MICHAEL J. SASSO, DO

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This study looked at a new type of material called twisting metamaterials, which can change their shape and strength based on how much force they experience. The researchers found that when these materials were designed to twist less, they could absorb up to 15.36 joules of energy per gram and had a collapse stress of 21 megapascals. This is important because it means these materials can offer better protection during crashes, making them valuable for use in cars, trains, planes, and military equipment. Who this helps: This helps patients, passengers, and military personnel by providing them with safer protective systems.

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This study looked at serious infections caused by a group of fungi called Trichosporon in France over 20 years, analyzing 112 cases. Researchers found that the most common type was T. asahii, and this species particularly affected children more than others, while different fungi varied in how they responded to treatments, especially with drugs called echinocandins. Understanding which fungi are causing infections is important for choosing the right treatment and improving patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers better treat patients with infections caused by these fungi.

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This study looked at a type of fungus known to cause respiratory infections and aimed to better understand its resistance to antifungal treatments. Researchers examined 113 samples from clinical and environmental sources, finding that two antifungal drugs, amphotericin B and voriconazole, were effective at very low doses (0.1 µg/mL and 0.24 µg/mL, respectively), while another drug, terbinafine, was ineffective. This information is important because it helps doctors make better treatment decisions for patients suffering from infections caused by this particular fungus. Who this helps: Patients suffering from respiratory infections caused by this fungus.

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This study looked at fungal infections of the eye caused by Penicillium-like fungi in France from 2012 to 2021. Out of 55 reported cases, 24 were identified, with the majority (92%) being a type of eye infection called keratitis. Most cases were linked to factors like wearing contact lenses (46%) and using corticosteroids (37.5%). The most common fungus was Purpureocillium lilacinum, and treatment often involved a combination of antifungal medications, with some patients needing surgery. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers treating patients with eye infections.

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This study surveyed the incidence of fluconazole resistance in fungi across France by analyzing samples from hospitals between May 2022 and February 2024. They found that 15.1% of the samples were resistant to fluconazole, affecting 10% of the patients, with some hospitals seeing resistance rates as high as 54.4%. The research highlights significant regional differences in resistance, particularly in the Paris area where two major clusters of resistant fungi were identified, indicating a worrying trend that can affect treatment options. Who this helps: Patients, especially those with fungal infections in France.

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This study looked at how prosthetic joint infections caused by Candida fungus are diagnosed and treated in different countries, including France, Spain, England, Austria, and others, over a span of ten years. They found that while the types of infections were similar across regions, treatment methods varied: for example, France and Austria used a single-stage surgery more often, while England and Spain favored a two-stage surgery. Despite these differences in treatment approaches, the success rates were low across all countries, with a failure rate of about 43%. Who this helps: This information helps doctors and researchers improve treatment for patients with joint infections.

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This study examined the ability of laboratories in France to diagnose serious fungal infections, which can be particularly dangerous for patients with weakened immune systems. Researchers sent a detailed questionnaire to 58 laboratories, and 48 responded, showing that most labs (83%) have equipment for identifying yeast and molds, but only half have certain tests like beta-D-glucan testing. This research is important because it reveals that while France has a good foundation for fungal diagnostics, there are still areas needing improvement to ensure timely and accurate diagnoses for patients at risk. Who this helps: This benefits patients with weakened immune systems, particularly those at risk of invasive fungal infections.

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This study looked at infections caused by Candida fungi in patients who had joint replacement surgeries, analyzing 269 cases from 2010 to 2021. Of these patients, 58% were cured after treatment, but those over 70 and those who had a specific type of surgery (debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention) had worse outcomes. The findings highlight that treating these infections can be challenging, especially in older adults, and stress the need for targeted strategies in managing these cases. Who this helps: This helps patients with joint replacements at risk of Candida infections and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at 54 cases of a serious infection called invasive aspergillosis caused by the fungus Aspergillus flavus in France from 2012 to 2018. Researchers found that 39% of patients died within 30 days, and 47% died within 90 days of being diagnosed; the risk of death varied based on factors like underlying health conditions, the location of the infection, and whether there were additional infections. It’s important for doctors to be aware of this fungus, as prompt identification can influence treatment decisions and potentially improve patient outcomes. Who this helps: This research helps doctors and healthcare providers treating patients with serious health conditions like cancer, organ transplants, or diabetes.

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This study looked at a natural food colorant called Vegan Red (RVEG) to see how it affects the development of zebrafish embryos. The researchers found that RVEG is less toxic than synthetic dye E124 and animal-derived cochineal red E120, but it did cause some changes in muscle structure and gene expression. This matters because it suggests that while Vegan Red may be safer overall, further safety checks are needed regarding its effects on embryos. Who this helps: Patients and consumers looking for safer food coloring options.

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The paper studies a rare case of endocarditis, an infection of the heart valves, caused by a fungus called Scopulariopsis brevicaulis in a patient with a weakened immune system. The authors found that treating this infection is challenging because the fungus often resists multiple drugs, and individual treatment plans must be created based on lab testing results. They highlight the need for comprehensive strategies that may include both medication and surgery, and mention a new oral antifungal, Olorofilm, which shows promise for treatment. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and clinicians treating patients who are immunocompromised and at risk for unusual fungal infections.

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This study looked at 1,107 cases of cryptococcosis in France from 2005 to 2020. It found that more cases were in people who do not have HIV than in those who do, with key differences in patient characteristics and outcomes. The research shows that understanding these differences is important for improving how doctors diagnose and treat this infection. Who this helps: Patients with cryptococcosis and their healthcare providers.

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This study examined cryptococcosis, a serious fungal infection, in 652 individuals in France who do not have HIV. It found that 27.2% of these patients died within 90 days of diagnosis, with older age and other conditions like cancer associated with higher mortality rates. Importantly, those who received a specific combination of antifungal treatments had a significantly lower risk of dying, suggesting that tailored treatment is crucial for better outcomes. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers caring for patients with cryptococcosis and related conditions.

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This study looked at how well hospitals in France screen for Candida auris, a dangerous fungus that can cause outbreaks in healthcare settings. Out of 36 centers surveyed, only 11 (about 31%) knew of any systematic screening for this fungus in new patients. The findings highlight a significant gap in awareness and practice, which is important because effective screening can help prevent serious infections in patients. Who this helps: This helps patients in hospitals who are at risk of Candida auris infections.

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This study explored how Renewable Energy Communities can be set up within the European Union to help achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Researchers outlined a step-by-step plan that includes assessing energy needs, bringing together members to form a legal group, building the energy facilities, and managing the project. This approach can lead to better use of renewable energy, benefiting the environment and local economies. Who this helps: This helps communities and local governments aiming to adopt renewable energy solutions.

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This study looked at different blood test vials used to diagnose fungal infections in the blood (fungemia) at a hospital in France from 2013 to 2020. The BD BACTEC™ Mycosis IC/F vials showed faster results than standard vials, taking an average of 32 hours to identify infections compared to 44 hours with standard vials for patients not on antifungal treatment. This is important because quicker diagnosis can lead to faster treatment, which can significantly improve patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with fungal infections by speeding up diagnosis and treatment.

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This study looked at how effective ten different antifungal drugs are against various yeast species and five common types of Aspergillus fungi. Researchers analyzed data from over 17,600 clinical samples and found 48 new cutoff values that help determine whether these drugs can successfully inhibit fungal growth. This is important because it improves the way doctors can identify and treat fungal infections, particularly in patients with challenging cases. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients dealing with fungal infections.

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This study looked at patients with autoimmune diseases who developed serious fungal infections to understand how these infections affect survival. Among 549 patients, 28.1% died within 30 days, with those receiving high-dose steroids or suffering from infections like fungemia facing even higher risks. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring and managing fungal infections in patients with autoimmune conditions, particularly for those treated with steroids or immunosuppressants. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with autoimmune diseases and their doctors by improving understanding of infection risks and treatment outcomes.

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This study looked at how well different tests can diagnose congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) in newborns by measuring specific antibodies in their blood. Researchers evaluated four tests on samples from 509 newborns and found that the Platelia test was the most accurate for detecting IgM antibodies with 83% accuracy, while for IgG, the Abbott test had the highest sensitivity at 95%. This matters because early and accurate diagnosis of CT is crucial for proper treatment and care of affected newborns. Who this helps: Patients, particularly newborns at risk of congenital toxoplasmosis.

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This study looked at a test used to diagnose congenital toxoplasmosis in newborns by measuring IgA antibodies and compared it to a standard test that looks for IgM antibodies. Researchers tested 289 babies with congenital toxoplasmosis and 220 healthy babies, finding that the IgA test correctly identified only about 60% of cases, while the IgM test was more accurate at about 73%. This is important because it shows that the IgA test does not provide any additional benefit in diagnosing this condition, which helps doctors understand the best methods for accurate diagnosis. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and healthcare providers in diagnosing congenital toxoplasmosis in newborns more effectively.

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This study looked at the occurrence of invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) in France from 2012 to 2018, tracking nearly 11,000 cases. Researchers found that while the overall number of IFDs remained stable, yeast-based infections slightly increased, particularly among older adults, who made up a growing percentage of cases (from 38.4% to 45.3%). Despite using more effective antifungal treatments, the survival rate for patients with IFDs did not improve, staying at about 36.3% mortality within one month. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers by highlighting trends in IFDs, particularly in older patients, and emphasizes the need for better treatment strategies.

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This study looked at a 50-year-old shepherd who developed serious respiratory issues after surgery for a hernia. Doctors found an unusual yeast called Kazachstania slooffiae in his pleural fluid, which had never been seen in human infections before. Recognizing this yeast is important for treating critically ill patients, as it may contribute to their health problems. Who this helps: This helps doctors treating seriously ill patients.

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This study looked at a method called Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) to assess fat buildup in the liver, specifically in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Researchers analyzed data from 2346 patients and found that CAP was good at identifying levels of liver fat, particularly in patients with conditions like viral hepatitis (with an accuracy of 81.9% for distinguishing no fat from some fat). However, it was not as effective for accurately assessing fat levels in those with NAFLD, indicating that more research is needed for this specific group. Who this helps: This helps doctors better diagnose and manage liver disease in their patients.

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This study looked at how a specific type of aluminum foam, called Al 6061-T4, performs under stress. The researchers found that this foam can absorb a lot of energy during impacts, but its performance can drop if the structure of its tiny air-filled cells isn’t consistent. Specifically, when these cells collapse in a certain way, the foam’s ability to absorb energy is reduced. Who this helps: This helps engineers and manufacturers who design materials for safety in cars and buildings.

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This study looked at how difficult it can be for lab workers to correctly diagnose diseases caused by parasites, especially when they lack expertise. It found that using both visible (macroscopic) and tiny (microscopic) examinations is still very important, and mistakes can happen when non-living items are confused for parasites. The research highlights the need for a careful and methodical approach to ensure that these diseases are diagnosed accurately. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and microbiologists involved in diagnosing parasitic infections.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected vaccine administration for children under 2 years old in Buenos Aires. Researchers found that from mid-March 2020, vaccinations decreased by 64.2%, with the first doses of the pentavalent and MMR vaccines dropping by 74.9% and 55.1%, respectively. This decline is concerning because it puts young children at risk for preventable diseases. Who this helps: This benefits parents and caregivers of young children who need timely vaccinations to stay healthy.

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This study focused on testing a specific PCR kit called RealStarPneumocystis jirovecii for diagnosing a type of pneumonia caused by a fungus, especially in patients with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV. The results showed that the kit accurately identified infections in 96.8% of cases compared to another testing method. It detected the fungus's DNA in nearly all samples from patients with confirmed cases and 75.9% in those with suspected cases, highlighting its effectiveness for diagnosing this serious infection. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and healthcare providers who treat patients at risk for Pneumocystis pneumonia.

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This study examined how well a specific testing kit could identify different variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in samples collected in France. Out of over 2,200 samples positive for the virus, the initial test suspected about 4% of them were from certain variants, but further detailed testing confirmed only about 76% of those actually belonged to one of the variants. The findings reveal that relying on testing for just a few specific mutations can lead to misidentifications, making it difficult to accurately track how the virus is changing. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and researchers monitoring virus variants.

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Researchers examined how effective a specific testing method, called Etest, is at identifying antifungal resistance in various fungal species and treatments. They analyzed data from over 17,000 samples from 23 different laboratories and found that the Etest can accurately detect resistance in 59 out of 61 resistant fungal isolates. This is important because it helps doctors choose the right treatment for infections caused by resistant fungi, potentially improving patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with fungal infections by ensuring they receive the most effective treatments.

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This study looked at seriously ill COVID-19 patients in intensive care units to see how often they also had fungal infections, how long it took these infections to develop, and what happened to them as a result. Researchers gathered data from 244 patients and found that 76.7% of those with certain risk factors died, compared to 36.6% of those without. The importance of this research lies in identifying and treating these fungal infections early to improve patient outcomes, particularly since many died from complications related to these infections. Who this helps: This helps patients in intensive care, especially those suffering from COVID-19 and other underlying health issues.

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This study developed a new scoring system called the FAST score to help identify patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) who have significant liver damage. Researchers tested this tool on 350 patients in England and found that it accurately predicted the presence of severe liver issues, achieving a high sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 90%. This matters because it can help doctors determine who needs further testing or treatment, potentially avoiding unnecessary invasive procedures like liver biopsies. Who this helps: This helps patients with suspected NASH and their doctors by providing a safer way to assess liver health.

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Researchers studied various species of fungi that cause serious infections, focusing on their drug resistance levels. They analyzed 112 samples from hospitals in France and found the two most common species accounted for almost all samples (91% combined). Importantly, the methods used to measure drug resistance produced different results, indicating a need for more accurate testing methods. Who this helps: This benefits doctors treating fungal infections, as it can inform better treatment strategies.

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In 2018, researchers surveyed 45 mycology laboratories in France to understand how they test fungi for resistance to antifungal medications. They found that 86% of these labs used a method called Etest and tested between one to seven antifungal drugs. However, nearly all labs struggled with interpreting the test results, especially when there were no established guidelines, indicating a need for more consistent practices across laboratories. Who this helps: This helps mycology laboratories and clinicians by improving the accuracy of antifungal testing and treatment decisions.

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This study looked at how well a device called Fibroscan can measure liver fibrosis in obese patients preparing for weight-loss surgery compared to traditional liver biopsies. The researchers found that 41% of the patients had signs of fibrosis, and the Fibroscan showed good accuracy, especially for identifying severe fibrosis, with a score of 0.90 indicating its reliability for that stage. This matters because it offers a safer and less invasive way to assess liver health in these patients before surgery. Who this helps: Patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

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This study looked at how well rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) identify infections caused by a malaria parasite called Plasmodium falciparum, especially in a hospital in France where malaria is not common. Researchers found that from 2017 to 2018, 4.1% (3 out of 73) of RDTs gave false-negative results, meaning the tests failed to detect infections that were actually present; previously, there were no false negatives from 2006 to 2016. This is important because relying solely on these tests can lead to missed diagnoses and delayed treatment for malaria, which can be serious, especially in patients with low levels of the parasite. Who this helps: Patients who may have malaria but receive delayed or incorrect diagnoses.

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This study looked at mice with three rare genetic disorders—Pompe disease, Fabry disease, and Mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB—and measured the size of their aortas compared to normal mice. The researchers found that the aortas in the diseased mice were significantly larger: for example, Pompe mice had an ascending aorta diameter of 1.61 mm, compared to 1.11 mm in normal mice. These differences matter because they can help scientists understand the heart issues associated with these diseases and improve testing for new treatments. Who this helps: This benefits patients with these rare diseases and their doctors by providing insights for better diagnosis and treatment options.

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This study looked at how well the FibroScan machine measures liver fat and stiffness in patients suspected of having nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Researchers tested 450 adults and found that the FibroScan could accurately identify liver fat levels with scores ranging from 0.70 to 0.87 and could detect liver stiffness with scores between 0.77 and 0.89, which means it is quite reliable for assessing liver health. This is important because it provides a non-invasive way to evaluate liver conditions, which can lead to better diagnosis and treatment for patients with NAFLD. Who this helps: This helps patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and their doctors.

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This study looked at how fluid from wounds after breast surgery affects the growth of remaining cancer cells. Researchers found that certain substances in this fluid, like IP-10 and IL-6, were at higher levels in patients with more aggressive tumors. This matters because understanding how wound healing fluid can promote cancer growth may lead to better post-surgery treatments for patients. Who this helps: Patients undergoing breast cancer surgery.

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Researchers examined the effectiveness of various antifungal drugs against common strains of yeast and a specific fungus using data from 12 hospitals in France over a 14-year period. They established 48 specific benchmarks (called epidemiological cut-off values) for how well these drugs work, based on analyzing 9,654 samples of different Candida species and 1,526 samples of Aspergillus fumigatus. These findings help identify which fungal strains may be resistant to standard treatments, ensuring that doctors can make better decisions when prescribing antifungal medications. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers choose the right antifungal treatments for their patients.

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This study looked at a protein called MKRN3 in girls who experience central precocious puberty, which is when puberty starts unusually early. They found that the levels of MKRN3 were significantly lower in these girls compared to those who were not yet in puberty, with a measurement difference that was statistically significant (p: 0.0004). This matters because it suggests MKRN3 is involved in the timing of puberty onset, and understanding this could help in managing conditions related to early puberty. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers working with young patients experiencing early puberty.

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This study focused on improving the detection of liver damage, specifically fibrosis, in patients with fatty liver disease using a technique called vibration-controlled transient elastography. Researchers analyzed data from 2,058 patients and found that when they included the Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP), it helped to rule out cirrhosis with a 98% accuracy but only had moderate reliability of 70% for significant fibrosis. This finding is important because it shows that while the method can effectively rule out the most severe liver damage, it isn't very reliable for confirming the presence of fibrosis. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors who treat patients with liver disease by improving their ability to assess the severity of liver damage.

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This study looked at a new method called DiversiLab to identify different strains of two types of yeast, Candida albicans and Candida glabrata, in patients with serious infections. Researchers tested samples from 39 patients and found that the DiversiLab method worked well for C. albicans, matching results from traditional methods, but didn’t perform as well for C. glabrata. This matters because having a quick and reliable way to identify these infections can help doctors treat patients more effectively. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and patients dealing with yeast infections.

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This study looked at the levels of a protein called MKRN3 in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP) before and during treatment with a medication called GnRH analogs (GnRHa). Researchers found that MKRN3 levels dropped significantly after 6 months of treatment, and were much lower than those in healthy girls. This decline in MKRN3 indicates that the medication effectively reduces the activity related to early puberty, which is important for managing CPP in affected girls. Who this helps: This helps girls with central precocious puberty and their doctors.

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This research examined a non-invasive method, called the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), that uses ultrasound to assess fatty liver disease (steatosis) in patients. The study analyzed data from nearly 2,735 patients and found that the best measurements (cut-offs) for distinguishing between different levels of liver fat were 248 for mild steatosis and 268 for moderate steatosis. Understanding these measurements is important because it allows for better diagnosis of fatty liver without needing invasive procedures like liver biopsies, especially as the condition becomes more common due to rising obesity rates. Who this helps: This benefits patients with fatty liver disease and healthcare providers looking for simpler diagnostic options.

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This study looked at how turning diffuser membranes on and off during wastewater treatment affects their performance over time. Researchers tested two types of diffusers to mimic more than 8 years of regular use and found that pressure in the air flow increased between 2% and 18% due to the wear and clogging of the membranes. The findings are important because they show that the effectiveness of these diffusers can decline significantly, impacting wastewater treatment efficiency. Who this helps: This helps wastewater treatment plant operators.

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This study examined how quickly a type of fungus called Candida can become resistant to a treatment called micafungin in patients with peritoneal candidiasis. Researchers found that after just 12 days of treatment, the fungus developed resistance without the patient having been exposed to it before. This is important because it shows the need for doctors to monitor fungal resistance during treatment to ensure effectiveness. Who this helps: This helps patients with fungal infections and their doctors.

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This study looked at the genes MKRN3, DLK1, and KCNK9 in girls with precocious puberty, which is when they start developing earlier than usual. Researchers tested 60 girls and found that 8.7% of girls from families with a history of this condition had mutations in the MKRN3 gene, as well as 2.8% of girls without a family history. The findings suggest that while MKRN3 mutations are a significant cause of both familial and sporadic cases of early puberty, the other two genes do not appear to play a major role. Who this helps: This helps girls with precocious puberty and their families by improving understanding of genetic factors involved.

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This study looked at how different types of Candida fungi are found in a French intensive care unit over ten years, and how effective antifungal drugs have been against them. They examined 244 cases of Candida infections and found that most of them were within the abdomen (43%) or in the bloodstream (22%). The most common type was Candida albicans (55.8%), and antifungal treatment costs tripled over the study period, while the use of certain drugs increased significantly, though resistance to those drugs remained very low at 1.1%. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers managing patients with severe fungal infections in intensive care units.

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This study looked at the use of a drug called dexmedetomidine (DEX) in burn intensive care units (ICUs). It found that DEX effectively helps patients be calm and pain-free without causing significant breathing problems, which is important in managing burn injuries. The drug also showed promise in reducing inflammation and the need for other medications in critically ill patients, improving their overall recovery chances. Who this helps: Patients in burn ICUs and those with severe infections.

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This study looked at how to identify different types of mold in patients with chronic sinus issues by using a method called sequence analysis. The researchers found that sequence analysis could identify fungi in 81.5% of the sinus samples, while traditional culture methods only identified fungi in 31.5% of cases. This is important because it shows that sequence analysis is a much better tool for diagnosing fungal infections that cause sinus problems. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis by providing more accurate diagnoses.