John Lewis Etter

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The study focused on how different methods of testing for the HER2 protein in breast cancer could affect results and treatment options. Researchers reviewed 86 breast cancer samples and found that nearly 45% of the results from one testing method (CNB-HercepTest) did not match the findings from another method (CNB-4B5), meaning some patients may have been misclassified regarding their HER2 status. Importantly, when the more reliable staining method was used, 63% of samples initially thought to be positive for HER2 were actually negative, which can change treatment decisions. Who this helps: This benefits breast cancer patients who may receive more accurate diagnoses and better-targeted therapies.

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This study looked at the knowledge and beliefs of doctors and pharmacists in a Swiss hospital about nicotine, smoking cessation methods, and e-cigarettes. Out of nearly 2,000 professionals surveyed, 63% felt that e-cigarettes should not be recommended for quitting smoking, even though many believed they are less harmful than regular cigarettes. The findings show that healthcare professionals have misunderstandings about nicotine and newer smoking alternatives, which could affect their ability to help patients quit smoking effectively. Who this helps: This information helps doctors and pharmacists in understanding how to better support patients trying to quit smoking.

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This study looked at why people use cannabis and their willingness to change their habits by analyzing data from users of the "Stop-Cannabis" app. Researchers found three main groups: those who use cannabis to cope with personal issues, those who use it socially and for coping, and those who use it for recreational enhancement. The coping groups were more likely to recognize problematic use and want to change but felt less confident about doing so, while the recreational group had less awareness of potential problems. Who this helps: This research benefits cannabis users seeking help, as well as the developers of apps designed to support behavior change.

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This study examined the reasons men and women use cannabis to understand if these reasons can be accurately compared between genders. Researchers found that women mostly use cannabis to cope with problems, while men tend to use it more for social reasons. Specifically, coping and wanting to fit in were linked to more problematic cannabis use. This research is important because it validates how we can assess and compare cannabis use motivations between men and women, which can inform better treatment and policy decisions. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with cannabis use and healthcare providers working on treatment strategies.

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This study looked at the habits and attitudes of 375 people who had been using e-cigarettes continuously for eight years. Researchers found that the number of participants who also smoked tobacco dropped from 33% to just 11%. Over time, these users switched to more advanced e-cigarettes, reduced the nicotine strength in their e-liquids, and felt less dependent on vaping, with the desire to vape strongly decreasing from 31% to 18%. Who this helps: This study benefits e-cigarette users and health professionals by providing insights into long-term vaping behavior and reduced dependence.

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The study examined how different body compositions, specifically the amounts of muscle and fat, affect survival rates in women with ovarian cancer. Researchers found that being overweight or obese increased the risk of dying from ovarian cancer by up to 104%, while having low muscle mass combined with being overweight or obese raised the risk by up to 67%. The findings highlight the importance of managing body composition, suggesting that exercise and dietary changes could help improve survival outcomes for women with this type of cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients with ovarian cancer and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how large cash rewards could affect people's desire to quit smoking and their level of cigarette dependence. It found that smokers who received financial incentives were twice as likely to say they intended to quit in the next month (35% compared to 17% in the control group) and made more quit attempts. However, these incentives didn't change how dependent they were on cigarettes. Who this helps: This helps smokers looking to quit and health professionals supporting them.

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This paper criticizes a 2022 statement from Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) about e-cigarettes, arguing that it unfairly emphasizes the risks of vaping without properly comparing them to the much higher risks of smoking. The authors believe the NHMRC overstated the dangers of e-cigarettes, overlooked their potential to help smokers quit, and inaccurately linked teenage vaping to smoking. This matters because a fair assessment of vaping can influence public health policies and help more smokers switch to a less harmful option. Who this helps: Smokers looking for safer alternatives to quit smoking.

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This study looked at how engaged smokers are with a smartphone app designed to help them quit smoking. Researchers found that factors like a person's intention to quit, their level of nicotine dependence, and how helpful they thought the app was were key in predicting how much they used the app. For example, people who intended to quit smoking were more likely to engage with the app, and those in the full app group had better outcomes compared to the control group. This matters because understanding these factors can help improve app features, making them more effective for smokers looking to quit. Who this helps: This helps smokers trying to quit and developers of smoking cessation apps.

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This study looked at what factors help daily smokers stop or reduce their smoking after using the Stop-Tabac app for six months. Among the 1,407 people who used the app, factors like being motivated to quit, how often they used the app, and using nicotine medication were key to successfully stopping smoking. For those who reduced their smoking, factors included their level of dependence on tobacco and the perceived usefulness of the app. Who this helps: This benefits smokers looking to quit, healthcare providers, and developers of smoking cessation apps.

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This study looked at how healthcare professionals in Malaysia felt about the challenges faced by patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Out of 191 participants, many noted that while the system generally managed to provide care for NCD patients, there were significant disruptions and an overload of services after the pandemic. The findings reveal the need for improvements in the healthcare system to better support NCD care in the future. Who this helps: This benefits patients with non-communicable diseases and healthcare providers.

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This study examined how neighborhood conditions and personal health factors affect the progression of substance use problems over 12 months among individuals in Baltimore. Researchers identified three main groups of people's experiences with drugs: those whose problems stayed the same (Persistent), those who got better (Improved), and those whose symptoms were low and stable (Low-Stable). They found that living in a more chaotic neighborhood made it less likely for someone to improve, while better neighborhood conditions and being older or white increased the chances of stable, low symptoms. Who this helps: This research benefits patients struggling with substance use disorders and the healthcare providers supporting them.

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This study looked at how healthcare providers in Kenya viewed the care of non-communicable diseases (like diabetes and heart disease) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Out of 236 healthcare workers surveyed, everyone agreed that care for these diseases was heavily disrupted due to limited supplies and resources, despite the government's commitment to improving this care. The study highlights the need for better planning and use of technology to ensure that people with chronic conditions receive proper treatment even during emergencies. Who this helps: This benefits patients with chronic diseases and healthcare providers involved in their care.

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This study, called the Bern Birth Cohort, looked at how the gut bacteria of infants develop in Bern, Switzerland, over the first two years of life. Researchers followed 250 pregnant women and their babies, collecting various health and environmental data, plus samples from moms and babies, to analyze how these factors affect gut bacteria and infant growth. They found that understanding how gut bacteria develop is crucial because it can help us address issues like allergies, obesity, and developmental problems in children. Who this helps: This helps parents and healthcare providers understand infant health and development better.

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This study examined how health policies regarding tobacco and alcohol compare in the Philippines and Singapore. The researchers found that Singapore has stricter regulations, resulting in lower smoking rates at 11% compared to the Philippines, where the rate is 24%. These findings highlight the importance of strong health policies in reducing tobacco and alcohol use, which can lead to better public health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps health policymakers and public health officials.

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This study looked at how effective the Stop-tabac smartphone app was for helping people quit smoking compared to a simpler control app. Out of 5,293 daily smokers, the app users had a smoking cessation rate of 9.9%, while the control group had a slightly higher rate of 10.3%. However, those using the Stop-tabac app were more likely to use nicotine replacement medications (38% vs. 30%) and reported greater feelings of help in quitting, with 26% saying the app helped them a lot. Who this helps: This benefits smokers looking to quit, particularly those who may need additional support through technology.

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This study looked at a protein called MCM3 in patients with high-grade tubo-ovarian cancer to see how it relates to survival rates. Researchers found that higher levels of MCM3 mRNA were linked to longer survival, with a significant reduction in the risk of death (a 13% lower risk for each one standard deviation increase in MCM3 levels). Additionally, patients with high levels of MCM3 protein had a 48% lower risk of dying from the disease compared to those with lower levels. Understanding MCM3 as a marker can help doctors predict patient outcomes and tailor treatment plans more effectively. Who this helps: This helps patients with high-grade tubo-ovarian cancer by providing insights for better treatment strategies.

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This study looked at how certain neuroscience tools used to measure brain and body responses may unintentionally favor certain racial groups while excluding others. Researchers found that techniques like brain wave recordings and skin conductance measurements can be biased against people with different hair types and skin tones. This matters because it highlights how scientific methods can reinforce racial inequalities and suggests that researchers need to amend their practices to ensure fairer and more inclusive science. Who this helps: This benefits researchers, patients from diverse racial backgrounds, and the overall scientific community.

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This study looked at tobacco and alcohol control laws in the Philippines and Singapore. Both countries are doing well with tobacco control, scoring 73.5 and 86.5 out of 100, but they are lagging behind on alcohol policies, with scores of only 34 for the Philippines and 52.5 for Singapore. Improving these policies is important because it can lead to better health outcomes and reduce harm from both substances. Who this helps: This benefits patients and public health officials looking to reduce tobacco and alcohol-related health issues.

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This study looked at how Switzerland's decentralized healthcare system responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and identified its strengths and weaknesses. Researchers found that the strictness of health measures did not effectively lead to fewer COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, or deaths. They recommend that Switzerland improve its pandemic response by combining local and national strategies and enhancing communication between health officials and the public. Who this helps: This helps patients and health professionals by creating a more effective response to health crises.

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This study looked at a type of immune cell called CD14HLA-DR monocytic cells in women with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) to see if their levels could indicate cancer progression. Researchers found that women who had higher levels of these cells at diagnosis were 3.33 times more likely to have advanced-stage EOC and that these cell levels decreased by 2.02% after chemotherapy in patients with advanced disease. This matters because monitoring these cells could serve as a simple way to track how the disease is progressing and inform treatment decisions. Who this helps: Patients with epithelial ovarian cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at how users of the IQOS tobacco vaporizer feel about their dependence on it and how it helps them deal with cravings from quitting traditional cigarettes. Out of 139 participants, the average dependence score on a scale of 0-100 was 80, and about 64% were worried about becoming addicted to the vaporizer. Moreover, 84% of those who craved regular cigarettes found that using IQOS significantly helped reduce that craving. Who this helps: This information is useful for current and former smokers trying to switch to less harmful tobacco products.

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Researchers looked at what information vape shop managers in Switzerland provide to customers about using e-cigarettes as a way to quit smoking. They found that over half of the shop managers recommended starting with the highest nicotine levels for heavy smokers trying to switch, with 60.3% suggesting the highest concentration (over 15 mg/mL). This matters because vape shops are often a first point of contact for smokers seeking help, and better training for managers could lead to more effective support for quitting smoking. Who this helps: This helps smokers looking to quit and vape shop staff who assist them.

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The study looked at how the drug rucaparib, used for certain types of cancer, is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated in patients with advanced solid tumors after a single dose of 600 mg. They found that after taking the drug, it reached its highest level in the blood about 4 hours later, with 428 ng/mL of the unchanged drug present. Rucaparib was mostly eliminated through feces (about 72% of the dose) and urine (about 17%), indicating that the body excretes it through various methods. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with ovarian and related cancers who are treated with rucaparib.

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This study looked at whether stopping e-cigarettes causes withdrawal symptoms in former smokers. Out of 109 participants, those who stopped using e-cigarettes for six days reported increased cravings and symptoms like mood swings and weight gain during that time. The findings highlight that e-cigarettes can create dependence similar to traditional cigarettes, which is important for both current users and those considering e-cigarettes as an alternative to smoking. Who this helps: This helps former smokers who use e-cigarettes and healthcare providers managing their care.

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This study looked at whether adult never-smokers who use e-cigarettes experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using them. Out of 30 participants, most reported increased withdrawal symptoms after six days of not using their e-cigarettes, although the symptoms were mild and didn't greatly affect their daily lives. This is important because it shows that even people who have never smoked traditional cigarettes can feel withdrawal symptoms from e-cigarettes, highlighting a need for caution about their use. Who this helps: This information benefits never-smokers considering e-cigarette use, healthcare providers, and public health advocates.

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This study looked at a specific area on the X-chromosome that might increase the risk of ovarian cancer in families, especially those whose histories were collected in New York. Researchers found that many cases of ovarian cancer thought to occur by chance might actually be inherited in this way, particularly since fathers pass this risk on to all their daughters. Understanding these patterns is important because it can lead to better screening and treatment options for families affected by ovarian cancer. Who this helps: This benefits families at risk of hereditary ovarian cancer, as well as doctors who treat them.

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This study looked at how non-traumatic fractures (NTFx) affect the risk of heart disease and related complications in adults with cerebral palsy (CP). Researchers found that adults with CP who had NTFx experienced higher rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD), with heart failure risk increasing by 31% compared to those without fractures. This is important because it highlights the need for special attention to the heart health of adults with CP who also suffer from fractures. Who this helps: This helps patients with cerebral palsy and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how being physically inactive affects the risk of dying from head and neck cancer. It involved 305 patients and found that those who did not engage in regular physical activities had a 40% higher risk of death compared to those who were active. This risk was even higher for women (140% increase), overweight or obese individuals (76% increase), those with cancer in the throat area (85% increase), and patients with cancer that had spread to other parts of the body (419% increase). Who this helps: This information helps patients with head and neck cancer and their healthcare providers understand the importance of physical activity in managing their health.

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This study looked at a smartphone app called Stop-Tabac to see if it helps people quit smoking. Researchers are testing this app on 5,200 adult smokers in France and Switzerland, following up with them at one week, one month, and six months after they start using it. The goal is to evaluate how many people successfully quit smoking after six months and to see if different personal characteristics affect their success. Who this helps: This benefits smokers trying to quit, especially those who struggle to access other support options.

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This study looked at how being inactive before being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer affects the chances of dying from it. They found that patients who did not engage in regular physical activity before their diagnosis had a higher risk of mortality from pancreatic cancer, with an increased risk of 72% overall, and 174% for overweight or obese individuals. This matters because it suggests that encouraging physical activity could be important for improving survival in pancreatic cancer patients. Who this helps: This helps patients and their doctors look for ways to improve health outcomes.

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This study looked at how non-traumatic fractures (NTFx) affect lung disease risk in adults with cerebral palsy (CP). The researchers found that adults with CP who had NTFx were at a higher risk of developing respiratory diseases like pneumonia and conditions involving the lungs over time. Specifically, those with both CP and NTFx had higher incident rates of pneumonia compared to those with CP without fractures, particularly in the 12 to 24-month period after the fracture. Who this helps: This helps patients with cerebral palsy and their healthcare providers by highlighting the need for careful monitoring of lung health after fractures.

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This study looked at how people in Taiwan feel about regulating e-cigarettes, especially since the country doesn’t currently have specific laws for them. Researchers surveyed 236 mainly young, educated men—about half of whom used e-cigarettes—and found that over 70% supported measures like banning e-cigarettes, requiring labels for nicotine content, and setting maximum nicotine levels. These findings are important because they show significant public support for stricter e-cigarette regulations, which can help guide future policy decisions. Who this helps: This helps policymakers, health officials, and the general public in Taiwan.

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This study looked at how people who use e-cigarettes discuss their habits on social media and through surveys. Researchers found that younger males were the most active in online discussions about e-cigarettes, and both surveys and social media showed similar patterns in the types of brands and flavors used. Notably, those who rated e-liquids and flavors highly were more likely to intend to continue using e-cigarettes. Who this helps: This research benefits public health officials and researchers studying e-cigarette use trends and user behavior.

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This study focused on the evolving landscape of addiction medicine, including new treatments and regulations related to gambling, cannabis, and vaping. It found that even small amounts of alcohol can be harmful and highlighted the rising concern over opioid prescriptions, mirroring issues seen in the U.S. The research emphasizes the need for better approaches to treating addictions, aiming for improved quality of life for those affected. Who this helps: This benefits patients struggling with addictions and healthcare providers treating them.

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The study looked at how two different ways of helping people quit smoking tobacco affected their chances of quitting cannabis when they were also seeking treatment for cannabis use disorder (CUD). Out of 67 adults, those who received help for tobacco quitting at the same time as cannabis treatment (62% participated in counseling) did not do significantly better than those who had to wait to get help for tobacco (30% continued treatment later). Overall, quitting tobacco was difficult for everyone, highlighting the need for better approaches to help people tackle both issues together. Who this helps: Patients trying to quit both cannabis and tobacco.

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The study examined whether long-term vapers are interested in quitting and if they would use support to help them stop. Of the 347 long-term vapers surveyed, 66% were not planning to quit, but among those who wanted to stop, 27% believed a health professional could help, and 46% would consider using an app or website to assist them. The findings show that while many long-term vapers do not intend to quit, there is a notable demand for support among those who do wish to stop. Who this helps: This research helps public health officials and healthcare providers understand the needs of long-term vapers.

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This study looked at how certain genetic variations related to vitamin D might be linked to a higher risk of developing epithelial ovarian cancer in African American women. The researchers found that women with specific gene variations (notably in the UGT2A1/2 and EGFR genes) had a 40% increased risk for ovarian cancer and a more than 2-fold higher risk for the aggressive high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Understanding these associations is important because they could help identify women at greater risk and lead to improved screening and prevention strategies. Who this helps: This helps African American women and their doctors.

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This study looked at how people use tobacco vaporizers, which heat tobacco instead of burning it. Out of 102 vaporizer users surveyed, 57% were current smokers trying to cut down on cigarettes. They reported smoking 8 cigarettes a day while using the vaporizer, down from 20 cigarettes before they started, and most felt the vaporizer was less harmful than traditional smoking. Who this helps: This research benefits smokers looking for safer alternatives to help them reduce or quit smoking.

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This study looked at how well two specific tests, CK7 and SATB2, can tell the difference between primary ovarian mucinous tumors and tumors that have spread from the colon or appendix. Researchers found that the combination of CK7 and SATB2 can accurately distinguish between these tumors more than 95% of the time, which is better than current tests that use three other markers. This is important because it improves diagnosis and treatment for ovarian tumors, helping doctors determine the best course of action for patients. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients with ovarian tumors.

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This study looked at how accurate a test called NicAlert is for checking nicotine levels in saliva compared to a more precise lab test. Researchers tested 92 people who claimed to be non-smokers but had NicAlert readings suggesting they might still be using nicotine. They found that 82% of the NicAlert readings indicating low nicotine levels (1) were actually much lower than expected, with 71 participants showing less than 4 ng/ml of cotinine, while NicAlert readings suggesting higher levels (2 and 3) also didn't match up with what the lab found. This matters because it highlights that NicAlert may not reliably indicate whether someone has smoked recently, which could affect treatment decisions for patients trying to quit smoking. Who this helps: This helps patients trying to quit smoking and their healthcare providers by ensuring accurate assessments of smoking status.

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This study focused on improving how doctors in Armenia help patients quit smoking by training them with a new teaching method that included role-playing and feedback. After the training, 74% of the doctors felt more confident in their ability to support patients in quitting, and many reported using effective counseling practices more often after six months. This is important because better-trained doctors can lead to higher smoking cessation rates in a country where smoking is a major health concern. Who this helps: This helps doctors and their patients who want to quit smoking.

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This study looked at the opinions of 14 important people in Taiwan about the laws governing e-cigarettes. It found that stakeholders agree on several points: e-cigarettes should be regulated more strictly, especially those with nicotine, to protect teenagers and public health. Most stakeholders want clear rules for sales, advertising, and labeling, similar to those for regular cigarettes. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially the youth and the general public, by aiming for safer e-cigarette regulations.

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This study examined the link between being physically inactive throughout life and the risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Researchers found that people who were inactive had a 90% higher risk of HL and a 35% higher risk of NHL compared to those who were active. These findings highlight physical inactivity as a significant risk factor for these types of cancer, suggesting that increasing physical activity may help reduce these risks. Who this helps: This information benefits patients and public health efforts aimed at cancer prevention.

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This study looked at how being physically inactive throughout life affects the risk of developing lung cancer and the chances of dying from it. They found that people who were inactive had more than double the risk (odds ratio of 2.23) of getting lung cancer, and among non-smokers, the risk increased to three times (odds ratio of 3.00). Additionally, being inactive raised the chances of dying from lung cancer by 40% (hazard ratio of 1.40), especially in non-smokers, where the risk was 51% higher (hazard ratio of 1.51). Who this helps: This information is valuable for patients and doctors in understanding the importance of physical activity in reducing lung cancer risk and improving survival.

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Researchers created tiny beads, called microspheres, made from a special gel to safely encase and transport human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). They optimized a production method using advanced devices, ensuring that these microspheres maintained high viability of the MSCs, with successful tests showing that over 90% of the cells stayed alive after being encapsulated. This advancement is important because it could improve stem cell therapies by providing a stable and safe way to deliver these cells to the body. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing stem cell treatments, as well as doctors involved in regenerative medicine.

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This study looked at how the timing of chemotherapy affects survival rates in women with advanced ovarian cancer. Researchers found that women who completed their chemotherapy as scheduled (within 105 days) had a median survival of about 43 months, while those who had longer delays of over a month saw their survival drop to about 18 months. This matters because timely treatment can significantly improve a patient's chances of surviving ovarian cancer. Who this helps: Patients with ovarian cancer and their doctors.