JEFFREY A. BURNS, M.D.

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This study looked at how effective smartphone apps are in helping people with prediabetes prevent developing Type 2 diabetes. The researchers reviewed 18 trials and found that using these apps led to small reductions in body weight (about 1.35 kg), body mass index (0.53 kg/m²), and blood sugar levels (0.08%), showing that these interventions can help improve some health markers. However, the overall impact was modest, and there is not enough information about long-term benefits or how well it works for different groups of people. Who this helps: This helps individuals with prediabetes who are looking for support to prevent Type 2 diabetes.

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The research studied early infections of a bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). They examined samples from 572 infections in 190 children and found 203 different types of this bacteria; 12 kids had more than one type at first, and 20 had different types during follow-up. The study shows that many of these bacteria can change quickly, which could make it harder to tell if antibiotics are working, and highlights the need for careful monitoring of these infections. Who this helps: This aids doctors treating children with cystic fibrosis.

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This study looked at whether psychological treatments—behavioral activation, cognitive therapy, and mindfulness meditation—could help reduce opioid use in people with chronic pain who might misuse opioids. Out of 115 participants, 54% who received mindfulness meditation reported a decrease in their daily opioid dose, compared to 32% in cognitive therapy and 21% in behavioral activation. These findings suggest that incorporating psychological treatments could potentially lead to better pain management and lower opioid reliance, which is important given the risks associated with long-term opioid use. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic pain and their doctors by offering alternative treatment options to reduce opioid use.

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This study looked at whether using iodine solution before surgery helps patients with Graves disease who are having their thyroids removed. By reviewing data from 11 studies involving over 2,200 patients, researchers found that using iodine did not significantly change the amount of blood lost during surgery or the risk of complications compared to those who did not receive iodine. This is important because it suggests that iodine might not be necessary for improving surgery outcomes in these patients. Who this helps: Patients with Graves disease undergoing thyroid surgery.

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This study looked at how climate change and pollution affect the heart health of American Indian and Alaska Native children, finding that these factors can lead to a higher risk of congenital heart disease. The research highlights the particular vulnerability of these communities due to historical inequalities, with a call for more research to understand how environmental issues impact health before birth. Addressing these problems is essential to protect the health of future generations. Who this helps: American Indian and Alaska Native families and communities.

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This study looked at how an online vocal health education program could help music therapists, who use their voices a lot, improve their vocal health. After completing the 4-week program, music therapists reported significant improvements in their knowledge, confidence, and practices related to vocal health, with scores increasing on 12 out of 14 survey items. This is important because it shows that targeted education can help music therapists take better care of their voices, which is crucial for their work. Who this helps: This helps music therapists and their patients.

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This study looked at how congenital heart disease (CHD) affects the timing of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in adults with Down syndrome (DS). It found that people with CHD had higher levels of amyloid beta—a substance linked to AD—and were expected to show signs of Alzheimer's at an earlier age (about 37.6 years) than those without CHD (around 42.1 years). This matters because it indicates that individuals with both DS and CHD are at a greater risk for developing Alzheimer's sooner, highlighting the need for earlier monitoring and care. Who this helps: This helps patients with Down syndrome and congenital heart disease, as well as their families and caregivers.

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This study looks at Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), which is a common inherited nerve disorder affecting about 1 in 2,500 people worldwide. Researchers found that different genetic mutations lead to various forms of CMT, causing progressive nerve damage that affects movement and sensation particularly in the arms and legs. Currently, there are no treatments that change the course of CMT, so patients mainly rely on therapies like exercise and support devices to manage their symptoms. Who this helps: This helps patients with CMT and their families.

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This study looked at how certain health risks related to heart and metabolic conditions, like obesity and diabetes, impact social and healthcare outcomes, such as income and healthcare costs. Researchers examined 16 studies that explored 79 relationships, finding that most focused on how body weight affected jobs and healthcare expenses. However, they found significant gaps in how well these studies tested their methods, which could affect the results. Who this helps: This helps patients, policymakers, and healthcare providers by better understanding the impacts of health conditions on social and economic wellbeing.

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This study looked at a voice disorder called adductor laryngeal dystonia (AdLD), which affects how people produce sound and can lead to poor voice quality. Researchers found that individuals with AdLD had shorter periods of brain activity inhibition and lower voice quality scores compared to those without the condition (17 AdLD participants vs. 15 controls). Specifically, a longer brain inhibition period was linked to higher voice quality, indicating that better control from the brain might improve voice harmony. Who this helps: This helps patients with AdLD and their doctors understand how brain function relates to voice difficulties.

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This study focused on how air pollution affects the lung health of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children. Researchers looked at around 100 studies and found that these children are more likely to have poor lung health due to unfair exposure to air pollution caused by historical injustices. This is important because it highlights the need for actions that can improve air quality and access to medical care for these children, ultimately supporting their overall health. Who this helps: AI/AN children and their families.

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This study looked at how heat therapy (HT) affects blood sugar regulation in the body and brain for people at risk of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that after 10 weeks of heat therapy, there were measurable changes in both blood and brain glucose levels, though specific numbers were not provided in the summary. Understanding these effects is important because it could lead to new ways to prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease by improving how the body and brain handle sugar. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of Alzheimer's disease.

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This study looked at how cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and physical activity affect depressive symptoms in older adults, focusing on differences between men and women. It found that higher CRF levels and more physical activity were linked to fewer depressive symptoms, especially in women; for instance, higher CRF was strongly associated with lower depressive symptoms in females (a significant reduction, with a statistical measure of -0.19). This is important because it highlights the need for targeted strategies to improve fitness in women to help reduce depression in later life. Who this helps: This helps older women improve their mental health through increased physical fitness.

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This study looked at how to better understand different types of Alzheimer's disease by analyzing molecular and clinical data from 438 patients. Researchers grouped patients into "digital siblings," meaning they share similar biological and clinical characteristics. This grouping revealed important insights, such as how factors like age and alcohol use affect disease progression, which can help create more personalized treatment strategies for Alzheimer's. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by paving the way for more tailored approaches to Alzheimer’s treatment.

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The study focused on how to control the growth of two different forms of a material called MnTe on specific surfaces of a compound called InP. Researchers found that by changing the surface properties, they could effectively produce either the altermagnetic form or the noncentrosymmetric form of MnTe, with a notable finding that the cubic structure grew well on one surface, while the hexagonal structure formed on another. This ability to selectively create high-quality films of these materials is important because it can lead to advancements in technologies like spintronics and microelectronics. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and engineers working on advanced electronic devices.

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This study looked at how violent crime in neighborhoods affects the mental health of 462 women in Chicago, focusing on the differences between those who are parents and those who are not. It found that while both groups experience mental health issues, parents living in high-crime areas reported more symptoms of depression—specifically, the likelihood of higher depression increased with crime levels. This is significant because it shows that neighborhood violence can worsen mental health for parents, who already face additional stress from caring for others. Who this helps: This research benefits parents and caregivers living in high-crime neighborhoods, as well as mental health professionals and policymakers who can use this information to provide better support.

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This study looked at a rare case where cancer from the ovaries spread to the pituitary gland, causing symptoms like dizziness, vision changes, and extreme thirst in an 86-year-old woman. The MRI showed a tumor in the pituitary measuring about 1.8 cm, which was pushing on the optic nerve. After surgery to remove the tumor, tests confirmed it was a type of cancer that had spread from the ovaries, and further scans revealed cancer had also spread to other parts of her body, including the liver. Who this helps: This information is useful for doctors diagnosing similar cases and for patients with unexplained symptoms related to pituitary issues.

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This study looked at how pediatric healthcare providers can use specific tools to check for risks to children's health that come from environmental factors, particularly those worsened by climate change. Researchers found that common issues, like asthma and heart disease, are becoming more serious due to these environmental changes, especially affecting marginalized communities. Addressing these risks is crucial for improving children's health outcomes and reducing disparities. Who this helps: This helps children and their families, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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This study looked at how sexual fantasies differ when people are alone versus when they are with their partners. Researchers found that, during partnered sex, fantasies are more about caring for the partner and are often focused on them, while fantasies during solo activities tend to be more erotic and often involve someone else. This matters because understanding these differences can help improve sexual relationships and overall satisfaction for couples. Who this helps: Patients in committed relationships seeking to enhance their sexual wellbeing.

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This study looked at a new treatment called histotripsy for patients with liver metastases from neuroendocrine tumors. Out of 36 patients assessed, 32 received the treatment, and it worked well: all 19 patients who had their tumors fully treated saw them completely disappear, while the rest showed no growth. However, there were some health risks, including temporary kidney problems in three patients and one death due to respiratory issues. Who this helps: This helps patients with neuroendocrine tumors by providing a noninvasive treatment option.

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This study looked at using a new artificial intelligence (AI) system in virtual reality to measure eyelid position in patients with droopy eyelids, known as blepharoptosis. The results showed that this AI system was very accurate, with measurements differing only by about 0.29 mm for upper eyelids and 0.01 mm for lower eyelids compared to standard methods. This is important because it provides a more reliable and objective way to assess eyelid position, making it easier for doctors to plan surgeries. Who this helps: Patients with droopy eyelids needing precise evaluations for treatment.

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This study looked at how young people, aged 15-24, feel about using self-collection kits for testing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) without needing to go to a clinic. Out of 445 participants, many were comfortable having kits delivered to their homes, but younger teens and those with less education preferred picking them up at school. The findings highlight that making these kits discreet and providing clear instructions can help more young people get tested for STIs. Who this helps: This benefits adolescents and young adults, especially those uncomfortable with traditional testing methods.

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This study looked at the use of immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT) for people with primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDDs). The researchers reviewed 103 studies but found that there was little evidence to show that different brands of IgRT worked better than others, and any differences noticed might not be due to the brands themselves but rather differences in how the studies were conducted. This matters because it highlights the need for better reporting in research to help doctors make informed choices about IgRT brands. Who this helps: This helps patients with primary immunodeficiency disorders and their doctors.

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This study examined the eating habits of people with spinal cord injuries and disorders to understand why many avoid certain foods. Out of 365 participants, 63% reported avoiding food for reasons such as wanting to lose weight (49%), not feeling hungry (40%), or fearing digestive issues (32%). These behaviors are important because they may reflect attempts to manage health problems, such as heightened loneliness and various physical issues like low blood pressure and pain. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with spinal cord injuries and disorders by highlighting the challenges they face regarding food and nutrition.

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This study looked at the levels of a protein called p-tau217 and its relationship with a specific gene variant (the apolipoprotein E ε4 genotype) in older adults who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that individuals carrying at least one ε4 allele had 57% higher p-tau217 levels, which also increased with age and was more pronounced in men. This information is important because it can help identify older adults at higher risk for dementia, letting doctors monitor and manage their health more effectively. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for dementia and their doctors.

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This study looked at whether giving the medication levetiracetam before and after surgery can help prevent seizures in patients who had never experienced seizures but were diagnosed with a brain tumor called glioma. Out of 84 patients who survived for at least one year, 47% in the levetiracetam group had a seizure compared to 41% in the group that didn’t receive the medication, showing no significant difference in seizure prevention. This matters because it questions the standard practice of prescribing this medication for glioma surgery, and more research is needed to clarify its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. Who this helps: This helps patients with glioma and their doctors.

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The study focused on a global challenge that aimed to improve how drugs are discovered for coronaviruses, specifically SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV. Participants used advanced computer methods to predict how well small molecules could fight these viruses, analyzing data from a major research initiative. The results showed a variety of approaches, with specific strategies highlighted as particularly effective, which is important for developing reliable treatments quickly. Who this helps: This helps researchers and drug developers working on coronavirus treatments.

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This study looked at different computer-aided design (CAD) methods used to create ankle and foot orthoses, which are supports often prescribed for lower limb conditions. Out of 73 research articles examined, many did not clearly explain the procedures used in their CAD designs, with 46.6% lacking sufficient detail. The findings highlighted that specific software for orthotic design tends to work faster than general software, and a new checklist was created to help make design processes more consistent and reliable. Who this helps: This benefits patients who rely on custom foot and ankle supports, as well as the healthcare providers designing them.

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This study looked at how obesity and physical activity affect thinking skills in adults with Down syndrome, an area of concern since over 90% of those with Down syndrome may develop Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that adults with obesity who were physically active performed better in memory and thinking tasks than those who were not active, showing significant improvements in areas like episodic memory and executive functioning. This matters because increasing physical activity may help improve cognitive function for people with Down syndrome, even if they are obese. Who this helps: This benefits adults with Down syndrome and their caregivers.

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This study looks at Horner syndrome, a condition marked by specific signs like a drooping eyelid, constricted pupil, and reduced sweating on one side of the face, all caused by issues in the nerve pathways that control these functions. The researchers created guidelines to help doctors decide the best imaging and treatment strategies based on factors such as how quickly symptoms appeared, whether they are painful, and any history of injury. These guidelines are important because they help ensure patients receive the right care based on the most up-to-date research and expert opinions. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients by providing clear recommendations for diagnosing and treating Horner syndrome effectively.

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This research paper looks at how doctors decide when to use imaging tests for adults experiencing vision loss. It emphasizes that most vision loss cases do not need imaging but provides guidelines on when it's appropriate based on the type of issue causing the loss. The findings help standardize medical practices to ensure patients receive the right tests for their specific conditions. Who this helps: Patients experiencing vision loss.

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This research review looked at non-drug treatments for chronic pain in people who have had spinal cord injuries, focusing on therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and other physical methods. The findings showed that cognitive behavioral therapy is effective for reducing pain, particularly nerve pain, while other stimulation methods lack enough proven benefits and are complicated to use. This is important because it helps healthcare providers understand which non-drug options are most effective for managing pain in these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with spinal cord injuries and their doctors.

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This study looked at how effective and practical it is to create and use 3D printed ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) for people with lower limb issues, particularly those with foot drop. The review analyzed 28 different studies and found that people using 3D printed AFOs often had improved walking speed and step length, with satisfaction scores equal to or higher than traditional AFOs. This is important because it shows that 3D printed AFOs could offer significant benefits in helping individuals regain mobility and comfort. Who this helps: Patients with lower limb impairments and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the effects of giving too much or too little thyroid hormone to over 641,000 adults and how it relates to heart failure. Researchers found that both giving too much and too little hormone increased the risk of heart failure, with patients receiving too little being at much higher risk—about 5.8 times more likely to develop heart failure over five years. This is important because it shows that carefully managing thyroid hormone levels can help prevent heart failure in patients. Who this helps: Patients with thyroid hormone treatment.

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This study looked at how students, caregivers, and teachers feel about mental health screening in schools. Over 6,000 students from grades 4 to 12 and more than 300 caregivers and teachers were surveyed, and all three groups generally supported the idea of mental health screening in schools. Most students felt comfortable with the questions, and caregivers and teachers expressed mainly positive views, though educators did mention challenges like needing more resources and dealing with inaccurate results. Who this helps: This benefits students, caregivers, teachers, and school mental health programs.

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This study focused on how to better diagnose and treat infective endocarditis in children and teenagers with congenital heart disease (CHD). The researchers reviewed 127 studies and created 82 recommendations, with 50 gaining agreement from a group of experts. Of these, 36 recommendations are strongly suggested, although many are based on weak evidence, highlighting a need for more research. Who this helps: This helps children and teens with congenital heart disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the effects of chest-wall radiation therapy after mastectomy in women with early-stage breast cancer at an intermediate risk of recurrence. Over a decade, 81.4% of women who received radiation were alive, compared to 81.9% who did not receive radiation, showing no significant difference in overall survival. However, fewer women who received radiation experienced chest-wall recurrences (1.1%) compared to those who did not (2.5%), but the difference was small and not life-changing. Who this helps: This research benefits breast cancer patients and their doctors by providing clarity on treatment options after surgery.

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This study looked at a new treatment combining high-dose oral immunotherapy (OIT) with probiotics to help children with egg and milk allergies. Out of the 40 children treated, 55% with egg allergies and 50% with milk allergies were able to stop reacting to these foods after the treatment. This approach improved the children's quality of life, showing that it could be an effective way to help manage these common allergies. Who this helps: This benefits children with egg and milk allergies and their families.

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This study looked at tiny particles made from a mix of metals (CuCoMnNiFe) and how their surface structures affect stability when created using a special laser technique in two different liquids: ethanol and liquid nitrogen. The researchers found that particles made in liquid nitrogen were smaller and more uniform in size, while those in ethanol were larger and had more variation. Understanding these differences is important because it helps in creating more stable and effective nanomaterials for various applications. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and manufacturers working with advanced materials and nanotechnology.