ELEAZAR P. BRIONES, MD, FACS

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This study examined how often children in Ecuador showed violent behavior towards their parents and how this behavior relates to different parenting skills. Out of 270 families surveyed, 47.41% experienced severe child-to-parent violence (CPV). The findings indicated that certain parenting styles, particularly permissive and hostile ones, are linked to higher levels of CPV, highlighting a need for better parenting strategies to prevent this issue. Who this helps: This helps parents and families in Ecuador, as well as policymakers working on family and child welfare.

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Researchers studied the types of tuberculosis bacteria circulating in Seville, Spain, from 2015 to 2022. They found that the most common strain, known as lineage 4, accounted for about 95% of cases during this period, while other lineages made up a much smaller percentage. This is important because knowing which strains are prevalent helps in controlling the spread of tuberculosis in the community. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and healthcare providers in managing and preventing tuberculosis outbreaks.

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This study examined how patients in Spain and the U.S. perceive fairness in their healthcare interactions and information, and how these perceptions affect their behaviors, like following medical advice and staying loyal to their healthcare providers. In total, 879 patients were surveyed, revealing that those who felt their care was fair were more likely to follow healthcare advice (about 15-19% more) and remain loyal to their providers (45-79% more). This is important because improving perceptions of fairness can lead to better health outcomes and stronger patient-provider relationships. Who this helps: This benefits patients seeking better quality care and stronger communication with their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how stress and anxiety impact the severity of insomnia among adults in Ecuador. Researchers surveyed 698 people and found that higher perceived stress levels were strongly linked to worse insomnia, accounting for about 20% of the severity. Anxiety also contributed, showing that nearly one-third of insomnia cases could be explained by these psychological issues, highlighting the need for better mental health support to help improve sleep in the community. Who this helps: This benefits patients struggling with insomnia, particularly those dealing with stress and anxiety.

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This study looked at how certain medical treatments and procedures for colorectal cancer affect patient outcomes over five years. They found that doing CT scans and colonoscopies lowered the risk of dying, but chemotherapy at certain times could increase dying risks and recurrence of cancer. While these procedures and treatments can reduce death rates, they can also lead to more complications and lower quality of life, with issues like increased anxiety and depression for patients receiving radiotherapy. Who this helps: This information helps colorectal cancer patients and their doctors make better treatment decisions.

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This study focused on a fungus that affects wheat plants, examining how melanin, a natural pigment, influences its ability to cause disease. Researchers found that when the fungus was exposed to UV light, it produced about 40% more melanin, resulting in a significant increase in its infection rate—98% of the wheat roots turned black, and the amount of the fungus’s genetic material in the plants increased fourfold. This is important because it helps understand how to restore the fungus's infectivity in laboratory settings, which can improve research on wheat diseases. Who this helps: This helps farmers and agricultural scientists working to protect wheat crops from fungal infections.

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This study looked at how people's attitudes toward mistakes affect their decision-making and performance in a work simulation. Researchers found that employees who focused on learning from errors (error promotion) made decisions faster and performed better compared to those who focused on avoiding errors (error prevention), especially after receiving negative feedback. This matters because it shows that fostering a learning environment can lead to better outcomes in complex tasks. Who this helps: This benefits employees and their managers by highlighting the importance of promoting a learning mindset in the workplace.

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This study looked at new layered coatings that can reduce the amount of light reflected away from GaAs solar cells, which can improve how effectively these cells convert light into electricity. The researchers created different designs for these coatings and found that they could significantly lower reflectivity, with improvements shown at various angles of light hitting the surface. Optimizing these coatings can lead to better energy capture, making solar cells more efficient, which is crucial as the world moves toward renewable energy sources. Who this helps: This research benefits solar energy manufacturers and consumers looking for more efficient solar technology.

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This study looked at a 46-year-old woman who developed serious kidney problems after being infected with COVID-19. She experienced acute kidney injury and a specific type of kidney inflammation called ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis two weeks into her COVID-19 infection. After treatment with steroids and another medication, she improved significantly, demonstrating that COVID-19 can lead to rare kidney issues that respond well to treatment. Who this helps: This research benefits patients who develop kidney problems after COVID-19, as well as doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how effective COVID-19 vaccines are for patients undergoing hemodialysis, who are at greater risk from the virus. Out of 12,301 patients, about 86% were fully vaccinated, and those who were fully vaccinated had an 18.1% lower chance of getting infected and a 66% lower chance of dying from COVID-19 compared to those who were not vaccinated. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was found to be more effective than the CoronaVac vaccine at preventing infections and deaths. Who this helps: This research benefits patients on hemodialysis by highlighting the importance of vaccination in protecting their health.

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This study looked at seven strains of bacteria producing a specific enzyme (CTX-M-27) collected from patients with acute diarrhea in Seville, Spain, between October and November 2021. All strains were resistant to several antibiotics, including penicillins and azithromycin, and showed genetic similarities to strains from other countries linked to men who have sex with men (MSM) transmission. This finding highlights a growing concern about these resistant bacteria in Spain and underscores the need for better monitoring and control to prevent outbreaks. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and healthcare providers working with affected patient groups.

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This study examined a new material made from coir, which is coconut fiber, and a substance called Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs). The researchers found that when these materials were combined, the new product had excellent heat resistance properties, with a temperature coefficient of performance peaking at -40.4% at about 27 degrees Celsius. This is significantly better than many commercial options available, making it an exciting advancement for use in buildings. Who this helps: This helps builders and architects looking for better materials for insulation in construction.

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From July to October 2019, a major listeriosis outbreak occurred in Andalusia, Spain, with 207 confirmed cases, primarily affecting adults with a median age of 44. Most people experienced mild symptoms, but 141 were hospitalized, and three died, while five pregnant women had miscarriages linked to the infection. The source was found to be contaminated stuffed pork from one producer, and the outbreak ended after effective control measures were put in place, including food recalls and public health campaigns. Who this helps: This information helps patients, especially pregnant women and food safety officials.

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This study looked at Chilean patients on peritoneal dialysis who got infected with Covid-19. Out of 106 patients studied, 24.5% (26 people) died from the virus, and 54.8% needed to be hospitalized. The research found that older patients (60 and up), those with diabetes, and those on dialysis for more than five years were at greater risk of severe outcomes, highlighting the need for better protection strategies for these vulnerable groups. Who this helps: This helps patients on peritoneal dialysis and their healthcare providers.

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This research studied how tiny infrared detectors made from small antennas, called micro-dipoles, work together when arranged in a grid. The scientists found that when these micro-dipoles are combined in an array, their performance changes depending on how they interact with each other, specifically, the team noticed that the odd and even modes shifted differently in their responses. Understanding these interactions is important because improving the performance of these detectors can lead to better infrared sensing technologies. Who this helps: This benefits engineers and researchers developing advanced infrared detection systems.

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This study looked at older patients over 80 who had surgery for colorectal cancer to see what factors might predict their risk of dying within two years and from two to five years after the surgery. Key findings showed that factors like low hemoglobin levels, severe health status, and the presence of complications during recovery increased the risk of death within two years, while factors like no follow-up tests, complications, and tumor recurrence were significant for predicting mortality from two to five years. Understanding these risks can help doctors better assess patient health and make informed decisions about treatment and care plans. Who this helps: This helps elderly cancer patients and their doctors.

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Researchers studied patients with colon and rectal cancer who had surgery to understand the factors that lead to hospital readmissions and the need for additional surgeries within a year. They found that specific risk factors significantly increased the chances of these events: for colon cancer, complications after surgery and the stage of cancer were key predictors, while for rectal cancer, factors like age and blood levels played a role. Understanding these predictors is important because it can help doctors create better care plans to prevent unnecessary hospital stays and operations. Who this helps: This helps patients with colorectal cancer and their healthcare providers.

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The researchers focused on improving a tiny device called a Seebeck nanoantenna, which can capture infrared energy and convert it into electricity. They used a method called particle-swarm optimization to perfect its design, aiming to enhance its efficiency in this energy conversion process. Their findings highlight the importance of thermal and intrinsic impedance in how well the device works, which is crucial for making these devices more effective in real-world applications. Who this helps: This helps engineers and scientists working on energy harvesting technologies.

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This study focused on creating tiny gold wires arranged in a special pattern to reduce unwanted reflections of light on silicon surfaces. The researchers found that their design completely eliminated reflection in visible light, meaning it shows a 100% reduction in reflectance. This is important because it can improve the efficiency of devices that rely on capturing light, like solar panels and screens. Who this helps: This benefits manufacturers of optical devices and technologies, including solar energy and display industries.

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This study looked at factors that can predict the recurrence of colon cancer after surgery in over 1,700 patients over five years. Researchers found that issues such as cancer stage, the presence of multiple types of cancer invasion, low hemoglobin levels, and complications from surgery were linked to higher chances of cancer coming back, with a predictive accuracy of around 74% for early recurrence, 72% for intermediate, and 68% for late recurrence. Understanding these factors can help doctors tailor treatments and follow-up care to improve patient outcomes after surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients with colon cancer by guiding their treatment and monitoring plan.

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This study looked at factors that can lead to longer hospital stays for patients undergoing surgery for colon cancer. Researchers analyzed data from 1,955 patients and found that those who had complications like infections or underwent open surgery stayed in the hospital longer, often more than 14 days. By identifying these risk factors, healthcare providers can work to improve patient care and reduce hospital stays, which can lead to better recovery outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from colon cancer surgery and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how age affects the likelihood that patients with colorectal cancer receive additional treatments after surgery, specifically adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer and preoperative radiotherapy for rectal cancer. It found that only 27% of patients over 80 received chemotherapy compared to 92% of those under 65. Similarly, only 42% of older patients got preoperative radiotherapy compared to 68% of younger patients, showing a significant gap in treatment based on age. This matters because many older patients are not getting the care that guidelines recommend, which could affect their chances of recovery. Who this helps: This helps older patients with colorectal cancer who may not be receiving the treatments they need.

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This study examined how bullying affects life satisfaction among adolescents, focusing on factors like personal skills and school environment. Researchers analyzed data from 647 students in Spain and found that those with higher self-esteem and better emotional repair were generally more satisfied with life, while bullying negatively impacted life satisfaction. The study emphasizes the importance of fostering a positive school climate and enhancing students' self-esteem and emotional skills to improve their overall well-being. Who this helps: This helps students, teachers, and school administrators by highlighting strategies to support affected adolescents.

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This study looked at two types of surgery for patients with rectal cancer: laparoscopic (minimally invasive) and open surgery. It found that while both methods had similar results after two years, patients who had open surgery were more likely to experience some serious complications, such as renal failure and urinary tract infections, shortly after surgery or within the first year. This matters because it helps doctors better understand which surgical option may lead to fewer complications for their patients. Who this helps: Patients with rectal cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at why some patients experience long delays in getting diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Researchers found that 12.1% of patients waited over 180 days to seek medical help after noticing symptoms, and this delay was linked to factors like changes in bowel habits and specific tumor types. The findings highlight the need for better health education to help people recognize serious symptoms sooner and seek care. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers improve early detection of colorectal cancer.

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The study looked at a prediction model called CR-POSSUM to see how well it can forecast the chances of death after colorectal cancer surgery in Spain, comparing it to other models. They analyzed data from over 2,700 patients and found that while the CR-POSSUM model predicted in-hospital mortality accurately 75.5% of the time, the best model for overall prediction was POSSUM at 77.0%. This is important because it helps doctors choose the best tools for assessing risks before surgery, ensuring better patient safety. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients preparing for colorectal cancer surgery.

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This study looked at factors that can predict how long patients with rectal cancer might live after surgery, specifically at one and two years. They found that being a current smoker, having significant disease spread (like tumors in blood vessels), and the stage of cancer were strong predictors of early death. For example, a patient with a residual tumor at surgery had an 8.64 times higher risk of dying within a year compared to those without residual disease. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors by providing tools to better assess patient risks and improve treatment decisions.

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This study compared two types of surgery for patients with colon cancer: laparoscopic (a minimally invasive approach) and open surgery (a traditional method). The researchers found that patients who had open surgery experienced more complications and higher readmission rates in the first 30 days—specifically, 12% of open surgery patients had complications compared to 6% for laparoscopic surgery. These findings are important because they suggest that laparoscopic surgery may be safer and lead to fewer issues shortly after surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients with colon cancer by offering them safer surgical options.

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This study looked at predicting whether colon cancer patients would survive for one or two years after surgery. Researchers found that factors like age over 75, certain cancer stages, and high comorbidity scores indicated a higher risk of dying within a year or two. For example, the prediction model showed strong accuracy, with a score of 0.865 for one-year survival, meaning it effectively identifies patients at greater risk. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing a straightforward tool to assess survival risks in colon cancer cases.

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This study focused on improving infrared detectors by using specially designed nano-antennas that work effectively with a fast heat-sensing device called a micro-bolometer. Researchers found that by fine-tuning the shape of the nano-antennas, they could significantly reduce energy losses—by as much as 650%—which makes the detection process more efficient. This improvement is important because it enhances the performance of infrared devices, potentially leading to better sensors in various applications such as medical imaging and environmental monitoring. Who this helps: This benefits patients and doctors by providing more accurate infrared detection systems for diagnostics and monitoring.

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This study looked at factors that cause delays in starting treatment for patients with colorectal cancer. Out of 2,749 patients, 65.5% experienced a delay of over 30 days before beginning treatment, especially among those with rectal cancer. Key reasons for delays included having a lower education level and being diagnosed without symptoms. Who this helps: This helps patients with colorectal cancer and healthcare providers better understand and reduce treatment delays.

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This study looked at how different methods of separating bull sperm—using techniques called Swim-up, Percoll, and BoviPure—impact the quality and function of the sperm. The researchers found that using Percoll resulted in 89.8% of sperm having intact membranes, which is better than the unseparated group at 70.3%. Overall, these separation methods improved sperm movement and function without changing the genes involved. Who this helps: This research benefits farmers and veterinarians by improving the quality of sperm used for breeding.

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This study looked at how patients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) who had surgery for colorectal cancer were affected compared to those without COPD. It found that the COPD group had higher rates of complications, with 21% needing ICU care and a 12% higher chance of dying in the hospital. Improving care for these patients is important because they tend to have worse outcomes, which means adjustments in their treatment before and after surgery could save lives. Who this helps: This helps patients with colorectal cancer and COPD, as well as their doctors who manage their care.

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This study looked at how social support and physical functioning affected the mental health and quality of life of colorectal cancer patients one year after their surgery. Researchers found that patients with better social support and those who improved in their physical health reported lower levels of anxiety and depression. Specifically, patients who were more socially supported and functionally independent had better mental health outcomes post-surgery. Who this helps: This research benefits colorectal cancer patients by highlighting the importance of social support in their recovery.

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This study looked at how social support, physical ability, and mental health impact the quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer one year after their surgery. Researchers found that among 972 patients, those with higher levels of social support and better physical status experienced greater improvements in their quality of life. In contrast, those with higher anxiety and depression did not see as much improvement. This research matters because it highlights the importance of support and mental well-being in recovery after cancer treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with colorectal cancer and their families, as well as healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a rare type of abdominal infection called fungal peritonitis in a patient undergoing a specific type of dialysis. An 83-year-old woman with diabetes experienced this infection caused by a fungus named Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. After removing the dialysis catheter and treating her with a medication for two weeks, she improved and did not have a recurrence of the infection. Who this helps: This helps patients on peritoneal dialysis, especially those at risk for fungal infections.

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This study looked at patients with colorectal cancer who had surgery and followed them for up to five years to understand how they recover and what services they need. Researchers collected a lot of information about the patients' health, backgrounds, and quality of life before and after surgery, including data from various questionnaires and health records. They aim to identify key factors that affect recovery, such as complications or the likelihood of the cancer coming back, which can help doctors make better treatment decisions in the future. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by improving understanding of cancer recovery and treatment needs.

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This study looked at a heart procedure called transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMLR) for patients with severe chest pain (refractory angina) who can't have other treatments. The findings showed that 43.8% of patients who had TMLR reported less severe chest pain compared to only 14.8% of those who received standard care. However, there was no difference in death rates between the two groups after 30 days or one year, and those who had TMLR faced a higher risk of dying shortly after the procedure. Who this helps: This information is important for doctors considering treatment options for patients with severe chest pain.

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This study developed a new online tool called SynFind that helps researchers easily identify conserved genetic regions across different species’ genomes. SynFind can analyze any chosen genome and compare it with data from over 15,000 organisms, making it simpler and faster to understand gene relationships and changes. This is important because it enhances the study of gene loss and other genetic variations, which can lead to insights in various biological fields. Who this helps: This tool benefits researchers and scientists studying genetics and evolutionary biology.

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This study focused on creating and validating a new tool to measure how patients perceive fairness in health care services, called the Perceived Organizational Justice in Care Services (PJustCS). Researchers surveyed 406 patients in the U.S. and 473 patients in Spain, finding that patients' perceptions of fairness were strongly linked to their satisfaction and trust in health care providers. This matters because understanding these perceptions can help improve patient experiences and outcomes in health care settings. Who this helps: This research benefits patients and health care providers by highlighting the importance of fairness in patient care.

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This study looked at different groups of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who experience worsening symptoms, known as exacerbations. Researchers found four main types of patients: those with mild issues (subtype A), moderate issues (subtype B), significant health problems (subtype C), and severe complications often leading to death (subtype D). For instance, subtype D had the highest rates of death and the need for intensive care. Understanding these subtypes can help doctors provide better treatment and improve outcomes for patients based on their specific health needs. Who this helps: This helps patients with COPD and their doctors by guiding personalized treatment strategies.

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This research studied a new type of small sensor that can measure the polarization of light using tiny structures called nanoantennas made from two metals. The study found that these sensors can accurately measure different properties of light, called Stokes parameters, with minimal errors and in a very compact size. This technology is important because it could lead to better sensors that are smaller than a speck of dust, which can be used in various applications like improving optical devices. Who this helps: This helps engineers and scientists working on advanced optical sensors and devices.

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This study looked at tiny spiral-shaped antennas made of metal that can detect infrared light and measure its properties. Researchers found that these antennas can generate electrical signals when they sense infrared radiation, making them effective sensors. This technology is important because it may improve the accuracy and sensitivity of infrared detection, which can be useful in various applications like medical imaging and environmental monitoring. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing more precise infrared detection tools for medical applications.

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This study looked at how effective different types of antennas are at converting sunlight into usable energy. The researchers found that the efficiency of these antennas was very low, ranging from 0.000001 to 0.000000001, mainly because of problems with the diodes used and how well the antennas and diodes worked together. The findings highlight that to make these antennas useful for capturing solar energy, new technology needs to be developed. Who this helps: This helps researchers and engineers working on solar energy technology.

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This study looked at how Moroccan and Ecuadorean immigrant teenagers adapt psychologically to life in Spain. It found that Moroccan teens who embrace mainstream Spanish culture tend to adapt better, while those who experience ethnic discrimination struggle more; specifically, Moroccan youth's adaptation is more affected by their cultural orientation and the length of time they’ve lived in Spain compared to Ecuadorean teens. Understanding these differences is important because it can help target support for immigrant adolescents based on their backgrounds. Who this helps: This benefits immigrant teens and the organizations that support them.

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This study looked at how family dynamics and parenting affect behavior problems in Hispanic young people as they adapt to a new culture. Researchers examined 167 Hispanic sixth- and seventh-graders and found that parenting practices play a significant role in how cultural adaptation impacts behavioral issues. Specifically, while familism—a strong commitment to family—did not directly mediate effects, it still influenced behavior problems indirectly through parenting practices. Who this helps: This research benefits Hispanic families and clinicians working with adolescents.

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This study looked at how to predict improvements in vision after cataract surgery using simple patient information. Researchers analyzed data from over 5,500 patients and found that important factors influencing visual improvement included the patient's age, pre-surgery vision, and complexity of the surgery. The new prediction scores can help doctors and patients better understand what to expect after surgery, with accuracy rates between 74% to 85%. Who this helps: This helps patients considering cataract surgery and their doctors.

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This study looked at the effects of temporarily stopping HIV treatment in two children who had controlled HIV levels. It found that during five periods of stopping their medication, one child showed decreasing levels of the virus, while the other did not change significantly. Importantly, no drug resistance mutations were detected in either child, indicating that the structured breaks in treatment may not pose a major risk for developing resistance to current HIV medications. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients considering treatment interruptions for HIV management.

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This study looked at how to effectively pack the HIV drug Zidovudine (AZT) into rat red blood cells to help treat HIV. Researchers found that different factors, like the amount of AZT used and the time spent in the dialysis process, affected how much drug was successfully encapsulated; specifically, they tracked how changes in these variables impacted the drug levels. Although the red blood cells maintained their health during this process, about 30% of the AZT stayed inside the cells longer than others, which could improve its effectiveness. Who this helps: This benefits patients with HIV by potentially improving drug delivery and treatment outcomes.