TAMMY H. YOUNG, M.D.

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This study looked at how well adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) are receiving care from specialists in the U.S., particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It found that over 64% of patients did not receive necessary follow-up care, and nearly half had missed visits with ACHD specialists, which puts them at greater risk for missing important medical tests. The findings highlight a significant gap in care that needs attention to improve health outcomes for these patients. Who this helps: This research helps patients with congenital heart disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a rare type of brain tumor called dysplastic cerebellar gangliocytoma (DCG) over a 60-year period. Researchers found 173 cases of DCG, with most patients being adults (82%) and women (59%), and they reported that 74% of patients lived without disease progression after treatment. This research highlights the importance of early diagnosis through MRI and surgical treatment, which can lead to better outcomes for patients. Who this helps: Patients with DCG and their doctors benefit from this research.

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The CHI-RON study focused on improving the representation of diverse groups in research involving adults with congenital heart disease. It successfully recruited 2,652 participants using new strategies, significantly increasing representation among Hispanic patients (10.9% vs. 7.4%), Black/African American patients (5.4% vs. 2.6%), and younger individuals (average age 35.5 vs. 43.5 years) compared to previous methods. This is important because it helps ensure that research better reflects the needs of all patients, leading to more relevant and effective healthcare solutions. Who this helps: This benefits patients with congenital heart disease by ensuring their needs and experiences are better represented in research.

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This study looked at a new method for observing electrical activity in living brain cells using a technique called periodic structured illumination. Researchers found that this method, known as pseudo-HiLo (pHiLo), improved the quality of the voltage signals from the targeted cells, with a notable 20% increase in the signal-to-noise ratio compared to traditional methods. This matters because clearer images of brain cell activity can lead to better understanding and treatments for neurological diseases. Who this helps: Patients with neurological disorders and researchers studying brain activity.

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This study looked at a new method called MFliNet, which improves the imaging of fluorescence lifetime in biological samples. The researchers found that MFliNet significantly enhances accuracy by correcting for distortions caused by sample size and surface features, allowing for reliable real-time imaging. This is important because it can better visualize tumors and other biological structures during surgery, leading to improved outcomes. Who this helps: Patients undergoing surgery for tumors and doctors performing these procedures.

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In this case report, researchers examined a 16-year-old girl who experienced severe hallucinations and was found to have a rare autoimmune condition called anti-neuronal intermediate filament autoimmune encephalitis. After nearly three weeks in the hospital, she received treatment that involved immune system-modifying drugs, leading to the complete resolution of her symptoms, and she remained symptom-free a year later without psychiatric medications. This matters because it highlights the importance of considering physical health issues, like autoimmune diseases, when patients present with psychiatric symptoms in emergency settings to ensure they receive proper care. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing psychiatric symptoms that may have a physical cause.

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This study looked at how satisfied cancer patients are with their care and what factors influence their satisfaction. Researchers surveyed 690 patients across 12 countries, finding that those who reported better quality of life were generally more satisfied. However, patients experiencing treatment side effects and those with additional health issues were less satisfied, with important gaps in nurse availability and information. This research highlights the importance of listening to patients to improve cancer care worldwide. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients and healthcare providers working to enhance patient care.

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This study examined how effective an artificial intelligence (AI) tool is for measuring tumor sizes in high-grade gliomas (HGGs) using MRI scans. The researchers found that the AI tool significantly sped up the process of measuring tumor volumes—taking about 15 seconds compared to 210.5 seconds for traditional methods. However, it only moderately agreed with expert assessments in detecting if the disease was progressing, particularly struggling to distinguish between tumor growth and changes that mimicked tumor progression. Who this helps: This benefits doctors treating patients with high-grade gliomas by providing faster and potentially more standardized imaging assessments.

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This study looked at the different roles that family medicine faculty members have with their residents, such as teaching and advising, and how these roles sometimes overlap in ways that can be problematic. Researchers found that 68% of faculty reported socializing with residents, 54% provided minor medical help, and 36% had personal relationships with them. The study highlights the need for better guidelines to prevent conflicts and support the well-being of both residents and faculty. Who this helps: This helps patients and family medicine residents by ensuring a better learning environment and care.

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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 looked at how having a family member in prison affects the health and wellbeing of children aged 7 to 16. Researchers interviewed 19 kids and learned that they face many challenges when trying to stay connected with their imprisoned family members, resulting in feelings of distress and trauma. The study developed a new framework called "The Three Cs" – Contact, Consistency, and Compassion – to improve support for these children and encourage safe family visits, stressing the importance of better training for prison staff. Who this helps: This helps children with incarcerated family members.

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This research looked at how people determine who deserves rights and who they feel responsible to help. The study found that people are more likely to recognize the rights of others, especially humans, but they are generally more motivated to help when they feel a sense of obligation. Specifically, positive obligations—like the duty to help—were found to inspire the greatest willingness to assist others, including animals. This understanding helps us see how we can encourage more people to engage in helping behaviors. Who this helps: This benefits patients, animals, and communities seeking support and aid.

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This study looked at how young rugby players in Ireland feel about their identities in sports and how that affects their happiness and confidence. Researchers found that these players felt stronger connections to their clubs and sport rather than just seeing themselves as athletes. They also found that players who were better at managing different parts of their lives, like family and friendships, reported feeling more satisfied with their lives. This matters because it shows that supporting young athletes in balancing their social identities can improve their overall well-being as they transition into professional sports. Who this helps: This helps young rugby players and their coaches.

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This study looked at how the quality of a word (like how clear it is) and how often it's used affect how quickly people recognize that word, especially when they encounter tricky fake words (like JUGDE instead of JUDGE). Researchers found that when faced with harder fake words, the way these factors work together influenced average response times in a complex way, showing that well-established models don't always apply. This matters because it helps improve our understanding of how we process words, which can enhance theories on reading and cognition. Who this helps: This helps researchers and educators focused on language and reading.

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This study looked at how nutrition affects recovery after brain tumor surgery compared to general surgery. Researchers found that while most studies included preoperative carbohydrate loading (86% in general surgery and 64% in brain tumor surgery), this did not consistently lead to shorter hospital stays or fewer complications. Some positive outcomes, like increased mobility and reduced ICU time, were noted in brain tumor patients, but the nutritional approaches were often poorly defined, leading to calls for a new nutrition score to better guide care. Who this helps: This helps brain tumor patients and their doctors by providing clearer nutrition guidelines to improve recovery.

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This study looked at anxiety and depression levels among people aged 12 and older in Santo Domingo, Ecuador, using a simple screening tool called the PHQ-4. Out of 380 participants, 35.8% of young females reported feeling anxious compared to only 12.5% of young males, indicating that anxiety was more common in girls. The findings showed that anxiety and depression rates were higher than the national averages for Ecuador, highlighting the need for better mental health resources in underserved areas. Who this helps: This benefits patients who need better access to mental health care, especially young females in underserved communities.

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This study looked at how the number of different plant species in an area affects the stability of those plant populations around the world. The researchers found that using certain measures, more plant diversity actually led to less stability, meaning that having many species might cause dominant plants to struggle more; specifically, they saw this destabilizing effect was stronger when they measured the total species over time compared to just looking at one year. This is important because understanding these relationships can help us manage ecosystems better and maintain their health. Who this helps: This helps ecologists and environmental managers who are working to preserve plant biodiversity and ecosystem stability.

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Researchers created a model of human airways on a chip to study the effects of chlorine gas exposure, which is important because there isn't much clinical data on how chlorine harms the body. They tested different levels of chlorine and found how it affects the body's cells and tissues over time. This research helps us understand how to protect people from chlorine gas injuries and develop better treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients exposed to chlorine gas and healthcare providers treating them.

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This study looked at how well melatonin works compared to midazolam for calming anxious children before surgery. The research found that midazolam was significantly more effective than melatonin at reducing anxiety, with a difference that was considered clinically important (about 13 points on an anxiety scale). Although melatonin had fewer side effects, midazolam was still the better choice based on this study, highlighting the need for safer alternatives to midazolam in managing anxiety. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers making decisions about pre-surgery medication for anxious children.

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This study examined how well an AI software called ART-Plan performs at outlining important areas for radiation treatment in patients with head and neck cancer. Researchers compared outlines created by the AI and those made by doctors in a group of 60 patients and found that while the AI contours were preferred about as often as the clinician ones (31.4% vs. 32.9%), they also led to significant time savings when being reviewed and edited—saving doctors several hours. This matters because using AI can make the treatment planning process faster and maintain quality, which is crucial for effective patient care. Who this helps: Patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer, as well as the doctors treating them, benefit from this technology.

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This study explored a new imaging method called High Spatial Frequency-Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (HSF-FLI) that can better identify where signals come from in deeper tissues, which has been a challenge in medical imaging. The researchers developed a technique to minimize interference from signals coming from the skin's surface, allowing for more accurate readings of deeper signals. This method showed improvements in imaging during tests on mice with tumors, suggesting that it can provide clearer insights into tissue characteristics without using invasive procedures. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors studying tumors and other conditions, allowing for better diagnostics and treatment monitoring.

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This study looked at how well a drug called nivolumab works for patients with advanced endometrial cancer that has a specific genetic flaw (MMR deficiency) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Out of 52 patients treated with nivolumab, 52% were free from disease progression after a year, and 75% were alive after the same period, indicating that this treatment can be effective. The research shows that nivolumab has low side effects and may be a good option for some patients as a first treatment for this type of cancer. Who this helps: This benefits patients with advanced endometrial cancer who have MMR deficiency.

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This study looked at how regular visits to specialists for adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) affect the need for emergency hospital admissions. Researchers found that patients who had 1-2 outpatient visits had lower odds of needing emergency care compared to those who didn’t visit a specialist or had more than two visits. Specifically, patients with no visits were 1.34 times more likely to need emergency care, while those with four or more visits were 2.48 times more likely. This is important because it shows that regular check-ins with specialists can help patients avoid emergency situations. Who this helps: This benefits patients with adult congenital heart disease.

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This study looked at how hearing loss in children affects their ability to listen and communicate. Researchers found that children with better listening skills reported lower levels of mental fatigue, and those who felt more tired mentally had poorer communication and attention abilities. Specifically, kids using hearing aids felt more mentally tired and struggled more with communication than those who did not use hearing aids. Who this helps: This study benefits children with hearing loss and their caregivers by highlighting the importance of monitoring listening skills and fatigue for better support.

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This study examined three ways to prevent falls in the community: helping people after a fall (reactive), reaching out to high-risk individuals (proactive), and allowing people to sign up voluntarily (self-referred). It found that the most cost-effective approaches were helping those who have fallen (costing around £2,365 per year of healthy life gained) and combining reactive and self-referred strategies (costing about £5,516). This is important because it shows that targeted fall prevention can save money and lives, while the recommended approach by UK guidelines was found to be too expensive. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of falls, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

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This study looked at whether it is possible to spare erectile tissue during a specific type of radiation therapy for prostate cancer without negatively affecting the treatment of the tumor. Researchers analyzed MRI data from 30 patients and found that by using strategies to preserve erectile tissue, they could significantly reduce the radiation dose to important nerves and blood vessels while still effectively targeting the cancer. This is important because keeping erectile function can improve the quality of life for men undergoing treatment. Who this helps: This benefits men with prostate cancer who want to maintain their sexual health after treatment.

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This study investigated how researchers estimate the effects of treatments that change over time in observational studies, focusing on the statistical methods used and how missing data is managed. The review found that out of 68 studies analyzed, 78% focused on health-related questions, but a majority relied on simpler methods that may not accurately capture the complexities of time-varying treatments. Additionally, many studies failed to properly report or handle missing data, with only 14.5% performing sensitivity analyses to assess the reliability of their results. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and healthcare professionals by highlighting the need for better methods in analyzing treatment effects, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.

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This paper studies Type 1 diabetes (T1D), a condition where the body mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Researchers found that by targeting specific immune cells and modifying the immune response, there is potential to not only stop the damage to these cells but also possibly reverse it. This is important because it could lead to new treatments that address the root cause of T1D, rather than just managing symptoms. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Type 1 diabetes and may lead to better long-term health outcomes.

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This study focused on developing a new set of guidelines called STROBE-Equity to improve how research reports address health equity in observational studies. The researchers added 10 specific items to the existing reporting guidelines to ensure important health equity data is included and clearly presented. This is important because better reporting can help decision-makers understand and tackle unfair health differences in various communities. Who this helps: This benefits researchers, healthcare providers, and populations experiencing health inequities.

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This study focused on improving how health equity information is reported in observational research. Researchers created a checklist called STROBE-Equity to provide clear guidelines for sharing data on health equity, making it easier for others to understand and use this important information. This improvement is vital because it will help researchers, policymakers, and the public make better-informed decisions about health issues affecting different groups in society. Who this helps: Patients and policymakers.

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This study explores how grandmothers deal with grief after the unexpected death of a child, child-in-law, or grandchild. Researchers found that these grandmothers experience intense sorrow, especially if they lose their own child, and often shift between managing their grief and supporting other family members. However, their own pain often goes unnoticed, leading to feelings of isolation, highlighting the need for better support systems for them during these tough times. Who this helps: This helps grandmothers who are grieving, as well as the families that support them.

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This study focused on creating a standardized approach for genetic testing related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Ontario. Researchers found that while genetic causes influence a significant portion of CKD, the current testing options are limited to fewer than 45 genes, even though there are over 500 genes linked to the disease. Implementing standardized testing will provide better access to accurate diagnoses and improve treatment outcomes for patients with CKD. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic kidney disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study created a detailed dataset called RT-HaND_C to help understand head and neck cancer (HNC) better by compiling real-world data from nearly 2,900 patients treated in a clinical setting between 2010 and 2023. The researchers found that HNC patients face significant weight loss after treatment, with a notable decrease peaking at 6 months post-radiotherapy, and this weight loss can continue for up to 5 years, even after accounting for cancer recurrence. This matters because it highlights ongoing health challenges for HNC survivors, useful for improving patient care and treatment follow-ups. Who this helps: HNC patients and their healthcare providers.

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Researchers developed a highly effective treatment that blocks SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, by targeting its entry point into cells. Their new biologic can stop various strains of the virus, including different variants and an earlier version, SARS-CoV-1, by effectively binding to it. This discovery is significant because it offers a potential defense against current and future versions of the virus. Who this helps: This helps patients and public health efforts fighting COVID-19.

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This research focused on improving a medical imaging technique called fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLI), which helps scientists see deep into living tissues without needing invasive methods. The study introduced a new method called high spatial frequency-fluorescence lifetime imaging (HSF-FLI) that can tell exactly where the fluorescence signals in tissues come from, avoiding misleading signals from the skin. The new approach improved accuracy by accurately separating surface signals from deeper tissue signals, establishing clearer imaging results. Who this helps: This advancement benefits researchers and doctors working in cancer and drug delivery treatments.

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This research studied Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to see if it could help improve the psychological health of people with motor neuron disease when combined with regular care. The study involved 191 participants and found that those receiving ACT scored higher on a quality of life questionnaire at both 6 months (with an average score difference of 0.66) and 9 months (0.76) compared to those who only received usual care. Although ACT was shown to be helpful for mental well-being, it was not overall cost-effective, but it did prove cost-effective for some individuals with moderate disease progression. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with motor neuron disease and their healthcare providers.

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This research focused on improving the stability of lambda (λ) antibody light chains, which are less stable than the more commonly used kappa (κ) chains. By changing one specific part of the λ light chain (Gly111 to threonine), the researchers made the antibodies more stable, increasing their resistance to heat by up to 2.5°C. This is important because stronger and more stable antibodies can be more effective in therapies and easier to produce. Who this helps: This benefits patients who rely on antibody treatments, as well as the doctors who prescribe them.

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This study tested two questionnaires designed to measure how satisfied cancer patients are with their hospital care: the PATSAT-C33 for general hospital experiences and the OUT-PATSAT7 for outpatient visits. Researchers involved nearly 700 patients from 20 institutions across 12 countries and found that most could complete the questionnaires easily—in less than 20 minutes—with high overall satisfaction scores. The study shows that these tools can effectively track patient experiences in diverse cancer care settings, which is important for improving care quality. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients and healthcare providers by ensuring that patient feedback is captured and acted upon.

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This study looked at the different features of hearing aids to help people understand what options are available. Researchers examined 119 documents from six major hearing aid makers and found 253 unique features across 12 devices, including both high-end and budget models. This matters because clear information helps consumers make better choices about which hearing aid might work best for them. Who this helps: This benefits patients and potential hearing aid users looking for guidance in selecting devices.

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This study focused on the effects of a Child Life Therapy (CLT) service in a pediatric emergency department, where therapists help support and comfort children undergoing medical procedures. Over six months, 1,130 patients, mostly around 5 years old, were assisted; 66% needed help for procedures like blood tests. Feedback from caregivers, children, and clinicians showed that this service successfully reduced stress, worry, and pain during these procedures, and also improved overall efficiency for the healthcare team. Who this helps: This benefits children facing medical procedures, their caregivers, and healthcare providers in emergency settings.

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This study looked at how neuronavigation technology has been adopted and its effects on spinal surgery worldwide. Researchers found that since 1990, the use of neuronavigation in surgeries has significantly grown, with 69% of procedures using optical systems, leading to better precision in surgeries (63.3% improvement in accuracy), fewer complications (45.9% reduction), and less radiation exposure (26.6% decrease). However, the majority of research comes from high-income countries, highlighting a gap that may prevent access to this technology in low- and middle-income countries. Who this helps: This research benefits surgeons and spinal surgery patients, especially in wealthier nations.

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This study looked at health care workers who continued to work while sick with COVID-19, a practice known as presenteeism. Researchers found that 7.9% of the 3,721 health care personnel reported working while ill, with the rate increasing from just 1.4% in 2020 to 15.2% in 2024. This trend raises concerns because it can expose vulnerable patients to infections, highlighting the need for better policies to protect both workers and patients. Who this helps: This helps patients and health care facilities by reducing the risk of spreading infections.

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This study looks at how combining research with the insights of patients and healthcare workers can improve family medicine and primary care. It emphasizes the importance of using a method called evidence synthesis, which gathers existing studies on a specific healthcare question, and provides guidance for doctoral researchers on incorporating this approach into their work. By doing this, researchers can better influence practices and policies in primary care, ensuring that they are based on solid evidence. Who this helps: This benefits patients, doctors, and healthcare policymakers.

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This study looked at high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (HR-MDS), a serious blood disorder that affects stem cells. Researchers found that the stem cells from HR-MDS patients used more energy and had higher levels of specific proteins necessary for energy production compared to healthy cells. By blocking a key enzyme called NAMPT, they disrupted the energy supply to these cancerous cells, which led to less cell growth and increased cell death, making NAMPT a potential target for new treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome.

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Researchers created a new data system for studying head and neck cancer by collecting a large amount of imaging and treatment data from 2,895 patients. This new "data lake" allows for quicker and easier access to information needed to build machine learning models, speeding up cancer research significantly. It cuts down the time previously spent on data collection and protection processes while ensuring patient privacy. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors working on head and neck cancer treatments.

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This study looked at how often the central nervous system (CNS) is affected in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and what factors increase that risk. Out of 259 patients, 31 (about 12%) showed signs of CNS involvement, with high white blood cell counts being a significant risk factor; those with counts over 40 were about 64% likely to be CNS positive. The findings suggest that patients at high risk for CNS involvement should be routinely tested and treated to prevent complications. Who this helps: This benefits patients with AML, particularly those with high white blood cell counts and specific genetic mutations.