MARYANN PURDY WALL, M.D.

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This study examined how quickly vision worsens in people with a condition called nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and looked for habits or health issues that might affect this progression. Researchers found that 7.3% of patients experienced significant vision loss (losing at least 10 letters on a vision chart) shortly after symptoms appeared, and by the second month, that number rose to 21.6%. Interestingly, common health risks like diabetes and high blood pressure did not seem to influence the speed of deterioration, but having NAION in the other eye was related to greater vision loss. Who this helps: This information can assist doctors in understanding the progression of NAION and guiding the care of patients facing this condition.

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This study focused on a new tool called the Cannabis Exposure Inventory (CEI) that helps track how much THC people use from cannabis products. Researchers found that this tool is reliable, with an agreement score of 0.77 for average THC use per day, meaning it consistently captures how much people consume. This is important because it fills a gap in understanding cannabis use, which can help inform policies and health decisions as cannabis becomes more widely used. Who this helps: This helps patients, doctors, and policymakers by providing clearer data on cannabis consumption.

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This study examined ways to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients who undergo a specific foot surgery called transmetatarsal amputation (TMA), particularly those with diabetes or related conditions. The researchers found that using antibiotic-impregnated beads and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) reduced the rate of infections and promoted faster healing. However, they noted that more comprehensive studies are needed to confirm these benefits. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing foot surgery, especially those with diabetes or poor circulation.

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This study looked at how certain risk factors and clinical characteristics can predict the progression of vision loss in patients with a condition called nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Researchers analyzed data from 589 eyes of participants and found that factors like problems in the other eye, obstructive sleep apnea, and high blood pressure were linked to early visual decline, while later progression was associated with metabolic issues such as elevated blood pressure and triglycerides. This is important because it helps identify patients at higher risk for worsened vision, paving the way for better management and treatment strategies. Who this helps: Patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and their doctors.

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This review looks at recent progress in understanding and treating idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), a condition that increases pressure inside the skull without a clear cause. The study found that using noninvasive imaging techniques can help identify issues related to IIH, and a key study shows that losing weight and taking medication called acetazolamide significantly improves vision and quality of life for patients. Additionally, surgical options like shunts and nerve sheath procedures can help some patients, but results vary. Who this helps: This benefits patients dealing with idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

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This research examined how state laws allowing medical and recreational cannabis affect the use of opioids, which are powerful pain relievers often linked to addiction and overdose. Out of 43 studies reviewed, the results were inconsistent: while some earlier studies linked medical cannabis laws to lower rates of opioid overdose deaths, more recent studies did not show a clear benefit, and there was no evidence that cannabis laws reduced non-medical opioid use or opioid addiction. This matters because it indicates that while cannabis legalization might help in some instances, it is not a reliable solution to the ongoing opioid crisis. Who this helps: This research is useful for policymakers and public health officials trying to address the opioid epidemic.

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Researchers studied a new method called Uncertainty-aware Simulation-to-Experiment Modeling (USEM), which improves how machine learning can analyze materials by connecting simulation data to real experimental results. They found that USEM significantly enhances the accuracy of predictions when using experimental X-ray diffraction data, and it can identify unusual samples better than previous methods. This is important because it allows for faster and more reliable materials discovery, which can lead to advancements in technology and materials science. Who this helps: This helps researchers and companies in materials science who are developing new materials.

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This study looked at how well the drug acetazolamide, along with a low-sodium diet, helps improve vision in people with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) who have some mild vision loss. Researchers found that patients taking acetazolamide improved their vision by an average of 1.43 dB compared to 0.71 dB in those given a placebo, and those with more severe eye swelling had an even greater improvement at 2.27 dB. These findings are important because they show that acetazolamide can significantly enhance not just vision, but also other health aspects like brain pressure and quality of life for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension, especially those experiencing mild vision loss.

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This study looked at the relationship between childhood trauma and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in a large group of adults from various countries. The researchers found that people with OCD reported significantly more childhood trauma than those without OCD, but this trauma was more connected to general mental health issues like anxiety and depression rather than specific OCD symptoms. Notably, those who experienced more severe physical trauma had worse harm-related OCD symptoms. Who this helps: This information is helpful for mental health professionals and patients by highlighting the broader impacts of early trauma on mental health.

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This study looked at how well a new deep learning technique could help doctors tell apart different eye conditions that cause optic nerve swelling, specifically idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), compared to healthy eyes. The researchers used advanced imaging from over 24,000 eye scans and photographs, achieving high accuracy in identifying these conditions: the best model reached an accuracy of 98.3%. This matters because accurate diagnosis can lead to better treatment and care for patients with serious eye conditions. Who this helps: This helps eye doctors and their patients who experience optic nerve swelling.

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This study looked into how doctors currently prevent infections after a specific type of foot surgery called transmetatarsal amputation. The survey found that 84.5% of vascular specialists believe that infections after this surgery are a big problem, and 70% agree that there isn’t a clear best practice for prevention. Most doctors are willing to participate in future research to develop better strategies, indicating a strong interest in improving surgical outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing foot surgery by potentially reducing their risk of infection.

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This study looked at how thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) was diagnosed and treated in the UK over one year, analyzing data from 133 patients at 16 different hospital centers. It found that most patients (89%) experienced symptom relief after surgery, but the rates of success varied depending on the type of TOS, with fewer neurogenic TOS patients reporting resolution of symptoms compared to those with venous or arterial TOS. The study highlights differences in how TOS is managed across hospitals and suggests the need for standardized care practices. Who this helps: This helps patients with thoracic outlet syndrome and the doctors who treat them.

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This study compared two ways to provide aerobic exercise training for individuals with schizophrenia: in-person sessions and telehealth sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers found that participants in both groups attended about the same number of exercise sessions—around 27 sessions over 12 weeks—but those using telehealth had a much lower drop-out rate (0% compared to 30.4% for in-person). However, participants doing telehealth exercises spent less time at a higher intensity level, which is important for fitness. Who this helps: This research benefits people with schizophrenia who need accessible options for exercise.

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This research examined how prenatal genomic testing, which helps detect fetal abnormalities more effectively than traditional methods, is not consistently available across Australia. The study found that barriers such as funding, access to testing, and the services necessary for pregnancy termination hinder its implementation. By creating a federal item number for this testing, it would help make these important diagnostics more accessible, allowing for quicker results and better support for families. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly pregnant women and families facing potential fetal abnormalities.

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This study looked at OnTrackNY, a program in New York that offers specialized treatment for young people dealing with early psychosis. Researchers found that interviews with 70 participants and their families revealed problems related to racism and the importance of involving everyone in decisions about their care. As a result, they created new training programs to help providers better engage with patients from diverse backgrounds, but identified challenges such as limited time for training and trainers' confidence issues. Who this helps: This helps patients with early psychosis and their families, particularly those from racially diverse backgrounds.

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This study looked at how healthcare providers in Australia and New Zealand care for wounds after vulvar cancer surgery. Researchers surveyed 64 nurses and doctors and found that common practices included wound cleaning (83%), drying the area (69%), and using catheters (86%), while many did not use dressings (71%). The study highlighted the need for better guidelines and identified key areas for future research, such as improving patient experiences and evaluating education for caregivers. Who this helps: This helps patients with vulvar cancer and the healthcare professionals who assist them.

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The study looked at trends in mental health care in the U.S. from 2018 to 2021, focusing on how many adults were receiving psychotherapy, medications, or both. It found that the number of people using only psychotherapy increased from 11.5% to 15.4%, while those relying on medications alone dropped from 67.6% to 62.1%. This shift matters because it shows that more people are choosing therapy on its own, emphasizing the need for more collaboration between psychiatrists and non-physician therapists. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking mental health treatment and therapists providing care.

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This research reviewed how artificial intelligence (AI) is used in vascular surgery, focusing on where the data comes from and how it’s applied. Out of 342 studies, most AI algorithms rely on image data, with over 200 articles using this type of information, and many are aimed at improving diagnosis and risk prediction. The findings highlight that while there is a lot of useful text data available, the use of natural language processing to analyze this information is still very limited in this field. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers improve patient care in vascular surgery.

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This study looked at how young adults' feelings about their bodies (embodiment) and their eating habits (mindful eating) vary across different genders and ethnic backgrounds. Researchers found that cisgender women and gender minorities felt less positive about their bodies compared to cisgender men, and there were differences in mindful eating habits among different ethnic and racial groups. Specifically, the connection between feeling good about one's body and eating mindfully was stronger in Native participants (44%) than in Asian participants (27%). Recognizing these differences is important for developing better strategies to promote healthy eating and body image. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers working on eating and body image issues.

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This study looked at how practicing yoga relates to feelings about one’s body, internal weight stigma, and eating behaviors in young adults. About 19% of the nearly 1,000 participants practiced yoga in the past year, with regular practitioners often feeling better about their bodies and experiencing less internalized weight stigma. However, those who practiced yoga still faced issues with disordered eating behaviors. This matters because it highlights that while yoga can improve body image, it doesn't necessarily stop unhealthy eating habits. Who this helps: This helps young adults and fitness instructors who promote yoga as a tool for body positivity.

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This study looked at over 70,000 DNA regions in human brain cells to find areas that help control gene activity and might be linked to mental health issues. The researchers found more than 8,000 active enhancer regions that connect to over 2,200 genes important for brain development and diseases. Understanding these enhancers is crucial because it can give insights into how genetic factors influence brain function and mental health. Who this helps: Patients with psychiatric disorders and their doctors.

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This study looked at the Global Drug Policy Index (GDPI), which aims to compare different countries' drug policies. The researchers found that the GDPI is generally reliable and valid, successfully organizing complex drug policies into a clear index. However, there are inconsistencies in how experts evaluate these policies, indicating that improvements are needed. Who this helps: This helps policymakers, researchers, and organizations working to improve drug policies globally.

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This study looked at how cannabis use varies by age among daily users and its link to cannabis use disorders (CUD). Researchers found that over 70% of participants used cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes, with middle-aged adults generally using it for medical reasons more than younger adults (18.1% vs. 13.7%). Although older adults consumed less THC and reported different usage patterns, their risk for CUD did not significantly differ from younger users despite concerns about their vulnerability. Who this helps: This research benefits healthcare providers and policymakers by highlighting the different needs of cannabis users across age groups.

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This study looked at how people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) make decisions about rewards compared to healthy individuals. Researchers found that, overall, adults with OCD did not show any significant differences in choosing between immediate versus delayed rewards, or in their willingness to take risks for uncertain rewards. However, those with OCD who experienced higher anxiety and depression tended to prefer immediate rewards more strongly. Who this helps: This research helps patients with OCD and their doctors understand decision-making patterns related to anxiety and depression.

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This study looked at how food insecurity, or not having enough nutritious food, affects eating habits among parents and non-parents in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. It found that 23% of parents experienced food insecurity compared to 14% of non-parents, and this insecurity was linked to unhealthy eating behaviors like binge eating and restrictive diets in both groups. Addressing food insecurity is important because it can lead to health issues and create a cycle of unhealthy eating habits that can impact children as well. Who this helps: This helps families facing food insecurity and healthcare providers working with them.

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This study looked at how air pollution and weather conditions affect health. Researchers reviewed 62 studies from Europe and North America and found that high temperatures combined with pollutants like ozone and particulate matter increased the risk of death and serious health issues. For example, ozone was more harmful in warm climates, linked to a rise in deaths from heart and respiratory diseases. Who this helps: Patients, especially those with heart and respiratory conditions, will benefit from this research.

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This study looked at how the brains of people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) function differently compared to those without the disorder. Researchers found that individuals with OCD had weaker connections in certain brain areas, specifically between the nucleus accumbens and the left cerebellum, and they identified 249 brain regions with reduced connectivity. These findings are important because they highlight specific brain connection issues related to OCD symptoms, which could lead to better treatment approaches like brain stimulation therapies. Who this helps: This helps patients with OCD and their doctors in understanding and potentially improving treatment options.

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The fourth conference on next-generation sequencing (NGS) focused on its use for detecting unwanted viruses in biologics, which are products derived from living organisms used in medicine. Experts found that NGS is ready to replace traditional virus detection methods, and they reached a consensus on its potential to improve safety in these products. This is important because it could lead to better protections against viral contamination in medicines and vaccines, ultimately enhancing patient safety. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers.

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This study examined how tau protein aggregates, which are known to accumulate in diseases like Alzheimer's, affect brain cells in mice. Researchers found that these tau aggregates made certain brain cells in the hippocampus more excitable and increased the occurrence of long-term depression (LTD), while also impairing the ability to strengthen connections between neurons (long-term potentiation, or LTP). This is important because it reveals how tau aggregates might contribute to cognitive decline early in diseases like Alzheimer's. Who this helps: Patients with Alzheimer's disease and other tau-related conditions may benefit from this research.

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Researchers looked at how well acetazolamide works for treating Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), a condition where pressure in the brain increases without any other cause. The review found that acetazolamide is effective in reducing this pressure, helping about 50-70% of patients improve, while also discussing its side effects and how it can be used alongside other treatments. Understanding acetazolamide's benefits is important because it offers a key medical option for managing IIH, which can significantly affect patients' quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension.

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This study looked at how cannabis users adjust the amounts they consume in response to the potency of the products they choose, specifically between cannabis flower and concentrates. Out of over 8,100 participants, it was found that 59% to 92% used more cannabis flower than concentrates, and those who used higher-potency products tended to consume larger amounts overall. Understanding these patterns is important as it can help inform safer cannabis consumption practices and reduce the risk of adverse effects from high-potency products. Who this helps: This information benefits cannabis users and health professionals.

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This study examined how well two types of visual field tests, one using standard size stimuli and the other using size modulation, can identify patterns of vision loss in patients with glaucoma. Researchers analyzed tests from 83 eyes of patients and found that 95% of the visual patterns were similar between the two tests, suggesting they can be used interchangeably in practice. This is important because it means doctors can rely on either test to accurately assess vision loss in glaucoma patients. Who this helps: This helps doctors and glaucoma patients manage their condition effectively.

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This study looked at disordered eating behaviors among young adults, focusing on how sexual orientation, race, and gender intersect. Researchers found that Asian young adults with marginalized sexual orientations dieted less than their straight peers, while Hispanic young adults with marginalized orientations engaged in unhealthy weight-control behaviors more than straight Hispanics. White individuals with marginalized orientations showed more binge eating compared to straight individuals. Understanding these differences is important for creating targeted prevention and treatment strategies for disordered eating. Who this helps: This helps young adults at risk of disordered eating, their families, and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a special program designed to help patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) prepare for a type of stem cell transplant. The program included various health experts who helped with exercise, nutrition, and mental health support. Out of 27 patients approached, 19 joined, with 11 completing the full eight weeks of the program. The results showed improvements in physical strength and mobility, with no serious safety concerns, making this approach promising for future research. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing stem cell transplants for AML and MDS.

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This study examined how brain function, behavior, and family situations contribute to anxiety in children aged 4-10. Researchers analyzed data from 181 children and found that the strongest predictor of anxiety was a specific brain response related to error awareness, followed by factors like being from a single-mother household. Understanding these relationships helps in diagnosing and treating childhood anxiety more effectively by considering both brain activity and family circumstances. Who this helps: This benefits children with anxiety and their caregivers, as well as healthcare providers.

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This study looked at changes in vision loss patterns in 727 people with a specific eye condition called acute non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Researchers found 10 different patterns of vision loss, with the most common one being a global loss of vision that increased from 15.7% to 28.1% within the first two months. Additionally, they discovered that Asian participants experienced more severe vision loss than their White counterparts, and women showed more specific patterns of loss as time went on. Who this helps: This research benefits eye doctors and helps them better understand and treat patients with NAION.

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This research paper looks at how using advanced brain imaging techniques, like fMRI and EEG, alongside psychedelics such as psilocybin, can improve the treatment of addiction. Currently, only 1.8% of people with substance use disorders get effective treatment, showing a big gap between what we know about addiction and how we treat it. By integrating these new methods and focusing on personalized care, researchers believe we can better understand and treat addiction, leading to improved outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with addictions, particularly those who are not responding well to current treatments.

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This study focused on a new molecule called compound 1 that activates a protein (AMPK) in the kidneys during acute kidney injury (AKI), which is a sudden loss of kidney function. The researchers found that administering compound 1 helped protect kidney cells from damage and improved kidney function for at least 24 hours, including lowering harmful substances in the blood and increasing urine output. This is important because there are currently no approved treatments for AKI, and this new approach may lead to effective therapies in the future. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing acute kidney injury.

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This study looked at two different laboratory methods for testing newborns for rare genetic conditions related to FMR1 premutation and chromosome 15 imprinting disorders. Researchers found that both methods correctly identified these conditions 100% of the time, but the IsoPure method had a much lower failure rate (0.365% for one test) compared to the QIAcube method (19.34% for the same test). This is important because it means IsoPure is more reliable, especially for testing older blood samples, which can help catch these disorders earlier and more accurately. Who this helps: This benefits newborns being screened and their families by improving early diagnosis of genetic conditions.

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The study focused on improving a questionnaire called the Bluebelle Wound Healing Questionnaire (WHQ) to better assess infections in surgical wounds that heal on their own, known as secondary intention. Researchers found that this revised questionnaire was effective at identifying surgical site infections (SSIs) with a high accuracy rate, scoring an impressive 0.796 on a scale of discrimination. This is significant because it allows patients to report their wound healing progress without needing constant in-person evaluations, making the process easier and more efficient. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from surgery, as well as healthcare providers monitoring their recovery.

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The BabyScreen+ study looked at using advanced genetic testing on newborns in Victoria, Australia, to identify serious health conditions. Out of 1,000 newborns screened, 16 infants (1.6%) had important genetic findings, with only one detected by traditional tests. This method not only helps in diagnosing conditions early but also supports treatment decisions, and more than 99% of parents liked the idea of offering genetic screening to all newborns. Who this helps: This helps parents and their newborns by providing early detection of treatable conditions.

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This study looked at how two different sizes of visual field tests (size III and size V) show results in patients with vision loss from glaucoma and another condition called NAION. The researchers analyzed nearly 2,000 pairs of test results and found that both sizes provided similar information, with a small average difference of 0.4 decibels. This matters because it suggests that doctors can confidently use either test size in clinical settings without worrying about significantly different results. Who this helps: Patients and doctors managing vision loss conditions.

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This study looked at how two different sizes of visual field tests (size III and size V) show patterns of vision loss in patients with glaucoma and NAION, a type of optic nerve damage. Researchers found that these patterns were very similar for both test sizes, with 87% of them showing a high degree of similarity. This finding is important because it highlights that using size V tests can reliably track vision loss in patients, particularly those with moderate to severe conditions. Who this helps: This helps patients with glaucoma and NAION, as well as doctors monitoring their vision loss.

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This study looked at how certain strains of tuberculosis (TB) bacteria that resist drugs behave differently based on their cell structures. Researchers found that as the level of drug resistance increased, the ratio of specific lipids (PDIMs to PIMs) also increased, which may help the bacteria evade the immune system. Specifically, a strain with high drug resistance not only avoided being taken up by immune cells but also grew more inside them, highlighting how these bacteria adapt to survive. Who this helps: Patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis.

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This study looked at patients who had surgery to replace heart valves due to infective endocarditis, a serious heart infection that can be linked to substance use. Out of over 10,000 patients, 21% had substance use-related infections. While younger patients with substance use had shorter hospital stays and lower in-hospital death rates, they had longer hospital admissions and more readmissions throughout the year (35.1% compared to 31% for those without substance use), leading to higher costs. Who this helps: This information is important for doctors and healthcare providers to better understand the needs of patients with substance use issues who face heart surgery.

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This study looked at how different eye conditions cause damage to specific cells in the retina, known as retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Researchers used a new technology that improved the way they could visualize and analyze this damage, examining over 10,000 scans from 822 patients. They found that the technology could accurately identify patterns of cell loss related to conditions like glaucoma and optic neuritis, achieving a high accuracy rate (AUC of 0.96 for glaucoma) in classifying these diseases and tracking their progression. Who this helps: This benefits patients with glaucoma, optic neuritis, and related eye conditions by improving diagnosis and treatment monitoring.