Lorenzo Romano

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This research focused on the biases that teachers and school leaders may hold based on a student's race or disability, and how these biases affect school discipline. The study introduced a new approach called "mindfully informed conscious choice," which teaches educators to recognize their biases and make more thoughtful decisions in the moment. By changing how educators think and act, the goal is to create fairer outcomes for all students, particularly those who face discrimination. Who this helps: This benefits students who are affected by bias, as well as the teachers and administrators working to promote equity in schools.

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This study looked at duckweeds, a type of small aquatic plant, to see if hybrid plants could reproduce and create new varieties. It found that while some hybrid duckweeds can produce seeds, many of them cannot, and only certain established hybrids can reproduce sexually. This is important because it shows that these hybrids may lead to new types of duckweeds, which could be valuable for future research and breeding efforts in agriculture. Who this helps: This helps researchers and plant breeders who are working to improve and grow duckweed for food and environmental uses.

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This study looked at the effectiveness and safety of the CGuard micromesh stent used during carotid artery procedures over eight years. Out of 218 patients, only one had a temporary stroke and no one died within 30 days of the procedure, showing a very high technical success rate of 99.5%. This matters because it indicates that the CGuard stent is a reliable option for treating narrowed carotid arteries, with low risks of complications and good long-term results. Who this helps: Patients with carotid artery disease.

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This study looked at a new way to fix bone problems in the front part of the upper jaw by using a piece of the patient’s own bone instead of taking bone from another area. In a specific case, this method successfully repaired a bone defect, maintaining its volume for over 3 years. This approach is important because it reduces the need for additional surgery elsewhere in the body, leading to less pain and a simpler recovery for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with defects in their upper jaw bone.

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This research paper discusses a rare eye condition caused by the varicella zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. The case involves a 55-year-old woman who experienced eye pain and vision loss due to inflammation caused by the virus. Prompt treatment with a specific antiviral medication and surgery was crucial in preventing further damage to her vision. Who this helps: This information benefits patients experiencing similar eye issues and their doctors.

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This study looked at how often brain metastases (BM) occur in patients with stage II-III melanoma, a type of skin cancer, and what factors might influence the risk of developing these metastases. Out of nearly 5,000 patients, 6.9% (344 patients) developed brain metastases, with the highest risk (13.5%) found in those with ulcerated melanoma, thick tumors (over 4 mm), and positive sentinel lymph node biopsies. Understanding these risks helps doctors better monitor and care for high-risk patients to catch any problems early. Who this helps: This helps patients with stage II-III melanoma and their doctors.

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This study looked at melanoma in adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 39, which is less common but still significant for this age group. Researchers found that these younger patients often have different types of melanoma that are influenced by genetic and lifestyle factors, such as UV exposure and tanning, and that while survival rates are generally favorable, young men tend to have worse outcomes and face a higher risk of developing new melanomas later. This matters because it shows the need for tailored treatment plans and ongoing care that addresses both the medical and emotional health of these patients. Who this helps: Young patients with melanoma and their healthcare providers.

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This study focused on creating and testing two questionnaires that measure what young people know and think about organ donation: one for postmortem donation and another for living donation. They had 816 young adults participate, and the final questionnaires included 28 items for postmortem donation, covering areas like family influence and healthcare trust, and 8 items for living donation, focusing on personal values and communication. These findings are important because they will help design educational programs to improve understanding and attitudes towards organ donation. Who this helps: This benefits young adults and anyone involved in organ donation awareness programs.

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This study looked at how metformin, a common diabetes medication, affects mice with spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 (SCA8), a serious neurological disease with no current treatments. The researchers found that mice taking metformin showed better movement skills and reduced harmful protein levels in their brains, along with less inflammation. Specifically, the metformin-treated mice performed significantly better in tests measuring their balance and coordination compared to untreated mice. This finding is important because it supports the idea that metformin may be an effective treatment not just for SCA8, but also for other related genetic disorders. Who this helps: This benefits patients with SCA8 and similar neurological conditions.

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This research looked at the diets of ancient people from southern Mesopotamia, specifically at a site called Abu Tbeirah, by studying zinc isotopes in their teeth. The findings showed that these people mostly ate a mix of grains and land animals, like pigs, with little to no fish in their diet, despite living near the sea. Understanding their diet helps us learn about how these early urban societies lived and managed their food sources. Who this helps: This helps researchers and historians studying ancient cultures and diets.

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This study looked at two different surgical methods (single loop and double loop) for reconstructing the digestive system after a major pancreas surgery called pancreatoduodenectomy. Researchers analyzed data from 1,502 patients and found that the type of reconstruction did not change the overall risk of a common complication called postoperative pancreatic fistula, which occurred in about 35% of cases. However, the double-loop reconstruction did lead to fewer issues with delayed gastric emptying, a problem affecting 21% of patients, making it a potentially better option after surgery. Who this helps: This information helps surgeons and patients considering pancreas surgery by highlighting the benefits of double-loop reconstruction.

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This study looked at the use of beta-blockers, a common medication for heart failure after a heart attack, and questioned whether they are still necessary given new treatment methods. Researchers found that in the modern "reperfusion era," where better techniques to restore blood flow are used, the benefits of beta-blockers may not be as strong, particularly for patients whose heart function remains good. This matters because it suggests that treatment plans should be personalized rather than applying the same approach to all patients. Who this helps: Patients with heart failure after a heart attack.

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This research focused on finding better ways to identify which patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) will benefit from new immune therapies called immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). It highlighted several new markers, like genetic changes and inflammation markers in the blood, that could improve predictions beyond the standard methods currently used. The study shows that using a mix of biological data and advanced technology, like artificial intelligence, can help create more accurate tools for selecting treatments, which is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients with non-small cell lung cancer by better targeting their treatments.

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This study looks at how machine learning (ML) can improve heart failure clinical trials, which have challenges like strict patient selection and limited ways to measure results. The researchers found that using ML can help better categorize patients, predict outcomes such as hospitalizations, and adapt the trials as they progress. This could lead to more effective treatments and more relevant results by connecting trial findings to actual patient experiences. Who this helps: This helps patients with heart failure and their doctors.

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This study looked at how chronic liver diseases impact sexual function in both men and women. Researchers reviewed 100 articles and found that sexual problems are common among people with liver disease, particularly as the severity of liver damage increases. They identified that hormonal changes, psychological issues, and the health of blood vessels all play a role in these sexual dysfunctions, which can negatively affect quality of life. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with chronic liver diseases by highlighting the need for better sexual health assessments and treatments.

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This study looked at how well new fast MRI techniques using deep learning can diagnose shoulder problems compared to standard MRI practices. They tested two faster protocols on 88 patients and found that both the 2-fold and 4-fold accelerated MRI protocols provided very accurate results. Specifically, the 2-fold protocol achieved perfect scores for detecting bone marrow edema and labral tears, while the 4-fold protocol had slightly lower but still high accuracy, making it clear that these new methods can save time without losing diagnostic quality. Who this helps: Patients needing shoulder MRIs will benefit from faster procedures that maintain high accuracy.

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This study looked at human parvovirus B19 infections from 2019 to 2024 in a large hospital in Italy, finding that 9.7% of patients tested positive for the virus. Notably, in 2024, the positive rate soared to 23.4%, especially high among pregnant women (40%) and patients with blood cancers (34%). This matters because it shows a significant increase in infections that could impact vulnerable groups, highlighting the need for better testing and monitoring. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of severe infections, including pregnant women and cancer patients.

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This study looks at how a modified Taekwondo program affects strength and overall physical ability in older people living in care homes. Twenty participants will be divided into two groups based on their ability to walk, and their upper body strength will be measured using a handgrip test. The goal is to show that this type of exercise can help improve strength and daily functioning, which is important as more people are living longer. Who this helps: This benefits elderly care home residents by promoting their physical health and quality of life.

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This study looked at how nerve-sparing surgical techniques during robot-assisted prostate surgery affect the levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in patients after the operation. It included 779 patients and found that those who had nerve-sparing surgery had a lower average postoperative PSA level (0.20 ng/mL) compared to those who didn't (0.65 ng/mL). However, nerve-sparing techniques did not have a significant independent effect on PSA levels when considering factors like tumor size and stage, which were the main reasons for PSA persistence. Who this helps: This research benefits patients undergoing prostate cancer surgery by emphasizing the importance of personalized surgical plans based on their tumor characteristics.

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This study looked at mobile health applications (MHAs) designed to help people with bladder cancer by checking how well they follow medical guidelines. Researchers reviewed 10 apps available on major app stores, finding average scores around 3 out of 5 in areas like engagement and functionality, indicating that while these apps aim to assist patients, their quality and adherence to established guidelines were generally low or medium. This matters because improving the quality of these apps can lead to better support for bladder cancer patients, making it easier for them to manage their health. Who this helps: Patients with bladder cancer.

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This study looked at how limonene extract (LE) affects the strength of dental cement bonding to the roots of treated teeth. Researchers found that when using epoxy resin-based cement, the bonding strength was highest with a rinsing agent called EDTA at an average of 5.0 MPa, compared to just 1.8 MPa with another agent, sodium hypochlorite. Interestingly, limonene extract produced a bonding strength of 9.4 MPa with a bioceramic cement in the lower part of the tooth, indicating it might be a good option for endodontic treatments. Who this helps: This information benefits dentists and dental patients undergoing root canal treatments.

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This study looked at factors that predict whether penile squamous cell carcinoma, a common type of penile cancer, spreads to the lymph nodes. Among 59 patients treated, 40.6% had lymph node involvement, and researchers found that key indicators such as lymph node involvement at diagnosis, lymphovascular invasion, and spongiosum corpus involvement significantly predicted this spread. Understanding these factors is important for better treatment planning and may help reduce complications for patients. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients by improving treatment strategies and outcomes for those with penile cancer.

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This study looked at how men and women differ in their feelings about artificial intelligence (AI) and how those feelings affect their willingness to use AI. Researchers surveyed 335 adults and found that women experienced more anxiety about AI and were less likely to have positive views toward it, which made them use AI less often—about 52% of participants were women. Understanding these differences is important because addressing women's anxiety could increase their confidence and use of AI technology. Who this helps: This helps women and healthcare providers aiming to encourage greater technology use among female patients.

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This study looked at how prior experience with laparoscopic surgery affects the learning process and results for doctors performing robotic-assisted prostate removal surgery. It found that a surgeon with extensive laparoscopic experience operated more quickly and had better early results for patients, including higher rates of being continent and recovering erectile function after surgery. This is important because it suggests that strong training in laparoscopic techniques can lead to better outcomes in robotic surgeries, making the case for better training programs for surgeons. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing prostate surgery by improving their outcomes.

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This study looked at the factors that can lead to an increase in Gleason Scores, which measure the aggressiveness of prostate cancer, in 779 patients who had surgery for the disease. It found that using a medication called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) was linked to a higher chance of Gleason Score upgrade (42.3% vs. 30.4% for those not using it). Additionally, having advanced cancer stages and lymph node involvement were also major predictors of this upgrade, suggesting that younger patients and those with advanced disease and taking 5-ARIs are more likely to have an increase in their Gleason Score. Who this helps: This research helps patients and doctors by providing better insights for managing prostate cancer treatment.

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This study looked at how inflammation affects the release of extracellular vesicles (tiny particles) from human bone marrow stem cells. Researchers found that when these cells were exposed to inflammatory signals (specifically TNF-α and IFN-γ), the amount of vesicles carrying important immune-regulating molecules initially increased, but after 24 hours, this release decreased. This is important because it helps us understand how prolonged inflammation can change the behavior of stem cells, which could impact treatments for various diseases. Who this helps: This benefits patients with inflammatory conditions and their doctors.

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This review focuses on a condition called Normal Weight Obesity (NWO), where people have a normal weight but high body fat, leading to health risks like chronic inflammation and heart disease. For example, individuals with NWO face increased chances of insulin resistance and muscle loss. It highlights that traditional measurements like BMI aren’t enough to identify these individuals, suggesting the use of advanced techniques, such as DXA scans, for better assessment. Who this helps: This helps patients who may be at risk due to high body fat despite having a normal weight.

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This study looked at a new technique called diffraction beamlet arrays (DBAs) to improve X-ray imaging, particularly for chest CT scans. The researchers found that using DBAs allows for more flexible design, enabling better imaging without the challenges faced by traditional X-ray systems. This is important because it could lead to easier and more effective ways to visualize lung conditions in patients. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients needing detailed lung imaging.

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This study looked at how hospitals are using different tools for minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS), including both laparoscopic and robotic methods, by surveying 86 healthcare centers. It found that 77% of these hospitals have robotic surgery equipment available, and 87.5% in high-volume centers use it. The research highlights that laparoscopic techniques are still the most commonly used, but robotic methods are gaining popularity for liver operations, especially in larger hospitals. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing liver surgery by improving surgical options and outcomes.

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This study examined the use of deep learning technology to speed up MRI scans of the knee while still providing accurate diagnoses. Researchers tested three faster MRI methods on 71 patients and found that the two-fold and four-fold acceleration techniques detected issues like ligament tears and meniscal lesions with nearly the same accuracy as traditional methods, with sensitivity rates for ACL tears reaching as high as 100%. This is important because using these faster protocols can reduce scan times by 50-75%, benefiting both patients and medical facilities by improving efficiency without compromising care. Who this helps: This helps patients and radiologists who need effective and quick diagnostic imaging.

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This study looked at how brief mindfulness sessions in virtual reality could help adolescents feel more connected to people around the world. Researchers showed 94 Italian teens either a VR video of peers practicing mindfulness or playing volleyball. They found that those who viewed the mindfulness video felt more restored and reported a stronger sense of global identity—specifically, those in the mindfulness group had a notable increase in their connection to humanity. Who this helps: This research benefits adolescents by promoting their sense of global identity and well-being.

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This study looked at how rice husk, when heated in a special process called pyrolysis, can produce useful liquid compounds. Researchers found that the distilled liquid from this process had strong antioxidant properties and was particularly effective in helping arugula seeds grow better, especially at low concentrations. This matters because it suggests a natural way to improve plant growth and health while reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals. Who this helps: This helps farmers and agriculture professionals looking for sustainable farming practices.

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This study looked at how exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation affected the thyroid and cancer risk over 11 years among 585 hospital workers in Rome. It found that those exposed to radiation had 69% higher chances of developing thyroid problems, like hypothyroidism and goiter, but were 76% less likely to develop cancer compared to those not exposed. This matters because it highlights potential health risks for healthcare workers, suggesting they need closer monitoring for thyroid issues while potentially lowering concerns about cancer risk. Who this helps: This helps healthcare workers and their employers.

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This study looked at how a short virtual reality experience focused on mindfulness can affect how adolescents feel about their identity when they are in a natural environment. Researchers found that participants felt a stronger sense of identity after the experience, with 75% reporting increased feelings of connection. This matters because it suggests that using virtual reality for mindfulness can support young people’s mental health and sense of self. Who this helps: This helps adolescents seeking to improve their mental well-being and sense of identity.

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This study looked at how various heart devices, like pacemakers and heart pumps, affect the heart's biology over time. Researchers found that while these devices improve heart function, they can also cause changes in the heart cells and structure; for example, some devices can help reduce damage from heart failure but may lead to other issues like heart muscle problems if used long-term. Understanding these effects is important to ensure patients get the right treatments and improve their outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with heart conditions and doctors who treat them.

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This study compared two surgical methods for treating gum recession in the front teeth area. Out of 40 patients, 19 achieved complete root coverage with the full-thickness palatal graft technique, while only 12 did with the coronally advanced flap plus connective tissue graft method. The first method not only resulted in better root coverage but also improved gum thickness and width significantly, although the second method was found to be more visually appealing. Who this helps: Patients with gum recession seeking effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how heat in bedrooms affects sleep health in a marginalized community in Los Angeles, known for its high temperatures. It found that when indoor temperatures rose by 5°C, people slept on average 23 minutes less and took about 2 minutes longer to fall asleep. Additionally, heat waves at night led to a 4% drop in sleep quality and increased the time it took to fall asleep by 11 minutes. This research highlights that rising temperatures due to climate change can worsen sleep problems, especially for vulnerable groups. Who this helps: This benefits patients living in hot areas, particularly those in marginalized communities.

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This study looked at how the time since a spinal cord injury (SCI) affects the success of a procedure called testicular sperm extraction (TESE), which can help men with fertility issues due to SCI. The researchers included 107 TESE procedures from 107 patients and found that 81.3% retrieved sperm successfully, and those who underwent a related procedure for assisted reproduction had a 90.5% chance of having a healthy baby. Importantly, the time since the injury did not lower the success rate, meaning men can still benefit from TESE many years after their injury. Who this helps: This information is valuable for men with spinal cord injuries and their doctors, helping them make informed decisions about fertility treatments.

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This study looked at a new way to use X-ray imaging called grating interferometry to improve breast cancer detection. Researchers created a system that combines two types of signals—refraction and absorption—to get clearer images. They found that this method could produce better images, especially for small tumors, while using doses of radiation that are more suitable for breast cancer diagnostics. Who this helps: This benefits patients by potentially improving early cancer detection through enhanced imaging techniques.

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This study looked at how a blood test called the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) affects urinary quality of life in men receiving BCG treatment for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The research found that men with an NLR of 3 or higher had worse urinary symptoms and quality of life after eight weeks compared to those with a lower NLR, with average symptom scores increasing by 5 points versus just 2 points in the lower group. These findings are important because they suggest that checking the NLR could help identify patients at risk of experiencing severe urinary symptoms during treatment, allowing for better management. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing BCG treatment for bladder cancer.

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This study looked at how sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone affect atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart rhythm disorder. Researchers found that these hormones influence the heart's electrical properties and structure, which can lead to the development and worsening of AF. They emphasized the need for treatments that take these hormonal differences into account to improve patient care and outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with atrial fibrillation, particularly women and men, by guiding more personalized treatment options.

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This study explored a new imaging system for detecting lung diseases, focusing on a technique called dark-field lung imaging. Researchers developed a system that captures detailed images of lung structures without exposing patients to high levels of radiation and while being cost-effective. They found that this new method offers an adequate level of sensitivity for early detection of lung issues, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients with lung diseases by enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment.

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This study looked at how different major health organizations recommend treating lymph node involvement in penile cancer. It found that while open surgery to remove lymph nodes is the standard treatment, new minimally invasive options are being explored, especially for early-stage cancer. The differences in guidelines show the need for consistent treatment recommendations to improve patient outcomes and reduce complications. Who this helps: This helps patients with penile cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at two types of dental implant thread designs—progressive knife-edge threads and traditional ISO threads—to see which design provides more surface area for bone attachment. The knife-edge design had a 9.9% greater surface area than the ISO design for larger implants (4.6 mm), but the traditional design performed slightly better for smaller implants (3.8 mm). This matters because better surface area can lead to improved stability of implants, which is crucial for successful dental procedures. Who this helps: Patients needing dental implants.

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This study explored how a substance called hyaluronic acid (HA) in tumors affects genes involved in DNA repair in breast and colorectal cancers. Researchers found that when they used a drug (4-MU) to lower HA levels, it not only reduced tumor size but also increased the expression of important DNA repair genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2). This is significant because it suggests a new way to potentially treat aggressive triple-negative breast cancer by repurposing an existing medication. Who this helps: Patients with triple-negative breast cancer and their doctors.

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This study tested a new treatment plan called the Biological Reset Protocol (BRP) for patients with advanced peri-implantitis, which is when infections occur around dental implants. The protocol involves three steps: first, safely removing the implant's cover to clean and heal the area; second, performing a careful surgery to clean the implant and add bone grafts if needed; and finally, adjusting or replacing the implant to support long-term health. The BRP aims to make it easier to recover from these serious infections, ensuring implants last longer without issues. Who this helps: This helps patients with dental implants facing infections around them.

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This study examined how the level of a BRAF mutation in patients with advanced melanoma affects their response to treatment with BRAF/MEK inhibitors. Researchers analyzed data from 264 patients and found that those with a high level of BRAF variants (more than 44.05%) had a shorter time before the cancer progressed (10 months compared to 13 months for those with lower levels) and also had a lower overall survival rate (26 months versus 29 months). Understanding these levels can help doctors predict which patients may not respond well to treatment, allowing for better treatment planning. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with metastatic melanoma and their doctors by identifying how mutation levels can guide treatment decisions.