DONNA LEE MCFADDEN, MD

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This study looked at how often doctors prescribe glucocorticoids (a type of steroid) to patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia who are not in intensive care, analyzing data from over 11,500 hospitalizations. It found that glucocorticoids were given to 11.1% of these patients, and their use increased from 10.0% in 2010 to 11.9% in 2020. However, patients who received glucocorticoids had a higher risk of dying while in the hospital, which raises concerns about their safety in these cases. Who this helps: This information is important for doctors treating pneumonia patients and can help them make safer prescribing choices.

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This study looked at the relationship between social support and trauma among imprisoned men in Northern Ireland. Researchers surveyed 384 men and found that, while most types of trauma didn’t reduce social support, those who had experienced crime-related trauma reported lower social support. This is important because a lack of social support can negatively affect their mental health and ability to reintegrate into society after release. Who this helps: This helps incarcerated men who have experienced crime-related trauma and may struggle with social support.

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This study looked at why many people with Medicare Part D do not switch their prescription drug plans or even compare them. It found that over half (53%) of beneficiaries made no comparisons between plans, and nearly all (98%) of those who did not compare also did not switch plans. This matters because understanding these barriers can help improve how these beneficiaries choose their drug plans, potentially leading to better health outcomes and cost savings. Who this helps: Patients relying on Medicare Part D for their prescription medications.

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Researchers looked at how men and women performed on the Test of Basic Auditory Capabilities (TBAC), which has 19 tasks for assessing hearing. They re-analyzed data from 340 people and found only small differences between men and women, indicating that gender does not greatly affect basic hearing skills. This is important because it shows that while there are some physical differences in hearing abilities, they don’t significantly impact how people of different sexes perform on auditory tasks. Who this helps: This helps audiologists and hearing specialists understand that gender has minimal impact on testing auditory capabilities.

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This research focused on improving a network called the ACT Network, which helps scientists access and use real-life health data from electronic health records (EHRs) for better medical research. The project, now called "Evolve to Next-Gen ACT" (ENACT), aims to learn from previous experiences to effectively manage relationships, engage users, and adapt to their needs. The findings emphasize the importance of building strong connections and understanding user needs to enhance research capabilities and support drug development. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and healthcare professionals aiming to develop new treatments and improve patient care.

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This study looked at how to improve treatment for forensic patients who have both mental health issues and substance use disorders. It found that when these patients receive focused substance use treatment alongside their mental health care, it leads to better recovery outcomes and lower chances of reoffending. Specifically, patients who get this combined treatment can expect improved wellbeing and better preparation for challenges after they leave the facility. Who this helps: This helps patients with mental health and substance use issues, as well as the doctors and care providers working with them.

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This study looked at how examining brains after death—whether fresh or preserved—affects the accuracy and safety of diagnosing brain conditions. Researchers found that many Canadian neuropathologists believe cutting into a brain that hasn’t been fully preserved leads to poorer quality diagnostic results. Specifically, out of 46 surveyed, 14 responded, and most agreed that examining unfixed brains is less accurate and poses more safety risks for professionals. Who this helps: This benefits neuropathologists and the patients they diagnose.

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Researchers looked at how well they could switch a Tai Chi program for older Veterans from in-person sessions to online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Out of 18 Veterans, 9 chose to take part in the virtual classes, attending an average of 11 classes each. These Veterans were generally younger and more likely to have the necessary technology compared to those who didn't participate, and the overall feedback was positive, with no major technical issues reported. Who this helps: This helps older Veterans who want to stay active and healthy while participating in Tai Chi from home.

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This study focused on improving how we check the quality of image sensors in cameras by using a type of light source called gaseous tritium. Researchers developed an easy and cost-effective method that includes a 3D-printed device and three inexpensive parts, allowing for accurate measurements of camera performance. This matters because having better quality checks can enhance research in labs that use these imaging technologies. Who this helps: This helps researchers and technicians working in microscopy and optical labs.

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This study looked at how factors like sex, race, and the menstrual cycle affected people's brain activity in response to sound, specifically focusing on auditory responses called ABRs and AMLRs in about 100 participants. Researchers found that there were significant differences between males and females in these responses, especially in the timing of the sound responses (latency), with the biggest difference being a 1.2 effect size in one response type. Interestingly, the menstrual cycle did not appear to affect these auditory responses as previously thought, and overall, performance in listening tasks did not have clear links to the brain measures. Who this helps: This research helps audiologists and researchers understand how auditory processing may vary by sex and race, which can improve evaluations and treatments for hearing issues.

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This study looked at how the experience level of veterinary sonographers affects the quality of abdominal ultrasound images for healthy dogs and cats. Nine sonographers with varying expertise performed ultrasounds on four animals, and their images were evaluated by experts. The results showed that there was no significant difference in image quality based on the sonographer's experience, with overall scoring averaging the same across all groups. Who this helps: This benefits veterinarians and their patients, ensuring that quality ultrasound diagnostics can be performed by anyone, regardless of their experience level.

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The study looked at why people who heard the gunshots during President John F. Kennedy's assassination disagreed on where the shooter was located, even though they generally agreed on how many shots were fired. Researchers found that the sound from the bullets created a shock wave that reached the witnesses before the sound of the gunfire, which confused their ability to pinpoint the shooter's location. This matters because it shows how human perception can be affected by sound, which can lead to different interpretations of the same event. Who this helps: This helps historians and investigators studying eyewitness testimony in traumatic events.

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This study looked at the mental health and work quality of health and social care workers in the UK at two different times during the COVID-19 pandemic. It found that their overall wellbeing and work quality got worse from early in the pandemic to later on, with significant declines noted. This information is important because it can help create better support systems for these workers during ongoing or future crises. Who this helps: Health and social care workers.

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This paper looks at new ways to treat small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which hasn't significantly improved despite advances in cancer treatment. Researchers found that while immunotherapy shows some promise, many patients either don't respond or face quick relapses, indicating a need for new treatment strategies. They also highlighted areas where more research is needed to help lower the death rate from this difficult-to-treat cancer. Who this helps: Patients with small cell lung cancer and their doctors.

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This study examined a rare tumor called paraganglioma that developed in the spermatic cord of a 55-year-old man who showed no symptoms. The research found that paragangliomas are uncommon, occurring in 3 to 8 cases per million people, with only 12 documented cases so far. Understanding this type of tumor is important because it helps doctors recognize and diagnose unusual growths in the groin area more effectively. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and patients facing unusual groin masses.

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This study focused on a rare disorder called Pallister-Hall syndrome, which often involves tumors in the hypothalamus. Researchers examined the case of a fetus with this syndrome and found a specific type of tumor that had characteristics different from more common hypothalamic tumors. They proposed a new way to classify these tumors, helping to clarify the differences between tumors associated with syndromes like PHS and those that occur on their own. Who this helps: This can benefit doctors and researchers by improving diagnosis and treatment for patients with hypothalamic tumors.

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This study examined how certain ear functions, called otoacoustic emissions (OAEs), relate to performance on common hearing tests in about 75 skilled participants. Researchers discovered that while some OAEs showed differences based on sex and race, they generally did not correlate strongly with how well participants performed on the hearing tasks; for example, there was no strong link between OAEs and detecting sounds in quiet environments. This matters because it suggests that the way people hear may depend more on brain processes rather than just the mechanical functions of the inner ear. Who this helps: This research benefits audiologists and hearing specialists.

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This study investigated how factors like sex, menstrual cycle, and race affect people's ability to hear and process sounds. Researchers tested around 75 listeners on seven hearing tasks; they found that listening abilities varied not only by sex and menstrual cycle but also significantly between White and Non-White listeners. For example, differences in performance were seen more clearly with White listeners than Non-White listeners, suggesting that race should be considered in future auditory research. Who this helps: This research benefits audiologists and researchers studying hearing and auditory performance.

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This research focused on congenital lung malformations, which are rare problems in the lungs that can be seen during pregnancy using ultrasound. The study introduced a straightforward system to classify these malformations, breaking them down into three groups based on what early tests show: solid or cystic malformations, hyperlucent lobes, and small lungs. This new classification is important because it simplifies research and improves decision-making for how to manage these conditions, leading to better outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with congenital lung malformations and their doctors.

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This study looked at how focusing on sounds or visuals affects the tiny sounds produced by the inner ear, known as otoacoustic emissions (OAEs). Researchers found that when people were paying attention, the OAEs were about 2-3 dB higher compared to when they were not focused. This matters because it shows that our brain's attention can influence ear responses, which could impact how we process sounds and improve auditory performance. Who this helps: This helps patients with hearing issues and researchers studying attention and auditory processing.

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This study looked at how people's personal beliefs about their life expectancy affect their saving and spending habits as they age. Researchers found that when older adults used their own expectations for how long they would live, rather than general statistics, it provided a better understanding of their wealth patterns. They discovered that many bequests—money or assets given after death—happen unexpectedly rather than being planned. Who this helps: This helps older adults who are making decisions about saving and spending, as well as their families who may receive these bequests.

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This study investigated how paying attention affects the noise levels in our ear canals while listening. Researchers found that when people focused on sounds, the noise from their ears was significantly lower—about 30% quieter—compared to when they weren't paying attention. Reducing this physiological noise can enhance our understanding of how the ear and brain work together to process sound, which is important for improving hearing assessments and treatments. Who this helps: This benefits patients with hearing difficulties and audiologists who test and treat them.

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This study looked at how focusing on visual tasks impacts the noise levels in the ear canals of people. Researchers found that when participants paid more attention to visual stimuli, the noise levels in their ears decreased significantly, with a strong effect size of over 2.0. This is important because it shows that our brain's focus can influence how our hearing works, which could have implications for understanding attention and sensory processing in both hearing and sight. Who this helps: This helps patients with hearing issues and doctors working in audiology and sensory processing.

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This study describes a new system called SCILHS designed to make healthcare research more efficient and accessible. It uses advanced technology to connect data from 10 health systems that care for over 8 million patients, allowing doctors and patients to easily participate in research while receiving care. This matters because it can lead to faster and better medical discoveries that directly benefit patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by improving the quality of healthcare research and access to information.

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This study examined how ear sounds (otoacoustic emissions or OAEs) and brain responses to sounds (auditory evoked potentials or AEPs) relate to gender differences in people with disorders of sex development (DSD). Researchers found that men with DSD and certain women produced fewer spontaneous ear sounds compared to typical females, and the number of these sounds was connected to their development of gender identity. However, brain responses did not show a clear link to gender or prenatal hormone exposure. This is important because it suggests that measuring ear sounds might help predict gender development in individuals with DSD. Who this helps: Patients with disorders of sex development and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a new way to temporarily replace missing upper side teeth (maxillary lateral incisors) in teenagers using small implants called miniscrew implants. Over eight years, it was found that this method effectively addresses the issue while avoiding the limitations of older treatments like using other teeth or dental restorations. This is important because it offers a reliable solution for young patients, allowing for better dental alignment and aesthetics during their growth. Who this helps: This benefits teenagers who have lost their upper side teeth and their orthodontists.

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This study investigated how a natural compound called pterostilbene affects breast cancer cells, specifically looking at its role in causing cancer cell death. The researchers treated two types of breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) with pterostilbene and found that it increased a protein called Bax, which promotes cell death, and led to higher levels of other proteins involved in this process. Overall, they discovered that pterostilbene effectively increased cell death in these cancer cells, which is significant because it shows a potential new way to treat breast cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients with breast cancer by providing insights into new treatment options.

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This study examined how well people’s hypothetical decisions about Medicare Part D (a program that helps older individuals pay for prescription drugs) matched their actual choices when the program was launched. Researchers found that hypothetical choices accurately predicted people’s willingness to pay for plans and provided insights into how different groups selected their insurance based on individual characteristics. This is important because it helps policymakers understand how to design better health insurance options that meet the diverse needs of consumers. Who this helps: This benefits policymakers and insurance providers by improving the design of Medicare plans.

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This study looked at how combining cytoreductive surgery with intraperitoneal chemotherapy affects survival rates in patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), a serious type of cancer. The analysis of 29 studies found that patients had better survival rates: about 77% for 3 years, 76% for 5 years, and 57% for 10 years. While this treatment might lead to more complications, the increase in survival makes it a promising option compared to just surgery alone. Who this helps: This benefits patients with PMP and their doctors.

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This paper looks at pterostilbene, a natural substance found in blueberries, and its ability to fight damage in the body caused by harmful molecules. Studies have shown that pterostilbene can help prevent and treat various diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, inflammation, heart disease, and diabetes. The findings suggest that pterostilbene may be an important dietary compound that could support health and improve disease outcomes. Who this helps: Patients looking for natural ways to enhance their health and manage chronic diseases.

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Researchers looked at how well people understand and choose Medicare Part D insurance plans for prescription drugs. They found that less than 25% of seniors pick plans that are as good as the cheapest option suggested by Medicare's Plan Finder tool, leading to an average extra spending of about $300 a year per person. This lack of effective plan selection indicates that many consumers may not be making the best choices based on cost alone. Who this helps: This helps seniors who rely on Medicare for prescription drug coverage.

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This review explores pterostilbene, a plant compound mainly found in blueberries, and its potential as a cancer-fighting agent. Research shows that pterostilbene can slow down cancer growth in lab models by interrupting cell cycles, triggering cancer cell death, and preventing the spread of tumors. It also seems to have minimal side effects and is absorbed better in the body compared to similar compounds. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients and researchers looking for new treatment options.

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This research studied how pterostilbene, a natural compound, affects pancreatic cancer cells. The findings showed that pterostilbene slowed down cancer growth in both lab tests and in mice, specifically increasing proteins that promote cell death and decreasing markers linked to tumor growth. This is important because it suggests pterostilbene could be a potential treatment option for slowing pancreatic cancer progression. Who this helps: This helps patients with pancreatic cancer and their doctors looking for new treatment options.

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This study looked at how the length of the cochlea (a part of the inner ear) relates to certain sounds the ear produces in response to noise. Researchers found that the connection between cochlear length and these sounds was weak, with the correlation values being low overall. Additionally, while there was a difference in cochlear length between male and female participants in one group, this did not change how ear sounds varied among individuals. Who this helps: This research helps audiologists and researchers better understand ear function and its possible variations among different groups.

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This study looked at whether using exenatide, a medication for type 2 diabetes, increases the risk of developing pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer. Researchers analyzed data from over 200,000 patients and found that only a small percentage used exenatide, and the rates of pancreatitis (0.247%) and pancreatic cancer (0.070%) were low, with no significant increase in risk for those taking the medication compared to those who did not. This matters because it provides reassurance to patients and doctors that exenatide does not appear to raise the risk of these serious conditions. Who this helps: Patients with type 2 diabetes using exenatide.

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This study looked at how well people can hear specific tones when other sounds are present, focusing on differences between sexes and races. Researchers found that females, particularly White women, were more affected by background noise, showing a larger drop in their ability to hear the target tone. The results revealed that for many listeners, the body’s natural sound response (measured by DPOAE) was not as connected to how they detected these tones as expected, especially in Non-White males. Who this helps: This research helps audiologists and hearing specialists better understand how different groups perceive sounds, which can improve hearing assessments and treatments.

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This study explored how pterostilbene, a compound found in blueberries, affects inflammation in pancreatitis, a painful condition that can damage the pancreas. The researchers found that pterostilbene significantly reduced the levels of harmful substances linked to inflammation, such as lipase and certain interleukins, by inhibiting a specific pathway in the cells involved in this process. These results indicate that pterostilbene could be a beneficial anti-inflammatory treatment for pancreatitis. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from pancreatitis.

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This study looked at a genetic variant (CPT1A p.P479L) in Indigenous infants from British Columbia that might be linked to higher rates of sudden infant death. Researchers found that this variant is common, especially in coastal regions, where it was present in nearly 25% of infants in some areas. They discovered that infants with two copies of this variant are almost four times more likely to experience sudden unexpected deaths. Who this helps: This research helps Indigenous communities, parents, and healthcare professionals by identifying genetic risks for infant mortality.

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This study examined how sexual orientation and sex might influence the auditory system, finding that newborn male infants have weaker hearing responses than females, and this difference continues throughout life. Additionally, the hearing responses of nonheterosexual females are weaker than those of heterosexual females, indicating they may have been exposed to higher levels of male hormones during development. Understanding these differences is important because it highlights how early biological factors may shape both sexual orientation and auditory characteristics. Who this helps: This research benefits patients, particularly those interested in understanding the connections between biology and sexual orientation.

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This study looked at how reliably we can measure the reflex responses of back muscles when they are suddenly loaded, like when someone pushes on the trunk. The researchers found that the reliability of these muscle response measurements was generally low, with scores ranging from 0 to 0.62, meaning there's a lot of variability. They discovered that averaging the scores from multiple muscles and trials could improve reliability, which is important for accurately understanding how our back muscles react to sudden movements. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and physical therapists who assess back muscle function in patients.

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This study focused on a baby girl who suffered from a rare condition called cardioencephalopathy caused by a defect in the COX15 gene. The infant experienced severe health issues, including brain and heart problems, and sadly passed away shortly after birth. Researchers found significant deficiencies in a crucial enzyme needed for energy production in her heart muscle, while the muscle tissue from her limbs showed only mild deficiencies. This research is important because it helps to understand the impact of COX15 gene mutations on severe health conditions in infants. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and researchers working to diagnose and treat similar genetic disorders in infants.

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This study looked at how spiritual beliefs might influence tobacco use among patients at the Mayo Clinic. It found that 48% of nonsmokers regularly attend church compared to only 24% of smokers, and 49% of nonsmokers engage in daily prayer or Bible study versus 24% of smokers. This information is important because it suggests that spiritual practices could play a role in helping people quit smoking. Who this helps: This benefits patients who want to stop smoking and may find support in spiritual practices.

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This study looked at how a substance called pterostilbene affects breast cancer cells that are stimulated by the hormone leptin, especially in the context of obesity. The researchers found that pterostilbene reduced the growth of these cancer cells and blocked the activation of a specific signaling pathway (JAK/STAT3) that leptin promotes, which is linked to tumor growth. This is important because it suggests that pterostilbene could be a potential treatment strategy for breast cancer in obese women by slowing down cancer progression. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially obese women at risk for breast cancer.