DR. THERESE-ANNE LEVAN, M.D.

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This study looked at how urban and rural primary care clinics in Nebraska are using and promoting colorectal cancer (CRC) screening methods. It found that over 30% of urban clinics reported that most of their patients were meeting CRC screening guidelines, while only 18.3% of rural clinics could say the same. Additionally, rural clinics preferred using colonoscopy more often than urban clinics, which might affect how effectively patients are screened for this cancer. Who this helps: This information benefits patients, especially those in rural areas, by highlighting differences in their access to effective screening methods.

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This study looked at how gender affects breast cancer patients' decisions to accept or refuse different treatments, including hormone therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Researchers analyzed data from over 900,000 patients and found that men were less likely to refuse hormone therapy (17% less) and surgery (33% less) compared to women, while men were 14% more likely to refuse radiation therapy than women. Understanding these differences is important to help doctors better address the needs and concerns of both male and female patients when recommending treatment options. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing insights into treatment decision-making based on gender.

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This study looked at how different types of fatty acids in the blood affect lung function and a protein called amphiregulin (AREG) in veterans. Researchers found that higher levels of certain fatty acids, like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), were linked with better lung function, while other fatty acids were connected to poorer lung health. Specifically, higher levels of DPA and omega-6 fatty acids improved lung function measurements by notable amounts, which is significant for understanding how diet can impact lung health. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic lung conditions and healthcare providers looking for dietary recommendations.

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This study looked at how Latino/a migrant farmworkers in Nebraska report fatigue and pain, focusing on differences between men and women. It found that women reported feeling more tired, with an average fatigue score of 15.5 compared to 12.8 for men, and 56.9% of women reported pain versus 36.3% of men. Understanding these differences is important for improving health and safety measures, especially for women in demanding jobs. Who this helps: This helps migrant farmworkers, their employers, and healthcare providers.

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The study focused on assessing the training needs of public health workers in the Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department in Nebraska. Out of 128 staff members surveyed, the findings revealed that two key areas needed improvement: financial planning and policy development, with gaps of 15 and 19 percentage points respectively between the importance of these skills and the staff's ability to perform them. Additionally, the Health Promotion and Outreach division had varying training needs across all skill areas, highlighting a broader requirement for targeted training. Who this helps: This information benefits public health departments and their employees by enabling tailored training programs to enhance their skills and effectiveness.

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This research paper looked at how obesity affects people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It found that obese patients with COPD may have different disease characteristics and could be more sensitive to environmental factors than those who are not obese. Understanding the specific role of abdominal fat is crucial for future studies, as treating obesity might improve health outcomes for COPD patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with COPD, especially those who are also obese.

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This study looked at how the body processes estrogen in women with ovarian cancer compared to women without the disease. Researchers found that women with ovarian cancer had significantly higher levels of certain harmful estrogen-related compounds, particularly a type that can attach to DNA, indicating a connection to the cancer (with a very low probability of this finding occurring by chance, p < 0.0001). These results suggest that problems with how estrogen is metabolized may be important in the development of ovarian cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors understand the link between estrogen levels and ovarian cancer risk.

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This study looked at how smoking and certain genetic variations might influence the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in African Americans. Researchers found that heavy smokers with specific genetic markers (NAT2 SNPs) had more than double the risk of RA compared to non-smokers who didn't have those markers. This is important because it highlights a vulnerable group of individuals whose smoking habits and genetic makeup make them more susceptible to this painful condition. Who this helps: This helps African American smokers and their healthcare providers identify and manage their risk for rheumatoid arthritis.

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This study looked at the connection between cigarette smoking and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in African Americans. It found that African Americans who smoke are 45% more likely to develop RA compared to those who have never smoked, with this risk being even greater for those who have smoked heavily (over 10 pack-years). The research highlights how smoking compounds the risk of RA, especially in individuals with a specific genetic marker. Who this helps: This information is valuable for patients and healthcare providers working with African American communities at risk for rheumatoid arthritis.

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This study looked at two types of surgery for removing adrenal tumors: robotic-assisted adrenalectomy (RA) and lateral transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA). Researchers found that while RA had less blood loss (49 mL vs. LA) and longer surgery times (104 minutes), after 20 surgeries, the time difference became less important. Both methods showed similar recovery results, highlighting that once surgeons gain experience with robotic surgery, it can perform as well as the traditional method. Who this helps: This helps patients needing adrenal surgery by providing options with less blood loss during the procedure.

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This study examined how well patients scheduled for bariatric surgery could find reliable information about the procedure online. Out of 100 surveyed patients, 42% looked for information on the web, but 58% of the websites they visited lacked crucial details about the surgery, and 25% provided misleading information. This matters because patients need accurate information to make informed decisions about their health, and the internet doesn’t always provide it. Who this helps: This helps patients preparing for bariatric surgery.

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This study focused on a rare type of colon ulcer located in the hepatic flexure, an area of the right colon. The findings confirmed that this ulcer can act like a tumor but is not cancerous; recognizing it is important because it allows for safer treatment options, reducing the risk of serious complications like bleeding or infection. Unlike more common conditions like diverticulitis, these ulcers are more often found in the right side of the colon, which can sometimes confuse doctors and lead to misdiagnoses. Who this helps: Patients with colon ulcers and doctors involved in their diagnosis and treatment.