DR. DALE PATRICK DENNING, MD

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This study focuses on finding new ways to help adults with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) using mindfulness-based neurofeedback along with existing therapy called dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Researchers will randomly assign 52 participants to receive either real or fake neurofeedback sessions before they begin a 6-month DBT program. They aim to see if real neurofeedback improves brain activity related to mindfulness and increases participants' self-reported mindfulness. Who this helps: This helps patients with Borderline Personality Disorder.

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The Indian Fungal Infection National Declaration (I-FIND) focuses on addressing the rising threat of serious fungal infections in India, which affect about 4.1% of the population and have a mortality rate nearing 50% for severe cases. The initiative aims to improve how these infections are handled by prioritizing them in public health efforts, identifying high-risk groups, and strengthening areas like surveillance, diagnostics, treatment, and public awareness. By implementing a structured action plan over the next five years, it seeks to reduce both the suffering and death caused by these infections. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially those with weakened immune systems or chronic health issues, as well as healthcare providers.

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This study explored how to use a technique called Raman Spectroscopy to track viral infections in laboratory-grown cells, specifically focusing on the Sendai Virus in monkey kidney cells. The researchers found clear differences in the chemical makeup of infected cells versus uninfected ones, with 100% accuracy in distinguishing between them. This method is important because it can help scientists better understand how viruses replicate and potentially lead to improved ways to detect and manage viral infections. Who this helps: This helps researchers and healthcare professionals working on viral diseases.

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This study looked at how robotic surgery can improve the visibility of a specific duct in the body called the duct of Luschka during gallbladder removal surgery. The researchers successfully used advanced robotic tools to see and manage this duct clearly, which is important for preventing complications like bile leaks. This improvement in visualization can lead to safer surgeries and better outcomes for patients. Who this helps: Patients undergoing gallbladder surgery.

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This study looked at injuries to the diaphragm that happen after severe chest or abdominal trauma. Researchers found that some injuries might not be noticed right away and can lead to serious complications later. They saw cases where individuals developed delayed hernias years after their initial injury, emphasizing the need for regular checkups for those most at risk. Who this helps: This helps patients who have suffered chest or abdominal injuries and their doctors in managing long-term recovery.

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Researchers studied a new treatment approach for adults with borderline personality disorder (BPD), which is a serious mental health issue linked to high suicide risk and relationship problems. They tested a mindfulness-based neurofeedback technique on 52 participants, where one group received real neurofeedback and another received a placebo. The goal was to improve connections in the brain associated with mindfulness and help patients better manage their symptoms. Who this helps: This benefits adults with borderline personality disorder.

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This study looked at how long older adults (aged 65 and up) stay in the hospital after suffering burn injuries in Appalachia. It found that, on average, patients stayed for 11.7 days, with those who had inhalation injuries or severe burns staying about 8 days longer. Understanding these factors is important because it can help improve recovery care and reduce hospital stays for elderly burn patients in areas with limited resources. Who this helps: This benefits elderly burn patients and the healthcare providers caring for them.

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This study looked at factors that affect how long burn patients stay in the hospital, particularly in Appalachia, where healthcare resources are limited. Researchers analyzed data from 748 burn patients and found that the length of stay increased significantly with the amount of skin burned, the duration of ventilation support, and whether the patient had inhalation injuries. Specifically, for every extra day on a ventilator, patients stayed about 1.25 days longer in the hospital, and those with inhalation injuries stayed an average of six days longer. Who this helps: This helps burn patients and their families by improving care and planning for hospital stays.

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This study looked at factors that lead to longer hospital stays for children with burn injuries in a rural burn unit. Researchers found that younger patients and those with more severe burns, especially from flames, stayed in the hospital longer, with the average stay being about 3.1 days. For instance, each additional year of age added roughly 0.15 days to their hospital stay, and a larger burn area increased the stay by about 0.13 days for every 1% increase in the size of the burn. This research helps healthcare providers better understand which pediatric burn patients are at risk for longer hospital stays, so they can provide earlier and more effective care. Who this helps: Patients and their families dealing with burn injuries.

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This study looked at 748 adults with burn injuries treated in West Virginia's only Burn Intensive Care Unit over six years. It found that the overall death rate was 3.6%, with higher deaths among older patients and those with larger burns, inhalation injuries, or serious health issues like diabetes and smoking history. These results underscore the importance of tailoring burn treatment to the specific needs of patients, especially in rural areas where medical resources are limited. Who this helps: Patients with burn injuries in rural and underserved regions.

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This study looked at various fungal infections diagnosed in Ghana over ten years, finding 107 cases of mycoses, with patients ranging from 4 to 86 years old. The most common site of infection was the sinuses, and types of fungal infections included aspergillosis and candidiasis, among others, with only a small number of cases showing prior suspicion of fungal infection. This is important because it shows a diverse range of fungal diseases that need better diagnostic methods to ensure timely and accurate treatment. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers in Ghana to improve patient diagnoses and treatment for fungal infections.

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This study looked at whether doing a CT scan of the face is worth the cost and risks when older patients (65 and up) have facial injuries. Researchers analyzed data from 169 patients and found that using both a CT scan of the head and the face revealed an average of 2.42 injuries compared to just 1.36 injuries when only the head was scanned. This means that not doing a face scan can lead to missing significant injuries, which can be serious for older patients, making it essential to include a CT scan of the face in their examination when facial fractures are suspected. Who this helps: This helps older patients with facial injuries.

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This study looked at how severe burn injuries affect older patients, particularly those over 65 years old, living in the Appalachian region, where access to burn care is limited. Researchers analyzed data from 198 elderly patients and found that those with larger burns (measured by total body surface area) had a higher risk of complications and were more likely to suffer from chronic lung diseases like COPD and have inhalation injuries. Importantly, the study revealed an annual death rate of 14 people per 100 elderly burn victims in this area, highlighting the serious risks this population faces. Who this helps: This research benefits elderly patients with burn injuries and the healthcare providers caring for them.

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This study looked at a 74-year-old man who had a rare condition called gallstone ileus, where a gallstone blocks the intestine. He had been feeling nauseous, vomiting, and constipated for two weeks, and a scan showed a gallstone causing the blockage. Doctors successfully removed the stone using a robotic surgery technique, and the patient recovered without any problems. Who this helps: This benefits patients with gallstone-related intestinal blockages and their doctors.

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This study looked at how people stop their movements, distinguishing between planned and unplanned stops. The researchers created a new test that showed people stopped more quickly when they had a plan compared to when they had to react unexpectedly, with participants stopping about 30% faster on planned stops. Understanding how these stopping behaviors work is important because it helps in studying how our brains control movement and can lead to better treatments for conditions that affect motor control. Who this helps: This helps patients with movement disorders and their doctors.

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This study looked at the community's thoughts on starting a new training program for surgeons in rural Appalachia, where surgical care is often hard to access. Researchers surveyed 430 local stakeholders and found that over 90% supported having a local residency program, and 96% believed it would improve access to surgical care in their area. This matters because it indicates strong community backing for developing local medical training, which can lead to better healthcare options and fewer people needing to travel for surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients in rural areas who need surgical care.

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This study looked at how collagen, a key protein in our bodies, behaves under different humidity levels to see if it can generate electrical signals, a feature known as piezoelectricity. Researchers found that collagen can still produce electrical signals even at moist levels similar to those found in healthy bones. Specifically, they examined humidity levels from 10% to 70% and confirmed that collagen's piezoelectric properties persist within these ranges, highlighting its potential importance in bone health. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors interested in bone health and tissue engineering.

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This study looks at a rare condition called a urachal cyst in an adult, which can sometimes lead to other complications like an umbilical hernia. The researchers examined a 39-year-old man who had both an umbilical hernia and a ruptured urachal cyst, and they found that this combination is very uncommon. After treatment, which involved removing the cyst and repairing the hernia, they noted that urachal cysts occur in about 2% of adults, and over half of the samples can have serious risks, like cancer. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients by raising awareness of potential complications and the need for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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This study looked at a specific gene called GPR151 to see if it could be a good target for drugs aimed at reducing body weight and the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Researchers found several variants of this gene in a large Pakistani group but discovered that people with these variants did not show significant differences in body weight or metabolic health. This is important because it suggests that blocking GPR151 is not a promising way to treat obesity. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers looking for effective treatments for obesity and related health issues.

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This study looked at how surgical treatment for broken ribs affects recovery in patients at a rural trauma center. Researchers found that while surgery did lead to lower death rates (with fewer deaths compared to non-surgical patients), it did not improve the time patients spent on breathing machines or in the hospital. Specifically, the surgery group had a mortality rate that was lower than non-surgical patients, but they took longer to recover in terms of ICU and total hospital stays. Who this helps: This helps trauma patients who suffer from severe rib fractures by providing insights into the benefits and risks of surgical treatment.

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This study, called BronchUK, is looking into bronchiectasis, a lung condition that hasn't been well-studied or treated. The researchers plan to collect data from at least 1,500 patients across multiple hospitals over five years, focusing on patients' medical history, lung function, and quality of life. By gathering this information, they aim to improve understanding and treatment of bronchiectasis, which currently varies widely among different healthcare providers. Who this helps: This benefits patients with bronchiectasis and their doctors by providing better insights into the disease and helping to standardize treatment.

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This study looked at histoplasmosis, a fungal infection, in children and found that it is more common in those without HIV/AIDS. Out of 1,461 reported cases of pediatric histoplasmosis from 1939 to 2021, 97.1% occurred in children without HIV. This matters because it highlights the need for doctors to consider histoplasmosis in children with specific health conditions, even if they do not have HIV/AIDS. Who this helps: This helps pediatricians and healthcare providers in diagnosing and treating young patients with various health issues.

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This study examined how often and how many people die from liver, pancreas, and bile duct cancers between 1990 and 2017. It found that worldwide cases of these cancers overall increased by about 1.43%, reaching over 1.4 million cases, while cases of certain types like biliary and gallbladder cancers actually decreased slightly. Understanding these trends helps health officials create better prevention and treatment strategies tailored to specific regions where these cancers are more common. Who this helps: This helps patients, healthcare providers, and public health policymakers.

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This study looked at how different factors like age, sex, and the severity of snake bites affect recovery from copperhead snake venom, especially comparing patients treated with a specific antidote (antivenom) to those who weren't. Researchers found that 72 bite victims mostly recovered similarly, but males recovered a bit better than females, with average recovery scores of 6.18 for males compared to 4.99 for females. This research is important because it helps us understand how different groups might recover from snake bites and guides effective treatment approaches. Who this helps: This helps patients who are bitten by copperhead snakes and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the knowledge and awareness of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) among resident doctors in Nigeria, finding that while 79.7% of the 1,046 doctors surveyed had some knowledge of IFIs, only 2 doctors (0.002%) had a good understanding of them. The study also revealed that only a few doctors had encountered many cases of IFIs; for instance, just 4 doctors had seen more than 10 cases. This matters because better training and awareness could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, improving patient outcomes for those suffering from these infections. Who this helps: This helps patients with invasive fungal infections by ensuring their doctors are better prepared to diagnose and treat their condition.

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This study looked at how to better treat cryptococcal meningitis, a serious infection often found in people with HIV in low-income and middle-income countries. Researchers found that a 1-week treatment plan combining amphotericin B and flucytosine leads to a 10-week survival rate of 76%, while a 2-week plan with fluconazole and flucytosine has a 65% survival rate. These findings are important because the usual treatment with fluconazole alone has a much higher mortality rate of about 70%, showing that better treatment options could save many lives. Who this helps: This helps patients living with HIV and cryptococcal meningitis.

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This study looked at how adenoviruses change and become ready to deliver their genetic material into cells. The researchers found that immature adenoviruses are surprisingly similar in strength to mature ones, but they disassemble differently. Specifically, the mature virus sheds parts in a set order which helps it infect cells more efficiently, unlike the immature virus that breaks down chaotically. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors developing improved gene therapies.

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This study looked at how obesity affects older adults who suffer from blunt trauma, like falls. The researchers found that from 1990 to 2015, the number of elderly people facing these injuries increased significantly: globally by 78%, in the United States by 55%, and in West Virginia by 43%. Despite this, being obese did not increase the death rate for elderly trauma patients in a regional hospital, as both obese and non-obese groups had similar rates of survival and health conditions. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors and healthcare providers working with older patients who have experienced falls.

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This study looked at how well the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) measures recovery and quality of life for patients who have been bitten by snakes. Researchers analyzed data from 86 patients and found that the PSFS is reliable and valid, with strong internal consistency and good stability over time. The PSFS showed significant improvement scores, going from an average of 5.37 on day 3 to 9.12 by day 10, and it can detect meaningful changes in patient recovery, with a minimal important difference of about 1 point. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from snake bites by providing a reliable way to measure their functional improvement.

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This study looked at how body weight, specifically obesity, affects outcomes for adults who suffer blunt trauma injuries, like those from falls or car accidents. Researchers found that between 1990 and 2015, the number of injuries from falls increased as obesity rates went up, and obese patients had a higher death rate from these injuries—2.4% for obese patients compared to 1.2% for non-obese patients. This is important because it highlights the growing risks linked to obesity in trauma situations and suggests that effective weight management could improve survival rates and hospital stays for injured individuals. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those who are obese, and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at serious fungal infections in Pakistan to understand how widespread the problem is, especially among high-risk groups like those with tuberculosis, diabetes, and HIV. Researchers estimated that about 3.3 million people in Pakistan, or 1.78% of the population, suffer from a serious fungal infection. Specifically, rates of severe fungal infections like Candida and mucormycosis were found to be significantly high, at 21 and 14 cases per 100,000 people, respectively. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with weakened immune systems and healthcare providers by highlighting a pressing public health issue in Pakistan.

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This study looked at serious fungal infections in the Philippines, a country where such infections haven't been thoroughly tracked before. It found that about 1.85 million people, or 1.9% of the population, suffer from these infections each year, with common types including vulvovaginal candidiasis affecting nearly 1.5 million women and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis impacting over 121,000 individuals. Understanding the scope of these infections is crucial for ensuring that patients receive the right care and that resources are allocated effectively. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with fungal infections, healthcare providers, and public health policymakers.

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This study looked at a 68-year-old woman with a weakened immune system who developed a brain infection caused by a fungus called aspergillus. After receiving a biopsy and starting treatment with an antifungal drug called voriconazole, she switched to another antifungal, posaconazole, due to some side effects. She has been improving, and her white blood cell count is recovering, which is important for her overall health. Who this helps: This helps patients with compromised immune systems who are at risk for serious fungal infections.

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This study looked at whether an antivenom called CroFab helps people recover better from injuries caused by copperhead snake bites. Researchers found that, 14 days after treatment, patients given the antivenom scored an average of 8.6 on a scale measuring limb function, compared to 7.4 for those who received a placebo, suggesting a small but significant improvement. This matters because it shows that the antivenom can reduce disability from snake bites, which can be quite painful and limiting. Who this helps: This research helps patients who are bitten by copperhead snakes.

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This study looked at the piezoelectric properties of collagen fibers from rat tail tendons, examining them at tiny scales. The researchers found that the piezoelectric response of individual collagen fibrils is about ten times stronger than what has been measured in larger tendon samples, because the orientation of the fibrils affects their ability to generate electrical charge. This discovery is important because it can improve our understanding of how tendons work and could influence treatments for tendon injuries. Who this helps: Patients with tendon injuries and doctors treating them.

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This study focused on a 25-year-old woman who had serious eye and bone infections caused by a fungus called Candida. After initially misdiagnosing her eye problem, doctors discovered she had a genetic condition (CARD9 deficiency) that made her vulnerable to these infections, ultimately leading to vision loss and a hip replacement. This matters because it highlights the importance of identifying genetic factors that can predispose individuals to severe infections, allowing for more effective treatments and preventive measures. Who this helps: Patients with genetic vulnerabilities to fungal infections.

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This research reviewed how different physical features of surfaces—like their texture, hardness, and chemical makeup—affect how cells behave. The findings show that these surface characteristics can significantly alter cell movements, growth, and interactions. Understanding these effects is important because it helps scientists design better materials for medical applications, such as improving tissue engineering and developing targeted therapies. Who this helps: This benefits researchers, medical professionals, and patients needing advanced treatments and tissue repairs.

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This study looked at how best to manage surgical patients with blood disorders who need blood transfusions. It found that giving platelets and fresh frozen plasma along with packed red blood cells improves outcomes for patients who need a lot of blood, but there are risks, such as serious lung problems and worse cancer results after transfusions. Understanding these risks is important for improving the care of these patients during surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients with blood disorders and their doctors.

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This study looked at rare injuries to the common bile duct caused by blunt force trauma, which can happen during accidents like car collisions. It reported on a 46-year-old man who was in a serious car crash and ended up with a partially torn bile duct, which was only found during surgery for another injury. After the surgery, the doctors placed tubes to help drain bile, and the patient recovered fully after 54 days, highlighting the importance of recognizing these less obvious injuries in trauma patients. Who this helps: This helps patients who have experienced blunt trauma and may have hidden injuries.

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This study looked at special membranes made from aligned collagen, which is a key protein in our bodies. The researchers found that when these membranes were adjusted from acidic to neutral conditions, a significant change occurred in their structure and electrical properties, especially in the transparent membranes, increasing their piezoelectric response by 35%. This is important because these piezoelectric properties can affect how cells interact with their environment, potentially influencing tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Who this helps: This helps patients requiring tissue repair and regeneration, as well as doctors working in regenerative medicine.

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Researchers studied how fungal infections affect people with HIV and found that these infections are a major but often overlooked problem for patients. They identified urgent needs such as better tracking of infections, more access to tests and treatments, enhanced training for healthcare professionals, and increased funding for research, especially in developing countries. Addressing these issues is crucial to reducing the illness and deaths caused by fungal infections in people living with HIV. Who this helps: Patients with HIV and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how well a specific biomarker called galactomannan stays stable when stored frozen at -20°C, which is important for diagnosing a fungal infection called aspergillosis. The research found that galactomannan did not lose its effectiveness in samples stored for up to 11 months and that 28 out of 30 samples remained positive after being frozen for 5 years. This is significant because it means that frozen samples can reliably be used for diagnosing this infection over long periods of time. Who this helps: Patients with aspergillosis and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at a healthy man who developed a serious lung infection after using mouldy tree bark for gardening. Four weeks later, he suffered from severe kidney damage due to an immune reaction that led to kidney failure, ultimately resulting in his death ten months after the infection. This is important because it highlights how exposure to certain molds can trigger serious, lasting health problems, even in people without prior health issues. Who this helps: This information is valuable for patients and doctors concerned about the risks of mold exposure, particularly in gardening and landscaping.