Raffaele Manna

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This study focused on COPA syndrome, a rare genetic disease that causes inflammation and can affect various organs. Researchers looked at 46 people from 29 families with COPA mutations and found that 38 of them (83%) showed symptoms. Key findings included that 34 patients had lung problems, 26 had joint issues, and 7 experienced kidney disease; new symptoms like skin and heart issues were also noted. This research is important because it helps clarify how COPA syndrome manifests and highlights the effectiveness of treatments like Janus kinase inhibitors for those affected. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with COPA syndrome and their doctors by providing clearer information on the disease's symptoms and treatment options.

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This study looked at how chronic stress and an unhealthy gut affect cholesterol levels and their connections to Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that stress and high-cholesterol diets can change the gut’s bacteria, which can negatively impact mood and brain function. Understanding this relationship helps in developing new treatments for Alzheimer's, an illness affecting millions. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Alzheimer's and their families, as well as doctors looking for new treatments.

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This study looked at how effective it is to use burial records to gather information about causes of death in urban Bangladesh, where many deaths happen outside of hospitals and are not officially recorded. The researchers conducted 531 verbal autopsies and found that the main causes of death were acute respiratory infections (21%) and cardiac disease (19%). This method could help fill gaps in vital mortality data, but improvements are needed in getting consent from families and ensuring broader participation for it to be truly effective. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and policymakers who need accurate death data to improve healthcare planning.

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Researchers studied a large family with a type of recurring fever called PFAPA syndrome, which is caused by issues in the body's immune response. They found a rare genetic change in a gene called RXFP1 that seemed to be linked to the fever in all affected family members. This discovery is important because it could reveal new ways to understand and treat autoinflammatory diseases. Who this helps: This helps patients with recurrent fever syndromes and their doctors.

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This study looked at a teenage girl who had severe seizures that didn’t get better with standard treatments. Upon investigation, doctors discovered that she had a rare condition called pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP), which caused her body to struggle with calcium management. After starting treatment with calcium and calcitriol, her symptoms significantly improved, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to consider PHP in similar cases of hard-to-treat seizures. Who this helps: Patients with treatment-resistant seizures and their doctors.

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This study looked at healthcare data in Bangladesh to predict future needs, focusing on maternal and child services. Researchers found that by the end of 2026, services like Kangaroo Mother Care are expected to increase by over 75%, outpatient visits and pneumonia treatments by about 30%, while deliveries will see more moderate growth. Understanding these trends is important for improving health care planning and ensuring resources are used fairly across different regions. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers by making sure services are available where they're needed the most.

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Scientists studied how para-benzoquinone (pBQ), a harmful substance found in smoke and pollution, affects an important enzyme in our cells called mitochondrial phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase (hmtPheRS). They found that pBQ significantly altered this enzyme, increasing its unstable structures by 75% and reducing its ability to help make proteins in the mitochondria. This matters because problems with this enzyme can lead to severe developmental issues and show how environmental pollutants can disrupt normal cell function. Who this helps: This research helps patients with neurodevelopmental disorders and guides doctors in understanding how environmental toxins affect health.

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Researchers studied Ujvira®, a more affordable version of a standard treatment for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, to see how well it works and its safety in real-world settings. They found that the median time patients lived without cancer progression was about 6.9 months, with a response rate of 35.3%, showing it worked similarly to the original treatment. This matters because it provides a viable option for patients in low-income areas who cannot afford the pricier treatments. Who this helps: Patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

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This study looked at how migraines affect the quality of life in children. It involved 76 children with migraines who completed a survey about their health-related quality of life. The average score was 67.5, indicating a notable impact, especially in girls and children with frequent attacks or severe symptoms. This information matters because it highlights that migraines can greatly disrupt children's physical and emotional well-being. Who this helps: This helps children with migraines and their families, as well as doctors treating them.

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In this study, researchers examined how cells and organs change shape during the early development of zebrafish embryos, focusing on an organ called Kupffer's vesicle. They found that movements in the surrounding tissue create forces that significantly influence the shape of this organ. Specifically, when these forces were altered through laser techniques, the resulting shapes of the organ matched what their models predicted, confirming the role of dynamic forces in shaping organs during development. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and scientists studying embryonic development and organ formation.

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This study looked at how changes in salt levels affect different types of tiny organisms called phytoplankton in the Hooghly Matlah estuary in India. Researchers found 132 species of phytoplankton, with some thriving in fresh water and others in areas with higher salinity. Knowing how these organisms respond to salinity is important as it helps scientists understand the health of the ecosystem and the impact of pollution. Who this helps: This helps researchers and environmentalists monitor and protect estuarine ecosystems.

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This study looked at why stroke patients in Bangladesh take too long to arrive at hospitals, which affects their treatment. Researchers found that about 90% of patients arrived after the critical 4.5-hour window, with an average delay of 14 hours before reaching the hospital. Key factors for late arrivals included patients being less educated, self-medicating, and having a previous stroke history, while those with higher education and private transportation arrived faster. Who this helps: This information helps patients and their families by highlighting the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms and seeking immediate medical help.

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This study looked at how telemental health services, called Wellbeing Centers, help pregnant and new mothers in Bangladesh access mental health support. Researchers found that nearly 77% of women reported symptoms of depression and 77% experienced anxiety, but almost all—99.8%—found the services useful and acceptable. The positive feedback suggests these centers effectively improve mental health access, which is crucial given that almost 50% of mothers in Bangladesh face mental disorders. Who this helps: This benefits pregnant and postpartum women facing mental health challenges.

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This study looked at how social franchising in healthcare works and its effects by analyzing 47 different studies from around the world. It found that social franchises, especially in Africa, Asia, and Central America, helped improve access to healthcare services, client satisfaction, and the use of contraceptives, but often struggled to reach the poorest populations due to high costs and competition from public services. This matters because while social franchising can expand healthcare access and improve services, challenges remain in making it effective for all communities, especially those in need. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those seeking sexual and reproductive health services.

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This study looked into creating a digital system for keeping records of deaths in graveyards in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Researchers found that most users of the app and website rated the tools as very user-friendly, with 100% agreeing the tools helped them complete tasks quickly and improve their performance. However, some graveyard managers found the system a bit complicated to use. This is important because a good record-keeping system can help with public health planning and provide accurate data on mortality. Who this helps: This benefits graveyard managers, death record keepers, and public health officials.

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This study examined the impact of COVID-19 on death rates in Dhaka, Bangladesh, by analyzing records from six graveyards. Researchers found that deaths increased by 69% in 2020 and 31% in 2023 compared to the years before the pandemic; specifically, neonatal deaths and those of individuals over 40 were significantly higher during peak pandemic times. This matters because it shows the long-lasting effects of the pandemic on mortality, predicting a rise in adult deaths from 3,318 in 2023 to 5,089 by 2030. Who this helps: This information benefits public health officials and policymakers.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected hospital visits in Bangladesh, finding that outpatient visits dropped from 47.6 million in 2019 to 34.1 million in 2020, and inpatient admissions decreased from 56.2 million to 37.5 million. In major cities like Dhaka, the numbers fell significantly—outpatient visits were down by 38% and inpatient admissions by 36%. This decline in healthcare access highlights the need for stronger healthcare systems to prepare for future health crises. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers in Bangladesh.

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This study examined how oxymatrine (OMT), a natural compound, may slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by addressing issues related to high cholesterol and tissue scarring in the brain. Researchers found that giving the rats OMT reduced harmful substances linked to AD, such as amyloid beta and certain cholesterol markers, while increasing beneficial ones like antioxidants and good cholesterol, especially at the highest dose of 80 mg/kg. These findings suggest that OMT could be a promising treatment to help slow down cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how certain genetic mutations affect a vital enzyme important for protein function in mitochondria, specifically examining two groups of mutations related to different severity of neurological disorders. Researchers found that severe mutations resulted in a significant loss of the enzyme's ability to refold and stay stable, whereas mutations linked to a milder disorder showed some level of stability. Understanding these effects is crucial because it helps clarify how these mutations contribute to serious health issues, paving the way for better diagnosis and treatment options. Who this helps: Patients with mitochondrial disorders and their doctors.

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This study looked at symptoms of depression and anxiety in pregnant women seeking care in Bangladesh. Among 638 women surveyed, 39% showed signs of depression, and 50% had anxiety, with 26% experiencing both at the same time. The research highlighted that women in their second and third trimesters and those with higher education levels were less likely to have these symptoms, pointing to the need for better mental health support for pregnant women, particularly those in their first trimester and with less education. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women and healthcare providers in Bangladesh.

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This study looked at how the Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV) and a specific bacteria, Aeromonas caviae, along with poor water quality, are causing large numbers of tilapia fish to die in West Bengal, India. They found that 73% of the tested fish had the virus, with higher levels of organic carbon and poor water quality contributing to the problem. This is important because it highlights the need for better management strategies to protect fish health and aquaculture production. Who this helps: This helps fish farmers and aquaculture professionals by informing them about disease prevention and water quality management.

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This research looked at mobile apps created to prevent violence against women and girls (VAWG), evaluating 178 apps out of an initial 432. The study found that many of these apps focus on emergency support and have features like GPS tracking, but most do not work offline. Despite an early spike in app releases during 2020, there was a noticeable decline afterward, emphasizing the need for improved features, including offline access and public sector collaboration. Who this helps: This benefits women and girls at risk of violence, as well as the organizations and professionals advocating for their safety.

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This study examined the reasons behind deaths among adolescents and young adults in Bangladesh, looking at data from nearly 250,000 people. It was found that road traffic accidents were the leading cause of death, responsible for 10% of deaths in both age groups, while respiratory diseases also significantly affected adolescents (14%). The research highlighted that older adolescents and young adults are more at risk of dying compared to younger teens, particularly those with less education and lower wealth, emphasizing the need for targeted health programs to prevent such deaths. Who this helps: This benefits adolescents and young adults, their families, and health policymakers.

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This study looked at how much men in eastern India know about menopause and how they can support their wives during this stage of life. It found that most husbands (91.42%) had inadequate knowledge about menopause, even though many reported observing common symptoms in their wives, like joint pain (69.3%) and low energy (68.8%). Understanding menopause better is important because it can help improve the relationships and well-being of both partners during this challenging time. Who this helps: This helps patients and their partners by improving support during menopause.

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This study looked at how cells and organs change shape during the development of zebrafish embryos, focusing on a simple organ called Kupffer's vesicle (KV). Researchers found that movements of surrounding tissue create forces that help shape the KV, and experiments confirmed that altering these forces changed the size and shape of the organ as predicted by their models. Understanding these processes is important because it sheds light on how organs form correctly, which is crucial for healthy development. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying embryonic development and potential birth defects.

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This study looked at how a specific skin bacterium is linked to sarcoidosis, a disease where small clusters of inflammatory cells form in various organs. Researchers found that this bacterium may trigger stronger immune responses in sarcoidosis patients compared to healthy individuals. Understanding this connection is important because it could lead to new treatments for managing sarcoidosis and related inflammatory conditions. Who this helps: This helps patients with sarcoidosis and doctors treating them.

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This study focused on training health care practitioners (HCPs) to communicate better with older adults who have cancer and their caregivers. After a two-day training program, 282 HCPs reported feeling much more knowledgeable and confident in their communication skills, showing significant improvements in five key areas such as empathy and information organization. This matters because it helps ensure that older cancer patients receive more effective and compassionate care tailored to their specific needs. Who this helps: Older adults with cancer and their caregivers benefit from improved communication and understanding from their health care providers.

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This study looked at whether tracking daily step counts and a person's genetic risk can help predict who will develop type 2 diabetes (T2D). Researchers followed 4,589 adults using Fitbit data for nearly three years, finding that 265 participants developed T2D. They determined that walking about 7,000 steps a day can lower the risk, but this number varies depending on genetic risk; for individuals with high genetic risk, the safe threshold is about 7,800 steps per day, while for those with low risk, it's roughly 5,800 steps. Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk for type 2 diabetes by providing clearer guidelines on physical activity based on their genetic risk.

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This study focused on a rare and dangerous condition called tuberculous pericarditis, which affects the heart's outer layer and can lead to serious complications. In this case, a 32-year-old man from Congo developed symptoms like chest pain and a fast heartbeat shortly after arriving in the UK, and doctors found he had a large buildup of fluid around his heart that required urgent treatment. Recognizing and treating this condition quickly is crucial to prevent severe health issues, especially in migrant populations. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers identify and manage tuberculous pericarditis in patients from regions with high tuberculosis rates.

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This study looked at 151 children with PFAPA syndrome, which causes repeated fevers and mouth sores, to see if their vitamin D levels were linked to how the condition progressed. Researchers found that 30% of the children had low vitamin D levels, and these insufficient levels were connected to longer-lasting symptoms and a younger age of onset for the disease. Understanding the role of vitamin D could help manage PFAPA syndrome more effectively. Who this helps: This helps patients with PFAPA syndrome and their families.

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This study looked at how particles in mixtures behave when they are tightly packed together, particularly in how they separate into different phases, which is relevant for biological processes like sorting cells. The researchers found that mixtures with a certain type of particle can separate at high densities but not beyond a specific point; when the packing gets too dense (above a fraction of 1.0), they stay mixed together. This discovery helps us understand how cells might organize themselves in crowded environments in the body. Who this helps: This helps scientists and researchers studying cell behavior and tissue organization.

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This study looked at a 12-year-old boy who suffered from abdominal migraine and acute watery diarrhea, which caused him significant abdominal pain and dehydration. After trying various treatments without success, he was given valproic acid, and within a week, his symptoms disappeared and he remained symptom-free afterward. This finding is important because it shows that valproic acid can be an effective treatment for children with abdominal migraine, especially those experiencing symptoms related to dehydration. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients with abdominal migraine and their doctors in managing their symptoms effectively.

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This study looked at how changes in proteins affect the way light is absorbed by a key component called biliverdin in photoreceptors, which are important for sensing light in certain organisms. Researchers found that when they mutated the protein, the light absorption patterns changed significantly—instead of the light wavelength changing, the strength of the light absorption changed dramatically, with certain bands becoming much more intense. This finding is important because it helps us understand how small changes at the molecular level can affect the way these proteins function in living organisms. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying plant biology and light-sensing proteins.

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This study looked at how certain materials, called dicyano-distyrylbenzene derivatives, can be made more flexible for use in wearable electronic devices. Researchers found that a specific arrangement of these molecules allows them to bend without breaking — one arrangement can absorb strain well, while another design can spread out stress evenly, enhancing flexibility. Understanding these properties is important because it can lead to the development of better materials for flexible electronics. Who this helps: This helps manufacturers of wearable electronic devices and the patients who use them.

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The study focused on training faculty members in oncology to improve their communication skills as mentors. After a virtual training session, 19 faculty participants reported that over 80% felt positively about the program, and significant improvements were noted in their confidence and use of effective communication techniques. This training is important because better communication can enhance the mentoring relationship, ultimately benefiting both faculty and their mentees. Who this helps: This helps patients and medical trainees seeking guidance and support in their careers.

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This research focused on developing a new test called ShapeDx™ to quickly and accurately identify sickle cell disease and trait from blood samples. The ShapeDx™ test can yield results in under an hour and was found to agree 100% with a more traditional lab test in a small study. This test is significant because it can be performed in settings where lab resources are limited, making it easier to diagnose sickle cell conditions in patients who need it most. Who this helps: Patients, especially in low-resource areas, who need timely and accurate sickle cell disease diagnosis.

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This study looked at how well medical students in Bangladesh understand and use antibiotics, focusing on their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding these medications. Out of 501 students surveyed, 78% knew that antibiotics work against bacterial infections, but 46% were unclear about their effectiveness against viral infections. Alarmingly, 21% admitted to self-prescribing antibiotics, often based on previous prescriptions, highlighting the need for better education on responsible antibiotic use. Who this helps: This benefits medical students and ultimately the patients they will treat.

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This study looked at how recurrent pericarditis (inflammation of the heart's lining) affects older adults compared to younger ones. Researchers found that older patients (133 individuals aged 65 and up) often experience different symptoms, such as more difficulty breathing (54% vs. 10% in younger patients) and fewer reports of chest pain (32% vs. 80%). Additionally, older adults had a higher rate of complications like severe fluid buildup around the heart and received less common medications like NSAIDs and colchicine, which may be attributed to their existing health conditions. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers treating older adults with recurrent pericarditis.

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This study looked at the link between sarcoidosis, a condition that causes inflammation, and cancer in 287 patients being treated in Rome. Researchers found that 12.5% of these patients also had cancer, with most developing cancer before or at the same time as their sarcoidosis. Interestingly, the inflammation from sarcoidosis might actually help prevent the spread of cancer, but it could also increase cancer risk due to ongoing inflammation. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with sarcoidosis and their doctors by providing insights into cancer risks associated with the condition.

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This study looked at how many more people died than normal in rural Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers found that there were 1.4 times more deaths in 2020 compared to the years before, with the main causes being heart disease, strokes, and respiratory infections. It’s crucial to understand these numbers so that health strategies can be developed to protect vulnerable groups in future pandemics. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers by highlighting those at greater risk during health crises.

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This study examined how the COVID-19 pandemic affected childhood vaccinations in different areas of Bangladesh. Researchers found that in April 2020, vaccinations dropped sharply by about 53% for BCG, 55% for the third dose of pentavalent vaccine, and 51% for measles compared to earlier years. Although vaccination numbers began to recover in the latter half of 2020 and in 2021, some regions like Chattogram continued to see declines below pre-pandemic levels. This is important because it shows that some areas were hit harder than others, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to improve childhood immunisation in the future. Who this helps: This helps parents and healthcare providers in Bangladesh who are focused on ensuring children receive their vaccinations.

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The study looked at a patient who developed acute pericarditis, an inflammation of the heart's outer layer, just hours after receiving radiation therapy for breast cancer. When standard treatments did not work, the researchers used anakinra, a medication that targets inflammation, and the patient improved quickly. This is important because it shows that anakinra might be a safe and effective option for treating pericarditis that happens after radiation therapy, which previously had no established treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing pericarditis after radiation treatment, particularly those with breast cancer.

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This study looked at a 25-year-old woman with a heart condition called an atrioventricular canal defect, who was found to have a new genetic variant in the sodium voltage-gated channel alpha subunit 5 gene, identified as NM_198056.3: c.3169G>C. Despite having this genetic variant, she did not show typical symptoms of Brugada syndrome, such as fainting or a specific heart rhythm pattern, but she had experienced frequent chest infections since childhood. This finding is important because it adds to our understanding of how certain genetic mutations can be linked to heart issues, even when the common symptoms are absent. Who this helps: This helps patients with congenital heart defects and their doctors in understanding possible genetic risks.

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The study examined how the COVID-19 pandemic affected maternal health services in different regions of Bangladesh from 2017 to 2021. It found that overall use of maternal health services dropped by about 30% during the pandemic, with the most significant declines in Chattogram and Rajshahi, where institutional deliveries decreased by 36% and caesarean sections by 52%. By 2021, some recovery was observed, but the variations across regions highlight the need for targeted health strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers in Bangladesh plan for better maternal care during future health crises.

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This study looked at a rare case involving a woman who experienced pain in her lower right abdomen, which was initially thought to be appendicitis. After surgery, doctors found that she had diverticulosis (a condition where small pouches form in the colon) in addition to appendicitis. The patient recovered well, and follow-up tests showed no other issues, emphasizing the need for careful examination to diagnose similar cases correctly. Who this helps: This benefits patients with abdominal pain and doctors who need to make accurate diagnoses.

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This research paper discusses how certain anti-inflammatory drugs called interleukin-1 blockers can be used to treat acute and recurrent pericarditis, a condition where the lining around the heart becomes inflamed. The review found that these drugs may be effective and safe alternatives to traditional treatments like NSAIDs and corticosteroids, which can have side effects. This matters because better treatment options could improve patient outcomes and reduce complications from pericarditis. Who this helps: Patients suffering from acute and recurrent pericarditis.

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This study looked at a 71-year-old man who had a fever, joint pain, and a serious skin ulcer after gardening, which turned out to be caused by a bite from a fiddleback spider. Doctors found that he developed a serious complication known as macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) and initially treated him with steroids, which helped his condition. Ultimately, the second biopsy revealed he also had a type of skin cancer called primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma, emphasizing the importance of thorough testing for unexplained skin lesions and fevers. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with unexplained skin lesions and fevers, ensuring they receive accurate diagnoses and timely treatment.