Jonathan Segal

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This study looked at new materials for 3D-printing, focusing on using glycerol, a biodegradable product from biodiesel, to create eco-friendly resins. Researchers discovered that two types of glycerol-based resins (four and six units of glycerol) could be used successfully in a 3D-printing method called stereolithography, making them both printable and safe for biological applications. This is important because it helps reduce reliance on harmful petroleum-based materials, paving the way for a more sustainable future in 3D-printing technology. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those needing personalized medical devices and drug-delivery systems.

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This research studied recent changes made to kidney transplant policies in the U.S. to ensure fairer access for Black patients by removing race from certain calculations used to evaluate kidney function. The findings showed that after the second policy change, there were 3.8 more kidney transplants per 100 Black patients overall, but a decrease of 6.0 transplants per 100 Black patients who did not get adjusted waiting times. This is important because it highlights the need for targeted policies that can improve health equity in kidney transplants. Who this helps: This helps Black kidney patients by improving their chances of receiving transplants.

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The study looked at a program called HOPE that provides support to people who have attempted suicide, compared to those receiving standard care. Researchers found that participants in the HOPE program had fewer visits to emergency departments for mental health issues after their suicide attempts, but the time until their next visit for a suicide attempt was similar to those not in the program. This is important because it shows that while HOPE can help with immediate mental health concerns, more long-term support is needed for better overall outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits individuals who have attempted suicide and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at women who tested positive for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that are not type 16 or 18 but still considered high-risk, while their Pap tests showed normal results. Among 7,930 of these women, 11.1% developed more serious issues like cervical lesions, with 0.9% showing early signs of cancer. This is important because it highlights that women with high-risk non-16/18 HPV need closer monitoring to catch any potential problems early. Who this helps: This helps patients and their doctors ensure timely care for women at risk of cervical cancer.

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This research looked at how people with dementia and their caregivers feel about treatment options, focusing on both medications and other types of care. Out of over 8,000 studies reviewed, only 82 met the criteria, revealing that most patients prefer non-drug interventions that improve memory and provide emotional or social support. The findings highlight a lack of understanding about patient preferences, especially regarding medications, which suggests that more research is needed to ensure treatments align with what patients truly want. Who this helps: This helps patients with dementia and their caregivers by aiming to improve how treatment options are aligned with their needs.

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This study examined patients with a type of blood cancer called myeloid neoplasm who had mutations in a gene called TP53 and at least 5% of their cells were blasts, which are immature blood cells. The researchers found that among 587 patients, those with losses of chromosome 5 or 5q - a specific chromosomal abnormality - had a shorter average survival of 7.8 months compared to 11.2 months for those without this loss. Importantly, this chromosome 5/5q loss was linked to worse outcomes even when considering other genetic factors, highlighting the importance of genetic testing in these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with myeloid neoplasm and their doctors make more informed treatment decisions.

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This study looked at how different materials used in the backing layer of dissolving microneedles (tiny needles for delivering medicine through the skin) affect their ability to insert into the skin and deliver drugs effectively. The researchers found that using a poly(vinyl alcohol) backing layer made the needles insert better and improve drug delivery, achieving a recovery of 17.6% of insulin, a model drug they tested. This is important because optimizing the materials used in microneedles can enhance how well medicines are delivered through the skin, potentially leading to more effective treatments. Who this helps: Patients needing painless and effective drug delivery methods.

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This study focused on creating a new survey called the D-PaLS to understand kidney failure patients' life goals while they are on dialysis. Researchers gathered opinions from patients, doctors, and clinic staff through discussions and feedback sessions to ensure the survey accurately reflects what matters to patients. They found that discussions about life goals are often missing in treatment planning, and their final survey includes 8 questions designed to help doctors understand and align treatments with what patients really want. Who this helps: This benefits kidney failure patients and their healthcare providers.

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This research paper examines new methods that improve how doctors learn about oral and maxillofacial surgery. It highlights techniques like team-based learning, flipped classrooms, and simulation training, which actively engage students and enhance their understanding. These approaches lead to better-prepared doctors who are more capable of handling real-world challenges in their specialty. Who this helps: This benefits medical trainees in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

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This study looked at how a home delivery service for subcutaneous medications, managed by pharmacy technicians, affected patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Out of 80 patients, those who used this service showed significant improvements in their quality of life and adherence to medication after 6 and 12 months, with a specific improvement in quality of life scores and health literacy. This matters because better adherence to medication can lead to better health outcomes for patients, potentially preventing complications. Who this helps: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

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This study investigated the effectiveness of two methods of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for treating ulcerative colitis: through a nasogastric tube versus a colonoscopy. The results showed that 75% of patients receiving FMT via colonoscopy improved significantly after eight weeks, compared to only 25% with the nasogastric method. These improvements were linked to the growth of beneficial bacteria and a reduction in inflammation markers, highlighting the potential of targeted microbial treatments to help manage this condition. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with ulcerative colitis by identifying a more effective treatment option.

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Researchers studied how the Higgs boson behaves when it decays into pairs of charm quarks and is produced alongside top quarks. They found that the rate of this occurrence is slightly lower than what the standard model predicts, with numbers showing an observed event rate of 0.91, and the charm-quark interactions better constrained at less than 3.5 times the standard model expectation. This matters because it helps scientists understand the fundamental properties of particles and how they interact, which is key for advancing physics knowledge. Who this helps: This research benefits physicists and researchers working on particle physics and the standard model.

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This study focused on analyzing three specific types of particles called B mesons: B^{*+}, B^{*0}, and B_{s}^{*0}. Researchers found the mass differences between these excited mesons and their normal counterparts to be very precise: 45.277 MeV for B^{*+}, 45.471 MeV for B^{*0}, and 49.407 MeV for B_{s}^{*0}. These findings are notable because they enhance the accuracy of our understanding of these particles by a factor of ten compared to earlier measurements. Who this helps: This helps physicists studying particle interactions and the fundamental forces in nature.

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The CMS particle detector at CERN observed, for the first time, a collision event in which a single top quark was produced alongside both a W and a Z boson simultaneously. The signal was confirmed with 5.8 standard deviations of statistical significance using 200 inverse femtobarns of data. This observation validates a predicted process in the Standard Model of particle physics and opens a new channel for probing fundamental interactions between quarks and force-carrying particles.

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This study looked at three patients who developed enterocolitis, an inflammation of the intestine, after receiving a treatment called glofitamab for B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The patients started showing symptoms after their fourth or fifth treatment cycle, exhibited moderately high levels of a specific marker in their stools, and showed abnormalities in their imaging scans. Understanding this complication is important because it helps doctors recognize and manage potential side effects in patients treated with glofitamab, ensuring timely care. Who this helps: Patients receiving glofitamab and their doctors.

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This study looked at how Rhode Island’s public wastewater systems have adapted to climate change from 2010 to 2023. The researchers found that for these systems to make significant changes, they need strong organizational support, effective partnerships, and continuous funding. Notably, they learned that simply facing climate-related disruptions isn't enough to encourage major improvements; instead, a culture of learning and collaboration is crucial. Who this helps: This research benefits local government officials and wastewater utility managers working to improve resilience to climate change.

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This research created an advanced artificial intelligence tool that helps identify and outline cancer lesions in PET and CT scans, using a large set of 1,014 images for training and testing. The best version of this AI showed a 97.83% accuracy rate in identifying lesions for pediatric tumors and performed reasonably well with adult cancer cases too. This matters because accurate lesion detection can improve cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring, making it easier for doctors to assess patient conditions. Who this helps: Patients and doctors managing various types of cancer.

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This study looked at how the type of interview—virtual or in-person—affected the distance between dental schools and oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) residency programs for applicants in 2019 to 2021. Researchers found that 66% of applicants had in-person interviews, while 34% had virtual ones, with average distances to residency programs being about 633 miles for in-person interviews and 630 miles for virtual ones, showing no significant difference. This is important because it suggests that interview format doesn’t impact how far applicants are from their matched programs, which can help programs make informed decisions about future interviews. Who this helps: This helps residency programs and applicants understand the effects of interview formats.

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This study discusses a serious condition called acute limb ischemia, which can happen after a major surgery called pelvic exenteration, where the pelvic organs are removed. The case presented involves a patient who developed this condition just one day after surgery for cervical cancer and required urgent surgical treatment to restore blood flow. The findings highlight the importance of quickly recognizing the symptoms of limb ischemia to ensure proper care and improve recovery outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing pelvic surgery and their doctors in identifying and managing complications.

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This study looked at the effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) combined with chemotherapy in older patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Researchers found that while combining ICI with chemotherapy increased the risk of severe side effects (hazard ratio of 1.18), it also reduced the risk of death (hazard ratio of 0.66) when used as a first treatment compared to using a single ICI alone. This is important because it highlights the need for patients and their doctors to carefully weigh the benefits and risks of these treatments, especially for high-risk groups. Who this helps: Patients with non-small cell lung cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at differences in organ donation and transplantation rates in the US based on race and ethnicity within organ procurement organizations (OPOs). Researchers found that out of 58 OPOs, 8 had lower donation rates for Black donors compared to White donors, and 21 had lower transplant rates for Black donors. These issues matter because they highlight unfair barriers in accessing organ donations for minority groups, which can lead to worse health outcomes for disadvantaged populations. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those from minority groups who need organ transplants.

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This study examined how well fecal diversion (FD) works for adults with a severe form of Crohn's disease that causes painful anal complications. It found that 65% of patients saw noticeable improvement after the procedure, but only 29% were able to return to normal bowel function after an average of nearly five years. This is important because while FD can help manage symptoms, many patients still face significant challenges in achieving lasting recovery. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with perianal Crohn's disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a new way to deliver the cancer drug imiquimod directly into skin tumors, specifically nodular basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Researchers developed microneedle patches that were found to deliver more imiquimod and keep it in the tumor better than traditional cream, with improved retention in BCC tissue. The patches slowed tumor growth, indicating they could be an effective treatment option. Who this helps: This helps patients with nodular basal cell carcinoma seeking more effective treatment options.

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This study compared three different methods for screening preeclampsia in women pregnant with twins during the third trimester. They found that the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) algorithm was the most effective, detecting 79.2% of preeclampsia cases with a low false-positive rate of 5.3%. In contrast, the Roche method caught only 62.5% of cases and had a higher false-positive rate of 22.1%. This matters because using the best screening method can lead to earlier and better care for mothers and babies at risk of this serious condition. Who this helps: This helps expectant mothers with twins and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a rare and dangerous condition called a ruptured subcapsular liver hematoma, which can occur in women with HELLP syndrome during pregnancy. A 35-year-old pregnant woman had severe back pain and was rushed for an emergency cesarean, where doctors discovered the liver bleed. They successfully treated her with surgery and a special sealant, allowing her to go home 11 days later. This is important because recognizing and managing this condition quickly can be lifesaving for pregnant women. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women with HELLP syndrome and their doctors.

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This study looked at the quality of online nutrition advice for patients with an ileoanal pouch, which is a surgical procedure often requiring dietary changes. Researchers found that out of 12 websites reviewed, the overall quality was low, scoring an average of 33 out of 75, and the information was rated as "fairly difficult" to read with a score of 57 out of 100. This matters because patients need clear and trustworthy dietary guidance to help manage their symptoms effectively. Who this helps: Patients with ileoanal pouches seeking reliable dietary advice.

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This study looked at a specific type of adult leukemia called TP53-mutant acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and how it affects survival rates for patients. Researchers analyzed data from 830 patients and found that those with TP53 mutations had significantly lower survival rates—1.9 years for B-ALL and 1.6 years for T-ALL, compared to 5 years and 9.5 years for those without mutations. The research highlights that this type of leukemia is resistant to standard chemotherapy and suggests that new treatments and careful monitoring are needed for better outcomes. Who this helps: This research benefits adult leukemia patients and their doctors by improving understanding of treatment options.

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This research paper looked at how having a team of different healthcare professionals working together improves the care for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study found that using a multidisciplinary team approach leads to better health outcomes, such as fewer hospitalizations and lower healthcare costs, but only a small number of healthcare services are fully using this model. This matters because as IBD becomes more common, ensuring that patients receive consistent, high-quality care through these teams will be crucial for their treatment and well-being. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their healthcare providers.

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This research looked at the EMC effect, which describes how the structure of certain atomic nuclei affects the behavior of protons and neutrons inside them. The study used data from a special experiment at Jefferson Lab to measure this effect in tritium and helium-3, marking the first time the effect was observed in tritium. The findings are important because they help scientists understand the fundamental properties of nuclear matter, providing numbers that could enhance our knowledge in physics. Who this helps: This helps physicists and researchers studying the behaviors of atomic nuclei.

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This study looked at how well anti-TNF medications work over a long time for patients with chronic inflammatory pouch conditions. Out of 98 patients followed for an average of nearly 8 years, only 22% were still taking their anti-TNF treatment, with the most common reasons for stopping being that the medication wasn’t helping or side effects. The findings are important because they show that many patients may not benefit from long-term anti-TNF therapy, which can lead to complications like pouch failure in about 35% of those who stopped treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic inflammatory pouch conditions and their doctors in managing treatment options.

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This research looked at the problem of missing data in electronic health records (EHR) when creating prediction models to aid doctors in making better clinical decisions, such as predicting severe infections or heart issues. It found that EHR data often has gaps that can make these models less reliable, pointing out that there are few rules on how to handle this missing data when developing these models. Addressing these gaps is important because better prediction models can lead to improved patient care and outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by improving the accuracy of clinical decision-making tools.

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Researchers studied a rare and aggressive type of cancer called SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumors (SMARCA4-UTs), which usually form in the chest but can also show up in other areas, such as the tonsils. In a case involving a 73-year-old man, doctors found that after starting treatment with chemotherapy and immunotherapy, he achieved complete remission after six treatment cycles, despite facing several serious health issues during his treatment. This finding is important because it shows that even rare and challenging cancers can respond well to targeted therapies, leading to positive outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with SMARCA4-deficient tumors and their doctors, by providing insight into potential treatment options.

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This study looked at how to measure recovery of movement in mice after spinal cord injuries. Researchers used a new method called the Advanced Dynamic Weight Bearing (ADWB) system, which showed that mice adjusted their weight differently on their front and back paws after their injury. They found that changes in weight distribution correlated closely with traditional scoring methods, confirming that ADWB can reliably track locomotor recovery without relying on the presence of an observer. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors studying spinal cord injuries and developing treatments.

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This study looked at two blood-thinning medications, apixaban and rivaroxaban, to see how safe and effective they are for treating blood clots in cancer patients. The researchers found that after six months, both medications had similar risks of causing more blood clots or major bleeding, but apixaban had a lower risk of causing smaller bleeding issues, making it a potentially better choice for patients concerned about bleeding. This is important because it helps doctors choose safer treatments for their patients with cancer. Who this helps: Patients with cancer who need treatment for blood clots.

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This study looked at how effective biologic treatments, like infliximab and adalimumab, are for patients with prepouch ileitis (PPI), a type of intestinal inflammation. Out of 71 patients, only 22.5% continued their initial biologic treatment after more than 8 years, and 36.6% of those who stopped developed pouch failure, which means they needed a more invasive procedure. This matters because it highlights that many patients with PPI do not maintain their initial treatment and suffer serious complications. Who this helps: This helps patients with prepouch ileitis and their doctors by providing insights into treatment effectiveness and potential risks.

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This research focused on using advanced computer programs called convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to quickly identify important events in high-energy particle collisions at a facility called the Large Hadron Collider. The study found that certain models of these networks can effectively distinguish significant particle interactions from background noise, achieving strong performance with around 90% accuracy when the right improvements are made to manage overlapping events. This is important because it can significantly enhance the efficiency of detecting rare but important signals in particle physics research. Who this helps: This benefits physicists and researchers working on experiments at the Large Hadron Collider.

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This study looked at a new electronic tool called the Kidney Disease Symptom Survey (KDSS) that helps patients with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (NDD-CKD) report their symptoms and quality of life. Researchers found that the KDSS was effective in tracking health changes over time for stable patients, showing strong correlations in health and quality of life scores, with a correlation score of 0.76 for general health. However, it only successfully detected important changes in symptoms for about 40% of patients with worsening conditions. This matters because tools like the KDSS can help doctors better understand their patients' experiences and adjust treatment plans accordingly. Who this helps: Patients with chronic kidney disease.

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Researchers looked at how to improve clinical trials for patients with perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (PFCD), a challenging condition with limited treatment options. They gathered expert opinions and found that out of 292 proposed guidelines, 156 were deemed appropriate for creating standardized trial designs. This matters because having clear and consistent guidelines can lead to better testing of new therapies, ultimately benefiting patients seeking effective treatments. Who this helps: Patients with perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease.

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This study focused on creating a list of key health outcomes that matter most to patients with pouch anal and vaginal fistula (PAVF) to be used in clinical studies. Through research and surveys involving 70 participants, including patients and doctors, they narrowed down a list of 99 potential outcomes to 7 critical ones, such as assessing patients' continence and quality of life. Establishing these core outcomes is important because it ensures that future treatment studies reflect what is truly important to patients, improving care and understanding of this complex condition. Who this helps: Patients with pouch anal and vaginal fistula.

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This study looked at how often two W particles and one Z particle are produced when protons collide at high energies at the CERN facility. They found that the production rates were about 75% of what scientists expected at 13 TeV, and 174% at 13.6 TeV, marking the first time they've been able to measure these processes separately. This research is important because it provides new insights into how these fundamental particles interact, which can enhance our understanding of the universe. Who this helps: This helps physicists and researchers studying particle physics.

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Researchers tested 26 different laboratories across the United States to see if their DNA sequencing machines and analysis methods produced the same results when analyzing cancer tumors for the NCI-MATCH clinical trial. They found that all the machines detected genetic changes with very high accuracy (over 95%), but the final reports doctors received varied significantly depending on which laboratory analyzed the sample—mainly because different labs used different computer software to filter and interpret the raw data. This matters because patients with cancer need accurate genetic test results to get the right targeted drugs, and these findings show that a patient could receive different treatment recommendations depending solely on which laboratory ran their test, not because the machines are faulty but because labs handle the data differently after detection.