DR. BRENT A. LANCASTER, MD

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This study looked at how much horse owners know about taking care of their horses and what they think about requiring a certification for this knowledge. Of the nearly 1,800 horse owners surveyed, 52% had a current equine knowledge certificate, and 59% supported making this certification mandatory. It found that, on average, horse owners answered only 68% of the knowledge questions correctly, with many struggling particularly in understanding horse behavior and pain recognition, which can lead to poor care practices. Who this helps: This benefits both horse owners and the horses they care for.

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This study looked at how much time families spent in a telehealth program aimed at reducing obesity among children in rural areas. Out of 52 participants, most (64.4%) managed to complete at least 80% of the program, but older children, boys, Black children, and those from a specific site attended less than expected. Overall, the amount of time spent in the program did not lead to improvements in weight for the children or their caregivers. Who this helps: This helps families in rural communities who are struggling with obesity.

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This study looked at where rural children who are overweight or obese get their exercise and how much time they spend being active versus sitting around. Researchers found that on average, these kids got about 41 minutes of active play each day, primarily at school, but also spent a lot of time being sedentary—over 6 hours daily. This matters because it highlights the need for more opportunities for physical activity, particularly at home and in neighborhoods, to help improve the health of these children. Who this helps: This helps children living in rural areas, their families, and health professionals working to combat obesity.

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This study looked at the iAmHealthy program, which aims to help children in rural areas who are struggling with obesity and related mental health issues. The researchers found that children whose parents were involved in the program experienced significant reductions in depression, with 64 families participating in iAmHealthy showing positive changes compared to 84 families who received newsletters. It's important because improving mental health can help families cope better with obesity and create a healthier environment for children. Who this helps: This helps families with children facing obesity and mental health challenges.

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This study looked at why some rural schools decided to use a health program called iAmHealthy to help combat childhood obesity while others did not. Researchers interviewed 33 school representatives, discovering that although there is a clear need for such programs, many schools face challenges like not having enough resources and worrying about stigmatizing students. These findings highlight the importance of addressing these barriers to help more schools participate in health programs that can benefit families. Who this helps: This helps families and children struggling with overweight and obesity by encouraging schools to adopt effective health programs.

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This study looked at whether measuring children's height and weight through video calls could be as accurate as doing it in-person. They found that the differences in measurements between the two methods were small, with an average variation of just -2.1 to 1.7 kg for weight and -5.2 to 4.0 cm for height, meaning remote measurements are a valid option. This matters because it allows children in rural areas, who may struggle to attend in-person visits, to still participate in important health studies on obesity. Who this helps: Families in rural areas and healthcare providers working on childhood obesity.

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This study looked at a weight management program called iAmHealthy for rural children, comparing it to a standard newsletter. It found that children who participated in iAmHealthy did not experience increases in body weight (measured as BMI) over 20 months, while those in the newsletter group did see an increase. This matters because it shows that a tailored, remote program can help prevent weight gain in rural youth, addressing a significant health issue. Who this helps: This helps rural children and their families.

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Researchers created a simple questionnaire for horse owners to assess chronic pain from osteoarthritis in their horses. In a small pilot study, 84% of owners found the questionnaire easy to fill out, and it took less than 5 minutes to complete. Early results showed that horses with osteoarthritis scored higher on pain levels than healthy horses, indicating that the tool effectively measures pain. Who this helps: This benefits horse owners and veterinarians working to manage and improve the quality of life for horses with osteoarthritis.

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This study looked at how ionic liquids (ILs) affect a specific type of chemical reaction called the Cope rearrangement, which is not very polar. Researchers found that using the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide made the reaction happen 10 times faster than when using regular benzene. Understanding this effect is important because it can lead to more efficient chemical processes in various industries. Who this helps: This research benefits chemists and the chemical industry by improving reaction efficiency.

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This study looked at what questions people have about laryngeal conditions (like narrowing of the airway or vocal fold issues) when searching on Google, and whether the websites they find are trustworthy. Researchers found 144 common questions related to three conditions: subglottic stenosis, Zenker's diverticulum, and vocal fold paralysis. They discovered that most questions were about the causes and treatment options, with government websites providing the most reliable information. Who this helps: This benefits patients looking for accurate information about their laryngeal health.

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Researchers developed a new wearable ultrasound system that uses low-voltage technology to create real-time images of muscles and other tissues in motion. This system can image up to 6 cm deep with excellent clarity, achieving a high signal quality and resolution of 0.33 mm. This advancement is important because it makes ultrasound safer and easier to use for monitoring health and activity without the high risks associated with traditional high-voltage systems. Who this helps: This benefits patients and doctors by providing safer and more accessible tools for monitoring muscle and tissue health.

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This study looked at how different factors affect the accuracy of using weigh tapes to estimate horse body weight. Researchers found that weigh tapes generally underestimate a horse's weight, especially for heavier horses; for example, a half-point increase in the horse's body condition score led to an increase of about 1.24 kilograms in the weight estimate. Understanding these inaccuracies is important because it helps ensure proper medication dosages and feeding, which are crucial for horse care. Who this helps: This helps horse owners, veterinarians, and nutritionists.

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This study looked at how different strategies for getting schools involved in an obesity treatment program affected participation rates among kids in rural areas. Out of 395 contacted schools, 34 showed interest, 27 tried to recruit participants, and 18 successfully participated, with an overall enrollment rate of 21.6%. Schools using a "screen-first" approach (where all kids were screened for eligibility) had a higher participation rate (29.7%) compared to those that required parental consent first (13.5%), but the latter were better at recruiting at least five families. Who this helps: This helps families and children in rural areas struggling with obesity.

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This study looked at the levels of a specific enzyme, alkaline phosphatase, in patients who had weight-loss surgery called bariatric surgery. It found that 36% of patients had elevated levels three months after surgery, increasing to 43% by twelve months, suggesting a potential risk for gallbladder issues or bone problems. Understanding these findings is important because monitoring and addressing these elevated levels could help prevent serious health complications after surgery. Who this helps: This information benefits patients undergoing bariatric surgery and their healthcare providers.

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The study looked at burnout levels in pediatricians before and after the COVID-19 pandemic to see if things improved. It found that while overall burnout scores didn't change much, emotional exhaustion increased significantly, with 54% of pediatricians feeling this way after the pandemic compared to 35% before. This matters because high burnout can affect doctors' wellness and patient care, indicating a need for better support systems in healthcare. Who this helps: This helps pediatricians and ultimately their patients by highlighting the need for better mental health resources.

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This study looked at whether patients need to undergo mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) before bariatric surgery, like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. Researchers found that post-surgery complication rates were similar for patients who had MBP (12.7%) and those who did not (10.2%), with no significant differences in hospital stay or readmission rates. This matters because it suggests that skipping MBP may be just as safe and can make the surgical process easier for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing bariatric surgery by reducing unnecessary procedures.

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This study looked at how a new organized approach, called a standardized rounding tool, could help patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) who need breathing assistance from machines. Researchers found that using this tool led to a 24% decrease in the average time patients stayed in the ICU and a 46.3% reduction in the time they needed mechanical ventilation. This is important because it can help patients recover faster and reduce healthcare costs. Who this helps: This helps patients in the ICU and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how horses use their strength and body position to pull hay or haylage from nets hung at different heights. Researchers found that horses pulled harder when the haylage was in double-layered nets (averaging about 81 N) compared to single-layered nets (about 74 N). Additionally, when the nets were hung low, horses exerted more force, with maximum pulls reaching 144 N compared to 109 N from high nets. These findings are important because they can help improve feeding practices for horses, ensuring they get their forage in a way that is more comfortable and effective. Who this helps: This helps horse owners and caretakers.

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This study focused on updating the Veterans Health Administration's registry of Veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders to improve how data is collected and used. Researchers developed a new method that analyzes electronic medical records and successfully identified over 38,000 Veterans with these conditions, allowing for better management and care planning. This matters because it creates one of the largest datasets in North America, which can help improve treatment options and outcomes for Veterans. Who this helps: This benefits Veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders, their doctors, and researchers in the field.

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This study looked at how parents feel about a new approach to children's healthcare that combines physical and mental health services. It found that most parents are comfortable with this approach and support therapy for their children, but many have concerns about privacy and stigma around seeking psychological help. Specifically, while parents generally trust this integrated model, there's confusion about how evidence-based psychological treatments work. Who this helps: This benefits parents of children needing mental health support and healthcare providers working in integrated care settings.

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This study looked at how well primary care doctors used an electronic health record tool to help treat teenage depression. The findings showed that doctors used the tool to document treatment responses about 30% of the time and applied a specific depression intervention in about 10% of cases. The research highlights that training doctors increased their confidence in managing depression and shows that better documentation could make effective treatment for adolescent depression more accessible. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially teenagers struggling with depression, and their doctors.

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This study examined how different types of horseshoes and ground surfaces affect the movement of both horses and jockeys when galloping. Researchers found that using artificial surfaces caused the horse to sink more during impact, leading to an additional 5.7 mm downward movement for the horse and 2.5 mm for the jockey compared to turf surfaces. Understanding these effects is important because it can help improve the performance and stability of horses and jockeys, potentially reducing the risk of injuries. Who this helps: This benefits horse owners, trainers, and jockeys.

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This study looked at injuries caused by stand-up electric scooters (SES) in Indianapolis, focusing on 89 patients who went to the emergency department. The majority of these injuries happened on Saturdays and in the evening, with the most common injuries being abrasions and fractures, especially in the head and neck area. Notably, none of the injured riders were wearing helmets, and those with head and neck injuries were more likely to be older and intoxicated. Who this helps: This information is valuable for patients and city officials working on safety regulations.

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This study looked at how burnout affects pediatricians' ability to manage depression in teenagers. It found that pediatricians who felt more detached from their patients reported feeling less comfortable handling adolescent depression, while factors like emotional exhaustion didn’t show a clear link. This is important because if pediatricians are better supported, they might feel more confident and effective in treating their young patients’ mental health issues. Who this helps: This helps pediatricians and, in turn, their adolescent patients struggling with depression.

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This study looked at a program called Equine-Assisted Positively Fit (EAPF) that helps children with obesity. It involved eight sessions where kids interacted with horses, and the results showed that the two participants who completed the program lost fat and gained muscle, while also becoming more active; they reported feeling better about their ability to exercise. This matters because it suggests that working with horses can be a fun and effective way to encourage healthier habits in kids. Who this helps: This helps children with obesity and their caregivers.

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This study looked at a new tool called 'trove,' which is a memory box enhanced with technology that helps adopted children remember and share their care histories through special objects. The researchers tested ten of these troves with adopted children in England, allowing them to record their memories and connect them to meaningful items. This project is important because it helps children express their pasts and strengthens their sense of identity during a critical time in their lives. Who this helps: Adopted children and their caregivers.

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This study looked at whether Thoroughbred racehorses have a preference for using one leg when they start to gallop, analyzing 2,095 horses from races in the UK. It found that while 51% of horses led with their left leg and 49% with their right, there was no overall preference in the population. However, among individual horses, more mares showed a tendency to favor their left leg, indicating some variability in leg preference. Who this helps: This helps horse trainers and owners understand how leg preference may affect performance in races.

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This study looked at how primary care pediatricians feel about behavioral health services in clinics that have on-site providers compared to those that do not. It found that pediatricians prefer working with on-site behavioral health providers, reporting higher satisfaction and less time spent on non-medical guidance when these resources are available. Specifically, clinics with on-site providers had better ratings for service availability and resources. Who this helps: This benefits pediatricians and patients, particularly children needing behavioral health support.

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This study looked at how a treatment called OKT3 affects the chances of liver cancer coming back after a liver transplant. Researchers analyzed data from 173 patients and found that only 8.7% experienced a recurrence of cancer, and they discovered that larger tumors and how well tumors are differentiated negatively impacted cancer-free survival. Importantly, OKT3 therapy did not have any effect on cancer recurrence or patient survival. Who this helps: This research helps doctors making treatment decisions for liver transplant patients with cancer.

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Researchers found a new type of drug that protects brain cells, specifically those in the hippocampus, which is important for memory. This drug, named CFM1178, was shown to effectively block specific sodium channels in brain cells, similar to an existing drug called sipatrigine but with less side effects. These findings are significant because they could lead to better treatments for conditions that damage brain cells, like epilepsy or neurodegenerative diseases. Who this helps: This helps patients with neurological disorders and their doctors by providing new treatment options.

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This study examined how certain proteins in the brain affect the behavior of neurons in rats, specifically looking at a process that helps regulate neuron activity. Researchers found that specific protein pathways, particularly involving a protein called PKC and another pathway called cAMP/PKA, are crucial for how kainate receptors influence neuron activity. They discovered that blocking these pathways can prevent the normal actions of kainate receptors, suggesting a complex interaction that lasts longer than initially thought. Who this helps: This research benefits neurologists and researchers studying brain function and potential treatments for neurological conditions.

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Researchers studied how calcium affects brain cells, specifically looking at a process called slow afterhyperpolarization (sAHP), which influences how likely these cells are to fire again after being activated. They found that hippocalcin, a protein that binds to calcium, plays a crucial role in creating this sAHP. This discovery, which identifies the specific mechanism behind a long-known process, is important for understanding brain function and could have implications for treating neurological conditions. Who this helps: This helps patients with neurological disorders.

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This study looked at how a molecule called cyclic AMP (cAMP) influences the activity of ion channels in brain cells, specifically in rat hippocampal neurons. The researchers found that a quick increase in cAMP can completely stop a type of potassium current that regulates neuron firing, typically within just 1.5 to 2 seconds. This rapid response shows how important cAMP signaling is for maintaining proper communication between neurons, which could affect how information is processed in the brain. Who this helps: This helps patients with conditions related to brain signaling, such as anxiety or depression.

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This study looked at the first five years of a group focused on improving health practices called the Circle of Research and Practice. Researchers found that key areas that need more work include better communication, making information more accessible, building trust in research, and managing people's expectations. Addressing these gaps is crucial for ensuring that research effectively impacts health practices. Who this helps: This benefits health professionals and organizations working to improve community health initiatives.

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In this study, researchers looked at how a molecule called nitric oxide (NO) affects NMDA receptors, which are important for communication between brain cells. They found that increasing or decreasing NO levels did not change the activity of these receptors, even with high amounts of NO added. This means that while NO is known to have effects on brain signaling, it doesn't inhibit NMDA receptors as previously thought unless other specific conditions are met. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and doctors studying brain function and potential treatments for neurological conditions.

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This study looked at how a brain chemical called glutamate affects the electrical activity of neurons through certain receptors (kainate receptors). The researchers found that when glutamate is released during communication between nerve cells, it can change how excited these cells are by reducing a specific current (the afterhyperpolarization) that usually calms them down. This is significant because it shows a new way that nerve activity can be regulated, which could help our understanding of learning and memory processes in the brain. Who this helps: This benefits patients with neurological conditions and researchers studying brain function.

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This study focused on creating a program to improve leadership skills among health educators across the U.S. Over 15 months, participants will engage in a planned training program designed with key elements to enhance their effectiveness. This is important because strong leadership in public health can lead to better health outcomes in communities. Who this helps: Health educators looking to improve their leadership skills.

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This study examined a specific electrical activity in neurons called slow after-hyperpolarizations (sAHPs), which occur after action potentials and are linked to calcium levels in cells. Researchers found that while the presence of these sAHPs is well recognized in both peripheral and central nervous systems, there is still no agreed-upon understanding of which specific ion channels are responsible for them. This matters because knowing the exact channels involved in sAHPs could improve our understanding of neuron function and potentially lead to better treatments for neurological disorders. Who this helps: This helps neurologists and researchers working on treatments for brain and nerve-related conditions.

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Researchers studied how a specific type of receptor in brain cells called kainate receptors affects the cells' ability to respond to signals and manage electrical activity. They found that activating these receptors causes a lasting reduction in a potassium current in CA1 pyramidal cells, making these cells more excitable. This is important because it helps explain why increasing activity of these receptors can lead to seizures. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with epilepsy and other neurological disorders.

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This study looked at how specific electrical signals in brain cells interact with a potassium current that helps regulate their activity. Researchers found that when they blocked the afterhyperpolarization current (sAHP), the signals from exciting inputs (EPSPs) became stronger and lasted longer. Specifically, they used a chemical called isoprenaline to show that this effect happens without needing brain cells to fire action potentials. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and researchers studying brain function and treating neurological conditions.

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This study looked at how two types of chemicals, diazo-2 and dibromo BAPTA, affect the electrical activity of specific brain cells in rats. Researchers found that these chemicals caused a significant change in the cells' electrical currents, with dibromo BAPTA leading to a strong outward current of hundreds of picoamps. This is important because it shows that certain chelators can activate potassium channels in a way that doesn't depend on raising calcium levels, offering new insights into how these channels work in the brain. Who this helps: This research helps scientists and neurologists better understand brain cell functions and potential treatments for neurological conditions.

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This study examined health programs in US cities between 1980 and 1995 that aimed to prevent heart disease, substance abuse, violence, and HIV infection, particularly among low-income residents. The researchers found that while many programs successfully reached diverse groups and followed some health promotion principles, most lacked community involvement, did not last long enough, or failed to address specific local needs. This matters because improving the health of urban populations can significantly reduce disease and violence in these communities. Who this helps: This helps low-income city residents and public health officials.

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This study looks at how the CDC is focused on improving health in urban areas, especially for poor and underserved populations. They have set five main goals: improve public health services, respond to health threats, create a prevention network, promote women’s health, and invest in youth. Achieving these goals is essential because urban areas face significant health challenges, and the CDC is committed to working with various partners to tackle these issues. Who this helps: This benefits urban residents, especially those from low-income communities.

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This study looked at women veterans in the U.S. who were hospitalized for alcohol dependence, examining their age, ethnicity, and health issues to improve treatment services. Out of 854 women, only 47% received formal treatment for alcohol dependence, and just 34% completed it. Notably, women over 60 were less likely to engage in treatment, while Native-American women were more likely to receive it compared to others. This research highlights the importance of tailoring treatment approaches for different groups of women veterans to ensure they get the help they need. Who this helps: This study benefits women veterans struggling with alcohol dependence, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

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This study looked at how a specific peptide can boost signals from NMDA receptors, which are important for brain communication, in rat brain slices. The researchers found that this peptide increased NMDA receptor activity by enhancing synaptic currents, while similar peptides without the right chemical structure did not have the same effect. This is important because it shows how activating tyrosine kinases can strengthen brain signaling and might help us understand treatments for conditions like memory disorders. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and potentially patients with memory-related issues.

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This study looked at how certain proteins in the brain are important for a process called long-term depression (LTD), which helps manage communication between brain cells in the cerebellum. Researchers found that blocking two specific proteins, known as protein-tyrosine kinases, prevented LTD from occurring, showing that these proteins are essential for this brain function. Specifically, they observed that the inhibitors they used blocked the LTD when brain cell activity was stimulated together, highlighting the role of these kinases in keeping brain circuits flexible and functional. Who this helps: This research helps neuroscientists and doctors understand how brain signaling works, which can be crucial in treating conditions that affect motor control and coordination.