Psychiatry, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark. Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark. Unit for Psychiatric Research, Molleparkvej 10, Aalborg, 9000, Denmark.
S M Rasmussen's research primarily investigates two areas: rheumatoid arthritis and cancer immunotherapy. For rheumatoid arthritis, they study how certain proteins and substances affect inflammation in joint cells, aiming to discover new treatments that better manage symptoms and reduce joint damage. In the context of cancer, Rasmussen explores the use of targeted antibodies to enhance the immune system's ability to destroy cancer cells, especially in breast, lung, and prostate cancers. Their work includes real-time tracking of cancer cell behavior to improve treatment strategies.
Key findings
Penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose (PGG) reduced inflammatory chemicals IL-6 and IL-8 in human rheumatoid arthritis cells and decreased disease severity in a rat model after 10 days of treatment.
The antibody UMCD6 improved immune cells' ability to kill cancer cells, leading to significantly higher cancer cell death rates compared to traditional treatments.
Mice without the CD6 protein showed less joint damage and lower inflammatory protein levels in a rheumatoid arthritis model, indicating CD6 as a potential treatment target.
The ID-1 protein in rheumatoid arthritis patients triggers an immune response not seen in healthy individuals; its removal increased inflammation, suggesting ID-1 helps control joint inflammation.
CD318, found in the joints of rheumatoid arthritis patients, acts as a partner for CD6 and may be a target for future treatment developments.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. S M Rasmussen study rheumatoid arthritis?
Yes, Dr. S M Rasmussen researches various aspects of rheumatoid arthritis, including new treatments and the underlying inflammation processes.
What cancer treatments has Dr. S M Rasmussen researched?
Dr. Rasmussen has studied the use of targeted antibodies that enhance immune responses to kill cancer cells, which could lead to more effective cancer therapies.
Is Dr. S M Rasmussen's work relevant to patients with autoimmune diseases?
Yes, their research focuses on proteins and mechanisms involved in autoimmune conditions, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, which can help develop new treatment options.
What are some specific conditions Dr. S M Rasmussen focuses on?
Dr. S M Rasmussen's work mainly targets rheumatoid arthritis and various cancers, particularly breast, lung, and prostate cancers.
How does Dr. S M Rasmussen’s research help patients?
Their findings aim to uncover new treatment targets and improve existing therapies for managing rheumatoid arthritis and enhancing cancer treatment effectiveness.
Publications in plain English
Transgender and gender-diverse identity in patients with eating disorders: A national cross-sectional study.
2025
European eating disorders review : the journal of the Eating Disorders Association
Rasmussen SM, Clausen L, Højgaard AD, Pop ML, Kjeldsen MK +2 more
Plain English This study focused on the experiences of transgender and gender-diverse individuals who have eating disorders in Denmark. Researchers found that 4.5% of patients with eating disorders identified as transgender or gender-diverse, which is similar to 6.2% in a non-clinical group. While there were no significant differences in eating disorder symptoms between the groups, transgender and gender-diverse patients reported more body dissatisfaction and lower quality of life.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with eating disorders, particularly those who identify as transgender or gender-diverse, as well as healthcare providers working with them.
Eating disorder symptomatology among transgender and gender-diverse individuals: a cross-sectional study.
2025
Journal of eating disorders
Rasmussen SM, Clausen L, Pop ML, Højgaard AD, Kjeldsen MK +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how eating disorders affect transgender and gender-diverse individuals compared to those who are not transgender. The researchers found that 19.25% of transgender and gender-diverse individuals reported having eating disorders, which is higher than the 14.02% found in the non-transgender group. The results showed that many in the transgender group used dieting to change their bodies to better match their gender identity, which may increase their risk for eating disorders.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients, doctors, and mental health professionals working with transgender and gender-diverse individuals.
Asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in athletes: Diagnosis, treatment, and anti-doping challenges.
2024
Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports
Hostrup M, Hansen ESH, Rasmussen SM, Jessen S, Backer V
Plain English This study looked at how asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) affect athletes, particularly in endurance sports, where over 50% may be affected. It found that these conditions can cause symptoms like coughing and breathlessness, and if not managed properly, can harm both performance and lung health. However, with the right treatments, athletes can perform at high levels while also navigating strict anti-doping rules to avoid any penalties.
Who this helps: This helps athletes, especially those with asthma or EIB, as well as their coaches and healthcare providers.
A multifaceted approach to assessment of mentalization: the mentalization profile in patients with eating disorders.
2024
Nordic journal of psychiatry
Kjaersdam Telléus G, Simonsen CB, Jakobsen AG, Dalgaard MK, Rasmussen SM +1 more
Plain English This study focused on how well patients with eating disorders (ED) understand their own and others' thoughts and feelings, a skill called mentalization. Researchers found that ED patients scored lower on mentalization skills compared to healthy individuals, with patients showing a 0.31 difference in the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire and a 0.44 difference on the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Notably, those with Bulimia Nervosa had even greater challenges in understanding thoughts and feelings, scoring 0.71 higher on the RFQ-U than those with Anorexia Nervosa.
Who this helps: This helps patients with eating disorders and their healthcare providers by highlighting specific areas of mental functioning that need support.
Continuous monitoring is superior to manual measurements in detecting vital sign deviations in patients with COVID-19.
2023
Acta anaesthesiologica Scandinavica
Grønbaek KK, Rasmussen SM, Langer NH, Vincentz M, Oxbøll AB +7 more
Plain English This study looked at how well continuous monitoring of vital signs (like heart rate and oxygen levels) works compared to manual checks for patients with COVID-19. It found that continuous monitoring detected low oxygen levels in 92% of patients for more than an hour, compared to just 40% with manual checks. It also showed that higher heart rates and breathing rates were identified more frequently using continuous methods, which is important for early intervention to prevent serious complications in patients.
Who this helps: This helps patients with COVID-19 and healthcare providers by improving early detection of serious health issues.
Wireless Single-Lead versus Standard 12-Lead ECG, for ST-Segment Deviation during Adenosine Cardiac Stress Scintigraphy.
2023
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
Fabricius Ekenberg L, Høfsten DE, Rasmussen SM, Mølgaard J, Hasbak P +3 more
Plain English This study looked at how well a new wireless single-lead ECG compared to the standard 12-lead ECG for detecting heart problems during a specific stress test using adenosine. They found that both types of ECG were good at confirming when there was no heart issue—91.3% for the 12-lead and 89.9% for the single-lead—but they were not very effective at spotting actual problems, with sensitivities of only 12.5% for the 12-lead and 8.3% for the single-lead. This is important because it shows that while wireless ECGs are convenient, they may not reliably detect heart ischemia, which is critical for patient care.
Who this helps: This helps doctors understand the limitations of wireless ECGs when diagnosing heart conditions.
Eating disorder symptomatology among transgender individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
2023
Journal of eating disorders
Rasmussen SM, Dalgaard MK, Roloff M, Pinholt M, Skrubbeltrang C +2 more
Plain English This study looked at the experiences of eating disorders among transgender individuals compared to those who are not transgender. It found that transgender individuals generally show higher signs of eating disorders, with transgender men experiencing more symptoms than transgender women, who in turn show more symptoms than cisgender men. However, receiving gender-affirming treatment appears to help reduce these symptoms.
Who this helps: This benefits transgender patients and healthcare providers looking to understand and treat eating disorders in this population.
Deviating vital signs in continuous monitoring prior to discharge and risk of readmission: an observational study.
2023
Internal and emergency medicine
Songthawornpong N, Elvekjaer M, Mølgaard J, Rasmussen SM, Meyhoff CS +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how continuously monitoring vital signs before patients are discharged from the hospital affects the risk of them being readmitted within 30 days. Out of 265 patients, 51 (19%) were readmitted; however, the presence of abnormal vital signs wasn't linked to a higher chance of readmission—90% of the readmitted patients had at least one elevated vital sign, just like 85% of those who weren't readmitted. This matters because it highlights that while many patients show abnormal vital signs, these signs alone may not reliably predict who will need to return to the hospital.
Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by improving understanding of patient monitoring and discharge decisions.
The effect of technical filtering and clinical criteria on alert rates from continuous vital sign monitoring in the general ward.
2023
Hospital practice (1995)
Kjærgaard K, Mølgaard J, Rasmussen SM, Meyhoff CS, Aasvang EK
Plain English This study looked at how to reduce the number of alerts from machines that continuously monitor patients' vital signs, like heart rate and blood pressure, in a hospital ward. Researchers found that without any filter, patients received an average of 137 alerts per day. By using filters that removed incorrect data and adjusted for the seriousness of the readings, this number dropped significantly to just 19 alerts per day, meaning an alert reduction of over 86%. This matters because fewer alerts can help doctors focus on the most critical situations without being overwhelmed by unnecessary notifications.
Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by improving monitoring efficiency and reducing alert fatigue.
Continuous monitoring of vital sign abnormalities; association to clinical complications in 500 postoperative patients.
2022
Acta anaesthesiologica Scandinavica
Haahr-Raunkjaer C, Mølgaard J, Elvekjaer M, Rasmussen SM, Achiam MP +7 more
Plain English This study looked at how continuous monitoring of vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure can help identify serious complications in 500 patients who had major abdominal surgery. The researchers found that 37% of these patients experienced serious complications after surgery, with a notable proportion of those complications occurring while their vital signs were being monitored. Specifically, patients with high heart rates and low blood pressure during monitoring were more likely to face these complications, highlighting the importance of monitoring vital signs closely to prevent adverse outcomes.
Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from surgery and their doctors in managing care more effectively.
Wireless Single-Lead ECG Monitoring to Detect New-Onset Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients After Major Noncardiac Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study.
Plain English This study focused on patients aged 60 and older who underwent major gastrointestinal cancer surgery to see how often they developed a condition called postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF), which can lead to serious complications. Researchers found that 6.5% of the patients developed POAF after surgery, and about one-third of these cases were not identified by the clinical staff during their regular monitoring. Importantly, there was no clear link between low oxygen levels or other vital sign changes and the onset of POAF.
Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from major surgery and their doctors in identifying and managing potential complications after surgery.
Continuously monitored vital signs for detection of myocardial injury in high-risk patients - An observational study.
2022
Acta anaesthesiologica Scandinavica
Loft FC, Rasmussen SM, Elvekjaer M, Haahr-Raunkjaer C, Sørensen HBD +3 more
Plain English This study looked at high-risk patients who had major abdominal cancer surgery or were in the hospital for severe worsening of chronic lung disease to see if closely monitoring their vital signs could help detect heart injury earlier. The researchers found that out of 662 patients, 113 (17%) had heart injury, and those who experienced low levels of oxygen (below 85%) for longer periods were more likely to have heart issues—specifically, an average of 14.2 minutes of low oxygen levels was linked to a higher risk of heart injury. This matters because early detection of heart problems can lead to faster interventions, potentially saving lives.
Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing major surgeries and those with severe lung disease, along with their doctors who monitor their health.
Spatial analysis of photoplethysmography in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
2022
Scientific reports
Rasmussen SM, Nielsen T, Hager H, Schousboe LP
Plain English This study looked at a method called photoplethysmography, which uses video recordings to detect differences in blood flow between cancerous skin and healthy skin in people with squamous cell carcinoma. Researchers analyzed data from 11 patients and found that certain signal patterns in the videos corresponded with the size of the tumors, showing a moderate link between blood flow patterns and the cancer's characteristics. This discovery could help doctors better identify the edges of tumors during surgery, improving treatment outcomes while reducing unnecessary tissue removal.
Who this helps: Patients with squamous cell carcinoma undergoing surgery.
Clinical impact of vital sign abnormalities in patients admitted with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an observational study using continuous wireless monitoring.
2022
Internal and emergency medicine
Elvekjaer M, Rasmussen SM, Grønbæk KK, Porsbjerg CM, Jensen JU +6 more
Plain English The study examined how abnormal vital signs, like low oxygen levels and slow breathing rates, affected patients with worsening chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) while they were in the hospital. Out of 200 patients, 25% experienced serious health problems during their hospital stay. Those who faced these complications had more extended periods of abnormal vital signs, averaging about 455 minutes a day compared to 292 minutes for patients without serious issues, highlighting the importance of closely monitoring these patients’ vital signs.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with COPD and their doctors by emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring in hospitals.
Prediction of serious outcomes based on continuous vital sign monitoring of high-risk patients.
2022
Computers in biology and medicine
Kristinsson ÆÖ, Gu Y, Rasmussen SM, Mølgaard J, Haahr-Raunkjær C +3 more
Plain English This study examined how to better predict serious health events in high-risk patients after surgery by continuously monitoring their vital signs, like heart rate and blood pressure, using wearable devices. Researchers analyzed data from 292 patients and found that a machine learning model called Random Forest performed the best, correctly identifying patients who would face complications while maintaining a low error rate. This research is important because it could lead to early interventions that prevent avoidable deaths by identifying at-risk patients more accurately in real-time.
Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from surgery, doctors, and healthcare providers.
Effect of early two-dose measles vaccination on childhood mortality and modification by maternal measles antibody in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa: A single-centre open-label randomised controlled trial.
2022
EClinicalMedicine
Nielsen S, Fisker AB, da Silva I, Byberg S, Biering-Sørensen S +18 more
Plain English This study looked at the effects of giving children two doses of the measles vaccine at 4 and 9 months old compared to the standard single dose at 9 months. Researchers found that using the two-dose strategy did not significantly reduce child deaths between the ages of 4 and 60 months, with a slight increase in mortality in the two-dose group (90 deaths compared to 33). However, for children who received oral polio vaccines, the two-dose approach showed much higher mortality rates. Notably, children vaccinated at 4 months with early measles shots had 50% lower mortality if their mothers had measles antibodies.
Who this helps: This research benefits public health officials and vaccine program planners in improving vaccination strategies for children in West Africa.
Transcutaneous blood gas monitoring and tissue perfusion during common femoral thromboendarterectomy.
2022
Scandinavian journal of clinical and laboratory investigation
Sigvardt E, Rasmussen SM, Eiberg JP, Sørensen HBD, Meyhoff CS +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how well a method called transcutaneous monitoring (TCM) can track oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in patients undergoing major leg artery surgery. Researchers monitored ten patients and found that when the femoral artery was clamped, oxygen levels dropped significantly by an average of 2.1 kPa, but increased by 5.5 kPa right after the clamp was removed, showing that TCM can effectively detect changes in blood flow. Understanding these changes in real-time can help doctors make better decisions during surgery, potentially leading to improved recovery for patients.
Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing major vascular surgeries.
Forecasting of Continuous Vital Sign Using Multivariate Auto-Regressive Models.
2022
Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Annual International Conference
Rasmussen SM, Molgaard J, Haahr-Raunkjaer C, Meyhoff CS, Aasvang E +1 more
Plain English This study looked at a method to predict heart rate and breathing patterns in hospitalized patients after surgery. Researchers used data from eight patients to develop a forecasting model that predicts vital signs for 15-minute intervals. They found that their model showed an average error of 11.4 beats per minute for heart rate and 3.3 breaths per minute for respiration rate, which shows this method could be useful in hospitals.
Who this helps: This helps doctors monitor patients more effectively.
Prediction of Serious Adverse Events from Nighttime Vital Signs Values.
2022
Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Annual International Conference
Mayer L, Rasmussen SM, Molgaard J, Gu Y, Aasvang EK +2 more
Plain English This study examined how nighttime vital signs in patients who recently had surgery can predict serious complications. Researchers looked at data from 450 patients and created a model that correctly identified potential problems 75% of the time. This is important because it could help catch complications early, allowing for better patient care after surgery.
Who this helps: Surgeons and healthcare providers monitoring postoperative patients.
Agreement between standard and continuous wireless vital sign measurements after major abdominal surgery: a clinical comparison study.
2022
Physiological measurement
Haahr-Raunkjaer C, Skovbye M, Rasmussen SM, Elvekjaer M, Sørensen HBD +2 more
Plain English The study looked at how accurate new wireless devices are for measuring important vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure compared to traditional wired equipment in patients recovering from major abdominal surgery. They found that for heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, the wireless devices gave measurements that were mostly in agreement with wired ones, with 80% of values falling within acceptable limits. This is significant because it suggests that wireless monitoring could reliably detect patient changes outside of intensive care settings, improving early intervention.
Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from surgery and the doctors monitoring their health.
Asthma in elite athletes - do they have Type 2 or non-Type 2 disease? A new insight on the endotypes among elite athletes.
2022
Frontiers in allergy
Rasmussen SM, Hansen ESH, Backer V
Plain English This study looked at asthma in elite athletes to find out whether their condition is a standard Type 2 asthma or a different, non-Type 2 version. The researchers discovered that many athletes have traditional asthma linked to allergies, while others develop asthma later due to intense training, highlighting that there are at least two types of asthma present in these athletes. Understanding these different forms of asthma is important for better treatment and management of athletes' health.
Who this helps: This helps athletes and their doctors manage asthma more effectively.
The association between vital signs abnormalities during postanaesthesia care unit stay and deterioration in the general ward following major abdominal cancer surgery assessed by continuous wireless monitoring.
2022
Critical care and resuscitation : journal of the Australasian Academy of Critical Care Medicine
Skovbye M, Mølgaard J, Rasmussen SM, Sørensen HBD, Meyhoff CS +1 more
Plain English This study looked at whether problems with vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure, in patients after major abdominal cancer surgery can predict complications once they move to a regular ward. Researchers monitored 100 patients and found that while overall vital signs in the recovery area didn't predict issues in the ward, serious problems with circulation did suggest a longer duration of circulatory issues later on. This is important because it can help identify patients who may need closer monitoring after surgery to prevent complications.
Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from major abdominal cancer surgery and their doctors.
Penta-o-galloyl-beta-d-Glucose (PGG) inhibits inflammation in human rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts and rat adjuvant-induced arthritis model.
2022
Frontiers in immunology
Umar S, Singh AK, Chourasia M, Rasmussen SM, Ruth JH +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how a substance called penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose (PGG) can reduce inflammation in the cells of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and in a rat model of the disease. The researchers found that treating human RA cells with PGG significantly lowered the production of inflammatory chemicals IL-6 and IL-8, and in rats, PGG reduced disease severity after 10 days of treatment. This is important because it identifies a potential new way to treat RA through targeting specific cellular processes involved in inflammation.
Who this helps: This helps patients with rheumatoid arthritis seeking better treatment options.
Agreement between wireless and standard measurements of vital signs in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a clinical validation study.
2021
Physiological measurement
Elvekjaer M, Carlsson CJ, Rasmussen SM, Porsbjerg CM, Grønbæk KK +4 more
Plain English This study looked at how well wireless sensors measure vital signs compared to traditional wired devices in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). The findings showed that the wireless monitors accurately measured heart rate, with a very small bias of just 0.03 beats per minute. However, the measurements for blood pressure and respiratory rate were less reliable and should be used carefully.
Who this helps: This study benefits patients with AECOPD and their healthcare providers by suggesting improved monitoring options.
Plain English This study looks at how asthma in women is different from asthma in men. Researchers found that women experience asthma differently throughout their lives due to hormonal changes, and they are more likely to have severe asthma and be obese. This matters because understanding these differences can lead to better treatments and care for women with asthma.
Who this helps: This helps women with asthma and their healthcare providers.
Plain English This study tested a new video analysis method to help identify cancerous skin areas in patients with squamous cell carcinoma, a common type of skin cancer. Researchers studied 13 patients and found that the blood flow signals in cancerous areas were noticeably different from those in healthy skin. This is important because it could lead to better decisions on how much tissue to remove during surgery, reducing unnecessary damage to healthy skin.
Who this helps: This helps patients with squamous cell carcinoma by improving treatment outcomes and preserving healthy tissue.
Prediction of severe adverse event from vital signs for post-operative patients.
2021
Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Annual International Conference
Gu Y, Rasmussen SM, Molgaard J, Haahr-Raunkjar C, Meyhoff CS +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how wearable devices can be used to monitor vital signs in post-operative patients to predict serious health complications, known as severe adverse events (SAEs). Researchers analyzed data from 453 patients and found that their method had an average accuracy of 89%, with a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 93%, indicating it is effective at predicting potential health risks. This is important because it shows that continuous monitoring can help prevent serious complications after surgery.
Who this helps: This helps post-operative patients and their healthcare providers by enabling better monitoring and early intervention.
Semi-Supervised Analysis of the Electrocardiogram Using Deep Generative Models.
2021
Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Annual International Conference
Plain English This study focused on improving the way we identify atrial fibrillation (AF), a type of irregular heartbeat, using electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings. Researchers developed a new method that combines a type of deep learning model that doesn't need much labeled data with another model that does, allowing them to accurately classify AF using only 5% of labeled data, achieving an impressive accuracy of 98.7%. This is important because it means we can potentially diagnose AF more effectively and efficiently without needing a lot of costly labeled data.
Who this helps: This helps doctors who need reliable and quick ways to detect atrial fibrillation in patients.
Ruth JH, Gurrea-Rubio M, Athukorala KS, Rasmussen SM, Weber DP +13 more
Plain English This research studied a new cancer treatment involving a specific antibody called UMCD6 that targets a protein known as CD6. The findings showed that UMCD6 significantly improved the ability of immune cells to kill breast, lung, and prostate cancer cells, leading to more effective cancer cell death than traditional treatments that block certain immune checkpoints. This is important because it not only enhances cancer killing but also helps control autoimmune responses, making it a promising new approach for cancer immunotherapy.
Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients and doctors seeking more effective treatment options.
Attenuation of Murine Collagen-Induced Arthritis by Targeting CD6.
2020
Arthritis & rheumatology (Hoboken, N.J.)
Li Y, Ruth JH, Rasmussen SM, Athukorala KS, Weber DP +5 more
Plain English Researchers studied the role of a protein called CD6 in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to understand how it affects inflammation. They found that mice lacking CD6 had less joint damage and lower levels of inflammatory proteins compared to normal mice, indicating that targeting CD6 might help reduce arthritis symptoms. Specifically, reduced inflammation and joint damage were observed in CD6-deficient mice, and treatment with an antibody against human CD6 also lowered joint inflammation.
Who this helps: This research helps patients with rheumatoid arthritis and doctors looking for new treatment options.
Plain English This research studied how different immune cells can kill cancer cells using a special imaging system called IncuCyte. The scientists created a new, cost-effective way to label cancer cells with a red fluorescent protein, enabling them to track cell death and survival in real time. This method allows for easier and more diverse testing of immune responses against various types of cancer, which can lead to better treatments.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working to develop new cancer immunotherapies.
Effects of nicotinamide on spatial memory and inflammation after juvenile traumatic brain injury.
2019
Behavioural brain research
Smith AC, Holden RC, Rasmussen SM, Hoane MR, Hylin MJ
Plain English This study looked at how nicotinamide, a vitamin, affects memory and inflammation after head injuries in young rats. Researchers found that while nicotinamide did not help the rats recover better in terms of memory, it did reduce some signs of brain inflammation and slowed down brain tissue loss. This research is important because it shows that treatments effective for older animals may not work the same way for younger ones, highlighting the need for more studies focused on children and adolescents with traumatic brain injuries.
Who this helps: This helps patients with traumatic brain injuries, especially children and teens.
Utility of left atrial strain for predicting atrial fibrillation following ischemic stroke.
2019
The international journal of cardiovascular imaging
Rasmussen SMA, Olsen FJ, Jørgensen PG, Fritz-Hansen T, Jespersen T +2 more
Plain English This study looked at a group of 186 patients who had suffered an ischemic stroke to see how well a heart measurement called left atrial strain could predict whether they would develop paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) afterward. The researchers found that 15% of these patients were diagnosed with PAF, and significant differences were noted in the left atrial strain measurements between those with PAF and those without; specifically, the strain was lower in PAF patients (27% compared to 35% for non-PAF patients). This is important because it suggests that measuring left atrial strain can help identify stroke patients at higher risk for developing PAF, allowing for better monitoring and treatment.
Who this helps: This helps stroke patients and their doctors by improving identification of those at risk for atrial fibrillation.
Citrullinated Inhibitor of DNA Binding 1 Is a Novel Autoantigen in Rheumatoid Arthritis.
2019
Arthritis & rheumatology (Hoboken, N.J.)
Ohara RA, Edhayan G, Rasmussen SM, Isozaki T, Remmer HA +7 more
Plain English Researchers found that a protein called ID-1 becomes modified in rheumatoid arthritis patients' joints in a way that triggers the immune system to attack it—this modification doesn't happen in healthy people. When they removed ID-1 from arthritis cells in the lab, the cells produced more inflammatory chemicals and grew less, suggesting ID-1 normally helps control inflammation in the joint. ID-1 levels in patients' blood dropped after they received anti-inflammatory treatment, and three specific spots on the protein are responsible for triggering the immune attack.
**Why it matters:** This discovery identifies a new target that the immune system mistakenly attacks in rheumatoid arthritis, which could help explain why the disease develops and might lead to better treatments or diagnostic tests.
Association Between Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
2018
COPD
Rasmussen SM, Brok J, Backer V, Thomsen SF, Meteran H
Plain English This study looked at whether people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D). It analyzed data from seven studies with over 1.3 million participants and found that those with COPD had a 17% higher risk of T2D compared to those without COPD. However, when considering studies that used strict diagnostic guidelines for both conditions, the connection between COPD and T2D was not strong. Understanding this link is important for doctors to better manage the health of COPD patients and consider their risk for other diseases.
Who this helps: Patients with COPD and their doctors.
Effect of an Early Dose of Measles Vaccine on Morbidity Between 18 Weeks and 9 Months of Age: A Randomized, Controlled Trial in Guinea-Bissau.
2017
The Journal of infectious diseases
Do VA, Biering-Sørensen S, Fisker AB, Balé C, Rasmussen SM +5 more
Plain English Researchers in Guinea-Bissau studied the effects of giving an early dose of the measles vaccine to children at 18 weeks old, compared to the standard dose at 9 months. They found that children who received the early vaccine experienced fewer episodes of diarrhea, vomiting, and fever in the months following the vaccination. Specifically, the early vaccination reduced diarrhea by 11%, vomiting by 14%, and fever by 7%, indicating it can improve children's overall health during that time.
Who this helps: This helps young children and their families by reducing common illnesses.
[Enlarged vestibular aqueduct in a ten-year-old girl].
2017
Ugeskrift for laeger
Rasmussen SM, Johansen IR
Plain English This study looked at a ten-year-old girl who suddenly lost her hearing in one ear after already being deaf in the other ear. A scan showed she had an enlarged vestibular aqueduct, a condition that affects the inner ear, and she was treated with a cochlear implant to help her hear again. This finding highlights the need for doctors to use imaging tests like MRIs or CT scans when children experience sudden hearing loss, especially after an injury.
Who this helps: This helps children with sudden hearing loss and their doctors.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Enyindah-Asonye G, Li Y, Ruth JH, Spassov DS, Hebron KE +9 more
Plain English This study looked at a protein called CD318 and its relationship with another protein, CD6, which is important for regulating immune cells in autoimmune diseases. The researchers discovered that CD318 acts as a partner for CD6, and they found that removing CD318 in mice also helped protect them from an autoimmune disease, similar to mice without CD6. They also noticed that CD318 is often found in the joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis, making it a possible target for new treatments.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.
The effect of early measles vaccination at 4.5 months of age on growth at 9 and 24 months of age in a randomized trial in Guinea-Bissau.
2016
BMC pediatrics
Rasmussen SM, Biering-Sørensen S, Byberg S, Andersen A, Bjerregaard-Andersen M +4 more
Plain English This study looked at how giving an early measles vaccine at 4.5 months affects children's growth by the time they are 9 and 24 months old. Researchers followed 6,648 children in Guinea-Bissau and found that while there was no growth difference at 9 months, those who received the early vaccine had a larger arm measurement at 24 months—an increase of 0.08 cm compared to children who didn't get the early shot, with the effect being stronger in girls (0.12 cm). This matters because it suggests that early measles vaccination not only helps save lives but could also improve nutrition and growth in children, especially girls.
Who this helps: This benefits children, particularly girls in low-income countries.
Stable phenotype of B-cell subsets following cryopreservation and thawing of normal human lymphocytes stored in a tissue biobank.
2015
Cytometry. Part B, Clinical cytometry
Rasmussen SM, Bilgrau AE, Schmitz A, Falgreen S, Bergkvist KS +9 more
Plain English This study looked at how well B-cells, a type of immune cell, hold up after being frozen and thawed compared to fresh cells. Researchers found that there were no significant differences in the types of B-cells or their characteristics after cryopreservation, as only 16 out of over 18,000 genes showed any change. This is important because it shows that frozen B-cells can be reliably used for research without losing key information about their function.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and scientists studying immune responses and disease.
Impact of training status on LPS-induced acute inflammation in humans.
2015
Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
Olesen J, Biensø RS, Meinertz S, van Hauen L, Rasmussen SM +3 more
Plain English This study looked at how physical training impacts the body’s inflammatory response to a substance called lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Researchers found that while trained individuals showed a stronger inflammatory response in their muscles, the overall reaction in their body and fat tissue was slower compared to untrained individuals. This matters because it shows that regular exercise can influence how the body reacts to inflammation, which could have implications for recovery and health management.
Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those looking to improve recovery from injuries or infections.
Validation and implementation of a method for microarray gene expression profiling of minor B-cell subpopulations in man.
2014
BMC immunology
Bergkvist KS, Nyegaard M, Bøgsted M, Schmitz A, Bødker JS +13 more
Plain English This study developed and validated a new method to analyze specific types of B-cells in the human body, which are often present in very small numbers. Researchers optimized the process to reliably gather and amplify the genetic material from these cells and found that this method allows for accurate gene expression profiling. Notably, it showed a high correlation in gene expression results (r ≥ 0.9) and demonstrated improved RNA extraction efficiency when using specific storage techniques (p < 0.001). This research is important because it helps build a detailed map of B-cell genetics, which can enhance our understanding of immune function and disease.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers, doctors, and patients with immune-related conditions.
Stable Phenotype Of B-Cell Subsets Following Cryopreservation and Thawing of Normal Human Lymphocytes Stored in a Tissue Biobank.
2014
Cytometry. Part B, Clinical cytometry
Rasmussen SM, Bilgrau AE, Schmitz A, Falgreen S, Bergkvist KS +9 more
Plain English This study looked at how freezing and later thawing immune cells, specifically B cells, affects their characteristics. Researchers found that there were no significant changes in the types or features of these B cells after they were frozen, with only 16 out of more than 18,000 genes showing any changes. This is important because it means that frozen B cells can still be reliable for research without losing their essential qualities.
Who this helps: Patients and researchers studying immune responses.
Sarcoidosis. A clinical study with special reference to the choice of biopsy procedure.
1976
Acta medica Scandinavica
Rasmussen SM, Neukirch F
Plain English In this study, researchers looked at the medical records of 146 young male patients, mainly military personnel, suspected of having sarcoidosis based on chest X-ray findings. They found that 66% had a condition called bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, and 86 biopsies from 64 patients showed cellular structures called granulomas, which were more commonly found through scalene fat pad biopsies compared to liver biopsies. This study highlights the importance of choosing the right biopsy method for diagnosis, as scalene fat pad biopsies could still be useful despite being less common now.
Who this helps: This helps patients who might be diagnosed with sarcoidosis and their doctors in deciding the best biopsy method.
Plasma potassium and insulin during extracorporeal circulation using a glucose-containing pump prime.
1975
Scandinavian journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
Valentin N, Rasmussen SM
Plain English This study looked at how a glucose solution affects potassium levels in the blood during heart surgery where a machine temporarily takes over the heart's job. They found that even though insulin levels were high, glucose was cleared from the blood poorly during the surgery, and potassium levels dropped more quickly than during earlier tests. This is important because it shows that potassium changes during surgery aren't just linked to insulin, which helps doctors understand how to manage patients' health better during these procedures.
Who this helps: This helps doctors managing patients undergoing heart surgery.
Serum IRI in insulin-treated diabetics during a 24-hour period.
1975
Diabetologia
Rasmussen SM, Heding LG, Parbst E, Volund A
Plain English This study looked at how insulin levels fluctuate over a 24-hour period in two groups of diabetics—those who had just started insulin treatment and those who had been treated for more than two years. It found that the short-term insulin users had insulin levels similar to healthy individuals, while those with longer treatment and insulin antibodies had much higher levels, which were linked to more frequent low blood sugar episodes. This matters because it shows that long-term insulin use can lead to complications, like hypoglycemia, even if blood sugar levels seem normal.
Who this helps: This information is important for patients with diabetes and their doctors.
Plain English This study looked at the levels of C-peptide (a product of insulin production) and insulin in healthy people and those with diabetes after consuming a sugary drink. It found that people with maturity-onset diabetes had higher fasting C-peptide levels (0.86 nM) compared to healthy individuals (0.37 nM), indicating increased insulin production. Understanding these levels is crucial because it can help doctors better assess how effectively a person's pancreas is producing insulin, which is important for managing diabetes.
Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes and their doctors in monitoring and treating their condition more effectively.