SUZANNE E. PATTON, MD, PHD

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This study examined how noninvasive neck treatments, like injections and cool sculpting, impact the difficulty and results of neck lift surgeries afterward. Out of 180 neck lift surgeries reviewed, 123 (68%) patients had prior noninvasive treatments, which led to issues such as toughened tissues and uneven fat distribution. As a result, almost all of these surgeries took longer and had more noticeable irregularities in appearance, highlighting the need for careful planning and communication between doctors and patients. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients considering neck lift procedures after noninvasive treatments.

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This study looked at a program designed to help people with Alzheimer’s Disease by connecting them with specialized care in a large healthcare system. Over the first six months, more than 100 patients were enrolled, and both patients and caregivers reported positive experiences. The program is financially sustainable with no major issues in getting paid for services, suggesting it can grow and help more people in the future. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

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This research looked at how insomnia, a common sleep disorder, affects people's use of healthcare services. The review found a strong link between insomnia and increased healthcare costs, with individuals suffering from insomnia experiencing more missed workdays and lower job performance. Addressing insomnia could lead to less healthcare spending and better overall health for those affected. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from insomnia and healthcare providers looking for efficient ways to manage their care.

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This study looked at how using type-specific whole blood (TSWB) can improve the supply of blood for urgent medical care in military settings. It found that adding type A TSWB could increase blood production by about 11.1% each month and that 20.7% to 35.6% of military casualties needing transfusions would benefit from it. This is important because it helps ensure that there is enough blood available for soldiers who need emergency care. Who this helps: This helps military personnel who require blood transfusions in combat situations.

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Researchers at the Birmingham Orthopaedic Oncology Meeting studied the best ways to treat chondrosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, by bringing together 309 experts from 53 countries. They reached strong agreement (over 80%) on 19 out of 21 treatment guidelines, such as not using routine chemotherapy and supporting safe monitoring of certain types of chondrosarcoma. These findings are crucial because they provide clear guidance for doctors on managing this difficult disease, ultimately aiming to improve care for patients worldwide. Who this helps: This benefits patients with chondrosarcoma and their treating doctors.

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This study looked at how different types and doses of antibiotics affect the healthy microbiomes of a specific type of coral known as Acropora cervicornis. Researchers found that the antibiotics changed the coral's microbial community, reducing the presence of beneficial bacteria and increasing those linked to stress responses. This is important because it shows that while antibiotics can help control coral diseases, they can also disrupt the natural balance of bacteria that keep coral healthy. Who this helps: This research benefits coral conservationists and marine biologists working to restore coral reefs.

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This study looked at the risk of breathing problems after surgery due to opioid painkillers, specifically in patients discharged from the recovery room. They analyzed data from 126 patients and found that while existing risk assessment tools didn't effectively predict these breathing issues, certain factors like having bipolar disorder or a history of substance abuse significantly increased the chances of serious complications. For instance, patients with a history of substance abuse were over 26 times more likely to need additional medical care for breathing problems. Who this helps: This research helps doctors identify patients at higher risk of breathing issues after surgery, so they can provide better care.

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This study focused on measuring the types and amounts of antineutrinos produced by nuclear reactors at the Daya Bay site in China. Researchers collected data from over 4.7 million events and found the total antineutrino flux to be 5.84 ± 0.07 per fission for all reactor isotopes, and the specific contributions from uranium-235 and plutonium-239 were also measured with high accuracy. These detailed measurements are important because they help improve our understanding of nuclear reactions and can refine models used in both physics and neutrino research. Who this helps: This benefits scientists and researchers studying particle physics and nuclear energy.

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This research paper focuses on how to ensure that certain tests, called biomarkers, used in cancer treatment are properly validated before they are used in regular clinical practice. The authors stress that while technical testing is common, it’s not always enough to prove these biomarkers are useful for making clinical decisions. They provide recommendations for laboratories on how to evaluate and confirm these tests' effectiveness and offer guidance for regulatory agencies to improve the validation process. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by ensuring that cancer tests are reliable and effective in guiding treatment choices.

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This study looked at the risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients treated with statins who started taking either icosapent ethyl (IPE) or omega-3 acid ethyl esters (DHA/EPA). Researchers found that over two years, 5.20% of patients taking IPE developed AF, compared to 4.07% of those taking DHA/EPA, indicating a higher risk for IPE with a hazard ratio of 1.21. This matters because it helps identify potential heart rhythm issues in patients receiving these treatments together with statins. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors making decisions about heart health treatments.

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This study looked at how different land uses—like rice fields, farms, orchards, and forests—affect soil properties in the Dhansiripar region of India. Researchers found that soil acidity varied from 4.9 to 5.9, indicating challenges for nutrients and microbes, and there was a wide range of nutrient availability: nitrogen ranged from about 250 to 753 kg per hectare, and potassium from 89 to 795 kg per hectare. These findings highlight the risk of soil erosion and loss of fertility, emphasizing the need for better soil management practices to sustain agriculture in the area. Who this helps: This helps farmers and agricultural planners in making informed decisions about land use and soil management.

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This study surveyed orthopedic surgeons worldwide to learn how they treat infections that can occur after removing bone tumors, specifically focusing on a method called debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR). The results showed that 62% of surgeons regularly performed debridement, but only 39% replaced all the components of the implant during treatment, indicating varying practices among surgeons. Understanding these differences is important because it can help standardize treatment and improve care for patients with infections following surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients who undergo surgery for bone tumors and may face post-operative infections.

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This study brought together 309 health professionals to discuss and agree on best practices for treating infections that can occur around prosthetic joints in patients with bone cancer. They found that while most topics about managing these infections received strong support, there was no complete agreement on everything. Notably, shorter courses of antibiotics were considered just as effective as longer ones for certain patients, and managing leaking wounds quickly is crucial to prevent serious infections. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients dealing with bone cancer and related surgeries.

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This study focused on how predatory bacteria called Halobacteriovorax can help protect endangered Caribbean corals from disease caused by a harmful bacteria known as Vibrio coralliilyticus. The researchers found that when they treated affected corals with Halobacteriovorax, 57% did not bleach beyond the infection spot, and none lost tissue, while untreated corals experienced significant bleaching and tissue loss within days. This finding is important because it shows that using these predatory bacteria can effectively stop disease progression in corals, potentially improving their chances of survival. Who this helps: This benefits coral species, marine ecologists, and conservationists.

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This research focused on creating a decision aid website to help people at higher risk for genetic cancers make informed health choices. During a workshop, patients shared what matters most to them when making healthcare decisions, highlighting that their needs are personal and can vary over time. As a result, the researchers found that there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to supporting these decisions, and they revised their strategy to be more flexible based on patient insights. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk for genetic cancers who need personalized support in making healthcare decisions.

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This study looked at how well fat grafting works for breast enhancement in 165 women, averaging 45 years old. The researchers found that 105 women used fat grafting alone, while the rest combined it with other procedures, and only a small number (2.4%) had issues directly related to the fat grafting. The study shows that fat grafting can safely improve breast aesthetics, and while some patients may need follow-up procedures, major complications are rare. Who this helps: This helps women looking for safe options for breast enhancement.

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This study looked at how the use of steroids before surgery and blood sugar levels during and after surgery affected complications for diabetic women undergoing major gynecological operations. It found that nearly 48% of the 225 patients experienced complications, and high blood sugar levels (180 mg/dL or more) were linked to a 2.8 times higher risk of these complications. However, taking steroids before surgery did not change the complication rates. Who this helps: This information benefits diabetic patients and their healthcare providers by highlighting the importance of managing blood sugar levels before and after surgery.

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This study focused on finding out what information and support breast cancer patients need most when they are preparing for surgery. After gathering 543 questions from 156 patients and their caregivers, the researchers identified the top 10 priorities through surveys and workshops. Key concerns included ensuring patients are well-informed about their treatment options and that all have equal access to various surgical choices, such as surgery for symmetry. Who this helps: This helps breast cancer patients and their caregivers.

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This research paper discusses a meeting of 36 experts from 18 countries in Zürich, Switzerland, focused on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), which are harmful chemicals found in the environment. The workshop revealed that understanding of the health impacts of PFASs is improving, regulatory standards are becoming stricter, and there's a need for better data on where these chemicals are found. With around 50 types of PFAS currently being studied, experts emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and involvement from various groups to address these issues effectively. Who this helps: This helps patients, regulators, and environmental health advocates.

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Researchers conducted a study to search for a type of particle called a sub-eV sterile neutrino, which might mix with known neutrinos. After analyzing data from the Daya Bay experiment over nearly 3 years, they found no evidence of this mixing. Their findings showed that the potential mixing of this sterile neutrino is very unlikely in a specific range, meaning such particles are less likely to exist than previously thought. Who this helps: This research helps physicists and scientists working on understanding neutrinos and their role in the universe.

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This research study looked at the characteristics of oral drugs approved by the FDA between 2000 and 2022 to see how changes in drug design affect their success. The researchers found that it is possible for larger molecules (weighing over 500 Daltons) to be effective oral drugs if certain properties, like their ability to mix with fats and their flexibility, are properly managed. This discovery is important because it opens up new possibilities for developing effective medications that do not fit traditional design criteria. Who this helps: This helps drug developers and researchers in the pharmaceutical industry.

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This research focused on measuring how reactor antineutrinos—tiny particles produced during nuclear reactions—change (or "oscillate") while traveling. After analyzing nearly two years of data, the study found that the oscillation patterns have a specific measurement called sin²(2θ₁₃) of 0.0833 with a precise range, which is an 8% improvement in measurement accuracy compared to earlier results. Understanding these oscillations is important because it helps scientists learn more about the fundamental properties of neutrinos and their role in the universe. Who this helps: This benefits researchers studying particle physics and the behavior of neutrinos.

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This study investigated a new technique to effectively remove excess calcium hydroxyapatite-based fillers, commonly used for facial enhancement, when they cause problems like lumps or pressure on blood vessels. The researchers used a specialized tool to safely extract the filler from four patients, successfully eliminating nodules and excess material without needing follow-up treatments in any case. This matters because it offers a practical solution for addressing complications from these types of fillers, which are usually difficult to remove. Who this helps: This benefits patients who experience problems with calcium hydroxyapatite fillers.

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This study looked at how different laboratories measure the amount of fetal DNA in blood tests used for prenatal screening, referred to as fetal fraction (FF). It found that there is significant inconsistency in FF measurements among different providers, with variations ranging from about 1.7 to 3.6. The research indicates that these differences could lead to incorrect results, which may impact the quality of prenatal testing, suggesting that strict minimum FF thresholds could cause some tests to be unnecessarily rejected. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing noninvasive prenatal testing and healthcare providers who rely on accurate test results.

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This paper looks at how chemicals are assessed for safety and proposes ways to better protect public health, especially for vulnerable communities. Researchers recommend that companies producing chemicals should bear the costs of safety testing, recognize that a lack of data doesn’t mean a chemical is safe, and emphasize the need to identify high-risk groups for better protection. These recommendations aim to ensure that regulatory bodies, like the EPA, make more informed and equitable decisions about chemical safety to minimize health risks. Who this helps: This helps patients and communities exposed to industrial chemicals, particularly those in low-income or marginalized areas.

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This study looked at how well current methods for assessing risks from chemical exposure consider the differences among people in how they might react to those chemicals. It found that the usual approach only accounts for a 10-fold difference in responses but doesn't reflect the wider range of variability seen in real life, especially for vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women. The researchers recommend using improved methods that take into account specific life stages and the effects of multiple stressors, which would better protect these sensitive populations. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, and those with additional health or social challenges.

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Researchers at the Daya Bay reactor studied how neutrinos, tiny particles produced in nuclear reactors, behave as they travel long distances. They measured a specific property of neutrinos and determined the mixing angle (sin²2θ₁₃ = 0.0851 ± 0.0024) and the mass differences that help us understand their oscillation, which is the process by which neutrinos change from one type to another. This finding is important because it refines our understanding of neutrinos, which can help scientists probe fundamental questions about the universe and the fundamental forces of nature. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and scientists studying particle physics and the fundamental properties of matter.

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This study looked at how reactor neutrinos, which are tiny particles released during nuclear reactions, change based on the types of fuel used in reactors, specifically focusing on data collected over about 5.5 years at the Daya Bay facility. Researchers found that the actual measurements of neutrino flux didn't match predictions made by the Huber-Mueller model but were closer to the SM2018 model, although neither model perfectly described the energy spectrum of the neutrinos. These findings are important because they can help improve our understanding of neutrinos, which could have implications for both fundamental physics and nuclear energy. Who this helps: This helps physicists and researchers studying neutrinos and energy production.

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This study focused on how women firefighters collaborated with scientists and advocates to investigate health issues like breast cancer linked to their work exposures. They formed a diverse coalition to collect data and shared insights that showed successful strategies for making impactful changes, such as early actions to reduce harmful exposures and strong communication among partners. The findings highlight the importance of working together across different groups to promote health and safety measures in the workplace. Who this helps: This benefits women firefighters and other workers exposed to similar health risks.

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This study focused on improving the process of introducing plasmids into plant cells, which is essential for gene editing. Researchers found that by refining how the bacterial cells were prepared and adjusting the electroporation technique, they increased the transformation success rate by up to 30 times. These advancements are crucial because they make it easier to perform gene editing on plants, potentially speeding up research and development in agriculture. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and agricultural scientists working on plant gene editing.

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This study looked at how certain infectious disease models, specifically for avian influenza and Ebola, can predict that these diseases will continue to persist in a population. The researchers found that as long as at least one part of the population—like infected birds, virus in water, or infected humans—remains, the disease will persist if its transmission rate is above a certain level (denoted as $R_0 > 1$). This is important because it shows that we don’t need all infected individuals to be present at the start for these diseases to keep spreading, which can help improve how we prepare for and respond to outbreaks. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and researchers in managing disease outbreaks.

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This study looked at how older men and women view ways to prevent falls, which are a big issue for older adults. It found that women often see falls through the lens of caregiving, focusing on controlling their environment, while men tend to analyze risks and adjust their behaviors to stay independent. Understanding these different perspectives is important for health care professionals to help older adults take effective steps in preventing falls. Who this helps: This helps older adults and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how we can determine which uses of PFAS chemicals are truly necessary for health and safety, given their harmful effects and persistence in the environment. The researchers found that while consumer uses of PFAS can often be easily replaced, industrial uses are more complicated, with limited information available about potential alternatives. This matters because better coordination among manufacturers, users, and regulators is needed to safely phase out PFAS where possible. Who this helps: Patients and communities concerned about the health risks of PFAS exposure.

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This study focused on measuring the antineutrino spectra—essentially the energy distribution of antineutrinos—produced when the elements uranium-235 (^235U) and plutonium-239 (^239Pu) undergo fission in nuclear reactors. The researchers from Daya Bay and PROSPECT found that the measurements from both experiments matched well, improving the accuracy of the spectral shape of ^235U to about 3%. These results matter because they provide a reliable reference for future research on reactor antineutrinos, which can help improve our understanding of nuclear processes and enhance reactor safety measures. Who this helps: This information benefits researchers and scientists working in nuclear physics and energy safety.

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The study focused on a course called 'Getting Involved in Research,' designed for people who have experience with health and social care services. A total of 35 participants took part, primarily women, and they reported that the course increased their confidence, fostered a better understanding of research methods, and created a supportive learning environment. These findings are important because they show that training like this can empower patients and caregivers to engage more actively in health research, though further studies are needed to see how they apply what they've learned. Who this helps: This helps patients and their caregivers by giving them the skills and confidence to participate in health research.

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This study measured high-energy reactor antineutrinos at the Daya Bay facility and found nearly 9,000 relevant events over nearly two years. Researchers discovered that there were fewer antineutrinos than expected in the energy range of 8-11 MeV, specifically a 29% deficit compared to predictions. This finding is important as it provides a new reference for future experiments and enhances our understanding of how these particles are produced in nuclear reactors. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and scientists studying nuclear physics and particle detection.

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This study looked at how well patients in Europe can access and receive quality biomarker testing, which is crucial for choosing the right cancer treatments. It found that access to these tests is better in countries with strong public health funding, while places with less support struggle, sometimes offering such tests to only 0% to over 50% of patients. Improving access and quality across Europe is important so that all cancer patients can benefit from personalized treatments. Who this helps: Patients with cancer who need accurate testing for effective treatment options.

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This study looked at the contamination of water and soil by chemicals called PFAS, which are often linked to certain industrial and military sites. The researchers pinpointed over 57,000 places in the U.S. that are likely contaminated, including nearly 50,000 industrial facilities and many airports and military sites. This information is important because it helps communities and regulators understand where PFAS exposure risks may come from, enabling better protection for public health. Who this helps: This benefits patients and communities living near contaminated sites.

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This study focused on creating a new payment model for treating stress urinary incontinence, a common issue where people accidentally leak urine when they cough or exercise. The researchers aimed to develop a system that encourages healthcare providers to deliver better and more efficient care rather than just getting paid for each service. The paper discusses the proposed framework and highlights that coordinating care can help control costs and improve patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from stress urinary incontinence, as well as the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at the challenges faced by parents of children with type 1 diabetes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers created two support programs to help parents cope with their stress and fear of their child having dangerously low blood sugar. They found that parents had many specific worries related to the pandemic, which required changes to how they delivered the support. This matters because addressing these fears can improve the mental health of parents, allowing them to provide better care for their children. Who this helps: Parents of children with type 1 diabetes.

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This study developed a new imaging technique that combines different ways to look at biological tissues without needing any labels or special dyes. The researchers tested this method on live cells, tissue samples, and even the brains of live rodents, showing it can provide detailed information about tissue structure and function. This matters because it can help scientists better understand how tissues work and how diseases progress, leading to improved medical research and treatment. Who this helps: Patients and researchers exploring disease and tissue health.

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This study looked at how primary care providers, like family doctors and pediatricians, notify families when newborn screening tests show positive results for cystic fibrosis. Out of 321 providers surveyed, 65% reported that they informed families about positive screening results, and 88% felt it was important for them to do so instead of the testing center. However, their confidence in delivering this news varied, dropping from 68% to 54% when considering their recent experiences, highlighting the importance of proper support and information from testing centers. Who this helps: This benefits families of newborns, ensuring they receive timely and familiar communication regarding important health information.

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This study looks at the "essential-use" concept, which helps determine if certain harmful chemicals, like PFAS, are really necessary for specific purposes. The researchers explain a three-step process to assess whether the use of these chemicals is critical for health and safety, and if there are safer alternatives available. This approach can speed up the process of reducing or eliminating harmful chemicals from production and use. Who this helps: This benefits patients and consumers by reducing their exposure to dangerous chemicals.

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This paper focuses on the ongoing issues related to PFAS, a group of harmful chemicals found in many products that contaminate our environment and affect health. The authors highlight six critical questions about PFAS, such as where they are produced, their environmental hotspots, and the health impacts of exposure. Addressing these questions is crucial to developing effective strategies for managing PFAS pollution and protecting public health. Who this helps: This benefits patients, communities affected by PFAS contamination, and environmental health advocates.

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This research studied how professional societies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) can improve diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their fields. The authors developed a framework called the "Inclusive Professional Framework for Societies," which emphasizes understanding identity and cultural awareness to shift mindsets and overcome barriers to DEI reform. This framework aims to help organizations better engage all talent and create more diverse and effective teams. Who this helps: This helps STEM organizations and their members by creating a more inclusive environment.