Lindsay E Volk

Plain English
This study looked at how often primary care doctors prescribe two or more new medications at the same time and whether this is necessary. Out of nearly 7.85 million prescriptions written by 4,646 doctors, around 19% of the time multiple medications were started together, with the Veterans Administration site having the highest rate at 27.2%. Most of these combinations were not strongly backed by evidence, raising concerns about potential safety risks and showing that there's room for improvement in how these decisions are made. Who this helps: This helps patients by promoting safer prescribing practices in primary care.

Plain English
This study looked at how to involve patients and the public in health research by using a method called Human-Centered Design (HCD). It found that engaging patients through workshops and different activities led to better participation and satisfaction. The research helped include a variety of people with different health conditions, showing that HCD is effective for fostering innovation in healthcare. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly those with complex health issues, by ensuring their voices are heard in healthcare improvements.

Plain English
Researchers studied how B cells, a type of immune cell, affect brain activity in mice after a stroke. They found that removing B cells reduced normal brain signal strength in the hippocampus, which is important for memory and learning, and that the impact varied based on the age and sex of the mice. This matters because understanding how B cells influence brain recovery could lead to new treatments that help improve cognitive function after a stroke. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from stroke and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked at how a protein called KIBRA interacts with another protein, GluA2, which is part of a receptor involved in brain signaling and memory. Researchers found that KIBRA does not link directly to GluA2 but can connect to it through another protein called PICK1. Specifically, they discovered that a part of PICK1 is crucial for this connection, and that these interactions are important for how signals are organized in the brain. Who this helps: This helps patients with neuropsychiatric and cognitive disorders by improving our understanding of memory-related brain functions.

Plain English
This study looked at how doctors feel about using online medical information tools, called point-of-care information (POCI) resources, alongside electronic health records (EHRs). Researchers interviewed 10 doctors and found that while most preferred comprehensive and easy-to-navigate tools, issues like complicated log-in processes and difficult-to-read displays made it hard for them to find information quickly. Improving the integration of these tools with EHRs could make it easier for clinicians to access important medical information, ultimately helping them provide better patient care. Who this helps: This helps doctors and health care providers improve patient treatment by making information more accessible.

Plain English
Researchers studied how the chemical NDMA, found in food and water, affects liver health and cancer risk in male and female mice. They discovered that male mice are more likely to develop mutations and liver cancer due to NDMA exposure, while female mice showed a different type of DNA damage. Specifically, male mice were more vulnerable to NDMA's harmful effects, with cancer occurring across all tested groups, while females experienced more specific DNA damage called micronucleus induction. This research is important because it helps explain why men generally face a higher risk of liver cancer compared to women, enhancing our understanding of cancer susceptibility. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers understand gender differences in cancer risk, which can improve patient care and prevention strategies.

Plain English
This study reviewed the outcomes of heart bypass surgeries in over 47,000 veterans to compare two types of grafts used: single artery grafting (SAG) and multiarterial grafting (MAG). The findings revealed that while there was no difference in deaths shortly after surgery (1.31% for MAG versus 1.34% for SAG), MAG led to significantly lower death rates over time, with 14.1% mortality at five years for MAG compared to 16.3% for SAG, and even greater differences at ten and fifteen years. This is important because using MAG may improve long-term survival for veterans undergoing heart bypass surgery. Who this helps: This research benefits veterans undergoing heart surgeries.

Plain English
This study looked at how exposure to a chemical known as NDMA can lead to liver cancer by analyzing changes in mice both with and without a specific gene called MGMT that helps repair DNA. Researchers found that after exposure, mice without the gene showed a strong and continuing immune response that lasted for days, which was linked to early signs of cancer development, like the growth of certain cells. Understanding these early events is important because it could help identify ways to prevent or predict liver cancer in the future. Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk of liver cancer and doctors looking for preventive strategies.

Plain English
This study looked at how a protein called KIBRA interacts with AMPA receptors, which are important for synaptic function and memory. Researchers found that KIBRA does not attach directly to one type of AMPA receptor but connects through another protein called PICK1, which plays a role in moving AMPA receptors to where they are needed in the brain. They discovered that a specific part of PICK1 is crucial for this connection, and that together, KIBRA and PICK1 form larger complexes that help regulate brain signaling. Who this helps: This research can benefit scientists studying neuropsychiatric disorders and cognitive functioning, as it uncovers key details about brain communication.

Plain English
This study looked at a protein called WWC2 and its role in brain function, particularly how it affects certain types of brain signals known as neurotransmitters. Researchers found that WWC2 helps control the amount of inhibitory signals (GABAR) at synapses, which are connections between nerve cells, while not affecting excitatory signals (AMPAR). When they removed WWC2 in certain brain cells of mice, the balance of these signals was disrupted, which is important for understanding brain disorders. Who this helps: This research helps scientists and doctors working on treatments for neurological disorders.

Plain English
This study looked at patient safety in outpatient health care by reviewing electronic health records from 3,103 patients in Massachusetts. It found that 7% of patients experienced at least one adverse event (AE) during their outpatient visits, with the most common being adverse drug events at 63.8%. This is important because it highlights that patient harm in outpatient care is not uncommon, particularly in older adults, and indicates a need for better safety measures to prevent these events. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by identifying areas where outpatient care can be made safer.

Plain English
This study looked at a machine learning tool designed to identify how at-risk patients are for developing opioid use disorder (OUD), comparing its alerts to evaluations made by doctors on patient records. Out of 78,587 patients prescribed opioids, the tool flagged 21.2% as high risk and 14.7% as suspected of having OUD. The findings show that the machine learning tool accurately identifies patients’ risk levels, helping improve treatment decisions and opioid management. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and healthcare providers in managing patients at risk for opioid use disorder.

Plain English
This study looked at how well a tool called DynaMedex helps doctors find answers to questions about diseases. Out of 265 medical questions, DynaMedex successfully provided answers for 259 of them, resulting in a success rate of 98%. Most answers were not only relevant but also easy to find (68%) and based on the best available evidence (97%), making this resource very useful for clinical practice. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and healthcare providers who need quick and reliable information to treat patients effectively.

Plain English
This study checked how well an online patient portal can help find symptoms people experience after starting new medications. Out of nearly 10,000 patients who received a new prescription, about 29% responded, and over 25% of those reported at least one new symptom that might be due to their medication. Important to note, 30% of these reported symptoms were related to gastrointestinal issues. Who this helps: This benefits patients who start new medications by providing timely support and monitoring for any side effects.

Plain English
Researchers studied the FeelBetter machine learning system to see how well it could identify older patients with multiple health issues who are at risk of needing emergency health care due to their medications. They found that patients in the highest risk group (top 1%) were 8 times more likely to visit the emergency department and over 17 times more likely to be hospitalized compared to patients at average risk. This technology can help doctors make better medication recommendations, which is important for improving the safety and care of vulnerable patients. Who this helps: This benefits older patients with multiple health conditions and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked at a protein called WWC2 and how it affects communication between brain cells, specifically focusing on the receptors that handle inhibitory signals, known as GABA receptors. The researchers found that without WWC2, these receptors are more active but do not get into the cell membrane as easily. In tests with mice, they observed that the lack of WWC2 led to increased activity of inhibitory signals but didn't change the activity of excitatory signals managed by a different protein. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists studying neurological disorders and may lead to better treatments for conditions linked to imbalances in brain signaling.

Plain English
Researchers studied how a protein called sphingosine kinase-1 (SphK1) affects calcium levels in cells. They found that when SphK1 was reduced, the cells had lower resting calcium levels and were less able to respond to calcium increases, with significant changes in the expression of factors that help regulate calcium. Specifically, they noted that the cells were more effective at removing calcium from the inside, leading to important shifts in calcium balance, which could have implications for cell function and health. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and medical professionals studying cellular health and calcium regulation.

Plain English
This study looked at how a patient's socioeconomic status (SES) affects their recovery after two types of procedures to open blocked carotid arteries: carotid artery stenting (CAS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The researchers found that low SES doubles the risk of death after CEA (with an increased risk ratio of 2.07), but it does not significantly affect outcomes after CAS. Additionally, low SES patients had a slightly higher stroke rate after CEA (1.5% compared to 1.2% for high SES), while bleeding issues were more common in high SES patients undergoing CAS (7.1% vs. 5.3%). Who this helps: This research benefits patients undergoing these procedures, especially those from low-income backgrounds.

Plain English
Surveys of OR staff, nurses, and surgeons at an academic medical center identified that medical students most commonly fail to understand their role, break sterility, and lack situational awareness in the operating room. Two-thirds of respondents said students are not adequately prepared with basic surgical skills before entering the OR. The findings argue for pre-rotation training resources focused on OR etiquette, sterility, and basic procedural knowledge.

Plain English
This study looked at how pharmacists can better identify and evaluate negative side effects from medications. It found that by actively involving pharmacists in monitoring these side effects, the process of ensuring medication safety can be improved, leading to better patient care. Specifically, the study highlighted structured methods for pharmacists to assess adverse drug reactions, suggesting this could lead to safer medication use for patients. Who this helps: Patients who take multiple medications benefit most from improved safety monitoring.

Plain English
This study looked at safety issues in hospitals by analyzing records from over 2,800 patient admissions at 11 hospitals in Massachusetts in 2018. They found that nearly one in four patients (23.6%) experienced a harmful event during their stay, with about a quarter of those events (22.7%) being preventable. Most of these problems were related to medication errors (39%) and surgical issues (30%), highlighting how critical it is to improve patient safety in healthcare settings. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving hospital care.

Plain English
This study introduced a new lightweight device that can be implanted in young mice to record brain activity from multiple areas at once. The researchers found that this device enables chronic recordings from up to sixteen brain regions in mice aged from 20 to 60 days old, which is comparable to human ages between 2 years and adulthood. This is important because it allows scientists to better understand brain development during a key growth period, potentially leading to insights into developmental disorders like autism and schizophrenia. Who this helps: This benefits researchers studying brain development and neuro-psychiatric conditions.

Plain English
This study looked at how long pediatric CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) affects brain injury in young pigs. The researchers found that after 30 minutes of CPR, 80% of the piglets survived and had less severe brain damage compared to those that received 60 minutes of CPR, who showed more serious signs of injury. This matters because it helps us understand the best CPR duration to minimize brain damage in children during emergencies. Who this helps: This research helps doctors and healthcare providers improve outcomes for pediatric patients in critical situations.

Plain English
This study looked at how arsenic, a harmful substance found in drinking water and air pollution, causes cancer. Researchers found that arsenic can lead to skin, lung, liver, and bladder cancers due to its ability to damage DNA and disrupt the body's normal cellular processes. Understanding these effects is important because it can help prevent cancer related to arsenic exposure. Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk of arsenic-related health issues and healthcare providers looking for ways to reduce cancer risk.

Plain English
The study evaluated a web-based medical tool, DynaMedex, designed to help healthcare providers quickly find answers about diseases and medications. Researchers observed 43 healthcare professionals and gathered their feedback on how easy it was to use the tool and how satisfied they were with the answers it provided. They found that pharmacists rated the tool higher for ease of use and satisfaction compared to doctors and nurse practitioners, but pharmacists took longer to find answers (2 minutes and 26 seconds on average) compared to the others (1 minute and 40 seconds). Who this helps: This benefits healthcare providers, especially those who may be less experienced or need quick access to reliable medical information.

Plain English
This study looked at how two systems in the brain’s immune cells, the endocannabinoid system and the sphingosine kinase system, interact when these cells are faced with an inflammatory challenge (specifically, lipopolysaccharide or LPS). The researchers found that blocking an enzyme related to the endocannabinoid system reduced the release of inflammatory markers by about 50%, indicating that this system helps control inflammation in brain cells. Additionally, they discovered that the sphingosine kinases promote inflammation but can be inhibited, which may lead to new treatments for brain diseases. Who this helps: This benefits patients with neuroinflammatory diseases, such as multiple sclerosis or Alzheimer's, and the doctors treating them.

Plain English
This study looked at a new, smaller brain implant designed to record brain activity in young mice, specifically from 20 to 60 days old, which is similar to the developmental stage of human toddlers to adults. Researchers found that this implant allows them to monitor multiple areas of the brain at once while the mice are moving freely, giving them valuable data on how the brain develops during this crucial time. This is important because it can enhance our understanding of disorders like autism and schizophrenia, which are linked to brain development. Who this helps: This benefits researchers studying brain development and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Plain English
This study investigated how a protein called KIBRA affects communication between brain regions involved in memory, focusing on mice. The researchers found that in normal mice, experiences changed their brain activity patterns in a way that helps integrate new information, but mice without KIBRA did not show these changes, indicating that KIBRA is crucial for proper memory processing. This research is important because it reveals how specific proteins influence how our brains adapt to new experiences, which can have implications for understanding memory-related conditions. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on memory disorders.

Plain English
This study looked at how a lack of a specific enzyme (SGPL1) in the brain leads to problems like increased inflammation and damage to brain cells. Researchers found that when SGPL1 is missing, a substance called sphingosine 1-phosphate builds up, which triggers harmful reactions in brain cells and contributes to diseases. This is important because it reveals new ways to potentially treat brain disorders by targeting the pathways involved with sphingosine 1-phosphate. Who this helps: This benefits patients with brain diseases and their doctors by providing new treatment avenues.

Plain English
This study looked at how satisfied doctors were with their electronic health record (EHR) system over four years after switching from an old system to a new one. Satisfaction scores at Brigham and Women's Hospital increased from an average of 2.85 in 2016 to 3.21 in 2019, showing improvement, but responses from all clinicians in 2018 and 2019 were similar, indicating no significant change. Difficult tasks included monitoring patient medication and making patient lists, and many doctors felt the EHR did not help them focus on patient care or complete tasks efficiently, highlighting a need for better usability. Who this helps: This information is useful for healthcare providers and organizations working to improve EHR systems for doctors.

Plain English
This study looked at how neurons in two different layers of the hippocampus change when they are active during experiences that help form memories. Researchers found that neurons in the upper layer showed stronger responses to signals, while those in the lower layer had weaker responses after being active. Understanding these changes is important because it reveals how our brains adapt and store memories through different mechanisms. Who this helps: This helps researchers and clinicians understand memory formation and may inform treatments for memory-related disorders.

Plain English
A 21-year-old man in prison smoked synthetic cannabinoids (fake marijuana) and developed life-threatening air pockets in his lungs, chest cavity, and abdomen days later, which could have killed him if not treated. Synthetic cannabinoids are dangerous drugs that can cause severe lung and organ damage beyond what people typically expect. This case shows that doctors need to watch for collapsed lungs in synthetic cannabinoid users, and that incarcerated people are especially vulnerable because they may not get medical care quickly or follow up with doctors afterward.

Plain English
This study looked at how different blood flow methods affect the brains of young piglets during a medical procedure. Researchers found that when the piglets were cooled and had their blood circulation stopped (deep hypothermic circulatory arrest), they showed signs of not getting enough oxygen, which is bad for brain health. In contrast, another method, selective antegrade cerebral perfusion, effectively supplied oxygen to the brain without causing extra stress or damage to the brain's cells. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and medical teams who perform surgeries on newborns needing advanced heart and brain care.

Plain English
This study looked at how different heart surgery techniques affect blood flow to the brain in young pigs. Researchers found that a method called deep hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (DH-CPB) significantly impaired brain blood flow regulation, with a change in measurement from 0.15 to 0.45, indicating worse brain regulation after the procedure. Understanding these effects is important because half of the babies who have similar heart surgeries may face developmental issues later on. Who this helps: This helps doctors and medical teams caring for infants undergoing heart surgery.

Plain English
This study focused on how arsenic, a common environmental toxin, affects the body's ability to repair DNA damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Researchers found that arsenic increases the activity of a protein called NADPH oxidase (NOX), which leads to more DNA damage and less ability of a critical repair protein, PARP-1, to function properly. Specifically, blocking NOX reduced DNA damage caused by arsenic, showing its key role in this process. Who this helps: This research benefits patients exposed to arsenic, particularly those at risk of skin cancer from UV radiation.

Plain English
This study looked at patients who received the Impella heart pump, focusing on whether the type of access point used for insertion (like the leg or arm) affected the risk of having a stroke afterward. They found that overall, 10.3% of patients experienced a stroke, and this risk did not change based on where the pump was placed. Understanding these risks helps healthcare providers make better decisions about how to support patients with severe heart issues. Who this helps: This research benefits patients undergoing Impella placement and their doctors.

Plain English
This study examined how arsenic affects a protein called Rad18 that helps repair DNA damage from UV light. Researchers found that arsenic disrupts Rad18's function, leading to increased DNA damage, like double-strand breaks, in skin cells exposed to UV light. Specifically, arsenic caused a significant rise in markers of DNA stress, which could lead to cancer development. Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk for skin cancer and healthcare providers who seek to understand environmental factors affecting DNA repair.

Plain English
This study looked at whether it's still necessary to have heart surgeons on standby when patients undergo a procedure to remove heart device leads using lasers. Out of 121 patients treated from 2014 to 2018, about 25% experienced complications after the procedure, including some serious issues that required emergency surgery, although only 2 patients had severe injuries. The findings indicate that while most patients recover well, there is still a small risk involved that means having surgical backup is important during these procedures. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing lead extractions and the healthcare providers caring for them.

Plain English
This study looked at a protein called KIBRA and its role in memory and brain function at different ages. Researchers found that when KIBRA was removed from adult mice, their ability to remember spatial information and their brain's synaptic connections were negatively affected, specifically showing a 30% decrease in certain receptor proteins involved in this process. However, removing KIBRA in younger mice did not have the same impact, highlighting how KIBRA's effects change as the brain develops. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with memory and neurodevelopmental disorders by providing insights into how brain function changes with age.

Plain English
This study looked at how cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), a procedure often used in heart surgeries, affects brain function in young pigs. Researchers found that the longer the pigs were on CPB, the worse their brain energy production became, with respiration rates dropping significantly; after 4 hours, energy production was only 1.68 compared to 3.25 in pigs not on CPB. Additionally, they noticed that after 4 hours of CPB, there was a substantial rise in damaging molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the brain. Who this helps: This research can help doctors understand the risks of CPB for pediatric patients undergoing heart surgery.

Plain English
This study looked at the effects of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) during CPR on piglets that experienced cardiac arrest. The results showed that piglets receiving iNO had better blood pressure and brain blood flow during CPR, with significant increases in mean aortic pressure (41.6 mmHg vs. 36.0 mmHg) and cerebral blood flow (243.2% of baseline vs. 115.5% of baseline). This is important because it suggests that iNO might improve brain health after cardiac arrest in young patients. Who this helps: This benefits children experiencing cardiac arrest and their medical teams.

Plain English
This study looked at octogenarians (people aged 80 and older) who had cardiac surgery to see if risk factors leading to death in the hospital were the same for them as for younger patients. The researchers analyzed data from over 397,000 patients, finding that octogenarians had a higher risk of in-hospital death: 4.94% for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), 5.49% for valvular heart surgery, and 7.59% for both procedures combined, compared to lower rates in younger patients. This is important because it highlights that octogenarians face greater risks during surgery due to factors like older age, the need for emergency care, and existing health problems. Who this helps: This helps older patients and their doctors make informed decisions about cardiac surgery.

Plain English
This study looked at whether a gene called Arc is necessary for a process in the brain called long-term potentiation (LTP), which is important for forming and maintaining memories. The researchers found that mice lacking the Arc gene still showed normal LTP in their brains, meaning that Arc is not needed for this specific type of memory process. This is important because it suggests that there are other ways the brain can store memories, even when this particular gene is not present. Who this helps: This helps researchers and scientists working on memory and brain function.

Plain English
This study looks at how arsenic, a common environmental contaminant, increases cancer risk by making it harder for cells to fix DNA damage. Researchers found that arsenic can specifically interfere with certain proteins that help repair DNA, which may enhance the harmful effects of other cancer-causing agents, like UV light. Understanding these interactions is important for developing better prevention strategies for arsenic-related cancers. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of arsenic exposure and healthcare professionals working on cancer prevention.

Plain English
This study looked at how primary care doctors at four different healthcare systems prescribe medicines. It found that the number of unique drugs prescribed by individual doctors varied significantly, ranging from 150 to 296 different medications. This is important because understanding these differences can help doctors prescribe safer and more suitable medications for their patients. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by promoting better and safer prescribing practices.

Plain English
This study looked at how effective two treatments, venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR), are for patients experiencing life-threatening heart problems like cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest. Out of 90 patients treated with VA ECMO, about 44% received eCPR, and survival rates were better for those on VA ECMO, with 46% surviving to leave the hospital, compared to just 20% for those on eCPR. These findings are important because they help identify which treatment might work best in emergency situations, potentially saving more lives. Who this helps: This helps patients facing severe heart emergencies.