DR. REID H. HANSEN, M.D.

Plain English
This study looked at the occurrence and progression of very early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEOIBD), which affects children diagnosed before age six, in Scotland from 1981 to 2014. Researchers found that 8.1% of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease cases were VEOIBD, with a significant increase in incidence over time, rising from 0.64 to 2.73 cases per 100,000 children per year. Most cases were Crohn's disease, and while the treatment burden was considerable, the outcomes were similar to those diagnosed in older children. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers working with young patients who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease.

Plain English
This study looked at how a pediatric radiology department transformed its peer review process into a peer learning system over 30 months. The team reviewed 558 cases, and as a result, they identified many different types of issues including 83 related to systemic problems, which led to 38 specific action plans aimed at improving medical practices. This matters because it not only resolved issues in patient care and efficiency but also enhanced teamwork among doctors. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers in pediatric radiology.

Plain English
This study looked at how well a nasal rinse containing the antibiotic levofloxacin helps people with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) after sinus surgery. The researchers found that patients showed improved sinus appearance post-treatment, with a notable improvement in scores measuring sinus health (decrease of 3.2 on the Lund-Kennedy score). However, there was less clear benefit in patient-reported symptoms (SNOT score improved by 19.4), and only one mild side effect occurred. This treatment could potentially aid recovery after sinus surgery. Who this helps: Patients recovering from sinus surgery.

Plain English
This study looked at the gut bacteria in patients who had just been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and had not yet started treatment. Researchers analyzed data from 36 studies involving over 1,700 patients and found that people with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) had fewer beneficial gut bacteria and more bacteria typically found in the mouth compared to healthy individuals. These findings are important because they could lead to new ways of diagnosing IBD early and developing treatments that target gut bacteria specifically. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease and healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked at how ready and willing small-scale produce growers in West Virginia are to adopt safe food practices, especially since many of them are not required to follow certain food safety laws. Researchers surveyed 125 growers and found that those categorized as "Willing" had lower scores in confidence and importance compared to those labeled "Ready" and "Able," with differences in scores being highly significant (some below 0.001). These results help identify where support is needed to improve food safety practices among farmers. Who this helps: This benefits farmers, food safety advocates, and consumers by promoting safer food practices.

Plain English
This study focused on understanding how certain fungi, which cause diseases in plants like wheat, develop additional chromosomes known as accessory chromosomes. The researchers found a new accessory chromosome in a fungus that infects wild grasses, revealing that it shares characteristics with known accessory chromosomes and has been obtained through hybridization with a closely related species. These findings show how hybridization can lead to rapid genetic changes and adaptation in these pathogens, which is important for managing their impact on crops. Who this helps: This helps farmers and agricultural scientists working to control fungal diseases in crops.

Plain English
This study looked at the cost-effectiveness of gene therapy for treating sickle cell disease in Uganda, where this condition is very common and currently lacks effective treatments. Researchers found that one of the therapies, called Casgevy, could be cost-effective in Uganda if its price is adjusted to fit local economic conditions. This is important because it shows a path to make advanced treatments accessible to patients in low-income countries. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with sickle cell disease in Uganda and other low-income countries.

Plain English
This study focused on developing new drugs to target a specific mutation (KRASG12C) found in solid tumors, which is important for cancer treatment. Researchers created a new type of drug called 6-cyanoquinazoline that effectively binds to this mutation and helps block cancer growth. They found that an effective dose for humans is about 192 mg taken once a day, and this treatment showed strong anti-tumor effects in lab models of lung cancer. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients, especially those with KRASG12C mutations in their tumors.

Plain English
This study looked at how many children in Scotland have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from 2015 to 2018, finding that 438 new cases were diagnosed, leading to an incidence rate of 12 cases for every 100,000 children each year. The number of children living with IBD each year ranged from 518 to 538, with the highest prevalence being about 58.5 out of 100,000 children in 2016. This is important because Scotland has the highest rates of pediatric IBD reported globally, and understanding these numbers helps improve care and resources for affected children. Who this helps: This benefits patients with IBD and their families, as well as healthcare providers who care for them.

Plain English
This study looked at how healthcare professionals’ roles and work environments affect their views and use of long-acting injectable medications for treating schizophrenia. Researchers surveyed 791 healthcare professionals in eight countries and found that psychiatrists were generally more confident and more likely to prescribe these medications compared to non-physician mental health workers. However, those working in psychiatric hospitals prescribed the most, despite feeling less confident, while those in independent practice felt confident but prescribed the least, mainly due to wanting more support and time. Who this helps: This benefits patients with schizophrenia by potentially improving their treatment options.

Plain English
This paper reviews the growth in our understanding of the gut microbiome over the past decade, highlighting advancements in research methods and the emerging clinical applications. Recent studies using larger samples and advanced tools have shown that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in various health issues, with improved techniques leading to better diagnostics and treatments. For instance, fecal microbiota transplants are now used to treat recurrent infections, and there's ongoing research into other therapies like probiotics and dietary changes, though they have not yet delivered on their initial promises. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with gut-related health issues and doctors looking for effective treatment options.

Plain English
This study looked at whether a urine test for calprotectin (UCAL) could be a good substitute for a stool test (fecal calprotectin or FCAL) in monitoring inflammation in patients with Crohn's disease. Researchers analyzed samples from 364 patients and found that changes in UCAL levels did not match changes in FCAL levels, suggesting UCAL is not effective for this purpose. This matters because finding a less invasive way to monitor intestinal inflammation would help improve patient comfort, but UCAL proves unreliable. Who this helps: Patients with Crohn's disease.

Plain English
This study looked at ways to check if children with Crohn's disease are sticking to a gluten-free diet by measuring specific markers called gluten immunogenic peptides (GIP) in their stool and urine. Researchers found that a quick test using stool samples was highly accurate—detecting issues in 8 out of 10 children who weren't following the diet, compared to just 2 out of 10 using regular dietary assessments. This matters because it provides an easier and faster method to ensure patients are following their dietary restrictions, which is crucial for their health. Who this helps: This helps patients with Crohn's disease and their doctors.

Plain English
This study investigated the effectiveness of two methods of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for treating ulcerative colitis: through a nasogastric tube versus a colonoscopy. The results showed that 75% of patients receiving FMT via colonoscopy improved significantly after eight weeks, compared to only 25% with the nasogastric method. These improvements were linked to the growth of beneficial bacteria and a reduction in inflammation markers, highlighting the potential of targeted microbial treatments to help manage this condition. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with ulcerative colitis by identifying a more effective treatment option.

Plain English
Researchers developed a new ultrasound method to measure fat in the liver more accurately and cost-effectively. In tests with rats, those on a high-fat diet showed significantly higher liver fat levels compared to those on a normal diet. The ultrasound results closely matched laboratory measurements, with a strong relationship noted (R=0.81 for fat and R=0.72 for triglycerides). This new technique could greatly improve the diagnosis and management of fatty liver disease. Who this helps: This helps patients with fatty liver disease and doctors who treat them.

Plain English
This study examined how easy it is for people in the United States to access PrEP, a medication that helps prevent HIV. Researchers found that about 13.3% of areas (called census tracts) have no nearby PrEP facilities and are considered "PrEP deserts." Many of these "deserts" are also in places where community pharmacies are available, meaning pharmacists could help provide better access to PrEP services. This is important because more people can get life-saving HIV prevention in areas where it's currently hard to find. Who this helps: Patients at risk for HIV, especially in underserved areas.

Plain English
This study looked at young children suspected of having autism to see how results from a specific test, called the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), affected doctors' diagnoses. Researchers found that for 35 out of 349 children, the doctors changed their initial diagnosis based on the ADOS results, notably for those with milder symptoms and better language skills. This matters because it shows that the ADOS can help clarify diagnoses for children who may not have obvious symptoms, leading to better support and services. Who this helps: This helps children being evaluated for autism, their families, and healthcare professionals.

Plain English
This study looked at how well the 2021 guidelines help identify children with Crohn's disease in Scotland who are at high risk for severe illness and need early treatment. Out of 418 children analyzed, 54% were considered high-risk, and 76% of those needed a specific treatment called anti-TNF within 18 months. However, the guidelines also led to some children being treated unnecessarily or not getting treatment when needed, emphasizing the need for regular monitoring and adaptable treatment plans. Who this helps: This benefits pediatric patients with Crohn's disease and their doctors.

Plain English
This study looked at how the environment around tumors affects the delivery of tiny medicine-carrying particles called nanoparticles when combined with ultrasound and microbubbles. Researchers found that while all tumors studied took up similar amounts of nanoparticles, the nanoparticles moved less effectively in stiffer tumors (like those found in pancreatic cancer), compared to softer tumors (like those in colon cancer). It’s important because it shows that the stiffness of tumors plays a critical role in how well these treatments work, which could influence cancer therapy methods. Who this helps: This research benefits cancer patients undergoing treatment and the doctors who design their therapies.

Plain English
This study looked at how using focused ultrasound can help deliver drugs to tumors more effectively by creating movement in the fluid around the tumor, which can improve drug transport. The researchers simulated treatments for breast and abdominal tumors and found that larger ultrasound probes and higher frequencies could shorten treatment times without overheating the tumor beyond 50 degrees Celsius. For breast tumors, the time needed to effectively move drugs could range from just under 1.5 hours to 93 hours based on the equipment settings used. Who this helps: This benefits patients with tumors, especially those needing better drug delivery for treatment.

Plain English
This study looked at the safety of a new type of drug called an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) in cynomolgus monkeys over 41 weeks. Researchers found that the drug caused some immune system changes in the spinal cord, specifically the formation of lymphoid follicles, and accumulation of the drug in nerve cells. Even though these changes were observed, they did not lead to any cell damage or serious health issues, indicating that the drug could be safe for use. Who this helps: This information benefits drug developers and safety regulators looking to understand the effects of ASOs on the nervous system.

Plain English
This study looked at different methods used to insert breathing tubes in patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS), a rare condition where some neck bones are fused together. Researchers found that fiberoptic and video-guided intubation methods had an 83% success rate, while direct intubation and laryngeal mask airway methods had only a 50% success rate. This matters because KFS patients often have unique challenges when it comes to intubation, and knowing which methods work best can help improve their care during procedures requiring anesthesia. Who this helps: This benefits anesthesiologists and healthcare providers working with KFS patients.

Plain English
This study looked at how bone turnover in the knee changes in patients who have pain on one side (unilateral patellofemoral pain). Researchers found that the painful knees showed lower levels of bone metabolism both at rest and after exercise compared to the pain-free knees, with specific measurements indicating that the painful knees had reduced responses to physical activity. This is important because understanding these differences can help develop better treatment plans for knee pain sufferers and improve their recovery. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from unilateral knee pain and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked at 349 young children referred for concerns about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to see how their thinking, language, and daily living skills compared based on whether they were diagnosed with ASD or not. It found that 250 children were diagnosed with ASD and had significantly lower language skills and daily living abilities compared to the 99 children who were not diagnosed, even though both groups had similar cognitive abilities. Understanding these differences is crucial for identifying children who may need more support and developing effective intervention plans. Who this helps: This helps doctors and families of young children suspected of having autism.

Plain English
Researchers studied how a wild relative of wheat responds to a fungus that causes a serious wheat disease called Septoria tritici blotch. They found that this wild wheat can resist certain strains of the fungus, revealing new mechanisms that help plants fight infections. Specifically, they identified key genes that either help or hinder resistance during different stages of infection, providing important insights that can lead to better wheat varieties. Who this helps: This helps farmers and plant breeders looking to develop more disease-resistant wheat.

Plain English
This study looked at how effective mupirocin nasal rinses are for treating chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in patients who had surgery but still struggled with symptoms. In a group of 30 patients, there was a notable improvement in certain medical evaluations after using the rinses, but no significant change in the patients' reported symptoms. This matters because it suggests mupirocin rinses might help with the physical signs of CRS even if patients don't feel much better. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis post-surgery, especially those who haven’t responded to other treatments.

Plain English
This study examined how early health technology assessments (eHTA) help in assessing new health innovations in the U.S. Between 2018 and 2021, ten reports were analyzed, which evaluated various healthcare technologies, with findings showing that five had the potential to be cost-effective. However, developers faced challenges like funding issues and gaps in evidence, which sometimes halted projects. Who this helps: This benefits health technology developers and investors by providing insights to make informed investment decisions.

Plain English
This study tested two medical devices, PrisMax and CARPEDIEM, to see if they can accurately filter fluids for infants. The results showed that these devices had acceptable error levels when removing or adding fluids, with errors after four hours being within 9 mL, which is better than the older Prismaflex device but not as precise as the NIDUS device, which had minimal errors of just 2.6 mL. This is important because precise fluid management is crucial for treating infants safely. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly infants who need careful fluid management.

Plain English
This study looked at a new medication, TV-46000, for treating schizophrenia, comparing it to existing long-acting injectable antipsychotics. It found that TV-46000 was very effective at reducing relapse rates—about 77% less likely to relapse compared to placebo—similar to other treatments. Importantly, TV-46000 was less likely to cause significant weight gain (7% or more) than some alternatives, which is crucial since weight gain is a common side effect of these medications. Who this helps: This benefits patients with schizophrenia who need effective and manageable treatment options.

Plain English
This research studied how to safely switch patients with schizophrenia from one long-acting injectable antipsychotic, paliperidone palmitate, to a different one called TV-46000. The findings showed that switching to TV-46000 125 mg once a month after the last paliperidone dose generally resulted in similar drug levels in the body, which is crucial for maintaining treatment effectiveness. This matters because it helps doctors make informed decisions about switching medications and ensures patients continue to receive appropriate care. Who this helps: Patients with schizophrenia who may need a different treatment option.

Plain English
This paper looks at how Klippel-Feil Syndrome, a rare condition affecting the neck and spine, impacts ear, nose, and throat health. The findings show that patients with this syndrome often have issues like hearing loss (present in 40% of cases) and neck pain (in 30% of cases). Understanding these symptoms allows for better treatment and care for those affected. Who this helps: Patients with Klippel-Feil Syndrome and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study explored how well UK hospitals prepare children's bowels for a procedure called ileocolonoscopy, which allows doctors to examine the intestines. Out of 11 hospitals, seven achieved the recommended level of good preparation, while nine were successful in reaching the standard for accessing the terminal ileum, but only one specific preparation, using Citric Acid and Magnesium Carbonate, met the target for adequate bowel readiness at 80%. These findings matter because poor bowel preparation can lead to missed health issues during exams, indicating a need for more consistent practices and better medication protocols across hospitals. Who this helps: This helps patients, specifically children undergoing ileocolonoscopy, by improving the reliability of their diagnostic procedures.

Plain English
This study looked at how to safely switch patients with schizophrenia from two long-acting forms of risperidone, either R064766 or RBP-7000, to a new formulation called TV-46000. Researchers simulated data from 5,000 patients and found that switching to TV-46000 four to six weeks after the last injection of R064766 or about four weeks after RBP-7000 led to similar drug levels in the body, which suggests that the transitions can be done effectively. This is important because it offers options for treatment continuity and may improve patient adherence. Who this helps: Patients with schizophrenia who rely on long-acting injectable medications.

Plain English
This study examined a rare type of cancer called well-differentiated spindle cell liposarcoma in the larynx of a 74-year-old man who had difficulty swallowing. Initially, doctors thought he had a different condition, but tests later confirmed the cancer. This case is important because it highlights that even laryngeal lumps that seem harmless can be cancerous, and it calls for ongoing monitoring after surgery due to a high risk of recurrence. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients by improving awareness and diagnosis of laryngeal liposarcomas.

Plain English
Researchers studied the use of preventive measures for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients who suffered foot and ankle injuries from 2013 to 2017. They found that about 60% of these patients received prophylaxis, but this was influenced by factors like gender, age, and certain health conditions—women and older patients were more likely to get prophylaxis, while Hispanic and self-paying patients were less likely. This matters because it highlights disparities in treatment and suggests a need for clearer guidelines to ensure all patients receive appropriate care. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for DVT and PE following foot and ankle trauma.

Plain English
This study focused on a new testing method to measure how well the immune cells, called T cells, respond to specific antigens (substances that provoke an immune response) in monkeys. Researchers found that their new procedure allows for easy and clear tracking of T cell responses to several antigens at once, making the results more straightforward to interpret. This method is important because it can help improve the safety and effectiveness of new drugs by better understanding how the immune system reacts to them. Who this helps: This helps patients and researchers developing new treatments.

Plain English
The study looked at how patients with schizophrenia, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals view long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) as a treatment option. It found that many patients are reluctant to accept LAIs, often due to fear of injections or negative past experiences, which can impact their long-term care. Patients treated early with strong outpatient support tend to accept LAIs more readily compared to those who are hospitalized during severe episodes, highlighting the importance of treatment environments on patient outcomes. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with schizophrenia and their caregivers by informing better treatment practices.

Plain English
This study looked at why long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics, which help manage schizophrenia better than traditional pills, are used differently in various countries. It found that healthcare professionals who were doctors, had more support staff, and treated more patients with schizophrenia were more likely to recommend LAIs. Patients are more likely to accept LAIs if they see improvement in their symptoms and have a doctor's recommendation, while concerns about side effects were the main reason for rejection. Who this helps: This benefits patients with schizophrenia, their caregivers, and healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked at how to improve the programming of heart devices to reduce unnecessary alerts that can overwhelm patients and doctors. Researchers found that after adjusting the alert settings for 413 patients, non-actionable alerts dropped significantly from an average of 6.68 to 2.27 alerts per patient over 90 days. Importantly, changing these settings did not increase the rates of serious outcomes like strokes or sudden cardiac death in patients with specific heart conditions. Who this helps: This benefits patients with cardiac devices and their healthcare providers by reducing alert fatigue while maintaining patient safety.

Plain English
This study looked at the gut bacteria of 196 children with Crohn's disease to see how their bacteria changed with different measures of disease activity. The researchers found that bacteria associated with active disease included more harmful types and fewer that help digest fiber. They discovered that how quickly food moves through the gut affected the results more than the disease itself, suggesting that gut transit time has a major impact on the gut bacteria profiles in these kids. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers understand the relationship between gut health and Crohn's disease in children, improving disease management.

Plain English
This study focused on the growing interest in using gut microbiome tests in healthcare but found that current evidence for their effectiveness is lacking. An expert panel was formed to create guidelines for how these tests should be used to ensure that they are reliable, safe, and valuable in a clinical setting. Their goal is to avoid wasting resources on tests that don’t help patients and to improve the overall quality of healthcare involving microbiome diagnostics. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by ensuring that microbiome tests are effective and properly regulated.

Plain English
This paper discusses updated guidelines for managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in adults, introduced by the British Society of Gastroenterology to improve diagnosis and treatment. Using input from 89 clinical experts, the guidelines focus on achieving clear health goals, such as clinical remission, and emphasize timely diagnosis through a standardized approach for lower gastrointestinal symptoms. These updates are important because they aim to ensure that healthcare providers have the best practices available, ultimately leading to better care for patients with IBD. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their doctors.

Plain English
Researchers studied how different exercise programs targeting the quadriceps or hip muscles affect patients with patellofemoral pain over 12 weeks. They found that those with high levels of worry about pain and who did hip exercises improved by about 8.3 points on a pain scale, while overweight participants benefited from hip exercises by 11.1 points. In contrast, patients with severe knee pain improved more with quadriceps exercises, showing a decrease of 9.1 points in pain severity. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from patellofemoral pain, especially those who are overweight or have a lot of worry about their pain.

Plain English
This study focused on a type of DNA called extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA), which makes many cancer tumors resistant to treatment and leads to worse outcomes for patients. Researchers found that a specific drug, BBI-2779, effectively kills cancer cells with ecDNA by increasing stress during DNA copying, ultimately leading to cell death. In tests on mice with gastric cancer, this drug not only reduced tumor growth but also helped overcome resistance to other cancer treatments. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients with tumors that contain ecDNA, especially those with gastric cancer.

Plain English
This research reviewed 46 reports on Klippel-Feil Syndrome (KFS), a rare condition where neck bones are abnormally fused. The study found that 72% of patients with KFS had heart-related issues, and most of these patients had a specific type of KFS known as type III. This is important because it highlights the need for heart specialists to be part of the care team for individuals with KFS to ensure they receive proper monitoring and treatment. Who this helps: Patients with Klippel-Feil Syndrome and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study examined how Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS), a rare condition where some neck bones are fused, affects ear, nose, and throat health. Researchers looked at reports from the last ten years and found that more severe fusions in the neck are associated with more serious symptoms, such as hearing loss and difficulty swallowing. Understanding these connections can help doctors provide better care for KFS patients and improve their overall health outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome and the doctors who treat them.

Plain English
This study focused on a rare type of bone growth called an osseous choristoma, found in a 63-year-old man in an unusual location at the back of his tongue. The growth, which was about 3-4 cm in size, was discovered during a procedure for a lung biopsy and was confirmed through a biopsy. This case is important because it highlights that osseous choristomas can occur in older patients and in less common locations, emphasizing the need for doctors to consider this diagnosis in similar cases. Who this helps: This helps doctors and surgeons in diagnosing and treating similar rare cases in patients.

Plain English
This study looked at how starting a normal diet within 24 hours of admission for uncomplicated diverticulitis affects hospital stays. Researchers found that patients who began eating sooner reduced their hospital stay by an average of time without harming their recovery. This finding matters because it can lead to faster recoveries and more efficient use of hospital resources. Who this helps: Patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis.