STACEY J. ROGERS, MD

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This study looked at how the environment and certain growth factors affect the way stem cells turn into neurons and connect with each other. Researchers found that when the stiffness of the gel they grew the cells on was just right and a growth factor was added, the neurons formed more branches, which helped them communicate better with one another. Specifically, neurons with many branches showed more calcium signals, indicating stronger connections, while fewer branches were linked to longer but less connected neurites. This research is important because it helps us understand how to create better brain tissue models for future medical therapies and potentially even biological computing. Who this helps: This helps patients needing neural repairs, researchers in regenerative medicine, and developers of biological technology.

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This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of a procedure called image-guided thermal ablation (IGTA) for treating kidney tumors that are 4 cm or smaller, specifically comparing upper pole kidney lesions to those located in other areas of the kidney. The researchers found that the treatment was effective for both types of lesions, with a success rate of 100% for upper pole lesions and 97.3% for non-upper pole lesions. There were very few severe complications, making the procedure a safe option for patients, and overall survival rates were similar between both groups. Who this helps: This benefits patients with small kidney tumors and their doctors, as it provides a safe and effective treatment option.

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This study focuses on a technique called grazing incidence small-angle neutron scattering (GISANS) that helps scientists see tiny structures found at the borders between different materials. Researchers explored how GISANS can reveal important details about these hidden interfaces, which are critical for various applications, such as improving solar cells and magnetic materials. The findings show that GISANS can effectively uncover structures on scales from a few nanometers to micrometers, demonstrating similarities across different systems and materials. Who this helps: This benefits scientists and engineers working with materials in technology and health care.

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This study looked at what factors doctors consider important when deciding whether to give a patient a red blood cell transfusion. Out of 85 clinicians surveyed, only 7 factors were seen as "very important" by the majority, with 5 of those related to hemoglobin (Hb) levels. Most doctors agree that anemia can have serious effects, that restrictive transfusion practices are the standard, and that other factors beyond Hb should be considered when making decisions. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving transfusions and their doctors by highlighting the need for better guidance on transfusion choices.

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This study looked at a 52-year-old man with serious liver problems who suffered from life-threatening conditions called ruptured paraumbilical varices and Flood syndrome. The researchers used a special technique that combined two methods to successfully stop the bleeding and save his life. This approach is important because it shows a new way to treat complex blood vessel issues in people with liver disease, improving their chances of survival. Who this helps: This helps patients with severe liver disease and related complications.

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This study looked at how well a specific radiation treatment called stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) controls lung tumors in patients with a type of cancer called head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Researchers found that when higher doses of radiation were given, specifically over 51 Gy, the chance of keeping the tumors from growing was 95% at both one and two years after treatment. These findings highlight the importance of using suitable radiation doses to improve outcomes for patients with lung metastases. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients with lung metastases and their doctors in deciding the best treatment approach.

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This study looked at the safety of combining a type of targeted radiation therapy called stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) with biological cancer treatments in patients whose cancer had spread. Researchers tracked 433 patients and found that serious side effects were rare—only 5.3% experienced severe short-term issues and 6.3% had severe long-term ones. Importantly, continuing biological therapy during SRT didn’t increase the risk of severe side effects or worsen patients' survival chances. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients receiving both radiation and biological therapies.

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Researchers studied data on sickle cell disease (SCD) from over 23,000 patients to check how accurately doctors identified the type of SCD. They found that 94% of the time, the diagnosis made by doctors matched the information gathered manually from patient charts. This is important because accurate data helps improve research and treatments for SCD patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with sickle cell disease and their doctors.

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This study looked at how high altitudes affect the body's ability to process sugar, finding that low oxygen levels improve glucose tolerance and lower diabetes risk. Researchers discovered that red blood cells play a crucial role in this process, showing a nearly threefold increase in their ability to take up sugar when exposed to low oxygen, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. These findings could lead to new treatments for conditions like type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes and healthcare providers looking for new ways to manage blood sugar.

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This study looked at the potential cancer risks of gasoline exposure, particularly for fuel station workers. Researchers found that these workers had more genetic damage compared to those not exposed to gasoline, but some studies showed no signs of damage at all. The findings highlight that the genetic harm seen in these workers likely comes from a mix of different chemicals in their environment, rather than just gasoline alone. Who this helps: This helps fuel station workers and health professionals understand the risks associated with gasoline exposure.

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This study looked at the breeding and care practices of prairie voles at UC Davis from 2004 to 2020. Researchers found that effective management of the colony, including careful breeding strategies and consistent care, is crucial for maintaining the social behaviors of these animals, which are important for various scientific studies. This is important because it ensures that findings from prairie vole research can be trusted and applied to other areas of science, especially in understanding social behaviors and relationships in humans. Who this helps: This benefits scientists and researchers studying social behavior.

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This study looked at burnout rates among optometrists working in the Veterans Health Administration (VA) from 2018 to 2024. It found that burnout increased from 36.9% in 2018 to 47% between 2022 and 2024, with higher rates reported by female optometrists and those in leadership roles. Addressing this issue is crucial because reducing burnout can lead to better mental health for these healthcare providers and improved care for veterans. Who this helps: Veterans receiving eye care from the VA.

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This study looked at how certain eye features related to diabetic macular edema (DME) changed after cataract surgery in patients treated with either triamcinolone or bevacizumab. The researchers found that specific characteristics of the eye, like cyst size and integrity of the outer layer, stayed stable over six months, but larger cysts and certain disruptions were linked to worse vision. These findings are important because they show that imaging can help predict visual outcomes after cataract surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes undergoing cataract surgery and their eye doctors.

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This research paper reviews the challenges and techniques for treating injuries to the popliteal artery and vein, which are located behind the knee and can become severely damaged due to trauma, especially from gunshot wounds. The paper highlights that these injuries are rare but have high rates of complications, including amputations, if not handled quickly and effectively. It emphasizes the need for better training for surgeons to manage these complex injuries and proposes that lessons learned from military experience should guide surgical practices. Who this helps: This benefits trauma patients who suffer from popliteal vessel injuries and the surgeons who treat them.

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This study looked at the physical literacy of Indigenous (Mi'kmaw) students aged 9-12 in Nova Scotia. Researchers found that over 90% of the 81 students tested were at the early stages of physical competence and overall physical literacy, with older students performing better than younger ones. This research is important because it provides a starting point for improving physical activity and wellness programs tailored to Indigenous children. Who this helps: This helps Indigenous students and their communities by highlighting areas for support and improvement in physical education.

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This study looked at how to effectively treat acute migraine attacks in children and teenagers who go to the emergency room. It found that metoclopramide is the best first choice for treating these migraines, with options like nerve blocks and nasal lidocaine as backup treatments. Importantly, it advises against using opioids for these patients to avoid potential harm. Who this helps: This helps children and teenagers suffering from acute migraines and the doctors treating them.

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This study examined how using virtual patients and automated feedback can enhance medical students' ability to diagnose correctly. Researchers found that 20.1% of diagnoses were wrong initially, but after practice, students improved their diagnostic skills significantly: those who completed 20 cases improved their reasoning by 72% and made three times fewer mistakes. This matters because better diagnostic skills lead to safer, more effective patient care. Who this helps: This benefits medical students and ultimately patients by reducing diagnostic errors in healthcare.

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This study looked at the types of rhinovirus (RV) and enterovirus (EV) infections in young children who were hospitalized in Wisconsin from September 2022 to April 2023. Researchers found that 96 hospitalized children had these infections, with RV-C being the most common type at 42% and RV-A at 32%. Additionally, 74% of the children had other health issues, and those with RV-C were more likely to have asthma. This research is important because it helps identify which virus types are causing severe respiratory infections in kids, guiding better treatment and prevention strategies. Who this helps: This helps pediatricians and healthcare providers working with young patients.

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This study looked at how well a new type of genetic testing service, called pharmacogenomics (PGx), can be integrated into a behavioral health clinic serving a community with limited resources. The clinic's staff was positive about this service; 91% thought it would improve patient care, and 87% wanted training in this area. Overall, adding a PGx service led by pharmacists was seen as a practical step, though there were concerns about costs and how it would fit into existing workflows. Who this helps: This benefits patients receiving mental health care and the healthcare providers working with them.

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This research paper examines how surgeons can play a bigger role in advocating for social issues that affect their patients, rather than just focusing on surgical practices. The authors highlight that while many medical students are interested in advocacy, it is often not recognized as a valid career path, leading to a lack of support for those who want to engage in it. They propose creating mentorship programs and specialized training to prepare surgeons to influence health policies and improve patient care in the wider social context. Who this helps: This benefits patients and the healthcare system by ensuring that surgeons can address social issues that impact their health outcomes.

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This study looked at how certain compounds in the body, called endocannabinoids, relate to anxiety levels in children and teenagers. Researchers found that higher anxiety symptoms were linked to higher levels of one endocannabinoid (AEA) and lower levels of another (2-AG). Notably, when adolescents with generalized anxiety disorder took a specific medication, changes in 2-AG levels were connected to how well they responded to treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with anxiety, especially children and teenagers.

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This study looked at using a new technology called Vision Transformers (ViTs) to predict how likely it is for brain metastases patients to experience local treatment failure after surgery. The research involved 352 patients and found that the ViT model achieved a high accuracy score of 0.7982, outperforming traditional methods. This matters because it provides doctors with a better way to assess patient risk and tailor treatments accordingly, potentially improving outcomes for those affected. Who this helps: This helps patients with brain metastases and their doctors in planning more effective treatments.

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This study looked at the relationship between a specific brain region called the hypothalamus and sleep problems in both autistic and non-autistic young children aged 2 to 4 years. The researchers found that smaller volumes of the right hypothalamus were linked to difficulties with sleep initiation and maintenance in all children, with a notable finding that these sleep issues were influenced by behaviors like anger in children. Understanding this relationship is important because it highlights how both biological factors and external behaviors play a role in sleep troubles, which can help inform better sleep management strategies for young children. Who this helps: This helps young children with sleep issues and their parents, as well as healthcare providers working with these families.

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This study looked at how blocking the oxytocin receptor in specific areas of the brain affected social behavior in female California mice under stress. The researchers found that blocking this receptor in a certain brain area (the BNST) made mice less likely to avoid social interaction when stressed, while blocking it in another area (the NAc) reduced their attentive behavior towards potential social threats without changing their approach to social situations. This research is important because it shows that different parts of the brain influence social behavior differently, which could help in understanding how stress affects social interactions in animals and possibly humans. Who this helps: This helps researchers and clinicians working with patients experiencing social anxiety or stress-related social behaviors.

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This study looked at the sexual and reproductive health knowledge of young adults with spina bifida. Among 80 participants, over half of the men (55%) and nearly half of the women (47%) were sexually active, but 44% of women were unsure if they could become pregnant, and a concerning 25% of women and 10% of men reported experiences of sexual abuse or coercion. The findings highlight the need for better education and resources to protect these individuals and improve their sexual and reproductive health. Who this helps: This helps patients with spina bifida and their healthcare providers.

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This research studied a new model for testing malaria treatments using a device that mimics human organs, which helps researchers understand how the malaria parasite behaves in the body. The study found that the malaria drugs chloroquine, lumefantrine, and artesunate effectively reduced the parasite in lab models, with artesunate showing the best results. This work is important because it may accelerate the development of better therapies for a disease that still kills hundreds of thousands each year. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from malaria and doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how to improve the process of outlining organs at risk during radiation therapy, which usually takes a long time when done by hand. The researchers introduced a new evaluation framework that tested an automatic segmentation model designed to do this faster and more accurately, finding that the automatic model was 78% accurate and needed just 22 minutes for adjustments, compared to 69 minutes for manual work. This matters because it can save doctors time and improve the efficiency of radiation treatment, ultimately benefiting patients by allowing for quicker and more precise care. Who this helps: Patients undergoing radiation therapy.

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This study, called DUSTER, looked at how effective ultrasound scans are after a common procedure for improving blood flow in the legs, particularly for people at risk of losing limbs. Researchers found that incorporating ultrasound checks can help identify problems early on, potentially reducing the rate of repeat surgeries due to narrowed arteries, which affects about 50% of patients within two years. This matters because early detection can prevent unnecessary amputations and improve overall patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic limb-threatening ischaemia.

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This study looked at how different levels of ATP13A2, a protein related to neurodegenerative disorders, affect the behavior and brain health of genetically modified mice as they age. Researchers found that mice completely lacking ATP13A2 had motor problems and brain damage, while those with just one copy (heterozygous) had cognitive issues and increased levels of a protein linked to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Understanding these differences helps clarify how varying levels of ATP13A2 can lead to different brain conditions, which might influence treatment strategies for diseases like Parkinson's. Who this helps: Patients with neurodegenerative disorders and their doctors.

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This study looked at how cannabis affects men and women differently, particularly focusing on behavioral outcomes. The researchers found that sex influences how individuals respond to cannabis, but they highlighted that much of the existing research does not properly consider these differences. Understanding these variations can help improve treatment strategies and shape better public health policies regarding cannabis use. Who this helps: This helps patients, doctors, and public health officials.

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This paper studied the role of surgeons in advocating for better health policies and how their contributions can be recognized in academic promotions. It found that surgeons can significantly improve health care by getting involved in policies and community issues, but current promotion standards primarily focus on research and clinical skills, often overlooking advocacy work. The authors suggest developing new ways to measure and reward surgeons for their advocacy efforts, which are just as important for health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps surgeons aspiring for promotion and ultimately leads to better health outcomes for patients.

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This study looked at how to better prepare future surgeons to become effective advocates for health issues. It found that structured training in skills like public speaking and understanding health policies is essential, and that engaging with communities is also important. This matters because by equipping surgeons with these advocacy skills, they can address public health challenges and improve healthcare for everyone. Who this helps: This helps patients and communities who will benefit from improved health policies and advocacy efforts.

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This study looked at how a large language model (LLM) performs when answering real-world questions in radiation oncology compared to experienced clinical experts. The findings showed that the LLM's answers were almost as good as those from experts, with average scores of 3.38 for the LLM and 3.63 for experts on a 5-point scale, indicating similar quality; harmful answers were noted in 13% of expert responses and 16% of LLM responses, with no significant differences. This research matters because it shows that AI can effectively support clinicians but requires careful evaluation before widespread use. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers in the field of radiation oncology.

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This study looked at how well two methods for assessing suicide risk in children and teens in emergency departments work: a screening survey and a risk prediction algorithm. The findings showed that the algorithm was more effective, identifying 50.7% of those who attempted suicide, compared to just 36.5% identified by screening alone. This is significant because it means healthcare providers could better protect vulnerable youth by using the more accurate risk algorithm. Who this helps: This helps doctors and mental health professionals working with young patients at risk of suicide.

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This study is comparing a new method for diagnosing problems in the colon, called colon capsule endoscopy (CCE), with the traditional colonoscopy, which is more invasive and requires sedation. The researchers will involve 973 patients who might have colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or need regular check-ups after polyp removal. They aim to see how accurately the CCE works, how it affects the number of colonoscopies needed, patient experiences, and costs. Who this helps: This benefits patients who are at risk for colorectal diseases by offering a potentially easier and more accessible diagnostic option.

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This study looked at how children with autism and typical development react to sensory experiences, specifically examining both heightened and reduced responses. Researchers found a strong positive link (0.788) between high sensitivity (hyperresponsivity) and low sensitivity (hyporesponsivity) to sensory stimuli across various senses like sight and sound. These findings highlight that many children, particularly those with autism, experience a complex relationship with sensory inputs, which can affect communication and social skills, and suggests new ways to understand and support these sensory challenges. Who this helps: This helps autistic children and their caregivers by improving understanding of sensory processing issues.

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This study looked at a new hospital quality measure aimed at improving care for older adults, which the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will start using in 2024. The measure consists of 10 statements in 5 key areas, focusing on what matters to patients, medication management, mental health, and mobility. The researchers found that there is little overlap between the various existing quality programs for older adults, which could hinder effective care, so they recommend changes to make the CMS measure more useful and less burdensome for hospitals. Who this helps: This helps older patients who require better care in hospitals.

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This study focused on cachexia, a serious condition affecting over 80% of pancreatic cancer patients, which leads to muscle loss, weight loss, and a worse quality of life. Researchers found that managing nutritional needs promptly after diagnosis can help stabilize weight and improve survival rates. They emphasize that more research is necessary to find better ways to detect and treat this condition, such as exploring new drugs and nutritional supplements. Who this helps: This helps patients with pancreatic cancer and their doctors.

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Researchers studied how using genetic information can improve medication safety by identifying harmful side effects more effectively. They found that using pharmacogenomic data—information about how people's genes affect their responses to drugs—can reduce adverse drug reactions and lead to better health outcomes. The goal is to make medication prescribing more precise and personalized, which is important for keeping patients safe; however, this genetic information is not commonly used in reporting side effects right now. Who this helps: This helps patients, doctors, and healthcare providers by improving medication safety and effectiveness.

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Researchers studied how knocking down a specific receptor (oxytocin receptor) in certain brain areas affects social behavior in stressed female California mice. They found that reducing this receptor in one area of the brain helped the mice feel less socially avoidant after stress, increasing their interest in other stimuli, while another brain area showed different effects on social behavior. These findings are important because they suggest targeted approaches to help manage social anxiety and stress responses. Who this helps: This helps patients with social anxiety and mental health professionals looking for new treatment options.

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This study examined the transportation of critically ill pregnant individuals to the intensive care unit (ICU) within one health system from January 2020 to December 2023. Out of 1,087 transports, only 3.2% were sent directly to the ICU, and this was linked to longer physician consultations and stabilization times, as well as specific conditions like COVID-19 and being postpartum. Understanding these trends is crucial for improving care strategies and patient outcomes during obstetric emergencies. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers involved in maternal care.

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This study looked at how heart cells grow—and specifically examined how they manage the size of their nuclei compared to the rest of the cell. Researchers found that a protein called COX7A plays different roles in the heart and salivary gland; in the heart, it helps to limit nuclear size to prevent excessive growth, while in the salivary gland, it supports larger nuclear sizes. This is important because understanding how these processes work can help prevent diseases caused by improper cell growth. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors who study heart diseases and cell growth disorders.

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This study looked at how statin medications, commonly used to lower cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk, can cause muscle pain and weakness, known as myopathy. Researchers found that statins reduce the activity of two proteins, TOMM40 and TOMM22, which are important for healthy mitochondria—the energy producers in muscle cells—leading to problems with muscle function. Specifically, simvastatin-treated muscle cells showed impaired energy production and increased damage, which might explain the muscle problems experienced by some patients on statin therapy. Who this helps: This research benefits patients who take statins and face muscle-related side effects.

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This study focused on creating a comprehensive plan for simulation-based education (SBE) at a UK higher education institution that lacks a centralized simulation center. Researchers involved a diverse group of 43 participants from different fields in three rounds of surveys to build agreement on key strategic priorities. They concluded with 39 agreed-upon strategies that emphasize leadership, communication, training, and quality in SBE, which helps ensure that medical education meets the needs of students and the healthcare workforce. Who this helps: This benefits both students and educators in healthcare, enhancing their training and preparedness for real-world clinical settings.

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This study focused on creating an online resource to help patients better understand health information from their doctors, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers involved consumers and health professionals to design the resource, gathering input from 39 patients and 16 clinicians, which revealed common challenges like confusion over medical jargon and feelings of embarrassment when asking questions. The final version of the resource was well-received, with participants rating it highly for usability and accessibility, which is important because it can empower patients to actively confirm their understanding of medical advice. Who this helps: This helps patients who want to improve their communication with healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how nutrition and exercise can help manage depression. Researchers found that a large majority—68%—of studies on diet recommended anti-inflammatory, whole food, plant-based diets, while 89% of studies on exercise emphasized the importance of aerobic activities. The findings suggest that these healthier lifestyle choices should be included more prominently in depression treatment guidelines, alongside medications and therapy. Who this helps: This helps patients with depression by offering them additional strategies for management.

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This study reviews how human milk banking services work in middle- and high-income countries. It found that donor human milk is crucial for preterm and low birthweight infants but requires consistent and sustainable operations to meet their needs year-round. Understanding how to effectively set up and run these services can help ensure all babies, particularly those at risk, get the milk they need. Who this helps: This helps infants in need and the healthcare providers supporting them.

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Researchers created the Spatial Atlas of Human Anatomy (SAHA), a detailed map of healthy human tissues from over 100 donors, involving more than 15 million cells. They discovered unique patterns and interactions among cells in different organs, particularly in the gastrointestinal and immune systems, which can help identify changes linked to diseases like colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. This work is important because it lays the groundwork for better diagnostics and treatments based on how tissues operate in health and disease. Who this helps: This benefits patients and doctors by improving disease detection and treatment strategies.

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This study looked at a Canadian program that funded digital health research, called the eHealth Innovations Partnership Program (eHIPP), which received CAD$42 million from 2015 to 2021. Researchers found that the program led to the development of 36 new healthcare solutions and showed positive outcomes, such as improved health results (62%), better access to care (62%), and enhanced experiences for both patients and providers (52%). Understanding how these investments translate into real-world improvements is important for future funding decisions and for creating effective health solutions. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers seeking better access to and quality of health services.