DR. DINESH KHANNA, M.D.

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This study looked at how using different health measurement systems affects ratings of children's quality of life from both children and their parents. Researchers found that parents often rated their children's health higher than the children did, especially using value sets from Hungary, Japan, and Spain, where these differences were significant. This matters because choosing the right measurement system can lead to better understanding and reflection of children's actual health status, helping to make healthcare decisions more accurate. Who this helps: This helps children and their parents by improving the accuracy of health assessments in medical settings.

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This study looked at how specific proteins related to collagen, which is a key part of our skin and connective tissues, are connected to the severity of symptoms in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Researchers tested 222 patients and found that higher levels of two proteins, PRO-C3 and PRO-C6, were linked to more severe skin problems, while another protein (C6M) was associated with lung issues. These findings are important because they help identify potential markers to gauge the severity of the disease and understand how inflammation is related to the tissue damage seen in SSc. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing better ways to assess the severity of systemic sclerosis.

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This study looked at a protein called RUNX1 in skin cells from patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), an autoimmune disease that causes skin thickening. The researchers found that higher levels of RUNX1 are linked to more severe skin fibrosis, and skin cells with increased RUNX1 activity contribute to this thickening. They also discovered that reducing RUNX1 activity in lab tests lessened the problems associated with these skin cells, showing it could be a target for treatment. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with systemic sclerosis by identifying a potential new approach to managing skin fibrosis.

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This study looked at skin samples from patients with a severe form of systemic sclerosis who had not yet received treatment. Researchers found that certain cells, especially a type of immune cell called macrophages, were interacting with fibroblasts (skin cells that produce connective tissue) near blood vessels, which may trigger the early stages of skin thickening in this disease. They discovered that these interactions involve specific molecules that promote inflammation and fibrosis, highlighting the role of blood vessel areas in disease development. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with systemic sclerosis, as it offers insights that could lead to better understanding and treatment of their condition.

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In this study, researchers looked at a substance called soluble CD13 (sCD13) in patients with systemic sclerosis, a disease that can cause skin and organ fibrosis. They found that while sCD13 levels were higher in these patients compared to healthy individuals, they did not correlate with the severity of vascular issues or skin disease at baseline. However, in the early stages of the disease, higher levels of sCD13 indicated that patients were likely to see more improvement in skin fibrosis over the following year. Who this helps: This research can benefit patients with systemic sclerosis by providing insights into monitoring disease progression and treatment responses.

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This study examined how obstructive jaundice (a condition that can block bile flow) and socioeconomic factors (like where people live, their level of education, and their gender) impact the treatment of gallbladder cancer in North India. Out of 1,500 patients, 643 had obstructive jaundice, and over half (51.3%) of these patients did not start treatment, compared to just 3.1% of those without the condition. Furthermore, only 7.9% of patients with jaundice were eligible for curative surgery versus 29.1% of those without, highlighting that both jaundice and socioeconomic status significantly affect treatment options. Who this helps: This research benefits gallbladder cancer patients, especially those with obstructive jaundice and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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This study investigated a specific genetic factor, NOTCH4, in African American patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), a condition characterized by blood vessel problems and thickening of tissues. Researchers found that a certain gene variant was more common in African American patients with severe vascular issues—11% had the variant compared to fewer in other populations. Targeting the NOTCH4 pathway could help improve blood vessel growth and reduce tissue thickening, which are major problems for these patients. Who this helps: This research benefits African American patients with systemic sclerosis by identifying potential new treatments.

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Researchers studied how certain proteins in the blood affect survival in patients with progressive interstitial lung disease (ILD). They tested 102 proteins and found that 47 were related to worsening lung function, with 7 of these proteins showing a strong link to survival outcomes in a different group of patients. The proteins amphiregulin and integrin beta six had the most significant effects, suggesting they could be important targets for new treatments. Who this helps: This benefits patients with interstitial lung disease by identifying potential new therapies.

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This study looked at systemic sclerosis (SSc), a disease that causes thickening and scarring of the skin and other organs. Researchers found that a substance called PAI-1 is linked to the disease, and when they treated mice with a new drug called MDI-2517, it significantly reduced scarring in the skin and lungs, outperforming existing treatments. Specifically, MDI-2517 worked better at a much lower dose compared to another treatment, showing promise as a new way to help patients with SSc. Who this helps: Patients with systemic sclerosis.

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This study focused on digital ulcers (DUs), which are very painful sores that affect about 50% of people with systemic sclerosis, a serious autoimmune condition. Researchers identified seven key areas to standardize how DUs are reported in clinical trials, including definitions, patient criteria, and outcome measures. By improving the way studies on DUs are designed and reported, they believe this will lead to better treatment options and more effective care for patients. Who this helps: Patients with systemic sclerosis and their doctors.

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This study looked at early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and how their lungs compared to healthy individuals, using advanced imaging technology to analyze lung health. The results showed that early RA patients had 3.7% interstitial abnormalities in their lungs, significantly higher than the 1.6% found in healthy controls, and they also had 9.3% less normal lung tissue. This is important because it highlights that lung damage can begin early in RA, indicating a need for better strategies to protect lung health in these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with early rheumatoid arthritis by highlighting the importance of monitoring and treating lung health.

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This study looked at how different settings for radiation treatment planning affect the delivery of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in patients with liver cancer. Researchers created treatment plans using two types of radiation beams and found that the 10X beam was more effective than the 6X beam. Specifically, the best plan for protecting healthy tissue while treating the cancer used a fine resolution of 1.25 mm, while a slightly larger resolution of 2.5 mm was optimal for delivering the treatment efficiently. Who this helps: This benefits patients with liver cancer and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at the use of a procedure called intraoperative proctosigmoidoscopy during surgeries for bowel endometriosis. Out of 300 surgeries, 26 patients had more complex bowel resections and underwent this additional procedure. The findings showed that while most patients did well, one patient had a bleeding issue detected only during the proctosigmoidoscopy, and some experienced ongoing constipation and pelvic pain afterward. This procedure can improve the safety and outcomes of surgeries for bowel endometriosis. Who this helps: Patients undergoing bowel endometriosis surgery.

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This research studied how well certain inflammatory markers in the blood, specifically C-reactive protein (CRP) and Krebs von den Lungen 6 (KL-6), can predict the worsening of lung disease (progressive pulmonary fibrosis) in patients with a condition called systemic sclerosis. Out of 135 patients followed for about 43 months, 19% experienced progressive lung disease. The study found that high levels of KL-6 at the start were linked to more severe lung issues and a lower chance of survival without disease progression, with those having elevated levels being 66% more likely to develop progressive fibrosis over time. Who this helps: This benefits patients with systemic sclerosis-associated lung disease by providing insights into their risk of disease progression.

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This study looked at patients with systemic sclerosis who also have interstitial lung disease (ILD) to see if early signs of ILD progression, like a 5% decline in lung capacity, predict further worsening over time. They found that 31% of the 231 patients studied had a significant decline at their first follow-up, but this initial decline actually reduced the risk of more severe progression in the future. This finding is important because it suggests a change in how doctors might treat these patients, focusing on those at risk for future decline to start therapy earlier and potentially improve outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients with systemic sclerosis and their doctors by guiding treatment decisions.

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Researchers studied how different factors influence the ability of people with systemic sclerosis (SSc) to improve their fatigue after participating in an online support program. They found that participants who had good informational support were more likely to experience significant reductions in fatigue, with improvements reported at week 12. Specifically, those with average to high levels of support reported greater benefits, especially in the intervention group, suggesting that having access to information and emotional support can boost coping skills. Who this helps: This research helps patients with systemic sclerosis, particularly those dealing with fatigue.

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This study focused on improving how digital ulcers (painful sores on fingers) are treated in patients with systemic sclerosis, a disease that can lead to serious health issues. The researchers reviewed a lot of information and created a set of treatment guidelines that include six key principles and eight specific recommendations, such as using botulinum toxin for severe ulcers and considering a surgical option called adipose tissue grafting to help healing. This matters because it provides doctors and patients with better strategies to manage these ulcers, which significantly impact daily life. Who this helps: This helps patients with systemic sclerosis who suffer from digital ulcers.

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This study looked at patients with systemic sclerosis, a condition that often starts with a symptom called Raynaud phenomenon (RP), but some have other symptoms first. The research found that over 30% of the patients studied began showing symptoms like puffy fingers or hands before developing RP, with 44.2% in one group and 31.1% in another. These patients tended to have more severe skin and joint problems and were more likely to have a specific antibody, RNA polymerase III, associated with worse outcomes, stressing the need for early detection of the disease. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients by helping to identify systemic sclerosis sooner, leading to better care and management.

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This study looked at how well patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis understand and relate to a questionnaire called the Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire (S-HAQ). Researchers found that most patients (60-100%) used aids or help when doing daily activities, and they identified certain parts of the questionnaire that needed clearer wording and better response options. This matters because having effective tools to measure symptoms and limitations can improve care for those living with this condition. Who this helps: This benefits patients with systemic sclerosis by improving the way their health is assessed and understood.

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This study looked at how doctors treat lung disease related to systemic sclerosis, a rare autoimmune disease. Researchers surveyed international experts and found that 92% preferred to use mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as the first treatment, while many also consider combining medications like rituximab (RTX) and tocilizumab (TCZ) for later treatment options. Understanding these treatment choices is important because they influence patient care strategies and adherence to guidelines, which can ultimately improve outcomes for patients with this condition. Who this helps: This helps patients with systemic sclerosis-associated lung disease and their doctors.

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This study looked at the challenges of hiring and keeping allied health professionals (like physical therapists and occupational therapists) in rural and remote areas. It found that these professionals often leave their jobs within two years, and the costs associated with high turnover can be significant, although only two studies provided specific cost data. Understanding these issues is important because it helps improve healthcare delivery in these underserved areas by identifying what can help retain staff longer. Who this helps: This helps patients in rural and remote areas by ensuring better access to healthcare services.

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This study looked at how well a new method called VMAT could deliver radiation treatment to the entire body using a specific type of machine called the Halcyon linear accelerator. Researchers found that the method achieved good dose levels for the whole body, with the average dose reaching 301.6 cGy, which is slightly more than the target dose of 300 cGy. However, the process took a lot of time, requiring about 38 to 40 hours to create the treatment plans. Who this helps: This research benefits patients who need total body irradiation, especially those undergoing treatments for cancer.

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This study looked at how systemic sclerosis (SSc) affects patients' quality of life and what tools can be used to measure this impact during treatment trials. It found that new methods for gathering patient feedback, like the ASRAP and CRISTAL initiatives, are being developed to understand how patients feel and function better. These patient-reported tools are vital because they help ensure that new treatments are evaluated from the patients' perspective, which is crucial for improving care. Who this helps: This helps patients with systemic sclerosis and their doctors.

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This study focused on how doctors assess systemic sclerosis (SSc) in clinical trials using a method called physician global assessment (PhyGA). Researchers interviewed 19 experts, including 18 rheumatologists, and found that while most considered PhyGA helpful for evaluating disease activity, there was a lot of uncertainty about how to use it consistently across trials. This inconsistency poses a challenge, as it could affect the accuracy of measuring treatment responses in clinical studies. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers improve the way they assess and treat patients with systemic sclerosis.

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This study focused on cancer rates and care for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) aged 15-39 in Varanasi, India, from 2017 to 2019. Out of 6,821 cancer patients, 1,105 (16.2%) were AYAs, with the most common cancers being mouth (16.5%), breast (12.2%), and tongue (6.2%). This research reveals significant cancer challenges for AYAs and calls for targeted health strategies to improve their care and outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by highlighting the need for better cancer care for young people.

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This study focused on understanding the different symptoms experienced by patients with a rare condition called systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), particularly the two main types: limited and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Researchers found that patients reported a total of 112 unique symptoms, with over 95% experiencing gastrointestinal issues and pain, and that those with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis tended to have a wider variety of symptoms compared to those with the limited type. This understanding is important because it helps create a clearer model of the disease, which can improve how patients' experiences and symptoms are measured in future research and treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors in better recognizing and managing systemic sclerosis symptoms.

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This study looked at cancer rates and deaths across 43 regions in India from 2015 to 2019 to understand how cancer affects the population and predict future trends for 2024. It found that there were over 708,000 new cancer cases and more than 206,000 deaths during this period, with a lifetime risk of developing cancer in India at 11%. In some areas, like Mizoram, this risk was much higher, reaching 21.1% for men. Who this helps: This information benefits patients and healthcare providers by highlighting where cancer risks are high and guiding resource allocation for better cancer control.

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Researchers studied how to best treat digital ulcers caused by systemic sclerosis, as these ulcers can lead to significant pain and complications for patients. They found that specific medications, like phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors and intravenous iloprost, are effective for treating acute ulcers, while bosentan is recommended for preventing them. This is important because it provides clear guidelines for doctors to follow, improving care for patients suffering from this condition. Who this helps: Patients with systemic sclerosis digital ulcers and their doctors.

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This paper reviews guidelines for preventing uterine niches, which are small indentations that can form after a cesarean section and might lead to complications later. The authors emphasize that following specific surgical techniques during delivery can reduce the risk of these niches forming, ultimately improving women's health outcomes. This is important because avoiding complications can lead to better recovery and less need for future medical interventions. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing cesarean sections.

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This study looked at how the length of primary cilia (tiny structures on cells) changes in cells from people with various fibrotic diseases, where tissues become thick and stiff. The researchers found that in these conditions, the cilia were shorter, and in healthy fibroblasts exposed to a certain factor, the cilia shortened too. Adjusting the length of these cilia could be a new way to treat diseases like systemic sclerosis that are difficult to manage. Who this helps: This helps patients with fibrotic diseases, including systemic sclerosis.

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This study looked at how doctors and patients communicate about systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). It found that many patients feel anxious when diagnosed, and effective communication at the first appointment is vital. Poor discussions about worsening symptoms and death can create barriers, so doctors should be empathetic, avoid jargon, and encourage patient questions to build trust and understanding. Who this helps: This is beneficial for patients diagnosed with SSc-ILD and their doctors.

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This study looked at how the length of telomeres—protective caps at the ends of chromosomes—affects the expression of an enzyme called telomerase, which helps maintain telomeres. Researchers found that when telomeres were longer, the expression of telomerase increased, while shortening telomeres led to a decrease in its expression. This is important because it shows how telomere length can regulate important cellular processes that are linked to cancer and aging. Who this helps: This helps patients with cancer and age-related diseases, as well as researchers studying these conditions.

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Researchers reviewed studies on the long-term effects of COVID-19, finding that many people experience ongoing symptoms even weeks or months after recovery. Common issues include extreme fatigue, trouble thinking clearly, breathing problems, and loss of taste or smell. Understanding these lasting effects is crucial for improving patient care and treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from COVID-19 and their doctors.

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The study focused on how neurosyphilis, a brain infection caused by untreated syphilis, can cause various mental health issues. The researchers found that this condition can mimic several psychiatric disorders, making diagnosis challenging. Understanding these connections is crucial because it can lead to better treatment and care for affected individuals. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from neurosyphilis and their doctors.

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This study looked at patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to find out how common interstitial lung disease (ILD) is among them, what factors increase the risk of developing ILD, and how well different screening methods work. Out of 172 patients, 11% were found to have ILD, with higher disease activity and being over 60 years old significantly raising the risk. Effective screening methods were identified, allowing early detection of ILD, which is crucial for improving patient management. Who this helps: This helps patients with early rheumatoid arthritis and their doctors by providing insights for early diagnosis and better treatment strategies.

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This study looked at how different types of leg compression affect blood flow in the arteries and skin of the legs. It found that most types of compression, especially intermittent pneumatic compression and compression stockings, significantly increased blood flow—by as much as 300%—particularly when used during movement or for longer periods. This is important because improved blood flow can help individuals with various health issues, including those with poor circulation or leg swelling. Who this helps: This benefits patients with circulation problems, healthcare providers, and those treating conditions like lymphedema and venous ulcers.

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This study focused on predicting where proteins interact with each other, which is important for understanding how biological processes work. The researchers created a new method that includes factors like surface accessibility and electrical properties of proteins, leading to increases of 42.8% and 29.3% in accuracy for different test groups. This improvement is important because it enhances our ability to study protein interactions, which can have broad implications for health and disease. Who this helps: This helps scientists and researchers studying diseases and developing new treatments.

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This research paper focuses on systemic sclerosis (SSc), a rare autoimmune disease that causes hardening of the skin and can affect internal organs like the lungs and heart. The study highlights how SSc involves problems with blood vessels, an overactive immune system producing antibodies, and excessive scar tissue buildup, leading to serious complications and impacting patients' quality of life. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing better treatments and improving patient outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients with systemic sclerosis and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how well extra COVID-19 vaccines work for people with autoimmune diseases who take immunosuppressant drugs, which can weaken their vaccine response. Researchers found that after getting an extra vaccine dose, participants on mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or methotrexate (MTX) saw a significant increase in protective antibodies, with no major side effects reported. In total, 33% of participants caught COVID-19, but most cases were mild; importantly, the extra vaccination was shown to be both effective and safe for these patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with autoimmune diseases who are treated with immunosuppressants.

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This study looked at whether combining two medications, pirfenidone and mycophenolate mofetil, could improve lung function in patients with a serious lung disease related to systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). Over 18 months, both treatment groups showed a slight improvement in lung function, with the mycophenolate plus placebo group improving by 2.24% and the mycophenolate plus pirfenidone group by 2.09%, showing no significant difference (P = 0.93). The combination treatment had some perceived benefits in physical function and took less time to show improvement, but overall it was not significantly better than the placebo, and it had more adverse effects. Who this helps: This research primarily helps doctors and researchers in managing treatment strategies for patients with systemic sclerosis-related lung issues.

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This study examined a new tool called the Quality-of-life - Aged Care Consumers (QOL-ACC) to see how well it measures the quality of life for older people who visit urgent or emergency care facilities. Researchers tested this tool on 205 participants, who averaged 75 years old, and found that it effectively showed differences in quality of life based on individuals' self-rated health and well-being. This is important because it provides a way to better understand and improve the care tailored to older patients in urgent healthcare situations. Who this helps: This helps older patients and healthcare providers understand their needs better.

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This study looked at how to manage lung disease related to systemic sclerosis (SSc), a serious condition that affects 40% to 60% of those with SSc and is a leading cause of death. The researchers found that while treatments exist, including medications like mycophenolate, there are many unanswered questions and differences in recent guidelines about how to effectively care for these patients. Early screening for lung issues using high-resolution CT scans is crucial, especially for patients with certain risk factors, and ongoing monitoring is essential for those already diagnosed. Who this helps: This benefits patients with systemic sclerosis and their doctors by providing clearer guidelines for managing lung complications.

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This paper discusses the challenges of identifying patients who are at risk of developing systemic sclerosis (SSc), a serious autoimmune disease that can cause significant health issues and has a high death rate. The authors highlight the need for a clear framework to recognize early signs of SSc, as this could lead to timely treatment and better outcomes. They note that focusing on early intervention could help prevent the onset of severe symptoms and improve long-term health for these patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of systemic sclerosis and their healthcare providers.

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This study examined how a new planning method for radiation therapy, called generalized equivalent uniform dose (gEUD), affects treatment for head and neck cancer. By comparing this approach to traditional methods in 50 patients, researchers found that gEUD significantly lowered radiation exposure to critical areas like the parotid glands (the doses were reduced meaningfully), which can help reduce side effects, while still providing effective treatment coverage for the tumor. This advancement is important as it offers a way to minimize harmful side effects from radiation without compromising the effectiveness of cancer treatment. Who this helps: This supports patients with head and neck cancer by potentially reducing treatment-related side effects.

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This study looked at how two different types of radiation therapy machines, the TrueBeam and the Halcyon, deliver treatment for brain and spine cancers. Researchers reviewed data from 15 patients treated with the TrueBeam and found that the doses received by the treatment area were very similar (around 35.6 to 35.9 Gray), but the Halcyon delivered treatment with fewer adjustments needed, making it more efficient. This is important because it means that the new Halcyon machine can provide effective treatment with less time and resources, potentially improving patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients with brain and spine cancer.

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Researchers studied two types of machines, Halcyon and TrueBeam, used for treating brain tumors with precise radiation therapy called stereotactic radiosurgery. They found that Halcyon provided treatment similar in quality to TrueBeam, with equivalent targeting of the tumors and protection of surrounding healthy tissue. Although Halcyon took slightly longer to deliver the radiation due to being less powerful, it was still effective, and its simpler setup might lead to faster overall treatment for patients. Who this helps: Patients with brain metastases who need radiation therapy.

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This study looked at how the angle of a machine used in radiation therapy affects the position of the treatment target (called the isocenter) for patients with head and neck cancers. Researchers found that as the angle increased, the isocenter shifted more in the side-to-side direction, with shifts averaging 0.7 mm to 2.5 mm, while shifts in the forward-backward direction were very small (less than 0.1 mm). This matters because even small shifts can impact how well the treatment targets the cancer, potentially affecting patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancers.