SANDRA J. VICTOR, M.D.

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This study focused on improving the health of children at the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence by enhancing an existing program called the Healthy Living Club. After implementing nutrition sessions and fitness activities, the program effectively reduced kids' body mass index (BMI) by an average of about 2.4 to 5.5 percent, showing significant improvements in health. This is important because it demonstrates that partnerships between community organizations and academic institutions can successfully promote healthier lifestyles among young people. Who this helps: This benefits children, especially those living in nearby public housing communities.

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This study looked at how well intravenous steroid pulses (SP) worked for children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) who didn't respond to oral prednisone. Out of 47 patients studied, 68% went into remission within just 7 days of receiving the steroid pulses. However, after four years, 68% of those who responded to the pulses and 87% of those who did not remained active in their disease, suggesting that additional treatments might be necessary for long-term stability. Who this helps: This research benefits pediatric patients with nephrotic syndrome and their doctors managing their treatment.

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Researchers studied two specific viruses that infect a type of bacteria called mycobacteria: phages Dorothea and LappelDuVide. They found that while both phages share some common features as part of the same group, they have different ways of replicating and maintaining their genetic material. For example, Dorothea has a system for dividing its genetic material when the virus replicates, while LappelDuVide uses a different method. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists studying bacterial infections and virus behavior.

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This study examined three new types of oral pellets for delivering a drug called flucytosine, which helps treat a serious fungal infection common in people with HIV. Researchers found that these new pellets, although effective, released the drug in lower amounts compared to traditional tablets, which means they could require different dosing schedules. Specifically, they suggest that taking 6,400 mg of one of the new formulations twice a day may achieve the right drug levels in the body more effectively than taking the current tablets four times a day. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with HIV who suffer from fungal infections, as well as their doctors looking for easier treatment options.

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This study looked at how safe and effective the blood thinner dalteparin is for treating blood clots in newborns, a condition known as venous thromboembolism (VTE). Researchers reviewed the medical records of 16 babies treated with dalteparin in the UK from 2010 to 2021 and found that there were no incidents of bleeding or deaths, and most babies responded well to the treatment with a median dose of 309 IU/kg. This is important because it shows that dalteparin can be safely used in newborns, filling a gap in treatment options for this vulnerable group. Who this helps: This helps newborn patients at risk of blood clots and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a new way to deliver a medication called 5-flucytosine, which is used to treat a serious fungal infection called cryptococcal meningitis, particularly in people with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers tested a new sustained-release version of the medication and found that it stays in the body longer than the traditional version, with higher levels measured: 49.2 µg/mL compared to 36.8 µg/mL for the traditional form. This matters because it allows for less frequent dosing, making it easier for patients to stay on their treatment and potentially improving their health outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with cryptococcal meningitis.

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This study looked at a new way to spot damage caused by tree bark beetles, which are harmful to forests. Researchers created an intelligent system that uses images to determine how much damage has occurred, achieving an accuracy rate of 87.5% without needing a lot of labeled data. This technology is important because it can help improve forest management and protect ecosystems, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the timber industry. Who this helps: This helps foresters and environmental managers.

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This study examined a new technology called the Smart Driving System to identify early signs of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), which can lead to Alzheimer's disease. The system uses sensors and artificial intelligence to monitor a driver's performance and health data, potentially allowing for early detection of cognitive decline. This matters because catching MCI early gives people a better chance to make lifestyle changes that could slow or prevent further decline. Who this helps: Patients at risk of dementia and their families.

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This study looked at how people in Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia feel about investigating the causes of stillbirths. Researchers spoke with 124 participants, including mothers, partners, health workers, and community leaders. They found that while parents want to know what caused stillbirth, many are scared this knowledge could lead to blame or conflict with cultural beliefs. Parents prefer non-invasive investigations that pose less risk to the baby, but they face emotional, cultural, and financial challenges in making these decisions. Who this helps: This study helps parents and healthcare providers understand the barriers to investigating stillbirths and improve support for families.

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This study looked at how universities made decisions to reduce their operations during the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak before it was officially declared a pandemic. Through interviews with key people from four academic institutions, researchers found that the main concerns included managing the virus's spread, switching to online learning, and supporting international students. They discovered that future decisions could improve by having better communication, prioritizing health over finances, and being open to new ideas for responding to crises. Who this helps: This helps university administrators and decision-makers in handling public health emergencies.

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This study looked at a drug called pioglitazone, which may help very premature babies (born before 28 weeks) reduce serious health issues like lung problems and improve brain development. Researchers found that in newborn animal models, pioglitazone can protect against conditions such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia and brain injury. Since many extremely preterm babies face significant risks and currently have no suitable treatments, developing a way to safely give them this drug could greatly improve their health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps premature babies and their families.

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This study focused on developing a new device to measure acetone levels in people's breath, which is important for monitoring fat burning in the body. The new sensor was able to accurately detect acetone in very small amounts and remained reliable for at least a month. This matters because it offers a more convenient and effective way for people, especially those on low-calorie or ketogenic diets, to track their ketone levels compared to older methods like urine tests or blood monitors. Who this helps: Patients on ketogenic diets and health-conscious individuals.

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This study looked at the safety and effects of a drug called rituximab in patients experiencing a severe heart attack known as ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Twenty-four patients received varying doses of rituximab, and the results showed that the drug was well tolerated and significantly reduced B cells in the bloodstream by an average of 96.3% shortly after treatment. This is important because it suggests that rituximab might help improve outcomes in heart attack patients by modifying the immune response. Who this helps: This helps patients who are at risk of severe heart attacks.

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This research examined how well the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) measures different mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, in pregnant women and new mothers. The study involved 1,374 women and found that the EPDS works best when looking at three areas: depression, anxiety, and inability to feel pleasure (anhedonia). These findings are crucial because they help improve the detection and treatment of mental health problems during and after pregnancy. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly pregnant and postpartum women dealing with mental health issues.

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This paper studies the treatment of moderate to severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a serious condition affecting about 400,000 newborns each year, leading to long-term developmental challenges. While therapeutic hypothermia (cooling therapy) helps, nearly half (48%) of treated infants still face death or significant disabilities. Researchers highlight promising additional treatments like erythropoietin and allopurinol that are currently in trials and emphasize the need for better research methods to find effective solutions. Who this helps: This helps newborns at risk for brain damage and their families.

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This review looks at how tramadol, a medication for pain relief, is used during and after surgery. The study highlights that tramadol is effective for treating moderate to severe pain and is less potent than morphine, with a strength about one-tenth of morphine's. Using tramadol can lead to fewer severe side effects compared to traditional opioids, making it a safer option for pain management in certain cases. Who this helps: This information benefits patients undergoing surgery who need effective pain relief with fewer side effects.

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Researchers developed a new device called the Smart Pad that measures how many calories a person burns without needing to wear anything on their face. It was found that the Smart Pad accurately assessed calorie burning during rest and exercise, showing about 90% accuracy when measuring for specific time periods. This matters because it provides a non-intrusive way to track energy expenditure, which is important for managing obesity. Who this helps: This helps patients trying to lose weight and doctors who treat obesity.

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This study looked at how symptoms of depression in pregnant mothers might affect their babies' brain development and later behavior. Researchers found that higher levels of maternal depression were linked to increased fibre density in a specific part of the brain, which is related to better social-emotional skills in toddlers. However, while maternal depression did lead to behavioral challenges in toddlers, these challenges were not directly linked to changes in brain fibre density. Who this helps: This benefits mothers and their children, particularly those facing prenatal depression.

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This study looked at allergens from horses, specifically two types known as Equ c 1 and Equ c 2, in horse dander and saliva from 170 horses across ten different breeds. The research found that these allergens are present in all samples, with average levels of Equ c 1 at 470 ng/g (in dander) and 40 ng/g (in saliva), and Equ c 2 at 138 ng/g (in dander) and 0.8 ng/g (in saliva). The study shows that breeds previously thought to be hypoallergenic, like the American Curly and Russian Bashkir, do not actually have lower allergen levels compared to other breeds, which is important for people with horse allergies. Who this helps: This helps patients with horse allergies and their doctors in understanding which breeds might trigger allergic reactions.

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Researchers studied decellularized spinach leaves to see if they could mimic the mechanical properties of human lungs. They found that these spinach materials could stretch and support movement for 24 hours while maintaining their structure, similar to natural lung tissues, with strain values ranging from 7.76% to 15.88%. This is important because it shows that plant materials can be used in medical applications like tissue engineering, potentially leading to better support for damaged lungs. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing lung repair or replacement therapies.

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This study looked at a serious condition called cardiac tamponade, which happens when fluid builds up around the heart and makes it difficult for the heart to pump effectively, especially after surgery to help heart function. In one case, a 47-year-old man who had a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implanted developed a near-complete collapse of his left heart chambers due to this fluid buildup, but after a quick surgery to remove the fluid, he stabilized. Understanding that cardiac tamponade can affect both sides of the heart, even when it's typically associated with the right side, is important for improving care after heart surgeries. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from heart surgeries, especially those receiving LVADs.

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This study looked at how the home environment affects the brain development of toddlers with congenital heart disease (CHD). Researchers found that 56 children who had a more stimulating home environment scored higher on cognitive tests at 22 months old, regardless of other factors like maternal education or surgery details. This matters because it emphasizes the importance of providing engaging and educational experiences at home to boost cognitive development in these vulnerable children. Who this helps: This helps parents and families of children with congenital heart disease.

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This study looked into the reasons behind unexplained stillbirths in Tanzania and Zambia to improve care for grieving families. Researchers found that the stillbirth rate was high—16% in Tanzania and 10% in Zambia, much more than earlier estimates of around 2%. A significant number of women reported that not knowing the cause of their stillbirth made it harder to grieve, and many felt that healthcare workers did not communicate effectively or show enough empathy during such difficult times. Who this helps: This research benefits women experiencing stillbirth and healthcare providers in sub-Saharan Africa.

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This study focused on a new method for measuring how many calories people burn without needing any physical contact. Researchers tested this method on 20 healthy people and found it accurately matched existing equipment used for measuring energy expenditure, with very little difference (less than 0.24%). Additionally, a small follow-up study tracked two individuals’ calories burned alongside their body weight, sleep, and stress levels, finding strong connections between energy expenditure and both stress and weight. Who this helps: This research benefits individuals looking to manage their weight and health professionals seeking better tools for monitoring metabolism.

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This study looked at the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) to see if it could effectively measure physical function in patients after total knee replacement surgery. The researchers found that physical function decreased significantly two weeks after surgery, with a 44% drop in SPPB scores, a 34% decrease in walking speed, and a 68% decrease in knee strength. These results highlight that the SPPB is easy to use and can be a valuable tool in tracking recovery in knee surgery patients. Who this helps: This information benefits patients recovering from knee surgery and their doctors.

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This study looked at how brain development and oxygen delivery affect thinking and movement abilities in infants with congenital heart disease. Researchers scanned the brains of 66 infants and found that those with smaller volumes of grey matter had poorer cognitive skills at 22 months. Specifically, lower cerebral oxygen delivery was linked to these smaller brain areas and poorer cognitive outcomes, suggesting that improving oxygen supply could boost early brain growth and cognitive abilities. Who this helps: This helps infants with congenital heart disease and their families.

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This study looked at how stress experienced by mothers during pregnancy affects the brain structure of premature babies. Researchers examined 221 premature infants and found no connection between maternal stress or anxiety and the sizes of specific brain areas, like the frontal lobe and hippocampus. This finding is important because it challenges earlier research that suggested a link and emphasizes the need for more studies on this topic. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying the impacts of prenatal stress on infant development.

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This study looked at a specific genetic variation (the Pro12Ala polymorphism) in a protein called PPARγ2 to see if it is linked to developmental issues in preterm babies. Researchers found that 25% of the premature infants studied carried this genetic variant, and those with the variant showed poorer cognitive, language, and motor skills at 18-24 months compared to peers without it, with statistical significance in several areas (for example, cognitive development had a p-value of 0.019). This research could help identify preterm infants at risk for developmental challenges, guiding future interventions. Who this helps: Patients, particularly preterm infants and their families.

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This study looked at the trends in visits to a pediatric psychiatric emergency room in Copenhagen from 2012 to 2017, focusing on who visits and why. During this period, the number of visits nearly doubled, with most patients being girls aged around 15, and many coming in due to thoughts of suicide. The increasing number of visits highlights the urgent need for better mental health services for children and teens. Who this helps: This helps patients, families, and mental health professionals.

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This study looked at a teenage boy with Kawasaki disease who had surgery to improve blood flow in his heart. After his surgery, he experienced a series of unexpected medical complications. Understanding these outcomes is important because it highlights the potential risks involved in treating heart issues related to Kawasaki disease, which can help guide better care for similar patients in the future. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients dealing with Kawasaki disease and its cardiac effects.

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This study looked at whether a special type of exercise called blood flow restriction (BFR) can help patients keep their strength and function after knee replacement surgery. Researchers found that patients who did BFR exercises before surgery showed a smaller decline in physical performance compared to those who didn't exercise, with scores dropping by 2.2 points instead of 4.8 points on a performance scale. This is important because it suggests that BFR could be an effective way to help patients prepare for surgery and recover more effectively. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery.

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This study looks at using existing non-cancer drugs to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is responsible for a large number of cancer deaths worldwide. Researchers found that repurposing these drugs to target specific pathways involved in cancer growth could provide a cost-effective way to improve treatment effectiveness. This approach could help increase the chances of successfully treating lung cancer and improving patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

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This study looked at how stress experienced by mothers during pregnancy affects the brain structure of premature infants, specifically focusing on a brain pathway called the uncinate fasciculus. Researchers found that higher levels of stress in mothers were linked to changes in the brain’s white matter in these infants, with specific measurements showing increased diffusivity in both the left and right uncinate fasciculus. This is important because it suggests that prenatal stress might impact the brain development of preterm babies early on, potentially influencing their future mental health and behavior. Who this helps: This helps parents and healthcare providers understand the effects of maternal stress during pregnancy on infant brain development.

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This study looked at how the age of fathers affects the brain development of newborns, using brain scans from 275 healthy babies. The researchers found that babies with fathers aged 38 or older had poorer white matter organization in key brain areas, which was linked to lower cognitive scores at 18 months, along with a slight decrease in overall brain volume. These findings highlight the potential impact of older paternal age on early brain development and future cognitive abilities in children. Who this helps: This helps parents and healthcare providers understand the risks associated with older fathers during pregnancy.

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This study looked at brain development in newborns with congenital heart disease (CHD) by comparing them to healthy babies. Researchers found that the brains of infants with CHD had significant reductions in size in several areas, including the basal ganglia and frontal lobes, while also having larger spaces filled with cerebrospinal fluid. These findings are important because they help identify specific parts of the brain that may be more vulnerable in infants with CHD, which could guide future treatments and care approaches. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers working with infants who have congenital heart disease.

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This study looked at how hydrocortisone affects patients with severe COVID-19 who needed intensive care for breathing or heart problems. Researchers found that using hydrocortisone, either at a fixed dose or based on the patient's condition, didn't significantly improve the number of days patients could survive without organ support compared to no hydrocortisone, with 30% of patients in the fixed-dose group dying, and 33% in the no-treatment group. However, there were indications that hydrocortisone may help improve outcomes, with a 93% chance it could be better than no treatment. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors treating patients with severe COVID-19.

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This study focused on creating a special computer program to analyze brain scans of newborns using a technique called diffusion MRI. The researchers tested their program on images from 140 infants and found it effectively handled challenges like movement during scans and the small size of baby brains. This is important because it helps scientists understand how babies' brains develop and function, which can improve our knowledge of brain health and growth. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and researchers studying brain development in infants.

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This study looked at the levels of a specific horse allergen called Equ c 4 in dander (skin flakes), saliva, and urine collected from 170 horses across ten different breeds. The researchers found Equ c 4 in all samples, with an average of 639 units in dander and 39.5 units in saliva. Importantly, stallions had significantly higher levels of this allergen than mares or geldings, which means that no specific horse breed can be considered safe for people allergic to this allergen. Who this helps: This information helps people with horse allergies and their doctors.

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This study looked at the brain development of newborns with congenital heart disease (CHD) and how it relates to oxygen delivery to the brain. The researchers found that the brain structure in 48 infants with CHD was abnormal compared to 48 healthy infants, showing issues in the microscopic structure of the brain that related to how well oxygen was delivered; specifically, they noted significant changes in the orientation of nerve fibers and other measures. This matters because it suggests that compromised oxygen supply can hinder brain development in these infants, potentially impacting their long-term health and development. Who this helps: This helps patients with congenital heart disease and their families.

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This study looked at the brain development of newborns, specifically comparing infants with and without a family history of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers found that babies with a first-degree relative with ASD showed higher activity in certain brain areas linked to social function, with levels decreasing as they aged. In contrast, babies without a family history showed increased activity in these areas. This matters because it highlights early brain differences that could indicate a vulnerability to social challenges later in life. Who this helps: This helps parents, healthcare providers, and researchers studying autism and early brain development.

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This study looked at different tests used to detect a protein called PD-L1 in liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, or HCC). Researchers tested five different methods on 100 samples and found that the results varied widely between tests. For instance, the ability of these tests to agree on PD-L1 detection ranged from very poor to moderate, which can lead to confusion about how best to treat patients with immunotherapy. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and patients by providing clearer guidelines for choosing the right tests for treatment decisions.

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This study examined 70 newborns with serious congenital heart disease (CHD) to see if they had any brain damage before their surgery. The researchers found that 39% of the infants had brain injuries, with 33% showing white matter injuries and 4% having strokes. Understanding the commonality of these issues helps doctors better prepare for the medical needs of these infants. Who this helps: This helps infants with congenital heart disease and their families.

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This study looked at how a training workshop for nurse educators in India, which focused on using simulation as a teaching method, affected their confidence in teaching. The results showed a significant increase in their confidence scores after the workshop, with a reliability measure of 0.98 for the assessment tool used. This matters because confident teachers can improve the quality of nursing education, ultimately leading to better care for patients. Who this helps: This benefits nurse educators and ultimately improves patient care.

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This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of using fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to treat a specific gut infection in patients with weakened immune systems. The researchers found that 87% of the 234 patients saw their infection resolve after the first treatment, and 93% had success after multiple treatments. There were some complications, including 2 deaths and a few infections, but the risks were similar to those seen in patients with normal immune systems. Who this helps: This research helps immunocompromised patients suffering from gut infections by providing a potential treatment option.

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This study looked at patients who experienced severe heart problems (called cardiogenic shock) due to a heart attack and received a specific treatment to open blocked heart arteries. Out of 114 patients studied, 53.5% did not survive their hospital stay, highlighting the seriousness of their condition. Key factors affecting survival included the time their heart was without blood flow and how well their heart was functioning after treatment. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients experiencing severe heart attacks by identifying critical factors that influence survival.

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This study looked at a 24-year-old woman suffering from severe hip pain caused by avascular necrosis, a condition where the bone dies due to lack of blood supply. After trying various treatments without success, she had a dorsal root ganglion stimulator implanted, which provided her with significant pain relief. This finding shows that this new treatment can effectively manage chronic pain when other options fail. Who this helps: Patients with chronic pain, particularly those with avascular necrosis.