DR. RICHARD B. FRIEDMAN, MD

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This study looked at the lymphatic systems in the arms of healthy women to see if the right and left sides are symmetrical, as is often assumed. Out of 36 volunteers, only 10 (28%) had symmetrical lymphatic pathways in their arms, and just 2 (6%) had symmetrical lymph nodes. These results show that the belief that our lymphatic systems are perfectly balanced between sides is incorrect, which could affect how doctors treat lymphatic issues in the future. Who this helps: This helps patients with lymphatic problems and their doctors.

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This study looked at how hospitals that specialize in treating lymphedema diagnose and perform surgery for patients. Out of the 16 centers surveyed, 9 responded, revealing that all of them have multidisciplinary teams for evaluating surgical candidates, but practices vary widely. For example, while every center offers procedures to remove excess tissue, only about two-thirds also provide more advanced surgeries like lymphovenous bypass. This matters because creating standardized practices can lead to better outcomes for patients with lymphedema. Who this helps: This helps patients with lymphedema who may need surgical treatment.

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The study looked at how a standardized care plan after bariatric surgery called Roux-en-Y gastric bypass affected patients' health and their commitment to following post-surgery recommendations. Researchers found that patients under the new care plan were much better at attending follow-up appointments (97% vs. 82%) and had higher vitamin D levels (which can be crucial for recovery). Additionally, these patients reported better overall health and social functioning a year after surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing bariatric surgery by improving their recovery and quality of life.

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In this study, researchers looked at Ba/F3 cells, a type of cell used to test cancer drugs, to understand why some patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) become resistant to treatments targeting a specific mutation called FLT3-ITD. They found that these cells could be made resistant to two drugs, gilteritinib and FF-10101, at similar levels found in patients, often requiring additional mutations to develop. This research is crucial because it identified new mutations that cause drug resistance, which helps explain why many patients struggle with relapse and highlights the need for better treatment options. Who this helps: This helps patients with AML and their doctors by providing insights into resistance mechanisms and future treatment strategies.

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This study looked at the effects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on men who had surgery to repair a rotator cuff. Researchers analyzed data from over 33,000 men, finding that those who had TRT within a year of their surgery were more likely to face complications like being readmitted to the hospital within 90 days (26% more likely), needing additional surgeries, and dealing with other issues like prolonged pain medication use and increased healthcare costs post-surgery. This is important because it suggests that stopping TRT before surgery might reduce the risk of complications for these patients. Who this helps: Patients undergoing rotator cuff repair who are on testosterone replacement therapy.

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This study looked at whether a medication called aprepitant can help prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery for acoustic neuroma, a type of brain tumor. Out of 579 patients analyzed, 49% experienced nausea and vomiting after surgery, and the researchers found that taking aprepitant before surgery did not lead to a decrease in these symptoms. Understanding the factors that contribute to nausea and vomiting could lead to better prevention strategies in the future. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing acoustic neuroma surgery and their doctors.

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This study looked at how radiation therapy affects the risk of developing lymphedema in breast cancer patients who have undergone lymphatic reconstruction and axillary lymph node dissection. Among 23 patients followed for about 26 months, 14 experienced lymphedema at least once, and 4 had it at their last check-up. The results showed that higher radiation doses were linked to a greater risk of lymphedema, with significant thresholds identified: when the mean dose exceeded 3074 cGy, the lymphedema rate was 92%, compared to only 30% for lower doses. Who this helps: This research benefits breast cancer patients and their doctors by providing insights into radiation dosing and lymphedema risk.

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This study looked at how certain metal ions interact with ciprofloxacin, a common fluoroquinolone antibiotic, to understand why some patients experience serious side effects known as fluoroquinolone-associated disability (FQAD). The researchers found that ciprofloxacin has a strong attraction to iron, with a binding energy of over 50 kcal/mol, but it binds less strongly to iron than another antibiotic, tetracycline. This suggests that the way these antibiotics bind to metal ions is not responsible for causing FQAD, highlighting the need for further research into the actual causes of these side effects. Who this helps: This benefits patients taking fluoroquinolone antibiotics and healthcare providers who need to understand the risks associated with these medications.

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This study looked at how the brain processes reading by investigating adults who had strokes affecting their ability to read unfamiliar words. Researchers found that those with damage in specific brain areas had a harder time reading new words, especially when these words had multiple possible pronunciations. For instance, participants with strokes were less accurate than healthy individuals when reading pseudowords with no known pronunciation mappings, showing specific brain damage patterns that affected their reading abilities. Who this helps: This research helps doctors better diagnose reading issues in stroke patients and may lead to new treatments.

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This paper studied how new and returning infectious diseases affect healthcare settings and how these outbreaks can be managed. Researchers found that these infections spread quickly due to factors like delayed detection of cases, poor monitoring, and failures in preventing infections. Effective management can help keep healthcare systems running smoothly and protect both patients and staff from outbreaks. Who this helps: This benefits patients, healthcare workers, and hospital administrators.

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Researchers looked at using a special dye called indocyanine green alongside infrared light to improve the repair of damaged peripheral nerves. They found that this technique was successful in helping to visualize and guide the repair process. This matters because it could lead to better outcomes for patients with nerve injuries. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from peripheral nerve injuries.

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This study focused on how a mutation in the p53 gene affects certain stem cells in the esophagus that are linked to the development of a type of cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma. Researchers found that in mice with a specific p53 mutation, these stem cells expanded more and moved directly toward an abnormal cell growth called dysplasia instead of the usual metaplasia. Specifically, the mutation led to a 20% increase in stem cell expansion and blocked normal cell differentiation, pushing cells toward dysplasia instead. Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk for esophageal cancer by identifying early changes in their stem cells that could inform monitoring and treatment strategies.

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This study focused on how caloric restriction (eating fewer calories without malnutrition) affects biological aging in humans. Researchers analyzed genetic data from 218 participants over time and found information that could help us understand the health benefits of caloric restriction. They produced a valuable resource of genomic data that can be used in future research to explore aging further. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists studying aging and its effects on health.

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This study explored a new way to improve the quality of imaging using a special type of fiber optic technology. The researchers found that by controlling the light polarization, they could significantly reduce unwanted noise in the images while only slightly impacting the clarity of the images. This matters because it can lead to clearer and more reliable medical imaging, which is essential for accurate diagnoses and treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing better imaging tools for medical assessments.

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This study looked at patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) who had hearing loss and received an auditory brainstem implant (ABI) during surgery to remove a tumor called vestibular schwannoma. Out of 11 patients, 9 (81%) showed improved hearing after the implant, and 5 out of 7 who were tested had good speech perception scores of over 75%. This is important because it shows that the ABI can significantly help restore hearing in NF2 patients undergoing surgery for this tumor. Who this helps: This helps NF2 patients dealing with hearing loss.

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This study looked at how different types of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cells become resistant to FLT3 inhibitors, which are drugs used to treat this challenging blood cancer. Researchers created four cell lines that developed resistance to two inhibitors, finding that each one used a unique method to evade the drugs, including mutations in FLT3 and NRAS. They also discovered that a new drug called Chen-9u successfully inhibited the growth of resistant cells, showing promise for future treatments. Who this helps: This research helps patients with acute myeloid leukaemia by improving understanding of drug resistance and potential new treatment options.

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This study focused on a protein called Abl1 kinase, which plays a key role in cell functions and is linked to blood cancers. The researchers discovered that Abl1 uses a single magnesium ion to effectively transfer a phosphate group from ATP to the protein, which is important for its activation, differing from other similar proteins that use two magnesium ions. Understanding this process is crucial for developing new targeted drugs to treat conditions related to Abl1 dysfunction. Who this helps: This helps patients with blood cancers and their doctors.

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This study looked at patients with vestibular schwannomas (a type of brain tumor) who had previously received radiation therapy and then underwent a second surgery. Out of 265 patients, only 21 had prior radiation, and those patients were less likely to have their tumors completely removed during surgery (only 18% chance) compared to those who hadn’t had radiation. However, while initial facial nerve function was better in radiated patients right after surgery, their long-term outcomes were similar to non-radiated patients. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients dealing with vestibular schwannomas, especially when considering treatment options after radiation therapy.

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This study looked at how strongly two drugs bind to different proteins in the body, which helps to understand how effective these drugs are and if they may cause side effects. They found that using new calculation methods made it possible to estimate binding energy more accurately, improving our understanding of drug interactions. This matters because knowing how drugs bind can help in designing safer and more effective medications with fewer unwanted effects. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers in developing better drugs for patients.

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This study looked at how ChatGPT, a type of artificial intelligence, can help speed up and improve the accuracy of reviewing patient charts for pressure injuries. By using ChatGPT, the time needed for each chart review dropped dramatically from about 7.5 minutes to just over 1 minute, while accuracy stayed high at around 96%. This is important because it makes the process of managing wound care faster and more reliable, potentially improving patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers involved in wound care.

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This study looked at how mutations in the FLT3 gene contribute to the resistance of certain treatments in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a type of blood cancer. Researchers tested five FLT3 inhibitors and found that two new inhibitors were only slightly impacted by resistance mutations, while most treatments showed little effectiveness against a common mutation, NRAS/G12C. These findings highlight the importance of FLT3 in AML and could lead to better treatment options for patients with FLT3 mutations. Who this helps: This benefits patients with acute myeloid leukaemia, especially those with FLT3 mutations.

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This study looked at how genes affect age-related hearing loss (ARHL) using a specific type of mouse. Researchers found 10 important genes linked to ARHL, including one called Prkag2, which seems to play a significant role since removing it caused hearing loss at higher frequencies. Understanding these genetic links is important because it could lead to new ways to prevent or treat hearing loss in older adults. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially older adults facing hearing loss.

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This study looked at how fairly hospitals in New York City serve low-income and uninsured patients. Researchers created a new tool called the Proportional Share Index (PSI) that measures whether hospitals are providing enough care for these groups compared to their capacity. They found that using the PSI can help identify which hospitals are not meeting their responsibilities, paving the way for better policies that ensure fairer access to healthcare. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those with Medicaid or no insurance, by promoting fairer healthcare access.

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This study looked at how certain radioactive elements used in cancer treatments interact with proteins in the body. Researchers found that the isotope Y binds strongly to proteins, potentially replacing calcium, while Ra doesn’t bind to these proteins at all, and Pb can replace calcium in some cases. Understanding these interactions is important because they can affect how well these treatments work and how they get transported in the body. Who this helps: This research helps doctors and patients using radioactive treatments for cancer.

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This study looked at how the location of dye injections affects the visibility of lymphatic vessels in patients undergoing axillary lymph node surgery for breast cancer. Researchers found that fewer lymphatic channels were visible when the dye was injected in the hand/wrist area (around 39 channels) compared to the upper-arm area (around 46 channels). Additionally, the channels were closer to the axillary vein when injected in the upper arm, suggesting that this traditional injection site is better for identifying important lymphatic pathways. Who this helps: This research benefits patients undergoing breast cancer treatment, particularly those at risk for lymphedema.

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This study looked at how different surgical techniques for removing vestibular schwannomas (a type of tumor) affected MRI results afterward. Researchers found that after surgeries were reported as complete removals, 17% of patients showed a type of enhancement on their MRIs that could suggest lingering tumor tissue, and this was more common for patients who didn’t have a total resection. This is important because if enhancements remain, it could indicate a risk of leftover tumor, especially in surgeries where visualization is limited. Who this helps: This helps both patients and doctors by improving understanding of potential leftover tumors after surgery.

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This study looked at how combining a new type of drug with another medication might help treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), particularly in cases where the cancer becomes resistant to typical treatments. They found that combining type II Abl1 inhibitors with asciminib leads to strong synergies—meaning the drugs work better together—when used at levels relevant to patients. They also introduced a new equation that simplifies how these combinations can be evaluated, making it easier to understand their effectiveness without needing complex experiments. Who this helps: This benefits patients with chronic myeloid leukemia and their doctors by guiding better treatment options.

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This research looked at why employees from collective cultures (like Taiwan) are usually less creative than those from individualistic cultures (like the United States) and found that lower self-confidence among those in collective cultures plays a big role. The studies showed that when employees felt more empowered in their roles, their creativity increased, particularly if they also valued individualistic ideas. This is important because it highlights that fostering empowerment in the workplace can boost creativity, especially for those in cultures that typically discourage individual expression. Who this helps: This helps employers and managers aiming to enhance creativity in diverse teams.

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Researchers studied the outcomes of surgery on 1,000 patients with tumors in the cerebellopontine angle, which is near the brainstem. They found that 88% of patients had 2% or less of the tumor left after surgery, and 88% of patients maintained good facial nerve function after the procedure. These results are important because they show that surgery can effectively remove most of the tumor while preserving important functions like facial movement and hearing, especially when using the right surgical approach for smaller tumors. Who this helps: This benefits patients with cerebellopontine angle tumors and their doctors by providing better treatment options and expected outcomes.

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This study looked at how changes in the structure of proteins can make drugs less effective against cancers and infections. Researchers found that by understanding how drugs interact with proteins and how these interactions change with mutations, they can develop better drugs that are harder for cells to resist. This matters because improving drug effectiveness could lead to better treatments for patients suffering from resistant diseases, ultimately saving lives. Who this helps: Patients facing drug-resistant infections or cancer.

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This study tested a new drug called RMC-5552 on 57 patients with advanced solid tumors to see how safe and effective it is. The results showed that 64% of participants had their disease controlled, with one patient experiencing complete tumor disappearance; side effects included mucositis in 49% of patients, but using a mouthwash during treatment reduced mucositis from 65% to 31%. This matters because RMC-5552 can effectively target specific cancer pathways while minimizing some common side effects associated with previous treatments. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients and their doctors by providing a new treatment option that aims to reduce side effects.

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This study looked at the healthcare experiences of New Yorkers from different racial and insurance backgrounds to understand why there are inequalities in healthcare. Researchers gathered insights from 184 participants through focus groups, finding that issues like racism, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and staff burnout negatively affected care, particularly for Black residents. People called for changes such as better training for healthcare workers, more community involvement, and improved access to services to make the healthcare system fairer for everyone. Who this helps: This helps patients who face disparities in healthcare and the communities they belong to.

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This study looked at whether using air instead of saline in tissue expanders after breast cancer surgery leads to better safety and effectiveness. Researchers reviewed 427 articles but found only 11 that met their criteria for inclusion, showing that using air might lower complications like skin flap necrosis in certain cases, but overall, the evidence was not strong enough to say that it is better than saline. This matters because if air is indeed safer and more effective, it could change the way tissue expanders are used in reconstruction surgery. Who this helps: Patients undergoing breast reconstruction surgery.

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This study looked at how patients felt about their nipple sensation after having chest masculinization surgery, specifically comparing two different surgical methods used between 2015 and 2019. Of the 151 patients surveyed, 84.6% who had periareolar mastectomies reported some nipple sensation preservation, compared to 69.6% who had double-incision mastectomies. The researchers found that patients who retained some sensation also reported higher satisfaction with their results, indicating that keeping nipple sensation might be important for overall patient satisfaction post-surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing chest masculinization surgery by highlighting the importance of preserving nipple sensation for better satisfaction.

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This study introduced a new method called GKS-EDA(QM/MM) that helps scientists understand how different parts of large systems interact on an energy level. The method breaks down the total energy into key components, making it easier to analyze complex combinations. It was tested with several examples, including how a specific ion interacts in water and two protein complexes, showing that it works well for large systems. Who this helps: This benefits researchers studying large biological systems and potential drug interactions.

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The study created an educational program called "Explore Plastic Surgery" for medical students who attend schools without specific plastic surgery residency programs. Out of 217 students who registered, surveys showed that after participating, 57 students felt significantly more confident in their understanding of how to pursue a career in plastic surgery, with a notable rise in their confidence scores and a decrease in the belief that their school's lack of a home program would hurt their chances. This matters because it helps level the playing field for students from these institutions, allowing more diverse candidates to enter the field of plastic surgery. Who this helps: This benefits medical students from schools without plastic surgery residency programs.

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This research paper examines a surgical procedure called immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) that aims to lower the chances of developing lymphedema, a buildup of fluid that can occur after breast cancer surgery. Over eight years, the authors improved their techniques by using advanced imaging to better see lymphatic systems and make surgical adjustments, leading to better outcomes. They emphasized the importance of collecting detailed data during surgeries to enhance future research and improve patient care overall. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of lymphedema after breast cancer treatment.

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This study investigated how immune cells, such as T-cells and macrophages, interact with specific types of cells in the pancreas during the early stages of insulitis, which is inflammation linked to type 1 diabetes. Researchers found that immune cells were more likely to gather around regions rich in a type of cell called α-cells. Specifically, about 50% more T-cells interacted with β-cells that were close to α-cells compared to those that weren't, highlighting a targeted response in these areas. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with type 1 diabetes by providing insights that could improve understanding of disease progression.

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This study looked at a case of a 38-year-old woman who lost her vision after getting an injection of a facial filler. She experienced immediate pain and complete vision loss, but after receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) within 10 hours of the incident, her vision improved significantly, and she fully regained her sight after two more treatments. This is important because it shows that HBOT can effectively treat vision loss caused by complications from filler injections, suggesting a potential new option for others facing the same issue. Who this helps: This helps patients who experience vision loss due to filler injections.

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This study looked at the genetic factors that influence age-related hearing loss in mice. Researchers tested nearly 950 CFW mice at different ages and found several genetic regions linked to hearing loss, with some genes showing a strong connection; for example, they confirmed that a lack of the Prkag2 gene leads to hearing loss at high frequencies in mice. Understanding these genetic influences is important because it could lead to new ways to prevent or treat hearing loss in older adults. Who this helps: This research benefits elderly patients and healthcare providers by improving the understanding of hearing loss causes.

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This study looked at how a genetic mutation in the IDH2 enzyme makes some cancer cells resistant to a drug called enasidenib. Researchers found that the mutation Q316E reduces the drug's effectiveness when it appears alongside another mutation (R140Q) in the same enzyme; specifically, they observed that the binding of enasidenib was considerably weaker with this mutation, which aligns with findings from only two previous cases. Understanding this resistance helps improve treatment plans for patients with certain types of cancer. Who this helps: This helps doctors treating patients with IDH2-mutated cancers.

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This study looked at how the choice of different protein chains affects the calculations of energy related to drug binding in a specific enzyme linked to chronic myeloid leukemia treatment. The researchers found that the binding energy varied significantly depending on which protein chain was used, with values ranging from 4.2 to 92.3 kcal/mol, indicating that the chain selection is crucial for accurate drug design. Understanding these differences can help improve how new drugs are developed by ensuring that calculations are more reliable. Who this helps: This research benefits drug developers and researchers working on treatments for chronic myeloid leukemia.

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This study looked at how eating fewer calories affects aging in healthy humans. Researchers collected and analyzed genetic data from 218 participants, revealing important biological processes linked to caloric restriction. This information is valuable because it can help scientists understand how to promote healthy aging in people. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and healthcare professionals focused on aging and nutrition.

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This study looked at a specific protein called tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrRS) in mice, finding that when this protein isn't properly located in the cell's nucleus, it causes two major issues: lower fat storage and hearing loss. The mice with this deficiency had less body fat and showed signs of better insulin management, but they also experienced progressive hearing issues. Understanding how TyrRS affects both metabolism and hearing is important because it can lead to better insights into how our bodies manage energy and health. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on metabolic disorders and hearing loss.

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This research looked at the outcomes and risks of orthognathic surgery, a procedure used to treat cleft lip and palate in patients. It analyzed 62 studies involving 2,550 patients and found that while patients often saw a 33% improvement in how clearly they could speak, there was a significant 63% increase in problems related to the throat's function after surgery. Understanding these results is important because it helps doctors improve surgical techniques and better prepare patients for what to expect post-surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families as well as doctors involved in cleft lip and palate surgeries.

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This study looked at how to better choose medications for patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) when their cancer becomes resistant to treatment. Researchers found that instead of relying on traditional measures of drug effectiveness, a new approach called "inhibitory reduction prowess" could give a clearer picture of how effective a drug will be against different mutant forms of the cancer's target enzyme. Since about 25% of CML patients experience resistance to their first treatment, this new method could improve treatment choices, leading to better outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia and their doctors in selecting more effective treatments.

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This study looked at how childhood trauma and impulsivity are linked to binge eating and weight in young adults. Researchers found that for females, experiencing trauma as a child and being impulsive increased the likelihood of binge eating. In fact, females with a history of childhood trauma had higher binge eating symptoms than males, emphasizing the role of impulsivity in this relationship. Who this helps: This information benefits mental health professionals and nutritionists working with women who have experienced childhood trauma.