DR. JEREMY SHANE STEVENS, M.D.

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This study looked at the effects of a drug called dapagliflozin on heart and kidney health in people at risk for cardiovascular problems, including those with and without type 2 diabetes. Over 12 weeks, researchers found that dapagliflozin significantly reduced blood vessel stiffness by about 7.4%, lowered excess fluid in the body, and caused slight declines in kidney function measurements. These findings are important because they indicate potential benefits of dapagliflozin in improving heart and kidney function in at-risk patients. Who this helps: Patients with cardiovascular risk factors and their doctors.

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This study looked at the effects of a diabetes medication, dapagliflozin, on kidney transplant recipients. Over 12 weeks, it slightly lowered blood pressure and increased the amount of glucose in urine, while also reducing kidney function (GFR) by about 4.2 ml/min in the first week and approximately 3.5 ml/min by the 12th week. These findings matter because they provide insight into how this medication may work in kidney transplant patients, helping to inform future studies that could improve kidney health and heart function in these individuals. Who this helps: Kidney transplant patients and their doctors.

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Researchers studied 55 cases of a bird flu virus (H5N1) in humans in the US from October 2024 to February 2025 to see how resistant the viruses were to antiviral treatments. They found that most of the viruses were still treatable with antiviral drugs, but two had mutations that made them less susceptible—one was 17 times less responsive to a specific drug called baloxavir. This matters because the emergence of drug-resistant viruses can make treating infections more difficult and poses a significant health risk. Who this helps: This helps patients who may be infected with these viruses and doctors treating them.

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This study looked at over 51,000 total hip replacement surgeries in younger patients (under 55) to see if those with avascular necrosis (AVN) experienced more problems needing another surgery compared to those with osteoarthritis. It found that patients with AVN had a 61% higher chance of needing a revision due to infection and a 84% higher chance of dislocations within the first month after surgery. This matters because it highlights the greater risks associated with surgery for AVN, helping doctors better inform younger patients about what to expect. Who this helps: Younger patients undergoing hip replacement surgery.

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This study looked at how to best preserve brain tissue for research, focusing on the quality of RNA and the structure of the tissue. The researchers found that RNA quality from frozen sheep brain tissue decreased significantly over time, dropping from a score of 7.2 after 24 hours to 4.8 after 168 hours. In contrast, better RNA quality was noted in tissues fixed for less than 24 hours, with up to 69% of RNA fragments being intact. These findings help improve how researchers prepare brain samples, which is crucial for studying brain diseases. Who this helps: This helps researchers working with brain tissue, especially in studies related to brain diseases.

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This study looked at how alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects metal levels in the brain, particularly iron, copper, and zinc, which can damage brain cells and potentially lead to dementia. Researchers found that people with AUD had higher levels of iron in certain brain areas, especially females, who showed nearly double the iron levels in one area and increases in copper. These findings matter because they reveal a connection between alcohol use and harmful changes in brain metals, which could help in understanding how alcohol affects brain health, especially in women. Who this helps: This helps patients with alcohol use disorder and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a rare type of bladder stone made from calcium tartrate tetrahydrate found in a 60-year-old man with health issues, including diabetes and pesticide exposure. The stone measured about 24 mm by 36 mm, and its unique composition has mostly been studied in animals before. The findings highlight the importance of understanding how certain diets and environmental factors can increase the risk of developing these challenging stones, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for bladder stones, as well as doctors managing their care.

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This study looked at how a molecule called GM-CSF affects immune cells during ulceration in Crohn's disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Researchers found that GM-CSF was higher in areas with ulcers and that it helped reduce tissue damage and inflammation by controlling specific immune cell types. When GM-CSF signaling was disrupted in zebrafish models, the damage and inflammation worsened, showing its importance for maintaining gut health. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with Crohn's disease by highlighting new potential targets for treatment.

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This study looked into how SUL-138, a potential treatment for various chronic diseases like heart failure and Alzheimer's, is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in rats and minipigs. The researchers found that SUL-138 is quickly absorbed into the body and spreads widely through tissues, with most of it being eliminated through feces in rats and equally through feces and urine in minipigs. Understanding these properties is important because it helps determine the safety of SUL-138 before it can be tested in humans. Who this helps: This helps patients battling noncommunicable chronic diseases.

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This study looked at a 33-year-old woman with a severe skin condition called toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which affected her breathing. She developed life-threatening respiratory failure despite receiving several treatments. After starting extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a type of life support that helps with breathing, her lung issues began to improve, and she was eventually able to leave the hospital after successfully stopping ECMO support nine days later. Who this helps: This benefits patients with TEN who experience severe respiratory failure.

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This research looked at how brain banks, like the New South Wales Brain Tissue Resource Centre (BTRC), are adapting to improve studies on brain diseases linked to alcohol use. They found that by updating their protocols and exploring new research methods, brain banks can increase their usefulness, including by using better tissue preservation techniques and considering the collection of samples during a donor's lifetime. This is important because it can lead to better understanding and treatment of brain disorders, helping researchers to make faster discoveries about diseases. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and ultimately patients suffering from neuropsychiatric disorders.

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This study looked at Shared Medical Appointments (SMAs), which are group appointments where patients receive care together, and how they can improve various aspects of healthcare. The findings show that SMAs lead to better patient satisfaction and communication, improve health outcomes for conditions like diabetes and heart disease, and help reduce costs, with benefits for healthcare providers in terms of less burnout and better teamwork. This is important because it shows how SMAs can help make healthcare more effective and fair, especially for underserved populations. Who this helps: Patients, particularly those with chronic diseases and from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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This study looked at how kidney function is assessed by using a measure called the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is adjusted for body size using a standard body surface area of 1.73 square meters. Researchers found that while this BSA-indexed GFR is helpful for comparing kidney function across different body sizes and for managing chronic kidney disease, the regular (non-indexed) GFR is better for specific situations like determining medication dosages or kidney transplants. This distinction matters because using the right measure can lead to more effective treatment decisions and better patient outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients with kidney disease, doctors treating those patients, and individuals considering kidney transplants.

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This study looked at how experiencing racial discrimination affects the brain networks involved in processing senses and feelings, particularly for Black American women. Researchers found that those with more exposure to racial discrimination had less organized brain networks, which was linked to more severe PTSD symptoms like reliving traumatic events. Specifically, increased discrimination correlated with a significant decrease in a brain network’s cohesion, affecting how trauma is processed. Who this helps: This helps patients who experience both racial discrimination and PTSD, particularly Black American women.

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This study looked at how stress and social needs in early pregnancy affect negative outcomes, like preterm birth or gestational diabetes, in pregnant women in Hawai'i. Of the 351 women studied, 141 (about 40%) had at least one bad pregnancy outcome. Interestingly, those facing food insecurity had lower odds of adverse outcomes, suggesting their unique situation might play a role in how stress affects health during pregnancy. Who this helps: This research benefits pregnant women, particularly those dealing with food insecurity.

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This study looked at how to effectively use a guideline designed to help emergency doctors decide when to image children's necks after trauma. Researchers interviewed 48 healthcare professionals from 21 hospitals and found that while support from institutions and better education can help, there are significant obstacles like poor access to the guidelines and technical integration into hospital systems. This work is important because improving how doctors use this guideline can lead to better care for injured children and prevent unnecessary tests. Who this helps: Patients, particularly children with trauma.

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This study looked at how effective a specific genetic test is for identifying cancer risks in children with newly diagnosed tumors at Seattle Children's Hospital. Out of 193 patients, 158 (82%) received the test, and 28 (17.7%) were found to have genetic variants that increase their risk for certain cancers, with 4 of those being missed by traditional screening methods. This research is important because it shows that this testing can uncover hidden cancer risks in children that might not be detected using standard approaches. Who this helps: This helps pediatric cancer patients and their families by identifying potential genetic risks early on.

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This study looked at how proteins affect the movement of large molecules within bacteria, particularly E. coli. Researchers found that when certain amino acid metabolism proteins group together, they slow down the movement of particles by three times compared to other growth conditions. This matters because it helps us understand how changes in protein presence can influence cellular functions and the overall behavior of bacteria. Who this helps: This benefits researchers studying bacterial behavior and drug development targeting bacterial processes.

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This study looked at how police contact can help identify children and young people aged 10-15 who are not receiving support from social services. They found that out of 80 children identified through police records, 65% were already involved with social care, and only 14% were truly unsupported. This matters because it shows that relying only on police data is not enough to find children who need help, and better strategies are needed to identify and support them early on. Who this helps: This helps social workers, schools, and community programs in better supporting vulnerable children and young people.

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This study looked at a 31-year-old man who developed symptoms from a longstanding parasitic infection after undergoing a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. The patient experienced nausea and diarrhea six months after the surgery, and tests confirmed he had chronic Strongyloides stercoralis infection. Treatment with ivermectin quickly improved his health, highlighting that RYGB surgery can lead to symptomatic infections due to malnutrition and changes in the digestive system. Who this helps: This information is valuable for patients considering bariatric surgery, specifically those with travel histories to areas where Strongyloides is common.

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This study looked at how young and adult wrasse fish adapt to different temperatures and activity levels as they grow. Researchers analyzed six species of wrasse from Scotland and England and found that as the fish grew, they tended to move from warmer to cooler waters, which reduced their activity levels. These findings are important because they can help improve how fisheries manage wrasse populations, making them more effective as cleaner fish in salmon farms. Who this helps: This benefits fishery managers and aquaculture farmers.

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This study focused on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, which are commonly used to produce therapeutic proteins like antibodies. Researchers used a new technique to analyze these cells at a single-cell level and found that the ability of different CHO cell clones to secrete high levels of an antibody called IgG is influenced by their specific metabolic processes. For example, three particularly high-yielding clones had distinct metabolic profiles that allowed them to produce more IgG, highlighting the importance of both translation (or protein-making) and energy management in this process. Who this helps: This helps researchers and companies producing therapeutic proteins, as they can improve yields and efficiency in antibody production.

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This study looked at how previous exposure to the seasonal flu virus A(H3N2) affects protection against three different types of bird flu viruses in ferrets. The researchers found that ferrets with prior A(H3N2) immunity had faster recovery and less virus spread from A(H5N1) and A(H9N2) infections, but did not show significant protection against A(H7N9). These results are important because they help us understand how prior flu infections can impact the body's response to new virus strains, which is crucial for preparing for potential pandemics. Who this helps: This research benefits public health officials and researchers studying influenza risks.

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This study looked at bispecific antibodies, which are specialized drugs that target two different sites at once. Researchers found that one particular antibody produced much less than two others, even though they were very similar in structure. By analyzing the genes and optimizing the design, they were able to increase the production of the lower-yielding antibody by 11 times, making it easier to manufacture these complex drugs. Who this helps: This benefits drug manufacturers and patients who need better and more effective treatments.

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This study looked at whether a specialized program for helping stroke survivors return to work was more effective than the usual support they receive. Out of 583 participants, 64.2% of those in the specialized program returned to work after 12 months, compared to 59.4% in the usual care group, but the difference wasn't significant. The results matter because they highlight that while both options were similar in effectiveness, many stroke survivors struggle to return to work, emphasizing the need for better support and research into effective interventions. Who this helps: Patients recovering from stroke who want to return to work.

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This study looks at the effect of working with a pharmacist to reduce opioid use in patients scheduled for hip or knee replacement surgery. Researchers will track 314 patients to see if this approach leads to less reliance on opioids three months after their surgery compared to standard care. The study is important because reducing opioid use can help prevent complications and ongoing pain management issues after surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing hip or knee replacement surgeries.

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Researchers studied a variant of the H5N1 influenza virus that has a specific change in its structure, called HA-E190D, to see how it affects the virus's ability to attach to cells and how well it spreads in mammals. They found that this variant had weaker binding capabilities and was often outperformed by another version of the virus in both lab tests and in ferrets; specifically, the HA-E190D strain struggled to dominate, with only one of six ferrets showing any persistence, and that strain was less aggressive. This matters because it suggests that this variant is not a significant threat to human health at the moment, as it doesn't have the necessary changes to effectively infect humans without further mutations. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and researchers monitoring influenza viruses.

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This study looked at people who inject drugs and were hospitalized for infections related to their drug use. It found that 25% of these patients left the hospital without a doctor's approval, which is known as patient-directed discharge. Those who received medication for opioid use disorder during their hospitalization had much lower rates of leaving early—only 25% compared to higher rates for those who didn't receive this treatment, showing how important it is to provide proper care for opioid addiction while patients are in the hospital. Who this helps: This benefits patients struggling with opioid addiction and healthcare providers treating them.

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This study looked at a new software called OpenPMX designed for analyzing data in drug research, specifically using mixed-effects models. Researchers found that OpenPMX provides similar accuracy in estimating model parameters compared to the well-known NONMEM software, and in some cases, it performed even better. This matters because OpenPMX is open source, meaning that more people can access and improve it, which could lead to better drug development practices. Who this helps: This helps researchers and scientists working in drug development.

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This study looked at how men and women with kidney failure who are on dialysis fare after heart bypass surgery, especially when different types of arterial grafting are used. The researchers found that both men and women had better 5-year survival rates with the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) grafting compared to using just saphenous vein grafts: men had a 32% survival rate with LIMA compared to 27% with vein grafts, and women had a 31% survival rate with LIMA compared to 25% with vein grafts. However, men generally had a higher survival rate than women overall, particularly after using multiarterial grafting. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients, particularly women on dialysis undergoing heart bypass surgery.

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This study looked at the genetics of wild bonobos, an endangered species, using 156 non-invasive fecal samples. Researchers found three distinct groups of bonobos—Western, Central, and Eastern—split by the Lomami River, with the Western and Eastern groups being more isolated from each other. Understanding these populations helps with conservation efforts and tracking individual bonobos, especially those vulnerable to illegal trafficking. Who this helps: This benefits conservationists and wildlife managers working to protect bonobos.

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This study looked at over 37,000 rapid response events in a hospital to understand how patient demographics affect decisions to admit patients to the ICU. The researchers found that only 8.2% of patients were transferred to the ICU after such events, and female patients had a 13.5% lower chance of being admitted compared to male patients, while married patients had an 18.6% higher chance of admission. These findings suggest that gender and marital status may influence critical care decisions, which is important for ensuring fair treatment for all patients. Who this helps: This helps patients by highlighting potential biases in ICU admission decisions.

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This study looked at brain structures in people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by analyzing MRI data from 2,784 individuals, including 1,306 with PTSD and 1,478 without. Researchers found that people with PTSD had stronger connections in certain brain networks linked to the thalamus, which is important for processing emotions and memories. They also discovered that the severity of PTSD symptoms was connected to specific changes in these brain connections, suggesting that different aspects of PTSD might be tied to how these networks function. Who this helps: This helps patients with PTSD and their healthcare providers understand the brain changes associated with their symptoms.

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This study explored how certain immune cells in the lungs of young mice, specifically innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), behave and develop at different ages and with changes in gut bacteria caused by antibiotics. The researchers found that liver cells in newborn mice showed strong signals of a molecule called IL-4, which is important for immune responses. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial because disruptions in ILC function can affect lung health both right after birth and later in life. Who this helps: This research benefits patients, especially infants and children, by informing strategies to support their lung health.

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This study tracked 72 patients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma whose disease progressed despite treatment with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Most developed widespread or regional disease after failing immunotherapy, and patients with inherently resistant tumors had lower tumor mutation burden—a marker of how many genetic errors a tumor has. Subsequent treatments including cetuximab helped some patients, but overall survival remained poor, highlighting the need for better strategies after immunotherapy failure.

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Scientists compared two approaches for staining multiple proteins simultaneously in preserved human brain tissue, which is notoriously difficult due to background interference from long-term storage. Using a chemical stripping agent (beta-mercaptoethanol) instead of heat matched the performance of a newer, more expensive amplification-based method. This offers a cheaper and accessible option for researchers studying brain diseases in archived tissue collections.

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This study looked at how symptoms of post-traumatic stress in mothers affect their ability to respond sensitively to their infants. Researchers found that mothers with higher levels of resting RSA (a measure related to emotional regulation) and those who reacted strongly to caregiving tasks showed a stronger connection between their PTSD symptoms and lower sensitivity to their babies. Specifically, mothers with higher resting RSA had reduced sensitivity when experiencing PTSD symptoms, indicating that certain physiological responses can influence parenting behaviors in new mothers. Who this helps: This information can benefit new mothers dealing with PTSD and healthcare providers working to support them.

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This study looked at a new treatment called BPM31510IV, which is a special form of coenzyme Q10, given to patients with advanced solid tumors either alone or along with chemotherapy drugs. Out of 97 patients, the highest safe dose for BPM31510IV was found to be 171 mg/kg when used alone or with one chemotherapy drug, and about 4% of patients experienced serious side effects related to blood clotting. Although only a few patients showed improvement in tumor size (3% with the treatment alone and 1% in combination), many had stable disease, and the treatment caused changes in how tumors use energy, which is promising for future cancer therapy. Who this helps: This research benefits cancer patients and doctors looking for more effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how ferrets respond to certain flu vaccines by analyzing their antibodies after infection. Researchers found that the antibodies produced by ferrets primarily targeted specific parts of the virus, showing that these responses were consistent for both H1 and H3 strains of influenza. This information helps improve how we evaluate and choose influenza vaccines, which is important for public health. Who this helps: This helps doctors and vaccine developers in creating better flu vaccines.

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The DISPLACE study focused on improving the screening rates for stroke risk in children with sickle cell anemia using a tool called transcranial Doppler (TCD). Researchers found that implementing their two-part intervention increased screening rates by 28% overall, resulting in a final screening rate of 76.8%. This improvement is crucial because early detection can prevent strokes, which are a significant risk for these patients. Who this helps: This benefits children with sickle cell anemia and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a new mRNA vaccine for the highly dangerous A(H5N1) bird flu virus using ferrets, which are often used in research to understand how viruses spread. The vaccine was effective, generating strong immune responses and protecting ferrets from severe illness; it reduced the amount of virus they released and helped keep other ferrets from getting infected. This is significant because it shows that the vaccine could play an important role in preventing the spread of this virus and preparing for potential pandemics. Who this helps: This helps patients and public health officials by providing a potential vaccine option against severe flu outbreaks.

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This study focused on improving how we analyze brain activity by introducing a new method called the Brain Network State Transformer (BNST). The researchers tested this method using two sets of brain scan data, achieving better results in predicting brain behavior and understanding brain states. They found that BNST enhances our ability to interpret brain connections and their significance for cognitive functions. Who this helps: This helps researchers and clinicians studying brain function and related disorders.

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This study explored how general practitioners (GPs) in Australia view the management of pain and the use of opioids in patients waiting for hip or knee replacement surgeries. The researchers interviewed 17 GPs and found that while the doctors recognized the need to reduce opioid use before surgery, they felt unprepared and faced challenges in doing so, mostly due to patient concerns and systemic issues. The findings highlight the importance of improving communication and collaboration between GPs and pharmacists to better manage opioid prescriptions and minimize related risks. Who this helps: This research benefits patients preparing for joint replacement surgeries and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how many people in the United States have existing immunity to a dangerous type of bird flu known as the 2.3.4.4b A(H5N1) virus. Researchers tested nearly 1,800 blood samples from people aged 0.5 to 88 years, finding low levels of specific antibodies to this flu type but higher levels of antibodies that could help recognize parts of the virus that are similar across different types. This information is important because it helps assess how ready we are for a potential flu pandemic caused by this virus. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and researchers understand immunity levels in the population, aiding in pandemic preparedness.

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This study looked at how to effectively manage and govern programs that provide hospital-level care to patients in their homes, known as Hospital In The Home (HITH). Researchers reviewed 16 different studies and identified 42 key lessons on areas like technology use, patient outcomes, care coordination, and financial sustainability. These findings are important because they offer healthcare managers clear guidance on how to implement and improve HITH programs, which can help relieve pressure on hospitals and improve patient care. Who this helps: This benefits healthcare providers and program managers leading home care initiatives.

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In 2024, poultry workers in Washington, USA, were found to be infected with a dangerous strain of bird flu known as H5N1. They were diagnosed with a specific type of this virus, which has been linked to outbreaks in birds. The findings highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and testing for this virus to help prevent future outbreaks and protect public health. Who this helps: This helps poultry workers and public health officials.

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The study looked at ways to increase the number of children getting flu vaccinations in a pediatric emergency department. Initially, only 48% of eligible children were vaccinated, but after implementing new screening questions and using electronic alerts, that number rose to 70% in the first season. However, vaccination rates dropped again in later seasons, showing the need for consistent efforts to maintain high vaccination rates over time. Who this helps: This helps children who need flu vaccinations, as well as their families and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the genetic factors in patients with a painful bladder condition called interstitial cystitis, specifically those with lesions on the bladder wall. Researchers found that specific genes, HLA-DQB1*02:02 and HLA-DRB1*07:01:01, were strongly linked to this condition in patients with these lesions. This is important because it suggests that an autoimmune response may play a role in this type of interstitial cystitis, which could lead to new treatment options.