DR. THOMAS GERARD AKRE, DO

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This study looked at how changes in land use, like building new neighborhoods or converting forests into farmland, will affect water quality in the Shenandoah National Park area over the next 50 years. Researchers found that urban expansion leads to more nitrogen and sediment in the water, while increasing grassy areas can increase phosphorus levels. Specifically, losing forest areas greatly raises runoff volume and water pollution, which is important because it can harm local water supplies and overall ecosystem health. Who this helps: This benefits environmental planners and water quality managers.

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This study looked at a procedure called tibial neurolysis, which helps people with diabetes who have nerve problems in their legs. Out of 628 patients treated, only 0.2% developed new ulcers and another 0.2% faced amputations, while hospital admissions for foot infections were just 0.6%. This is important because it shows that this treatment can significantly reduce the risk of serious foot problems in diabetic patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with diabetes and diabetic neuropathy.

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This study looked at how a positive Tinel sign, which is a response felt when tapping over a nerve, can predict recovery from pain and improved sensation in diabetic patients with nerve compression in their feet. Researchers followed 628 patients, finding that 74% had high pain levels ahead of surgery. After procedures to relieve the nerve compression, patients saw their average pain drop from 8.5 to 2.0 within six months, and this improvement lasted for over three years. Who this helps: This benefits diabetic patients suffering from nerve pain in their feet.

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This study looked at the blood health of two turtle species: the Pascagoula map turtle and the southeast Asian box turtle. Researchers tested blood from 12 Pascagoula map turtles and 7 southeast Asian box turtles, finding low red blood cell levels in both kinds, along with high counts of specific white blood cells. For example, the Pascagoula map turtle had a median count of 0.80 for basophils, while the southeast Asian box turtle showed 2.06 for heterophils. This information is crucial for understanding the health of these turtle populations, which are declining due to habitat loss and over-collection. Who this helps: This helps conservationists and veterinarians who work to protect and care for turtle populations.

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This study looked at the number and types of amphibians living in an isolated wetland in South Carolina, which has been protected for over 54 years. Researchers found an impressive count of over 360,000 juvenile amphibians and 24 different species during one breeding season, with 96.4% of the individuals being frogs, particularly the southern leopard frog. These results highlight the importance of isolated wetlands for supporting diverse and thriving amphibian populations, even after environmental stresses like drought, showing that conservation can effectively counteract previous habitat damage. Who this helps: This helps conservationists and wildlife managers working to protect amphibian populations and wetland ecosystems.

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This study looked at how often group C rotavirus causes diarrhea in adults in Sweden and examined its genetic makeup. Researchers found that 3% of patients had rotavirus in their samples, with 35% of those being group C rotavirus. These infections were generally milder than those caused by other types of rotavirus. The findings highlight that group C rotavirus may be more common in adults than previously thought. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers better understand and manage diarrhea caused by group C rotavirus in adults.

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This study looked at 167 patients who had elective spleen removal due to blood disorders. It found that 25% of these patients experienced complications after surgery, with infections being the most common issue, and 5% of patients died. Notably, patients with myeloproliferative disorders faced a 56% complication rate and a 28% mortality rate, indicating that spleen surgery is risky for this group. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors treating patients with myeloproliferative disorders by informing them about the surgical risks involved.