SAMUEL E. EPSTEIN, DO

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This study looked at how well different surveys identify young people at risk for mental health problems like anxiety and depression. They surveyed 231 children and 289 parents and found that while the tests had strong correlations, they often identified different children as being at risk. For example, 24.7% of children showed signs of anxiety on one test, while only 20.1% were indicated to be at risk on another. This is important because relying on just one test could miss children who really need help. Who this helps: This helps children and their parents by ensuring a more accurate assessment of mental health needs.

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This study looked at how the body's natural sleep-wake cycles, known as chronotypes, affect patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Researchers found that patients with PH tended to sleep longer and experience less social jet lag compared to control subjects, but those with later sleep patterns had lower blood pressure in the lungs. These findings are important because they indicate that understanding a patient’s sleep habits could help doctors identify disease severity and develop better treatment plans. Who this helps: This helps patients with pulmonary hypertension and their doctors.

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This research paper focused on rare cardiovascular diseases, which impact millions of people but often lack effective treatments. The study found that, although these conditions face several obstacles in developing therapies—like difficulties in diagnosis and small patient groups—there has been a significant increase in new therapies in the last ten years. This progress is important because it opens the door for better health outcomes and access to treatments for individuals suffering from these rare diseases. Who this helps: Patients with rare cardiovascular diseases.

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This study looked at a new testing method called multiplex fluorescent immunocytochemistry (MF-ICC) to diagnose feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a serious cat disease. Among 84 cats tested, MF-ICC accurately identified 77% of cases with FIP and had a diagnostic accuracy of 78%, making it better than other common tests like serology and RT-PCR. This is important because there is currently no single reliable test for FIP, and having more diagnostic options can help veterinarians provide better care for affected cats. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and cat owners looking for more accurate ways to diagnose FIP.

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This study looked at how U.S. researchers have contributed to global neurosurgery (GNS) over the past decade, focusing on where their studies are directed and the topics they cover. It found that there were 340 relevant publications, with an average increase of about 6 new studies each year, but the research was mainly centered on just a few countries—especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, which made up 61% of the publications. Most studies (69%) tackled general GNS topics, with a significant focus on pediatric neurosurgery (36%) and trauma (23%), indicating a need for broader involvement and diversity in these research efforts. Who this helps: This research benefits neurosurgery patients in low- and lower-middle-income countries by identifying areas where more studies and resources are needed.

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This study examined a new approach to prevent a type of complication called type II endoleak that can occur after surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), particularly in a patient with a horseshoe kidney. The researchers successfully treated a 69-year-old man with a 5.5 cm AAA by blocking off specific arteries that posed a higher risk for this complication one week before the main surgery. After the surgery, there were no complications over the next five years, showing that this preemptive treatment can effectively prevent type II endoleak. Who this helps: This helps patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms, especially those with unique anatomical features like horseshoe kidneys.

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This study examined how satisfied parents are with glucose monitoring devices—specifically continuous and flash monitors—used on young children with type 1 diabetes. Out of 114 parents surveyed, 95% were satisfied with the devices, and satisfaction was linked to how reliable parents believed the devices to be. The findings show that while most parents are happy with the technology, some reported skin reactions and difficulties with attachment, which indicate areas for improvement. Who this helps: This study helps parents of young children with type 1 diabetes by highlighting their experiences and satisfaction with monitoring devices.

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This study looked at labial adhesion, a condition where the labia stick together, and its possible link to lichen sclerosus, a skin condition that can cause low estrogen levels. Researchers found that among nearly 12,000 women with labial adhesion, about 30% had surgery within two years, but only 11% had previously received a biopsy that confirmed lichen sclerosus. This shows the importance of more frequent biopsies to diagnose lichen sclerosus earlier, which could help prevent further complications. Who this helps: This benefits women experiencing genital issues and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how childhood obesity affects skin problems and other related health issues in kids under 18. Researchers found that children with obesity had higher rates of skin conditions and other health problems compared to those without obesity, showing that addressing these issues early is important. Specifically, the study found a statistically significant increase in these problems, indicating a clear link between obesity and poor skin health. Who this helps: This helps pediatricians, parents, and children struggling with obesity.

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This study looked at how damaged heart cells, specifically cardiomyocytes from people with ischemic heart disease (IHD), change at the genetic level compared to healthy hearts. Researchers found that the heart cells from individuals with IHD had many more DNA mutations—especially linked to a faulty DNA repair system and inflammation—indicating that these cells are under stress and may not function properly. Additionally, these cells showed increased production of collagen, which can lead to a stiffer, less effective heart. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with heart disease by improving understanding of how their condition affects heart cells and potentially guiding future treatments.

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This study looked at how well older adults and their care partners used shared access to patient portals across three different health systems in the U.S. While most patients had activated their portal accounts, only a tiny fraction (0.6% to 0.7%) registered for shared access, and awareness of this feature was low, with only 43.3% of patients knowing it existed. However, there was a small increase in usage metrics like logins and laboratory results viewed after implementing new support strategies. Who this helps: This benefits older patients and their care partners by improving their access to important health information.

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This study looked at how older adults and their care partners feel about sharing access to patient portals, where medical information can be viewed and managed. After a year of testing the program at five clinics, 392 patients and 79 care partners reported that the initiative was easy to use and beneficial, although many were still unaware of this option. The findings highlight that promoting shared access can improve care partnerships but also indicate the need for better awareness and policies to support this practice. Who this helps: Patients and their care partners benefit from having shared access to important health information.

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This study looked at how much work pediatric dermatologists do when teaching primary care residents about skin conditions. Of the 65 dermatologists surveyed, 93% believed that this teaching was important, but only 12.7% felt they were fairly paid for their efforts, and 27% said teaching contributed to their feelings of burnout. These findings indicate that pediatric dermatologists need better support, such as fair compensation or more dedicated time for teaching, to continue training the next generation effectively. Who this helps: This helps pediatric dermatologists and their residents.

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This study looked at how conflict affects the social interactions of bonobos in a zoo. Researchers found that dominant female bonobos played a key role in keeping the social group together, as they were more central to interactions and received more social attention from others. Following conflicts, especially after a single loud outburst, bonobos were closer to each other, suggesting that such events create group tension that prompts them to seek comfort in socializing. Who this helps: This information benefits zookeepers and conservationists working with bonobos by highlighting the importance of social dynamics in managing their care.

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This study explored how specific types of brain cells in females contribute to sustained aggressive behavior. Researchers found that stimulating a certain type of cell (aIPg) for just 30 seconds could trigger aggressive behavior that lasted for at least 10 minutes, while another type (pC1d) did not produce the same effect by itself. The findings indicate that different brain cells work together in complex ways to create and maintain aggressive states, which can change how we think about treating aggression in females. Who this helps: This research benefits psychologists and neurologists working with patients who exhibit aggressive behavior.

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The study looked at challenges in creating and using new treatments for high blood pressure, which is a major cause of preventable illness and death worldwide, especially among disadvantaged groups. Researchers found that issues like healthcare workers' hesitance to change treatments and patients struggling with language, learning, and access to care hinder effective management. New therapies, including RNA-targeted treatments, offer hope for better outcomes, potentially fixing these barriers and improving patients' chances of managing their blood pressure effectively. Who this helps: This benefits patients with high blood pressure and healthcare providers working to improve treatment outcomes.

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This study looked at how mothers and their very premature infants interact during music therapy sessions in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Researchers found strong connections between the behaviors of mothers and their infants, such as mothers changing the direction of their heads based on their infant's actions, like closed eyes or extended hands. These findings show that singing to preterm infants can positively influence their attention and responsiveness, which is important for their development. Who this helps: This helps parents of preterm infants, healthcare providers in the NICU, and music therapists.

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This study looked at how inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), specifically Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), affects lung health. Researchers examined 319 patients and found that 6.6% had lung problems related to their IBD. They noticed that UC patients had a higher likelihood of heart disease and autoimmune conditions, and that those with UC also experienced higher overall death rates, indicating that lung issues in IBD patients are significant and can worsen health. Who this helps: This information helps doctors better understand and treat patients with IBD.

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This study looked at the use of a procedure called direct current cardioversion (DCCV) for treating atrial fibrillation (AF) and flutter over the last 20 years. Researchers found that the number of DCCV procedures increased dramatically from 857 in 2000 to 3,999 in 2024. They also discovered that after patients had their first DCCV, about 50% experienced a return of AF within one year, and about 75% within five years, while there were notable risks for stroke (15.8%), heart failure (28.1%), and heart failure hospitalizations (24.9%) within five years. Who this helps: This helps patients with atrial fibrillation and doctors managing their treatment.

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This research examined how consistently children aged 5 to 11 wear actigraphy devices, which monitor physical activity. On average, about 81.6% of the children met the wearing requirements across various studies, but there was a lot of variation, with some studies showing as low as 42.8% adherence. The findings are important because they highlight that children with certain health conditions tend to wear these devices more consistently, which can improve the quality of data collected in research about their activity levels. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and healthcare providers working with children, especially those with health conditions.

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This study focused on improving how older adults and their caregivers access patient portals, which are online tools that help manage healthcare. Researchers found that simplifying the registration process and providing clear instructions, like step-by-step video tutorials, helped make these tools more user-friendly. As a result, their new video received positive feedback during trials, showing that involving the end users led to better solutions and could improve access to vital health information. Who this helps: This benefits older adults and their caregivers who need better access to healthcare resources.

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This research focused on understanding the variety of microorganisms living in the sediments of lakes in the High Arctic, an extreme environment. The study found that using different cultivation methods allowed scientists to isolate a total of 1,109 microorganisms from 155 unique groups, but no single method was effective alone; each method captured different types of microbes. This discovery highlights the importance of using diverse strategies to accurately study and understand microbial life in harsh environments, which can lead to new discoveries in biotechnology and ecology. Who this helps: This helps researchers and scientists studying microbial diversity and potential applications in extreme environments.

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This study looked at whether all infants with infantile hemangiomas (a type of skin growth) need a heart check-up before starting treatment with propranolol, a common medication. The researchers found that before a new screening checklist was introduced, 73% of patients were referred for a heart evaluation. After using the checklist, this number dropped to just 11.5%, showing that many healthy infants can start treatment without unnecessary heart tests, allowing them to receive timely care. Who this helps: This benefits families of infants with hemangiomas by reducing wait times and streamlining their treatment process.

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This study looked at how the first COVID lockdown and school closures affected the emotional and behavioral health of children and young people (ages 5-17) with pre-existing mental disorders in England. Out of 5,386 caregivers invited to participate, 1,741 (32.3%) responded, revealing that those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experienced significantly more emotional and behavioral problems compared to those with emotional disorders. Key findings showed that ADHD and ASD groups reported greater difficulties, and that the overall emotional health of children worsened during this period, particularly for those facing parental mental health issues and educational challenges. Who this helps: This research benefits parents and healthcare providers working with children who have mental disorders.

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This study looked at how continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) affects the daily lives of 114 families with young children who have type 1 diabetes. The findings revealed that parents using CGM were less likely to wake up each night to check blood sugar levels, with only 23% needing to do so compared to 53% with other monitoring methods. Additionally, 81% of parents felt that these devices helped improve their sleep, and 98% believed glucose monitoring aided their child's school integration. Who this helps: This research benefits families with young children who have type 1 diabetes, particularly their parents.

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This study explored how certain tiny RNA molecules from fat cells in mothers and their newborns are linked to the babies' body fat levels at birth. Researchers looked at 279 mother-baby pairs, finding that those babies with the most body fat had 24 specific RNA markers from mothers and five from their own blood that were different from babies with lower body fat. These findings are important because they suggest that these RNA molecules in the blood could help regulate how much body fat a baby develops, influenced by the mother’s health and nutrition during pregnancy. Who this helps: This helps doctors and pregnant women manage health conditions to support healthier outcomes for their newborns.

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This study looked at an advanced MRI technique called hyperpolarized carbon (hyperpolarizedC MRI), which enhances the sensitivity of scans to better assess metabolic processes in the body. The researchers gathered insights from an international workshop and highlighted the technique's potential for improving the early diagnosis of diseases, patient assessments, and treatment response, especially in areas like cancer, brain disorders, and heart conditions. Despite its promise, there are still technical challenges to overcome before this method can be widely used in clinics. Who this helps: This helps patients facing serious health conditions and their doctors in making more informed decisions.

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This study looked at a patient who had a rare connection between the bronchial artery and the pulmonary artery, which was wrongly diagnosed as a blood clot in the lung. The 58-year-old man had a history of tuberculosis and had been coughing up small amounts of blood for several months. Doctors found this connection through imaging and successfully treated it using embolization techniques to block the abnormal blood flow. Understanding this condition is important because it helps avoid misdiagnoses that could lead to ineffective treatment. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients by improving diagnosis and treatment of similar cases.

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The study looked at how obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects the immune system in the airways and makes people more likely to get respiratory infections. It found that OSA can cause increased inflammation and changes in the bacteria in the airways. This means people with OSA are at a higher risk for infections like the flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia, particularly if they also have chronic lung diseases. Who this helps: This helps patients with obstructive sleep apnea, especially those with existing lung conditions.

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This study examined the white-footed deer mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) to see if it could be a good model for aging research when compared to the commonly used C57BL/6J and diversity outbred mice. The researchers found that P. leucopus has unique body composition traits, such as reduced muscle strength and different fat metabolism, and experienced changes in blood vessel stiffness that challenge previous beliefs about aging. Understanding these differences is important because they could impact how we study aging and age-related diseases. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and researchers focused on aging and related health issues.

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This study looked at how different ways of managing plants in electrical transmission areas affect the diversity of flowers and the insects that visit them. Researchers found that areas with more active plant management had 76,541 flowers from 188 species, and these areas also attracted the most flower-visiting insects, with 11,361 individuals identified. This is important because it shows that properly managed transmission landscapes can support both electricity delivery and the conservation of vital pollinators. Who this helps: This benefits wildlife, particularly pollinators, as well as the environment and communities reliant on these ecosystems.

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This study looked at factors that affect the recovery of patients with neuroinfectious diseases in hospitals across New York City from 2010 to 2017. It found that older patients were more likely to stay in the hospital for at least two weeks and less likely to return home after discharge. Additionally, patients who were immunocompromised and those admitted to the ICU had even longer hospital stays and higher chances of not going home. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers who treat patients with neuroinfectious diseases.

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This study examined how listening to music can benefit infants, especially those in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Researchers reviewed 56 studies and found that music can help with pain management, improve sleep, reduce stress, and support feeding and weight gain in babies. This work is important because it highlights the need for better research methods and consistent protocols for using music in medical settings, which could lead to improved care for vulnerable infants. Who this helps: This helps infants in NICUs and the doctors and healthcare professionals caring for them.

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This study reviewed how children aged 5 to 11 feel about actigraphic devices, which are worn to track physical activity. The researchers looked at past studies to gather information on whether kids find these devices acceptable. They will analyze feedback from children and statistics on how many like or dislike using these devices, focusing on factors that may influence their opinions. Who this helps: This helps children by improving the design of activity tracking devices to better suit their preferences.

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This study looked at patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) related to systemic sarcoidosis, particularly those who were not being treated with immune-suppressing therapies. Researchers reviewed data from 21 patients along with additional information from 37 others found in literature, revealing that 59% of study patients and 60% from literature died during their illness. The findings emphasize the need for doctors to consider PML in patients with sarcoidosis who show new brain lesions, possibly improving early diagnosis and treatment options. Who this helps: This benefits patients with sarcoidosis and their doctors by enabling better recognition of PML symptoms.

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This study looked at how suicidal thoughts in patients with eating disorders might affect their chances of being readmitted to the hospital within two years after leaving. At a New York hospital, those showing higher levels of suicidality during their first week of treatment were 3.5 times more likely to be readmitted for psychiatric care compared to patients with lower suicidality, while no significant increase was found in a London hospital. Understanding these patterns is crucial because it can help healthcare providers identify and support the patients at the highest risk. Who this helps: This benefits patients with eating disorders and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at whether music therapy, specifically parent-led singing with support from a music therapist, could improve the bonding between parents and their preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and after discharge. Researchers found that the music therapy did not significantly improve bonding at 6 or 12 months when compared to standard care alone. However, parents enjoyed the therapy and it was considered safe to use. Who this helps: This helps parents of preterm infants who are looking for ways to bond with their babies during and after their NICU stay.

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This study looked at how stimulating specific parts of the brain during sleep can improve memory. Researchers used a method to deliver brain stimulation that matched the brain's natural sleep patterns, leading to better memory recall. They found that this precise stimulation improved memory accuracy by enhancing brain activity related to memory consolidation, with participants experiencing a noticeable increase in recognition memory. Who this helps: This helps patients looking to improve their memory, especially those with memory-related concerns.

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Researchers studied a new method called the D-creatine (DCr) dilution method to measure muscle mass in mice, especially in the context of aging-related muscle loss. They found that this method is faster, cheaper, and more accurate than the current standard, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which often overestimates muscle mass in older subjects. Using DCr, they consistently showed that DXA misrepresents true muscle mass, making it easier to evaluate treatments for muscle loss in old age. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working with elderly patients facing muscle loss.

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This study focused on a rare case of a 21-year-old man who experienced a rupture of the subclavian artery after a central line was removed. The researchers used a balloon that was slightly smaller than the artery to stop the bleeding, which surprisingly worked well, even though most guidelines suggest using a larger balloon. This is important because it shows that using a smaller balloon can still effectively close the artery while keeping blood flow to the brain and arm intact. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and interventional radiologists managing similar artery injuries.

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This study looked at how well cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cells can be preserved and analyzed using a method called cryopreservation, which involves freezing the samples. Researchers collected CSF from 21 people and compared fresh samples to those that had been frozen for months. They found that the types of cells and their characteristics remained the same in both fresh and frozen samples, meaning cryopreservation is just as effective for studying these cells. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and clinicians studying CSF-related diseases as it allows for more flexible sample handling.

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This research paper discusses a case of a young man who developed a ulnar artery pseudoaneurysm (a bulging blood vessel) after a stabbing injury. The patient showed signs of nerve compression due to this condition, but instead of traditional treatments like surgery, doctors successfully used a stent-graft to seal off the aneurysm. This approach was effective and demonstrates a new option for treating such injuries, which could be crucial for better recovery outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with similar injuries and conditions.

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This study examined how the amount of fluid given to sepsis patients in the ICU affects their chances of surviving. Researchers found that patients with higher fluid balance generally had worse outcomes, with a 4.2% increase in mortality for all sepsis cases, especially in those with pulmonary sepsis, where the increase was 4.7%. Conversely, patients with urinary sepsis showed better survival rates with more fluid, indicating that the effects of fluid management vary depending on the type of sepsis. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and medical teams treating sepsis patients by guiding fluid management strategies.

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This study looked at the bacteria living inside ungerminated and germinated seeds of commonly grown vegetables in Chile, such as parsley, lettuce, and tomato. The researchers found that while the overall diversity of bacteria was generally similar in both types of seeds, germination led to specific changes in the bacterial community, particularly in tomato seeds. Notably, many isolated bacteria were found to help promote plant growth and protect against diseases, with 10 to 64% showing growth-promoting traits and 74% to 82% demonstrating the ability to fend off harmful pathogens. Who this helps: This research benefits vegetable growers and farmers by identifying helpful bacteria that can improve crop growth and resilience.

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This study focused on improving the use of patient portals among older adults and their care partners, which are secure online platforms for communication with healthcare providers. Researchers worked with three healthcare organizations to create resources like brochures and web pages that explain how to share access to these portals, based on feedback from 73 different stakeholder discussions. By raising awareness and making the registration process easier, the initiative aims to boost usage of these portals, which can enhance communication and support for older adults in managing their care. Who this helps: This helps older patients and their care partners by improving access to important health information.