significantly more negative reviews than male-only or mixed-gender practices, suggesting potential bias. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking pain management by highlighting the importance of communication and practice structure.

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This study looked at how well different sound measurements can track changes in voice quality for people with adductor-type laryngeal dystonia (AdLD) after receiving botulinum toxin (BoNT) treatment. Researchers found that three specific measurements—cepstral peak prominence (CPPS), cepstral spectral index of dysphonia (CSID), and percent creak—showed significant improvements after treatment, with CPPS having the strongest effect size at 0.97 and very strong correlation with listener ratings. Understanding how these measurements work is important because it can help evaluate the effectiveness of current and future treatments for this voice disorder. Who this helps: This helps patients with voice disorders like AdLD and their doctors.

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This study explores how to use electrical pulses in the brain, known as intracortical microstimulation (ICMS), to create specific sensory experiences like touch and vision. Researchers propose a new approach that connects findings from both humans and animals to better understand how different brain circuits can be targeted for effective stimulation. The goal is to improve ICMS techniques, making them more precise and beneficial for those experiencing sensory or motor impairments. Who this helps: This helps patients with sensory or motor impairments by improving treatments that restore lost senses.

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This study focused on finding the most important research topics related to cancer in adolescents and young adults (ages 15-39) in Canada. Researchers collected nearly 2,000 questions from patients, caregivers, and clinicians, ultimately identifying the top 10 priorities, which include issues like early detection, new treatments, and support for survivors. This matters because it ensures that future cancer research addresses the real concerns and needs of young people affected by cancer, leading to better outcomes. Who this helps: Patients and their families dealing with cancer during adolescence and young adulthood.

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This study looked at a rare type of brain condition called completely thrombosed middle cerebral artery aneurysms that can be mistaken for another condition known as a cavernous malformation. Researchers found five previous cases in the literature, and in one specific case, a 35-year-old woman with severe headaches was treated successfully with surgery after being misdiagnosed. These findings are important because they improve understanding of how to identify and treat these aneurysms, ensuring patients get the correct care. Who this helps: Patients experiencing severe headaches or related symptoms.

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This research examined how effective using a quadriceps tendon graft is for patients who have had surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), focusing on results from studies with at least a 5-year follow-up. The review found that 662 patients showed positive outcomes in strength, range of motion, and return to sports activities, with complication rates for graft failure ranging from 0% to 24%. These findings are important because they suggest that using a quadriceps tendon graft is a strong option for patients undergoing ACL reconstruction, leading to good recovery experiences. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from ACL surgery.

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This study looked at how community pharmacies that participated in the Flip the Pharmacy (FtP) initiative maintained patient care services after the program ended. They found that nearly all pharmacies (99.5%) continued at least one patient care service, with an average sustainability score of around 78%. Additionally, more than half of the pharmacies (56.7%) started offering new services, indicating that the changes made during the initiative were largely successful and sustainable. Who this helps: This benefits patients by ensuring community pharmacies continue to provide essential healthcare services.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of two different approaches to stem cell transplantation for patients who have a genetic match with a donor. Researchers tracked 77 patients and found that one year after treatment, 86% of those who received a reduced-intensity treatment were alive, compared to 78% for the more intensive approach. Over four years, survival rates were 63% for the reduced-intensity group and 60% for the intensive group, with overall low rates of complications and a return to normal quality of life by one year after the transplant. Who this helps: This research benefits patients receiving haploidentical stem cell transplants.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of two different treatments to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in patients undergoing a type of stem cell transplant for blood cancers like leukemia. It found that using post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) resulted in a much better chronic GVHD-free survival rate of 86.3% compared to 61.7% with the traditional treatment, tacrolimus/methotrexate (TAC/MTX). This matters because patients on PTCy experienced less severe GVHD and lower non-relapse mortality, meaning they had a better chance of surviving without complications after the transplant. Who this helps: This helps patients with acute leukemia undergoing stem cell transplants.

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This study looked at the mental health of health and social care workers, examining how feeling safe in their jobs – both individually and as a team – affects their stress, burnout, and overall well-being. The researchers found that while both individual and team safety were important, team psychological safety was the strongest factor, significantly reducing burnout (with a big effect size of 0.67) and acute stress (0.72), and helping overall well-being. This matters because improving feelings of safety in teams can lead to healthier work environments and better support for care workers. Who this helps: This helps health and social care workers by promoting healthier work conditions.

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This research looks at how Australia is leading efforts to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035 through widespread HPV vaccinations and improved screening methods. Currently, the country faces challenges due to lower vaccination rates in some communities and a need for better tracking of who is participating. Addressing these gaps is crucial for ensuring everyone has equal access to prevention and treatment options. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those in underserved communities.

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This study looked at how medications used to treat Parkinson's disease might affect bone density, which is important because people with Parkinson's are at a higher risk of fractures, especially in the hip. After reviewing several studies, researchers found mixed results: some studies suggested that the medication L-Dopa might lead to lower bone density in certain areas, while others found no clear relationship between the medication and bone density. Ultimately, they concluded that it's still unclear how these medications affect bone health. Who this helps: This research helps patients with Parkinson's disease and their doctors understand potential risks related to bone health when using anti-Parkinsonian medications.

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This study looked at how sex and gender are reported in clinical trials that evaluate patient decision aids (PtDAs), tools designed to help patients make informed health decisions. Out of 209 trials analyzed, only 35 used the terms "sex" and "gender" correctly, with 70 trials focusing solely on women and 27 on men. The findings revealed that men reported feeling more involved in decision-making than women (3.16 compared to 0.95), highlighting potential gaps in how patient decision aids affect different genders. Who this helps: This research benefits patients and doctors by identifying gaps in trial data that could improve health decision-making for everyone.

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This study looked at how well symptoms are managed for cancer patients in outpatient care. Researchers found that effective management practices, such as early screening, teamwork among healthcare workers, and tailored information for patients, lead to better results for patients. Improving these practices is important because it can enhance patients' quality of life and survival rates. Who this helps: This helps patients and their healthcare teams.

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This study looked at a 67-year-old man with ongoing pain in his hip after a fall, who had not found relief from usual treatments. After six sessions of dry needling and electrical stimulation, his pain level dropped from 8 out of 10 to 2, and he reported better sleep and improved daily activities. Six months later, he had no pain and continued to function well, showing that this method can be effective when other treatments don't work. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from chronic hip pain who haven't found relief through traditional treatments.

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This study focused on a wild potato species called Solanum verrucosum, which is known for having genes that help it resist a harmful plant disease and for its special ability to self-pollinate. The researchers successfully created a detailed map of its genome, discovering important resistance genes and pinpointing potential candidates for a specific resistance gene (Rpi-ver1). They also examined the potato's centromeres—the part of chromosomes crucial for cell division—and found unique structures that may influence how genes are expressed, including some changes that could affect self-pollination. Who this helps: This research benefits plant breeders and farmers looking to develop disease-resistant potato varieties.

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The study looked at how the levels of a specific protein called BCMA change in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma who are receiving a treatment called BCMA CAR-T therapy. Researchers analyzed 76 patients and found that higher levels of BCMA were linked to better treatment outcomes, such as a more than twice the chance of achieving a significant response (VGPR/CR) and a longer time before the disease worsens—23 months versus 7.7 months for those with lower levels. This information is important because it helps understand how to monitor and adjust treatments for patients relapsing from this type of blood cancer. Who this helps: Patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

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This study looked at how a protein called Rac affects the behavior of certain cells in the ovary, particularly border cells that typically nibble on nearby nurse cells. Researchers found that when Rac is overly active, these border cells bite off larger pieces of nurse cells, causing them to die, which can spread damage to surrounding cells. Specifically, they discovered that this process leads to significant cell death in the nurse cells, with Rac triggering these lethal bites and helping surrounding cells join in to clean up the damage. Who this helps: This research benefits cancer patients by providing insights that could improve therapies involving immune cells.

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This study developed a new three-year curriculum for mental health nursing in the UK to better prepare future nurses for the complex needs of patients. The new program emphasizes specific training in mental health, moving away from a general nursing approach, which many believe leaves graduates unprepared. By integrating practical assessments and focused learning, this curriculum aims to strengthen the professional identity of mental health nurses and improve patient care. Who this helps: This benefits future mental health nurses and the patients they serve.

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This study looked at how well blood pressure was controlled among patients with high blood pressure in 17 U.S. health systems during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers found that the percentage of patients maintaining controlled blood pressure dropped from 65.3% in 2019 to 61.8% in 2020, and only partially recovered to 62.6% by 2022. This decline is concerning because it suggests that many individuals may be at greater risk for heart problems due to uncontrolled hypertension. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with hypertension and healthcare providers monitoring their blood pressure management.

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This review looked at how health education programs for children aged 5-12 with chronic conditions are designed and what outcomes they have. It found that 118 studies mainly focused on conditions like diabetes and were often held in hospital settings. Although most studies showed improvements in knowledge and behavior, only 14% considered the needs of children with different learning abilities, highlighting a need for more inclusive teaching methods. Who this helps: This research benefits children with chronic conditions and their families by promoting better education tailored to their needs.

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The study examined two methods for assessing blood flow in the lungs of patients suspected to have chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH): a non-invasive X-ray based technique called the X-ray pulsatility index (XPI) and a standard method using injected contrast dye called pulmonary angiography. Researchers found that both techniques produced similar results when mapping blood flow, with an average agreement score of 0.70, indicating that XPI is a reliable alternative to the more invasive angiography. This is important because using XPI can make diagnosing and monitoring lung blood flow easier and safer for patients. Who this helps: Patients with suspected CTEPH and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how many adolescent girls living with HIV in Sierra Leone received the HPV vaccine, which is important for preventing cervical cancer. It found that only 13.3% of the girls had received at least one dose of the vaccine, with older girls (18 years) having higher rates at 27.8% compared to younger girls (10-13 years) at just 5.3%. Many caregivers held misconceptions about the vaccine, such as the false belief that it promotes premarital sex, which contributed to low vaccination rates. Who this helps: This helps adolescent girls with HIV and their families by highlighting the need for better education and access to vaccination.

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This study looked at how using steroids and a drug called anakinra early on can help manage side effects from a cancer treatment called axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) for patients with difficult-to-treat large B-cell lymphoma. Researchers found that after making changes to the treatment protocol, the duration of serious side effects like cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity decreased significantly—by about 0.93 days and 2.49 days, respectively—without harming the overall effectiveness of the cancer treatment. This is important because it means patients can recover faster from side effects, improving their overall treatment experience. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing CAR-T therapy and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at whether higher levels of estrogen, found in conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hormone replacement therapy, lower the risk of developing otosclerosis, a condition affecting the middle ear. It found that people with obesity had a 52% lower risk of otosclerosis compared to those without, while those on hormone therapy had a 18% lower risk. Understanding this relationship may lead to better prevention strategies for otosclerosis. Who this helps: Patients at risk for otosclerosis and healthcare providers managing their care.

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This study looked at individuals with high levels of anti-CCP antibodies to understand what immune changes occur in those who go on to develop rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to those who don’t. The researchers found that people who developed RA had larger amounts of certain immune cell types and specific immune markers, which could signal the onset of the disease. Notably, they were able to create a model using these immune markers and other clinical signs to predict who would develop RA, offering a way to identify at-risk patients earlier. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for rheumatoid arthritis and their doctors to identify disease onset sooner.

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This study looked at specific types of particle decays called B mesons, focusing on how they transform into two baryons (particles made of three quarks) involving charm quarks. The researchers discovered a new decay process, B(s) to Λ(c)+ and Λ(c)- with high statistical significance (6.2 sigma), and they also found evidence of another decay, B0 to Λ(c)+ and Λ(c)- with a significance of 4.3 sigma. They calculated the probabilities for these decays to occur, which are about 0.0000101 for B0 and 0.0000050 for B(s), providing new information for scientists studying particle physics. Who this helps: This research benefits physicists and researchers working on particle physics and the fundamental forces of the universe.

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Potato crops are protected from a destructive soil worm (Globodera rostochiensis) by a resistance gene called H1, but the full genetic structure of this region had never been mapped because potato genetics are unusually complex. By creating a simpler experimental plant line carrying H1 and sequencing it with long-read technology, the researchers reconstructed the entire resistance region, including its boundaries. This complete map will accelerate breeding programs aiming to maintain or improve nematode resistance in commercial potato varieties.

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This study focuses on creating a detailed genetic map of zebrafish from a cross between two specific strains. Researchers sequenced and organized the DNA of the zebrafish, finding that the father's genetic material is about 1,354 million base pairs long and the mother's is slightly longer at 1,360 million base pairs. This work is important because it provides a clearer understanding of zebrafish genetics, which can aid in studies related to development and disease. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying genetics and developmental biology.

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This study looked at the chemical compounds in the blood of two different groups: a healthy population of parents and children and patients undergoing weight loss surgery. Researchers collected samples from 2,128 participants, including 1,062 who had surgery, to see how their body chemistry changed before and after the procedures. They identified 1,176 specific compounds in these samples, which helps deepen our understanding of how weight loss affects health and metabolism. Who this helps: This research benefits patients undergoing weight loss surgery and healthcare providers involved in their care.