DR. RONDA SUE FLECK, M.D.

Plain English
This study looked at the changes in small blood vessels in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis (CF) as they age and undergo treatment. Researchers found that the volume of small blood vessels began to decrease in the first ten years of life, even when lung function was normal, and that this decline was independent of lung function measurements. Importantly, they observed that the decline was not seen in patients taking Trikafta, indicating that this medication may help maintain healthy blood vessels in the lungs. Who this helps: Patients with cystic fibrosis, especially those being treated with Trikafta.

Plain English
This research focused on improving a specialized imaging technique called cryo-volume Electron Microscopy (cvEM), which allows scientists to take detailed pictures of cells in a near-natural state. The researchers developed new methods that make it easier to prepare samples and get clearer images without damaging them. They showed that this technique works well with tiny organisms like the nematode *C. elegans* and the protozoon *Paramecium bursaria*, which can contain algae, highlighting the potential for better understanding both single-celled and multi-celled life forms. Who this helps: This benefits researchers studying cellular structures and processes in various organisms.

Plain English
This study examined a surgical technique called the modified David V procedure for patients needing aortic root replacement, especially those whose aortic valves could be preserved. Out of 185 patients treated with this method, only one experienced post-operative mortality, and 91% had excellent outcomes after 90 days with no significant valve problems. The results were impressive, with 99% of patients surviving after one year, 98% after five years, and 92% after ten years, showing that this surgery is both safe and effective. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing heart surgery, especially those with aortic valve issues.

Plain English
This study looked at whether a program called PROPEL could help stroke survivors be more active after leaving rehabilitation, compared to just doing group exercise. Researchers found that while more people in the PROPEL group felt confident about exercising, it didn’t lead to a significant increase in the number of people meeting physical activity guidelines—only 6 out of 17 in PROPEL and 9 out of 22 in group exercise met these guidelines at six months. This matters because building confidence in exercise is important, but it doesn’t always guarantee that people will follow through with being active. Who this helps: Patients recovering from stroke.

Plain English
This study looked at how cells in the outer layer of the zebrafish embryo's neural plate behave as it starts to fold and form the brain. Researchers found that the cells move toward the center without stretching out, using a rhythmic pulling motion to help each other, which leads to changes in their shape. They discovered that the cells stick together in specific ways, which might be crucial for shaping the brain properly. Who this helps: This research benefits developmental biologists and potentially informs future treatments for brain development disorders.

Plain English
This study looked at a new program called the Transitional Care Stroke Intervention (TCSI) designed to help older adults who have had strokes and other health issues receive better care during transitions between healthcare settings. The researchers found that having strong teamwork among healthcare providers, dedicated resources, and effective communication helped the program work well, while challenges included disruptions due to COVID-19 and difficulties in virtual care. Improving how older adults manage their health and experience transitions in care is important because it can lead to better health outcomes and a smoother recovery process. Who this helps: This helps older patients with strokes and multiple health problems.

Plain English
This study focused on T-prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL), a rare and aggressive blood cancer, to explore new treatment options. Researchers found that a compound called JPX-1244 could effectively kill leukemia cells by degrading two key proteins, STAT3 and STAT5, which are activated in nearly all T-PLL cases. Their results showed that the more these proteins were degraded, the more cancer cells died; other drugs like cladribine and venetoclax worked well with JPX-1244 to enhance treatment effects. Who this helps: This benefits patients with T-PLL, especially those who have not responded to current treatments.

Plain English
This study looked at how well a special kind of plant filter, using activated carbon, could remove harmful gases like nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3) from the air. The researchers found that using a mix of 50% activated carbon with another material led to the best results for reducing nitrogen dioxide, achieving a peak removal rate of about 0.27 parts per billion per second and a clean air delivery rate of over 1,000 cubic meters per hour. However, the filter didn't very effectively reduce ozone levels. These findings are important because they show that utilizing plants with activated carbon could help improve indoor air quality by reducing harmful nitrogen dioxide. Who this helps: This benefits patients with respiratory issues and anyone concerned about air pollution indoors.

Plain English
This study developed new tools to improve a microscopy technique called Volume Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy (vCLEM), which helps scientists see tiny structures inside cells. The researchers created two main tools: one to align different types of images (SegReg) and another to help visualize these images in three dimensions (NavROI). This new approach makes it easier and faster to target specific areas of interest in mouse tissue, allowing for better analysis of important structures like synapses, which are crucial for how neurons communicate. Who this helps: This benefits researchers studying cell structures and brain function.

Plain English
This study explored a new method for regenerating dental enamel by using keratin, a natural protein found in hair and nails. The researchers created special films from keratin that mimic the structure of enamel, which helped grow tiny crystal structures that resemble natural enamel. They found that this approach can effectively repair early defects in enamel, improving both its appearance and strength. Who this helps: Patients needing dental enamel repair.

Plain English
This study looked at the effectiveness of the Sun procedure for treating a serious condition called acute type A aortic dissection in patients at DeltaHealth Hospital in China from 2016 to 2024. Out of 729 patients analyzed, 573 (or about 79%) had a specific surgical approach known as total arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk. The results showed a 4.1% in-hospital death rate, with major complications like stroke occurring in 10.2% of patients, but overall, the procedure showed strong safety and effectiveness even among patients with serious health issues. Who this helps: This benefits patients with acute type A aortic dissection who need surgical treatment.

Plain English
This study looked at using a new type of imaging called 4D CT to better assess breathing problems in children suspected of having tracheomalacia, a condition where parts of the trachea are too soft. Researchers analyzed 5 boys, finding that those diagnosed with tracheomalacia showed much higher airway collapse (61%) compared to those without the condition (25%), and they had lower airway sizes. These findings suggest that this advanced imaging technique could help doctors make more informed diagnoses for children with breathing difficulties. Who this helps: This helps doctors and pediatric patients who may have tracheomalacia.

Plain English
This study looked at how hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS), a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), affects the airway structure and airflow in three male patients. The researchers found that HGNS significantly increased the airway's size, improved airflow, and reduced airway resistance, with muscle activity to open the airway increasing by up to 490%, and airway resistance decreasing by 73-97%. Understanding these changes is important because it can help explain why some patients respond better to HGNS than others, and guide personalized treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients with obstructive sleep apnea who struggle with standard treatments.

Plain English
Researchers studied air pollution from the massive wildfires in Australia during the 2019-2020 summer, focusing on harmful particles collected from air filters in Sydney. They found that pollution levels were extremely high, exceeding safety standards on 19% of days during the fire season. Additionally, the wildfire particles were found to contain more toxic elements like sulfur and nitrogen than usual urban pollution, which can affect both people's health and the environment. Who this helps: This helps patients living in areas affected by wildfires and doctors treating related health issues.

Plain English
This study investigated how a mutation in a protein called STAT5, specifically the STAT5BN642H variant, affects T cell development and its connection to aggressive T cell cancers known as T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). They found that this mutation disrupts normal T cell growth and increases the presence of genes involved in T cell receptor signaling, which are usually absent in early T cells but were found to be overactive in human T-ALL cases. This research matters because it highlights potential new treatment options, such as targeting STAT5 or related proteins, for patients with T-ALL who don’t respond to standard chemotherapy. Who this helps: Patients with T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, particularly those with resistant forms of the disease.

Plain English
This study examined how different drip irrigation techniques affect the performance of active green walls, which are systems that use plants to clean the air. Researchers tested seven types of plants and found that lower-speed drip irrigation used less water and provided a more evenly moist environment than faster systems, which sometimes caused uneven moisture distribution. Additionally, while the slower irrigation increased fungi by 6%, it reduced bacteria by nearly 57% at high flow rates, showing that slower irrigation supports better plant growth and healthier microbial communities essential for air cleaning. Who this helps: This benefits patients and communities seeking cleaner air through innovative plant-based technology.

Plain English
This study looked at how indoor plants, specifically in green wall systems, can remove harmful chemicals found in gasoline, like benzene and toluene. The researchers found that within 8 hours, the green wall effectively removed 100% of benzene from the air, and one type of plant, Spathiphyllum wallisii, absorbed the most harmful compounds. This is important because it shows that using plants can help clean indoor air by removing dangerous pollutants. Who this helps: This benefits patients and anyone concerned about indoor air quality.

Plain English
This study looked at how a protein called Bcl2-L-13 affects the removal of damaged mitochondria in heart cells, which is important for heart health. The researchers found that mice lacking Bcl2-L-13 showed heart problems and decreased energy production when their hearts were put under stress. Importantly, they identified another protein, AMPKα2, that helps activate Bcl2-L-13, suggesting that this pathway is crucial for protecting heart function. Who this helps: This helps patients with heart issues and doctors looking for new treatments to improve heart health.

Plain English
This study looked at new drugs, JPX-0700 and JPX-0750, which specifically target and degrade proteins that promote types of blood cancer, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and natural killer/T cell lymphoma (NKCL). The researchers found that these drugs effectively reduced the levels of cancer-promoting proteins and caused cancer cell death in lab tests, showing significant results in the range of nanomolar to low micromolar effectiveness. This is important because it presents a new, more targeted way to treat these aggressive cancers and could lead to better outcomes for patients who often relapse after current therapies. Who this helps: This helps patients with acute myeloid leukemia and natural killer/T cell lymphoma.

Plain English
This study focused on improving the wait times for patients with acquired brain injuries who need inpatient rehabilitation. Researchers aimed to cut the average wait from referral to admission from 27 days to 19 days and reduced it even further to 12 days, achieving a 54% improvement. Additionally, the time to make a decision about referrals decreased from 9.5 days to just 4 days, a 58% reduction. These improvements are essential because shorter wait times can lead to better recovery outcomes for patients. Who this helps: Patients with acquired brain injuries and their families benefit from quicker access to rehabilitation services.

Plain English
This study looked at how the muscles in the upper airway respond when children breathe in, which is important for understanding obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in kids. Researchers examined 20 children, some with Down syndrome (trisomy 21), and found that certain muscle activities during inhalation closely linked to the severity of OSA. For example, they discovered that the way the airway expands and contracts relates directly to how severe the condition is, achieving high accuracy in predicting OSA severity with specific measurements. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers working with children who have OSA, especially those with specific conditions like trisomy 21.

Plain English
This study looked at two methods for diagnosing persistent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children who had undergone surgery to remove their tonsils and adenoids. Researchers compared drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) and cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 137 children, finding that DISE identified more complex obstructions (94.9% of patients) compared to cine MRI (48.2%). Each method has its strengths: DISE is better at detecting issues in the throat and nose, while cine MRI provides clearer images of soft tissue like swollen tonsils. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors treating children with persistent obstructive sleep apnea by providing better diagnostic tools.

Plain English
This paper reviews how plants can help improve indoor air quality by removing harmful gases from the air, like those coming from furniture and outdoor pollution. It looked at 38 studies and found that plant-based systems can effectively remove these harmful gases but noted that most research only focuses on single pollutants in controlled settings, not real-life situations. To make these systems more useful, future research should test them with a variety of pollutants typically found indoors. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially those with respiratory issues or allergies related to indoor air quality.

Plain English
Researchers studied a severe skin condition called recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, which is caused by mutations that affect a key protein in the skin. They discovered a new method using base editing that successfully corrected a specific mutation in skin cells, restoring important skin structure and protein levels. This is significant because it opens up potential new treatments for genetic skin disorders by providing a more precise way to edit DNA compared to earlier methods. Who this helps: This helps patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa and other genetic skin disorders.

Plain English
This study looked at a new type of tiny light-emitting particles called LiZnN quantum dots, made from common materials. Researchers found that LiZnN could be a good substitute for the more typical cadmium-based and other materials that may have limitations for use. This is important because finding safer, more sustainable materials can lead to better applications in technology and medicine. Who this helps: Patients and people who rely on safer technologies.

Plain English
This study looked at a treatment method using warm povidone-iodine solution during surgery for patients with a type of lung cancer called malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). It included 6 patients, with an average age of 76, and found that while the treatment was safe and showed no harmful side effects, it did not increase the death rate of cancer cells after the procedure. The median survival after treatment was 26.7 months, but the washing with povidone-iodine did not improve outcomes. Who this helps: This research helps doctors better understand the effectiveness of treatments for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Plain English
This study looked at how certain cells in keloid scars behave and how they affect the structure of scar tissue. Researchers found that keloid fibroblasts create a specific organized pattern in scar tissue due to high levels of a protein called IL-6, which both triggers and maintains this arrangement. This matters because targeting IL-6 could provide a new way to treat fibrosis, a condition where scar tissue forms excessively. Who this helps: This benefits patients with keloid scars and other types of fibrosis.

Plain English
This study looked at a program called the Transitional Care Stroke Intervention (TCSI) to see if it helps older adults (55 and up) who have had a stroke and multiple chronic conditions. Researchers found that while the program did not significantly reduce hospital readmissions, it did lead to better physical health, improved self-management of stroke, and a better patient experience. Specifically, those in the TCSI group showed a 5.1-point improvement in physical functioning and a 6-point improvement in self-management skills compared to those receiving usual care. Who this helps: This benefits older stroke patients and healthcare providers looking for effective support strategies.

Plain English
This study looked at how a medication called amisulpride interacts with a protein (GLUT1) that helps transport glucose across the blood-brain barrier, especially in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The researchers found that amisulpride does interact with GLUT1, but in mice with Alzheimer's, the transport of amisulpride into the brain was not significantly different compared to normal mice. Understanding this interaction is important because it could help explain why Alzheimer's patients may react more strongly to antipsychotic medications, which could worsen their brain's energy use. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Alzheimer's disease and their doctors.

Plain English
This study looked at how a type of indoor plant system, called the "LivePicture Go," can help reduce harmful gasoline vapors in the air. The system was found to remove 42.45% of total volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in just 8 hours, completely clearing some specific harmful chemicals, including eicosane and hexadecane. This matters because it shows that indoor plants can help improve air quality in homes and buildings, especially near gas stations or garages. Who this helps: This helps patients living near gas stations or in homes with attached garages, as well as anyone concerned about indoor air quality.

Plain English
This study looked at how well a plant called the Peace Lily can filter out harmful chemicals and tiny particles from cigarette smoke in indoor air. The researchers found that the Peace Lily was able to remove about 43% of harmful gases and around 34% of tiny particles from the smoke. This is important because it shows that using plants could help reduce the harmful effects of secondhand smoke indoors, where traditional smoking control methods often fail. Who this helps: This helps patients and anyone exposed to secondhand smoke indoors.

Plain English
This study looked at how unpredictable temperature changes affect a marine diatom, a type of algae. Researchers found that when temperatures fluctuated irregularly, the diatoms' growth was reduced by 50% compared to stable conditions, while regular fluctuations allowed for 3-18 times better growth. This matters because it shows that unpredictable environmental changes, likely from climate change, can harm important oceanic plants, which are vital for the marine food web. Who this helps: This information can assist scientists, environmentalists, and policymakers in understanding the impacts of climate change on marine life.

Plain English
This study focused on a type of cancer called leukemic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (L-CTCL), which affects skin cells and is difficult to treat. Researchers found that 74% of L-CTCL patients had abnormal copies of certain genes (STAT3/5) that may be fueling the cancer. They discovered that blocking these genes and a related protein could stop cancer cells from growing, showing promise for new treatments, especially using a drug called FRAx597 that reduced tumor growth in mice. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with leukemic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma by exploring potential new therapies.

Plain English
This study investigated how to measure the muscle activity in the upper airway of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using advanced imaging techniques. Researchers created a 3D-printed model of the airway and found that the power transfer during breathing closely matched the muscle forces applied to the model, with correlations of -0.79 for exhaling and 0.95 for inhaling. This finding is important because it could help doctors better understand individual patients' muscle function, leading to more personalized and effective treatments for OSA. Who this helps: This helps patients with obstructive sleep apnea and their doctors.

Plain English
This study looked at heart measurements in healthy children aged 5 to 19 to establish normal values for two specific types of heart imaging called T1 and T2. Researchers analyzed data from 102 children, finding that the average T1 value was 1018 milliseconds and T2 was 53 milliseconds. They discovered that as children get older, their T1 values decrease, while higher heart rates are linked to higher T1 values; T2 values showed less variation and were not influenced by heart rate. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors who treat children, helping them better understand normal heart function in young patients.

Plain English
This study explored how certain sugars in the protective lining of blood vessels (called glycocalyx) affect a critical cellular signaling pathway linked to heart health. Researchers found that when blood flow is stable and strong, these sugars help activate a protective protein (Nrf2) that prevents damage in blood vessel cells. Specifically, they discovered that removing these sugars disrupted normal protective responses, which could lead to inflammation and potential heart issues. Who this helps: This benefits patients with cardiovascular conditions by identifying new ways to protect their blood vessels.

Plain English
This study explored a new method called botanical biofiltration to clean roadside air pollution in Sydney, Australia. The researchers tested three different designs and found that they could remove up to 71.5% of nitrogen oxides, 28.1% of ozone, and 22.1% of particulate matter from the air. This is important because improving air quality can lead to better health and a cleaner environment for people living near busy roads. Who this helps: This benefits residents living near highways and urban areas.

Plain English
This study examined how effective lateral flow devices (LFDs) are at detecting COVID-19 in people who don't show symptoms. Researchers found that while these tests can accurately rule out negative cases (very specific), they often fail to detect actual infections, with less than 50% sensitivity, meaning many people might receive false-negative results. This is concerning because it can lead to the spread of the virus if carriers are thought to be noninfectious. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and healthcare providers improve COVID-19 testing and prevention strategies.

Plain English
This study looked at how to predict a specific airway pressure (called critical closing pressure or Pcrit) in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), particularly those with Down syndrome. Researchers used advanced computer models and MRI scans of the children's airways to estimate Pcrit and found a close relationship between these estimates and the severity of OSA (measured by a score called AHI). They discovered that their predictions explained 61% of the variation in OSA severity and showed a significant overlap between areas of airway collapse during sleep. Who this helps: This helps children with obstructive sleep apnea and their doctors by providing a better way to understand and predict airway problems during sleep.

Plain English
This study looked at dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), which is commonly used to protect and store animal cells during freezing. It has been essential for safely preserving blood and bone marrow for transplants but may also be toxic to patients. The review highlights the need to balance DMSO's effectiveness with its potential dangers and explores other protective options that could be safer for medical use. Who this helps: Patients receiving cell transplants.

Plain English
This study looked at a program designed to help older adults recover from strokes and other chronic health issues after they leave the hospital. It involved a team of health professionals providing coordinated care for six months. While the program did not change health outcomes significantly, it did lower healthcare costs for participants, showing it could be a useful model for future care. Who this helps: This benefits older stroke patients and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study reviewed the long-term outcomes of children who had surgery to repair a specific heart defect called partial atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) at a hospital in Ireland over 22 years. Out of 51 patients analyzed, the average age at surgery was just over 3 years, and only one patient died within a year of the operation, reflecting a low mortality rate of 1.9%. Additionally, only one patient needed further surgery after two years, indicating a strong success rate for this type of repair. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with AVSD and their families, as well as doctors involved in their care.

Plain English
This study looked at a type of bacteria called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that was brought to Europe by travelers between 2011 and 2016. Out of 564 patients with skin infections related to travel, 67% tested positive for Staphylococcus aureus, and 14% of those infections were specifically MRSA. This is important because the MRSA infections frequently led to complications, like multiple lesions in 61% of cases and required medical treatment in 43% of patients, showing that these infections are not only serious but can also spread to others. Who this helps: This helps patients, travelers, and healthcare providers in managing infections effectively.

Plain English
Researchers studied a new program designed to help older adults recover from strokes while managing other health conditions after leaving the hospital. The program includes support through a web app, home visits, and coordination by a healthcare team over six months. Initial findings show that the program is feasible and could improve health outcomes, patient experience, and reduce costs, which is important for enhancing care for stroke survivors. Who this helps: This helps older stroke patients and their families.

Plain English
This study looked at the effectiveness of a 12-week exercise program called "FIT for FUNCTION" designed for people who have had a stroke, comparing it to a standard YMCA membership. Out of 216 participants, the researchers will measure improvements in how well participants reintegrate into the community and various aspects of their health and physical ability, like balance and strength, using specific tests and questionnaires. If the exercise program shows significant benefits, it could lead to better community support for stroke survivors, improving their overall quality of life. Who this helps: Patients recovering from stroke.

Plain English
This study looked at the side effects people experienced after getting vaccinations at a travel clinic in Germany over a year. Out of 1,357 vaccinated individuals, about 28% reported side effects, with fatigue and headaches being the most common. While more people reported side effects when receiving multiple vaccinations at once, the severity of these side effects did not increase with the number of vaccines received. This is important because it shows that getting multiple vaccinations simultaneously is safe and can help ensure travelers are adequately protected without significant risks. Who this helps: This helps travelers and healthcare providers by confirming that simultaneous vaccinations are safe and effective.