BARRY EDWARD GOLDBERG, M.D.

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This study looked at why patients leave extremely negative reviews for orthopedic shoulder surgeons online. Out of 7,616 reviews analyzed, 722 were 1-star ratings, and most complaints (72%) came from nonsurgical patients, primarily about issues like poor bedside manner and insufficient time with the doctor. The study highlights that nonclinical factors are often more important to patients than actual surgical outcomes, showing that surgeons need to pay attention to their interactions with patients to maintain a good online reputation. Who this helps: This helps orthopedic surgeons improve their patient care and reputation.

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This study looked at how short videos can help people recognize and resist misleading information about elections in 12 European countries, with nearly 20,000 participants. The researchers found that viewers who watched these videos were better able to spot manipulative tactics used in misinformation, with an improvement score between 0.08 to 0.38. These findings are significant because they suggest that simple video messages can be an effective way to prepare voters to identify false information leading up to elections. Who this helps: This helps voters, especially those in older age groups, by equipping them with tools to better understand misleading electoral information.

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This study looked at the link between cervical radiculopathy (nerve pain in the neck) and the risk of developing cubital tunnel syndrome (a condition that causes numbness and weakness in the hand) after a specific type of elbow fracture. Researchers found that 9.6% of patients with cervical radiculopathy developed cubital tunnel syndrome after a distal humerus fracture, compared to only 5.14% of those without it. This is important because it suggests that patients with neck issues might need more careful monitoring after such injuries to prevent or address related complications. Who this helps: This information helps doctors and patients who have suffered a distal humerus fracture, especially those with neck pain issues.

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This study examined the differences in COVID-19 hospitalization rates between Black and White adults at Kaiser Permanente Georgia. It found that 11.27% of Black patients were hospitalized within 30 days of their diagnosis, compared to 9.44% of White patients, meaning Black patients had a 34% higher chance of hospitalization after adjusting for various health factors. This is important because it highlights that racial disparities in health outcomes persist even when patients have equal access to healthcare, and factors like obesity and social conditions play a significant role. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers working to address health disparities.

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This study examined how exposure to certain materials, like silica and heavy metals, at work or during hobbies relates to different types of muscle diseases, specifically inflammatory myopathies. Researchers looked at 1,390 patients and found that high exposure to silica doubled the risk of developing dermatomyositis and also increased the chances of having lung disease plus fever or arthritis. These findings are important because they highlight how specific environmental exposures can increase the risk of serious health conditions, helping in the prevention and management of these diseases. Who this helps: Patients with inflammatory muscle diseases and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a rare infection of the shoulder joint, caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium kansasii, in a 66-year-old woman after she had shoulder surgery. After experiencing ongoing pain and other symptoms for months, doctors discovered the infection and treated her with a specific antibiotic plan over 12 months, leading to her recovery. The findings highlight that infections from this type of bacteria are uncommon but require different approaches for diagnosis and treatment compared to typical infections, particularly since they can be missed initially. Who this helps: This benefits orthopedic doctors and patients who have shoulder joint implants, particularly elderly or immunocompromised individuals.

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This study looked at how well tacrolimus (TAC) works as a first treatment for a lung disease related to muscle inflammation in Americans, compared to two other medications, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and azathioprine (AZA). After 12 months, patients taking TAC showed improvement in lung function with their forced vital capacity (FVC) increasing from 1.9 liters to 2.5 liters, while those on MMF/AZA did not see any change in their lung function. These findings matter because TAC helped some patients reduce their need for supplemental oxygen, which is crucial for improving their quality of life. Who this helps: Patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies related interstitial lung disease.

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This study focused on improving how we predict which parts of foreign viruses and bacteria will trigger immune responses in the body, specifically looking at CD8T cells that help fight infections. Researchers created a new deep learning model called MUNIS, which analyzed over 650,000 data points and outperformed previous models in finding these important immune targets. They showed that MUNIS accurately identified known and new immune targets for the Epstein-Barr virus, which can help speed up the development of vaccines. Who this helps: This benefits vaccine developers and patients needing faster, effective vaccines.

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This study looked at how well different ways of preparing people against misinformation, like videos and games, worked over time. Researchers found that text and video methods were effective for up to one month, while game methods wore off quicker. They also discovered that using memory-boosting techniques helped make these anti-misinformation strategies last longer. Who this helps: This helps everyone, especially people at risk of being misled by false information.

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This study looked at questions about tumors and tumor-like conditions found in the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination (OITE) from 2012 to 2023. It found that tumor-related questions made up about 10-16% of the exam each year, with an average of nine questions on bone tumors and four on soft tissue tumors. Over time, there was a shift in focus, with more emphasis on treatment and management rather than just diagnosis, which is important for preparing orthopaedic surgery trainees for their future exams. Who this helps: This benefits orthopedic residents and their program directors by improving their exam preparation and educational resources.

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This study looked at how infections that occurred before a diagnosis of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs)—which include conditions like dermatomyositis and polymyositis—are linked to different types of these diseases. Researchers found that infections were more common in patients with dermatomyositis and polymyositis compared to those with inclusion body myositis, especially respiratory and stomach infections, with pneumonia being particularly linked to conditions that also involve lung disease. Understanding this connection helps identify potential triggers for these diseases, improving diagnosis and management. Who this helps: This helps patients with myositis and their doctors.

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This study looked at how to effectively research designs that encourage positive interactions on online platforms, as many researchers struggle to access the live platforms needed for their studies. The experts identified key challenges in testing these design interventions and provided recommendations for improving research methods. Their insights aim to create better tools for promoting healthy online behavior, which is important for the safety and well-being of users. Who this helps: This benefits patients and online users looking for safer, more positive online experiences.

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This research studied how a video designed to counter misinformation affected the way people share content on Twitter/X. The study involved nearly a million users who either watched the misinformation video or a control video, but found no significant changes in their sharing behavior, likely because only about 7.5% of those targeted actually saw the video. Understanding these results is important for improving methods to combat false information online, as it highlights the challenges of measuring the impact of such interventions. Who this helps: This helps researchers and social media companies develop more effective strategies to combat misinformation.

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This study looked at how certain genes affect survival in breast cancer patients. Researchers analyzed data from 1,518 patients and identified 27 known important genes related to prognosis, along with 3 new genes that may also play a significant role. Understanding these genes is important because it can help improve treatment decisions and outcomes for breast cancer patients. Who this helps: This research benefits breast cancer patients and their doctors by providing insights that can enhance treatment strategies.

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This study looked at two ways to improve the screening for social risk factors—like homelessness or food insecurity—at community health centers. They found that clinics using either financial rewards or special support to implement screening saw about 4.66 more screenings per 100 adult patients every month compared to clinics that didn’t receive these interventions. Combining both methods showed improvements, particularly with practice support, enhancing the average screening rates after one and two years. Who this helps: This benefits community health centers and their patients, especially those from underserved populations.

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This research studied how the twisting and turning of DNA (called supercoiling) affects the process of gene expression in bacteria. It found that a specific enzyme (topoisomerase I) is necessary for the expression of strongly activated genes, while another enzyme (gyrase) helps all genes express better. The findings indicate that changes in DNA supercoiling can dramatically alter gene activity, which is important for understanding how bacteria control their genes. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors understand bacterial gene regulation better, which can inform antibiotic development.

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This study looked at how the structure of chromosomes affects the activity of genes. Researchers found that when genes are placed in specific configurations, the overall gene activity can change significantly—up to 50% less transcription in some cases—depending on the arrangement and the twisting of the DNA. This matters because understanding these relationships helps in comprehending how genes work together and may lead to improved strategies for addressing genetic disorders. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on genetic diseases and gene therapy.

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Reviewing records of 101 children who presented with migratory joint pain over eight years, researchers found that only half were diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever, the condition classically associated with this symptom. The remaining children had a wide range of diagnoses including reactive arthritis, viral arthritis, lupus, and in rare cases, cancer. Overcrowded living conditions and elevated CRP were the strongest indicators of rheumatic fever, while rash and abnormal immune markers pointed toward other causes.

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Researchers studied how different approaches can motivate people to change their beliefs and actions regarding climate change in 63 countries. They tested 11 strategies with over 59,000 participants and found that while each approach had some impact, the effects were small and varied based on individuals' initial feelings about climate change. For example, encouraging people to think about future generations increased support for climate policies by 2.6%, and inducing negative emotions boosted the desire to share climate-related information by 12.1%. This matters because understanding which strategies work best can help foster greater action on climate change. Who this helps: This benefits environmental advocates and policymakers working to engage communities in climate action.

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This study looked at how changes in treatment schedules for elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) affect their survival. Researchers found that patients who received venetoclax for 14 days or less during each cycle had a significantly longer progression-free survival (15.8 months) and overall survival (24.7 months) compared to those who received it for more than 15 days, which is important for improving treatment strategies. The length of time between treatment cycles did not seem to impact survival. Who this helps: This helps elderly AML patients by identifying more effective treatment schedules.

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This study looked at a blood test for diagnosing peanut allergies, focusing on whether blood stored in EDTA tubes could still provide accurate results after 48 hours. Researchers tested blood samples from 112 children, finding that 84% of samples on the first day and 86% on the second day were suitable for testing, with accuracy rates of 95.5% and 94.4%, respectively. This is significant because it shows that the peanut allergy test can be reliable even two days after the blood is drawn, which could make it easier for labs to process these tests. Who this helps: This benefits patients and their doctors by providing a more practical way to diagnose peanut allergies.

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This research studied the psychological factors that influence people's actions and beliefs about climate change by surveying over 59,000 participants from 63 countries. The study tested 11 different strategies to encourage people to believe in climate change, support policies for it, share information online, and engage in pro-environmental behaviors. The findings showed how demographics and national differences affect individual climate action, which highlights the need for targeted approaches to address climate change effectively. Who this helps: This research benefits policymakers, environmental advocates, and educators looking to motivate action on climate change.

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This research examined how effective two different methods are at helping people spot false information in news headlines. Researchers tested over 7,000 people and found that while one method helped people recognize emotional tricks used in manipulation, it didn't improve their ability to distinguish true stories from false ones. However, when this method was used alongside another one that encouraged people to focus on the accuracy of information, they got better at identifying true content. Who this helps: This helps patients and the general public by improving their ability to recognize true information in the news.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic changed the health-related social needs of over 21,000 Medicare and Medicaid recipients in Oregon, focusing on food, housing, transportation, and safety. They found that overall social needs jumped by 17.7 percentage points in March 2020 and remained high for two years. Specifically, the need for food increased by 16.5 points, housing needs by 15.9 points, and safety by 4.4 points, showing that many people still struggled with these issues long after the initial outbreak. Who this helps: This helps patients who rely on Medicare and Medicaid by highlighting ongoing support needs.

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This study looked at children with fever and high levels of a protein called C-reactive protein (CRP) in the emergency department. It found that 94.1% of children with extremely high CRP levels (over 30 mg/dL) had bacterial infections, often pneumonia, compared to 78.5% of those with slightly elevated CRP levels (15-30 mg/dL). Children with extremely high CRP were more likely to look seriously ill, receive more fluids, and need to be admitted to intensive care units, highlighting the need for urgent medical attention in these cases. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers treating febrile children.

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This study looked at whether a drug called ursodiol could help prevent liver damage in patients receiving two specific leukemia treatments, gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) and inotuzumab ozogamicin (InO). Out of 49 patients, only 2 (14%) in the ursodiol group experienced liver problems compared to 15 (43%) in the group without it, but the difference wasn't statistically significant. While ursodiol didn’t greatly reduce liver damage risk overall, it might help delay when those issues occur. Who this helps: This helps patients with acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia undergoing treatment.

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This study looked at how well home-based rapid tests for COVID-19 can find the virus in people who don’t show symptoms. Researchers found that out of 7,361 participants, 492 tested positive for COVID-19, including 154 who were asymptomatic at the start. This is important because it shows that even people without symptoms can carry the virus, making regular testing crucial for controlling outbreaks. Who this helps: This benefits patients who need regular testing and healthcare providers working to identify and manage asymptomatic infections.

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This study looked at how 46 orthopedic surgeons in the U.S. approach rehabilitation after surgery to fix a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The results showed that while most surgeons wait about 3 to 4 months before letting patients start jogging, and 9 months or more before allowing unrestricted sports, there is a significant lack of agreement on the best practices and timing. This is important because inconsistent protocols can affect recovery experiences and outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from ACL surgery by highlighting the need for clearer and more standardized rehabilitation guidelines.

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The study looked at cases of infant botulism, a rare but serious illness that causes muscle weakness and can lead to breathing problems. Between 2007 and 2021, there were 8 confirmed cases in Israel, with an increase noted during 2019-2021, particularly a cluster of 5 cases; the average age for diagnosis was 6.5 months, compared to the previous average of 3 months. This research is important because it highlights changing patterns of the disease and potential risk factors, which can help in preventing future cases. Who this helps: This benefits parents and healthcare providers by raising awareness about the risks and signs of infant botulism.

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This study looked at how online hate speech changes in response to real-world events like protests and elections across different social media platforms. Researchers found that after events, certain types of hate speech increased significantly, even when they didn’t seem related to the events themselves. For example, they identified 7 different types of hate speech and analyzed them on 6 different platforms, highlighting that moderation efforts are often not enough to prevent these spikes. Who this helps: This research benefits social media companies and policymakers who want to understand and combat online hate speech.

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This study looked at how comfortable patients are with receiving help for their social needs after being screened either in-person or remotely. The researchers found that 71% of patients were willing to accept assistance, regardless of whether they were screened in-person (43%) or remotely (57%). This matters because it shows that remote screening is just as effective at engaging patients in social support services as traditional in-person methods. Who this helps: This helps patients who may need support with social services and healthcare providers looking to engage them effectively.

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This study looked at how often researchers reported patient feedback after total hip and knee surgeries, specifically focusing on two key measures: patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs). Over the last decade, while more articles were published showing PROMs, the percentage of articles that included these measures actually decreased from about 50% in 2010 to 36% in 2020. However, the reports that included MCIDs—a measure of how much change in scores matters to patients—did increase from 2% to 17%, indicating a growing awareness of its importance. Who this helps: This benefits patients by promoting a better understanding of the effectiveness of their surgeries.

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This study looked at how well rapid tests can detect COVID-19 in people who don't show symptoms. Researchers enrolled 7,361 participants across the United States, and out of those, 492 tested positive for the virus, including 154 who had no symptoms initially. This research matters because it shows that using digital methods to test people efficiently can improve our ability to identify asymptomatic cases, which is key to controlling the spread of the virus. Who this helps: This helps patients and public health officials.

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This research looked at how three major children's emergency departments in the western U.S. managed unexpected increases in patient numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during the Delta and Omicron variants. The study highlighted that while initially, fewer children needed emergency care, patient volumes surged unpredictably due to various factors like staffing shortages and a rise in children's mental health issues. By analyzing their responses, the departments were able to develop new strategies that could improve future emergency care for kids during health crises. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients and healthcare providers in emergency settings.

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This study examined the differences between effective and ineffective CD8+ T cells in the immune response to HIV. The researchers found that specific characteristics of these T cells, such as their ability to multiply and fight the virus, varied among people with controlled versus uncontrolled HIV infections. Understanding these features is crucial for developing better vaccines against HIV. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of HIV and those involved in vaccine development.

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This study looked at the distribution of rare muscle diseases known as idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) across the United States, focusing on patients diagnosed from 1985 to 2011. The findings revealed that there were more cases in the Northeast, with dermatomyositis (DM) and cases related to lung issues being particularly common in the East, while polymyositis (PM) was more prevalent in the Southeast. Notably, people living within 50 meters of a road were found to have a higher prevalence of these conditions compared to those living farther away. Who this helps: This research benefits patients and doctors by improving understanding of where these diseases are more likely to occur and potential environmental factors involved.

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The study tested short videos designed to help people resist misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine. Nearly 2,000 unvaccinated individuals watched one of three types of videos: one using stories, one with straight facts, and one that combined both styles. Those who watched the videos were better at recognizing misinformation, were less likely to share it, and showed more willingness to get vaccinated, with around 50% increase in willingness across all video groups compared to those who didn’t see the videos. Who this helps: This benefits unvaccinated individuals by providing them with tools to make informed decisions about vaccines.

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This study looked at factors that make it more likely for children with severe arm fractures (specifically Type 3 supracondylar humerus fractures) to need surgery to fix the bone through an open procedure. Out of 362 patients, 12.2% needed open surgery, and those with more severe bone displacement were over three times more likely to need this type of surgery. Understanding these factors is important for improving treatment decisions and outcomes for young patients with complex fractures. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients and their doctors in making informed treatment choices.

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This study looked at how short videos can help people recognize and resist false information on social media. Researchers created five videos that teach viewers about common tricks used in misleading posts, like using emotional language or false choices. In tests with over 28,000 participants, the videos helped people better identify misleading content and make better choices about what to share, benefitting all groups regardless of political affiliation. Who this helps: This helps social media users by making them more aware of misinformation.

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This study looked at how patients feel about phone-based interventions that assess their social needs related to health. Researchers interviewed 34 patients and found that while many were initially skeptical, effective communication and a caring attitude from healthcare workers could lead to positive feelings of appreciation and hope. This research matters because it helps improve how healthcare organizations connect with patients, making these interventions more effective and supportive. Who this helps: Patients who undergo phone-based health assessments.

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This study looked at a 14-year-old boy who developed a serious autoimmune disease called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) just two days after receiving his third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. He showed symptoms like a rash, joint pain, and kidney issues, but his condition improved with treatment. This is the first documented case of a child developing SLE following a COVID-19 vaccination, which raises important questions about vaccine safety and the potential for rare side effects. Who this helps: This information is important for doctors and parents of children getting vaccinated.

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This study looked at children with systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) to see how the age of diagnosis (before or after 10 years old) affects disease characteristics and treatment. Researchers found that children diagnosed before age 10 had higher levels of certain antibodies and were more likely to use a specific medication (azathioprine), while those diagnosed after age 10 experienced worse disease activity and used different medications (mycophenolate mofetil and hydroxychloroquine). This information is important because it can help doctors tailor treatments based on when a child develops lupus, potentially improving their health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients and their doctors.

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This study looked at lung ultrasounds done on seven children with COVID-19 across six hospitals to see how their lung conditions varied. The results showed a wide range of findings: some kids had healthy lungs, while others showed signs like fluid buildup and lung inflammation. Understanding these differences is important because it helps doctors better assess and treat children with COVID-19. Who this helps: This helps doctors and pediatric patients with COVID-19.

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This study looked at ways to prevent infections after surgeries, known as surgical site infections (SSIs), which can lead to longer hospital stays and higher costs. The researchers found that using alcohol-based skin cleansers before surgery, special sutures coated with an antibiotic, and negative pressure wound therapy can effectively reduce the chances of infections. However, rinsing wounds with certain antibiotic solutions and using specific types of dressings did not show a significant benefit. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing surgery, as it can lead to safer procedures and quicker recoveries.

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This study looked at how a group of 10 universities worked together to increase the number of diverse scholars pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) faculty positions. They found that their collaborative approach, which included institutions with different backgrounds and missions, was effective but required careful management and ongoing communication to address challenges and share successful strategies. Importantly, they emphasized learning from both successes and failures to ensure progress and inclusivity across all participating institutions. Who this helps: This benefits universities, students from underrepresented groups, and professionals in STEM fields.

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This study looked at a virtual summer camp that provided hands-on science training to underserved minority high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thirty-three students participated in interactive online lab simulations and reported high satisfaction, with 96% expressing interest in pursuing careers in health fields. The findings show that virtual learning can be as effective as in-person experiences, which is important for keeping students engaged in science education despite challenges. Who this helps: This benefits underserved minority youth interested in healthcare careers and their educators.

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A survey of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and their parents found that overall knowledge about the eye complication uveitis was moderate, and that parents whose rheumatologist reminded them about eye exams at every visit scored significantly higher on knowledge questions. Having a personal history of uveitis was also associated with better knowledge. The results suggest that consistent, frequent discussion of uveitis risk at every clinic visit is the most effective way to improve family awareness and potentially catch eye problems earlier.