DR. PAUL S. CHANG, D.O.

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This study focused on improving the form and safety of a substance called 3-Nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO), which is used in safer munitions. Researchers used ultrasound to help control the size and shape of NTO crystals and found that this method made the crystals more uniform and reduced their size by 60%, which also made them less likely to explode on impact. This is important because it could make NTO safer to use in military applications, ultimately leading to safer munitions. Who this helps: This helps military personnel and manufacturers who work with munitions.

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This study focused on developing a tool to predict the risk of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in patients with sepsis after trauma. The researchers created a model that successfully identified high-risk patients with a high accuracy, achieving scores of about 90.6% for predictions made during different time frames, and it performed well even when trained on just a small number of cases. This is important because it allows doctors to spot which patients need urgent care sooner, potentially saving lives. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and critically ill patients with trauma sepsis.

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This study examined how certain factors can predict the effectiveness of radioiodine therapy in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) who underwent surgery to remove lymph nodes. Researchers found that 24.2% of the 145 patients did not have a satisfactory response to the therapy. Specifically, a higher level of cancer spread in the neck and a certain ratio of a protein called thyroglobulin to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were strong indicators of poor response, with the Pre-sTg/TSH ratio being particularly effective in predicting outcomes. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma and their doctors by guiding treatment decisions and follow-up care.

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This study looked at the types of medications prescribed to cancer patients during their rehab visits across three medical centers in the U.S. They found that the most common medications included opioids (14.5%) and membrane stabilizers (11.3%), with a total of 1234 patients visiting 3006 times. Understanding these prescribing patterns is important because it can help doctors make better decisions tailored to the needs of cancer rehabilitation patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from cancer by improving their pain management and rehabilitation care.

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Researchers studied a new type of solar cell made from a special material called CuInPS combined with platinum and graphene. They found that this design boosts the electric current generated by the solar cell by 10 times and allows for flipping the current direction when needed. This technology may lead to advanced visual systems, improving tasks like edge detection and pattern recognition which are essential for future smart devices. Who this helps: This helps technology developers and researchers in the field of renewable energy and smart technology.

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This study looked at a new way to identify harmful substances known as PFAS in contaminated soil samples using advanced software and mass spectrometry technology. Researchers improved a data-processing tool called FluoroMatch Suite, achieving a remarkable result where they eliminated false positives—incorrectly identifying a substance as a PFAS—down to 0% while still accurately identifying most actual PFAS at a 6% false negative rate. This matters because it significantly enhances our ability to detect dangerous chemicals in the environment, ensuring better protection for public health. Who this helps: This helps environmental scientists and regulators working to clean up contaminated sites and protect communities.

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This study explored the genetic differences in light-harvesting proteins between wild and cultivated green jujube trees. The researchers found 72 genes related to these proteins in both wild and cultivated varieties, and identified specific regulatory elements that might influence how these genes perform under different environmental conditions. This research is important because it provides insights into how domestication affects plant genetics, which can help improve the growth and resilience of green jujube trees that are important for nutrition and medicine. Who this helps: This research benefits farmers, researchers, and communities that rely on green jujube for food and medicine.

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This study looked at changes in the eye's angle structure after cataract surgery in children, specifically comparing those who received different types of artificial lenses. Researchers found that, post-surgery, the angle structures of the eyes significantly changed, particularly in the area of the nasal angle. For example, the angle size decreased in both types of lens patients, indicating that further monitoring of these changes is important to understand how they relate to eye pressure and vision outcomes. Who this helps: This research benefits eye surgeons and pediatric patients undergoing cataract surgery.

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This study looked at how two different types of microscopic compartments in bacteria, known as bacterial microcompartments (BMCs), work together in Salmonella. Researchers found that when they combined two specific BMCs, the cells could form hybrid structures that changed how the compartments moved and functioned. This matters because it helps us understand how bacteria organize their metabolism and might lead to new ways to design these structures for industrial uses. Who this helps: This helps researchers and biotechnologists looking to create more efficient microbial systems for various applications.

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This study examined how changes in dryness affect soil carbon storage in grasslands in China. Researchers found that at a dryness level of 0.749, the way that vegetation influences soil carbon changes significantly. Below this level, complex plants help increase soil carbon by promoting active microbes, while above this level, finer roots play a key role in maintaining soil carbon stability. This research highlights the importance of choosing the right types of plants for restoring dryland areas to ensure healthy soil. Who this helps: This helps farmers and land managers working in dryland regions.

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Researchers studied the daily and longer-lasting activity patterns of young and middle-aged male and female mice to see how sex and age affect these rhythms. They found that middle-aged female mice were more active during the day and ran longer on wheels compared to younger females. Young female mice showed strong activity patterns every five days, but this was not seen in middle-aged females, while male mice showed different patterns. This research is important because it reveals how age and sex influence physical and behavioral responses, which can help us better understand age-related health issues. Who this helps: This helps researchers and clinicians understand metabolic and behavioral disorders in aging populations.

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This study looked at patients with Stargardt disease who all had a specific genetic variant called c.5882G>A p.(Gly1961Glu), focusing on how second genetic variants influence the disease's severity. Out of 52 patients analyzed, the average age at which they showed significant vision loss was 43 years, but those with certain second variants experienced much faster progression—some up to 50.7 years earlier than others who had variants leading to slower progression. Understanding these genetic differences is crucial for better predicting disease outcomes and tailoring treatments for individual patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Stargardt disease and their doctors by improving diagnosis and treatment strategies.

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This study focused on using robotic surgery to remove a type of tumor called leiomyosarcoma from the left side of a patient's abdomen while also rebuilding the left renal vein. The surgery was successful, taking 35 minutes for the part where blood supply was temporarily cut off, and the patient left the hospital two days later with no changes to her kidney function. This matters because it shows that robotic assistance can effectively treat complex tumors while preserving important body functions. Who this helps: This helps patients with retroperitoneal sarcomas and their doctors.

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This study explored a region near the Sun to learn more about dark matter, a mysterious substance that makes up much of the universe's mass. Researchers found a dark matter subhalo with a mass of about 24.5 million times that of our Sun, located around 7.43 kiloparsecs away from the center of the Milky Way. This is important because it helps scientists better understand how dark matter behaves and its role in the formation of galaxies. Who this helps: This research benefits astrophysicists and astronomers studying dark matter and galaxy formation.

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This study explores a new way to send secure messages over long distances without needing a direct line of sight, using a technique called troposcatter. The researchers were able to transmit a specific type of message over 50 kilometers at a speed of 200 megabits per second, with very low error rates (less than 3.8 x 10^-3). This is important because it could improve how secure communications are done, especially in environments where traditional methods can't reach. Who this helps: This benefits telecommunications providers and organizations needing secure long-distance communication.

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This study explored a new type of security system using a special material called thin-film lithium niobate to create a unique optical function that can't be copied. The researchers found that their system can produce about one million different security codes that help identify and authenticate devices securely. This is important because it offers a stronger way to protect Internet of Things (IoT) devices from hacking and unauthorized access. Who this helps: This benefits manufacturers and developers of IoT devices.

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This study focused on improving an enzyme called ω-transaminase, which is important for making specific chemical compounds used in medicine. Researchers created a new version of this enzyme that lasts five times longer at high temperatures and works better than the original. This improvement is significant because it makes the enzyme more useful for industrial processes, making it easier and more efficient to produce important drugs. Who this helps: This benefits pharmaceutical companies and patients needing safer, more effective medications.

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This study explored a new method called Contact-electro-catalysis Fenton (CEC-Fenton) to improve the breakdown of harmful organic pollutants in water. By adding iron to the existing CEC system, researchers found that the breakdown rate of a common dye, methyl orange, increased by 33 times, achieving degradation in just 0.4 minutes. This technique also enhanced the breakdown of other pollutants, showing significant improvements in efficiency. Who this helps: This benefits environmental scientists and engineers working on water purification, as well as communities affected by water pollution.

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This study looked at how patients with early-stage gynecologic cancers make decisions about preserving their fertility. It involved interviews with 12 patients and 12 healthcare professionals, revealing that patients often feel anxious and conflicted about their choices, need better access to information and emotional support, and are influenced by family involvement and healthcare access. These findings are important because they highlight the need for healthcare providers to better understand and support patients during this challenging decision-making process, which can improve the overall quality of their choices. Who this helps: This helps patients facing gynecologic cancers and their healthcare providers.

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Researchers examined the HER3 protein, which is connected to cancer growth and treatment resistance, to understand its more complex roles beyond what was traditionally known. They found that HER3 interacts with various other proteins and can influence cancer behavior in ways that contribute to resistance against treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. This matters because better understanding HER3 could lead to improved strategies for overcoming treatment challenges in cancer therapy. Who this helps: This helps patients with cancer by potentially improving their treatment options.

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This study looked at how a specific enzyme called Dlat affects heart function in patients with a type of heart failure known as HFpEF. Researchers found that in hearts with HFpEF, there was an increase in protein acetylation, especially in the mitochondria, which play a key role in burning fat for energy. They discovered that when Dlat was reduced, it helped improve the heart's ability to burn fat and better manage heart failure symptoms, suggesting that targeting Dlat could be a new way to treat HFpEF. Who this helps: Patients with heart failure, especially those with HFpEF.

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This study looked at a new way to create a special type of laser beam called a "line-shaped top-hat beam," which has an even intensity and is useful in various technologies like laser processing and LiDAR (a type of distance measurement). The researchers developed an optical system that combines new laser technology with advanced lenses, resulting in a beam that has 72% uniformity and 80% efficiency, with a narrow spreading angle of just 0.17 degrees. This is important because it makes laser systems smaller and more effective, improving applications in communications and measurement technology. Who this helps: This benefits engineers and researchers working on laser systems and optical technologies.

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This study looked at how effective chemotherapy and radiation (called chemoradiation therapy) were for older adults with serious bladder cancer between the ages of 66 and 89. The researchers found that after five years, 47% of patients were still free of cancer progression, 53% were alive without dying from cancer, and only 35% were still alive overall. These findings are important because they show that older patients might not do as well with chemoradiation therapy in real-world settings compared to what previous clinical trials suggested. Who this helps: This helps older bladder cancer patients and their doctors understand treatment outcomes better.

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This research focused on finding a new way to create chiral allenoates, which are important compounds used in pharmaceuticals, by repurposing certain enzymes called "ene"-reductases. The scientists altered these enzymes to improve their ability to convert achiral alkynoates into chiral allenoates without the usual problem of product buildup affecting their performance. They successfully developed new enzyme variants that produced a wide variety of chiral allenoates efficiently, leading to the creation of complex molecules with up to three stereogenic centers. Who this helps: This benefits chemists and pharmaceutical researchers who need effective methods for synthesizing complex bioactive compounds.

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This study examined how taurine, a compound found in various foods, affects fat accumulation in mice that were fed a high-fat diet. Researchers found that giving taurine at a dose of 700 mg per kg per day for 14 weeks reduced fat buildup in the mice and reversed 15 out of 35 harmful metabolic changes in their fat tissue, improving their overall fat metabolism. These findings matter because they suggest that taurine could be an effective treatment for obesity by helping the body burn fat more efficiently. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with obesity and related metabolic disorders.

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This study examined the timing of key treatments for sepsis in critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs) to see how it affects survival and recovery times. It found that giving antibiotics within the first hour led to a 35% lower risk of death within 28 days and quicker discharges from the ICU. Similarly, starting fluid resuscitation quickly, with at least 30 mL/kg within three hours, decreased mortality by 28% and also sped up discharge times, while early use of vasopressors did not show any benefits. Who this helps: This research helps doctors improve treatment strategies for patients with sepsis.

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This study looked at how plants interact with the helpful microbes in their roots and found that plants can affect these interactions through genetic changes. These changes help plants grow better in different environments and improve soil health, which can lead to higher crop yields. For example, better regulation of microbial activity can enhance how plants cope with stress. Who this helps: This benefits farmers and gardeners looking to improve crop growth and resilience.

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This study looked at how computer vision can help doctors identify different types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in kids by analyzing images from tissue samples. The researchers developed AI models that achieved an impressive accuracy of 84% in distinguishing normal tissue from abnormal, and 86% in detecting chronic changes. These findings are important because they show that AI can effectively assist pathologists in diagnosing IBD, which can lead to better treatment decisions. Who this helps: This benefits patients with pediatric inflammatory bowel disease and their doctors.

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This study focused on understanding how a specific enzyme called HapC, from the marine bacterium Hahella chejuensis, helps create a red pigment called prodigiosin, which has useful biological properties. Researchers found that HapC can produce six different types of prodiginines in the lab, including two new types that have never been made before by any other enzyme. This discovery is important because it could lead to new drugs and therapies by expanding the range of available prodiginines for medical research. Who this helps: This helps patients in need of new treatments and doctors looking for effective therapies.

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This study focused on creating a tool to help predict whether kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) has spread (metastasized) in patients when it is first diagnosed. Researchers found that three key factors can help make this prediction: the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, the serum albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio, and a specific anatomical scoring system. The prediction tool showed good accuracy, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.771 in the training group and 0.747 in the validation group, meaning it can be a useful resource for doctors in assessing the extent of the disease. Who this helps: This tool benefits patients and doctors by improving the accuracy of cancer staging and treatment planning.

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This study focused on improving a type of enzyme called ω-transaminases (ω-TAs), which are important for making certain drugs, including an anticancer medication. Researchers used a method that changed the enzyme's structure, allowing it to work much better with larger chemical compounds. They achieved a 95% conversion rate of a specific compound in just one hour while maintaining a very high quality of the product, which is crucial for drug manufacturing. Who this helps: This benefits pharmaceutical companies and patients who rely on effective drugs.

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This study looked at a new way to improve cancer treatment by using a combined therapy that helps the immune system better fight tumors. Researchers created a treatment called IM@PLGA, which pairs a drug called ipilimumab with 2-methoxyestradiol to both activate immune cells and weaken tumor defenses. They found that this combination successfully activated more T-cell responses, meaning it could fight tumors better; for example, there was a significant reduction in suppressive immune cells within the tumor environment. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients needing more effective treatments for their tumors.

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This study looked at how special surfaces, called metasurfaces, can control and direct light in advanced electronic devices. Researchers found that by adjusting the way light interacts with these surfaces, they could change the angle of light beams effectively, resulting in a more responsive system that controls electric current. This matters because it opens up new possibilities for creating more efficient and flexible electronic devices that use light in innovative ways. Who this helps: This helps engineers and researchers developing advanced optoelectronic devices.

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Researchers studied new pain-relief medications that do not contain opioids, aiming to find effective alternatives for managing pain during and after surgery. They found that a new type of drug that targets multiple pain-related sodium channels was able to reduce pain in rats without causing the negative side effects associated with opioids. This is significant because it could lead to safer pain management options for patients during surgery, reducing reliance on opioids. Who this helps: Patients undergoing surgery.

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This study looked at how different factors, like a patient's age and income, affected the use of a treatment called BCG for older adults diagnosed with a specific type of bladder cancer between 2002 and 2017. Researchers found that the percentage of patients receiving BCG increased from 37% in 2002 to 60% in 2017, and while there were some supply shortages, they did not significantly reduce access to the treatment. Understanding these patterns helps ensure that all patients can receive the care they need, even if there are shortages. Who this helps: This helps patients with high-grade bladder cancer.

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This study looked at how a specific particle, called the D^0 meson, is produced when heavy lead nuclei collide in a very specific way. Researchers found that they could measure these particles through certain events where one of the nuclei breaks apart while the other remains intact, and this was achieved using data from high-energy lead-lead collisions. Their findings help improve our understanding of how particles behave at a nuclear level, particularly in terms of the distribution of their constituent parts, showing important data about partons within lead nuclei. Who this helps: This helps physicists and researchers in particle physics who are studying nuclear interactions and fundamental particles.

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Researchers studied how the Higgs boson behaves when it decays into pairs of charm quarks and is produced alongside top quarks. They found that the rate of this occurrence is slightly lower than what the standard model predicts, with numbers showing an observed event rate of 0.91, and the charm-quark interactions better constrained at less than 3.5 times the standard model expectation. This matters because it helps scientists understand the fundamental properties of particles and how they interact, which is key for advancing physics knowledge. Who this helps: This research benefits physicists and researchers working on particle physics and the standard model.

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This study focused on analyzing three specific types of particles called B mesons: B^{*+}, B^{*0}, and B_{s}^{*0}. Researchers found the mass differences between these excited mesons and their normal counterparts to be very precise: 45.277 MeV for B^{*+}, 45.471 MeV for B^{*0}, and 49.407 MeV for B_{s}^{*0}. These findings are notable because they enhance the accuracy of our understanding of these particles by a factor of ten compared to earlier measurements. Who this helps: This helps physicists studying particle interactions and the fundamental forces in nature.

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The CMS particle detector at CERN observed, for the first time, a collision event in which a single top quark was produced alongside both a W and a Z boson simultaneously. The signal was confirmed with 5.8 standard deviations of statistical significance using 200 inverse femtobarns of data. This observation validates a predicted process in the Standard Model of particle physics and opens a new channel for probing fundamental interactions between quarks and force-carrying particles.

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This study looked at a molecule involved in prostate cancer and found that it is linked to a suppressive environment around tumors that helps them grow. Researchers observed that reducing this molecule in cancer cells led to slower tumor growth and changed the types of immune cells present, specifically increasing helpful T cells while decreasing regulatory T cells that can inhibit the immune response. Understanding this relationship is important because it opens up new possibilities for treating prostate cancer more effectively. Who this helps: This helps patients with prostate cancer and their doctors by providing new avenues for treatment strategies.

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This study looked at how specific antibodies linked to inflammation might affect the recurrence of narrowing in heart arteries (known as in-stent restenosis) after patients received new heart stents. Researchers followed 2,503 patients, and found that 8.1% experienced restenosis within a year; those with certain antibodies and higher levels of an inflammation marker called IL-6 were at significantly higher risk. Understanding these associations helps identify patients who may need more careful monitoring after stent placement, potentially improving treatment outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with heart stents, particularly those with inflammation-related conditions.

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This research looked at new treatments for bladder cancer, which kills about 170,000 people each year. Over the past ten years, doctors have used advanced genetic testing to better understand the disease, leading to promising new immunotherapies that target specific genetic features. These treatments are showing good results, especially in patients with certain genetic markers that indicate a higher mutation burden. Who this helps: This helps patients with bladder cancer, particularly those with advanced forms of the disease.