DR. ELSA T. GOLDSTEIN, M.D.

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This study looked at a specific type of gonorrhea bacteria that was causing false negative results in tests used to identify infections. Researchers found eight samples from five patients in Scotland that tested positive for gonorrhea using a common testing method but negative with a confirmatory test that checks for more DNA targets. This is concerning because it could lead to misdiagnosis and untreated infections, so doctors and health officials need to be aware of this issue to ensure accurate diagnoses. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers in sexual health.

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This study looked at how feeling overwhelmed by pain (called pain catastrophizing) affects various aspects of chronic pain, specifically in adults with ongoing muscle and joint pain. The research reviewed 20 studies and found that in 13 of them, pain catastrophizing was linked to worse pain, higher disability, and increased difficulty in daily activities. Addressing how patients think and feel about their pain could lead to better management and improved quality of life. Who this helps: Patients suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain.

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This study looked at how easy it is for mothers involved in the child welfare system in Pennsylvania to access treatment for substance use disorders. Researchers found that when treatment facilities were closer and more available, more mothers used those services, especially for inpatient care; however, the overall impact was small, meaning other factors also affect treatment access. This is important because improving access to treatment may help prevent child maltreatment and loss of custody due to substance use. Who this helps: This helps mothers struggling with substance use disorder and their families.

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This study looked at how posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) affect pain levels in individuals with chronic low back pain, focusing on whether these effects differ between men and women. Researchers found that patients who screened positive for PTSS experienced more pain, and this was linked to a thinking style called pain catastrophizing—where individuals focus on the worst possible outcomes of their pain. In particular, this connection was stronger in men, indicating that they may struggle more with how trauma affects their pain experience. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with chronic low back pain, especially men, by highlighting the need for tailored treatment strategies.

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This study tested a new test called the Allplex NG & DR assay, which can quickly identify gonorrhea and the bacteria’s resistance to two antibiotics, azithromycin and ciprofloxacin. Researchers found that this test was very accurate, correctly identifying the presence of gonorrhea 98.8% of the time and resistance markers over 97% of the time. This matters because timely and accurate diagnosis can lead to better treatment choices for patients, which helps combat the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. Who this helps: Patients with gonorrhea.

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This study focused on how healthcare providers can better support pregnant people who have experienced trauma. Researchers interviewed 23 clinicians, who highlighted that trauma can affect care quality and emphasized the need for a trauma-informed approach to prevent further harm. They found that recognizing individual strengths and tailoring care can help patients feel safe and supported. Who this helps: This benefits pregnant individuals who have experienced trauma, healthcare providers, and the overall quality of perinatal care.

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This study looked at how healthcare providers in maternity settings understand and implement trauma-informed care (TIC), which is essential because many people have faced childhood trauma. The researchers interviewed 23 clinicians, and found that 95.7% of them were women with about 12 years of experience. They discovered that challenges mainly come from rigid healthcare systems that lack supportive resources and structures, but also identified ways to improve care through better support and teamwork. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially pregnant and postpartum individuals who have experienced trauma.

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This study focused on how a new imaging technique, called high-resolution vessel wall imaging, can help doctors tell apart two causes of brain strokes: branch atheromatous disease (BAD) and small vessel ischemic disease (SVID). Out of 23 patients with acute strokes, the imaging showed that 5 had signs of BAD, which is linked to worse health outcomes, while others showed signs of SVID. Knowing which type of stroke a patient has is important because it can affect their treatment and management, as BAD may need more aggressive prevention measures. Who this helps: Patients who have had strokes, specifically those diagnosed with BAD or SVID.

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This study looked at the emotional and financial well-being of over 2,100 pregnant women in the U.S. and Puerto Rico during the COVID-19 pandemic. It found that more than half (53.8%) of these women reported feelings of depression. Key factors linked to these feelings included problems with housing, financial stress, and a personal or family connection to COVID-19, with those who had housing insecurity and COVID-19 diagnosis being much more likely to experience depressive symptoms. Who this helps: This research benefits pregnant women facing similar challenges, as well as healthcare providers supporting their mental health.

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This research compared patient experiences in VA hospitals versus non-VA hospitals in 2017 and 2021, particularly focusing on different health conditions and races. In 2017, non-VA hospitals generally provided better experiences, but by 2021, VA hospitals improved significantly and performed better overall, especially for Black and low-health patients, scoring higher in most categories. This matters because it shows that patient care in VA hospitals has improved, addressing earlier concerns about their quality and equity in healthcare. Who this helps: This benefits veterans and patients with varying health conditions and racial backgrounds.

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This study looked at how different ways of conducting a hospital survey, called HCAHPS, can affect the feedback patients give about their care. Researchers found that patients admitted for planned stays reported better experiences compared to those with unplanned admissions, showing a difference in scores that could affect hospital comparisons. Specifically, using web and phone methods led to more positive feedback than just mailing surveys. Adjusting for these differences is crucial to ensure hospitals are evaluated fairly and can accurately represent their patients. Who this helps: Patients and hospitals benefit from more accurate feedback and performance evaluations.

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This research studied a new visual template designed to make the informed consent process for clinical trials easier to understand for participants. Out of 85 participants who used this visual information, nearly 87.4% understood the trial details well, only about 10% felt unsure about joining, and 96.5% liked the template. This is important because clearer consent processes can help more people participate in research, improving the quality of clinical studies and outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients considering participation in clinical trials.

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Researchers investigated why some patients with cervical artery dissection (CAD) experience more strokes after their initial diagnosis. They found that 5.3% of the 4,023 patients studied had a subsequent stroke within six months. Key risk factors included having a history of ischemic stroke, presenting within seven days of symptoms, having an infarct on initial scans, and experiencing occlusive dissection. Patients with occlusive dissection who were treated with anticoagulants had a lower risk of subsequent strokes compared to those treated with antiplatelets. Who this helps: This benefits patients with cervical artery dissection and their doctors by highlighting important risk factors and treatment options.

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This study looked at what pregnant individuals, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, want from their prenatal care, especially regarding trauma-informed practices. Researchers spoke to 27 pregnant people and found three main preferences: they want to have choices in their care, a focus on their and their baby's health, and access to personalized information. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of understanding and addressing trauma during visits, calling for care that is emotionally supportive and sensitive. Who this helps: This benefits pregnant patients seeking more compassionate and effective prenatal care.

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This study looked at a wellness program for pregnant women to see if it could help reduce stress and improve mental health. Forty women participated, with three-quarters completing all sessions of the program. The results showed that those who went through the wellness program experienced a significant drop in anxiety levels and adopted healthier habits compared to those who received basic prenatal education. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women, particularly those facing mental health challenges.

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This study looked at ways to help cancer patients and survivors manage the financial stress that often comes with their treatment, known as financial toxicity. Researchers reviewed 36 studies involving over 35,000 participants and found that various support methods, like financial counseling and direct financial assistance, can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs and improve quality of life. These findings are important because they show that even simple interventions can alleviate the financial burdens of cancer, potentially leading to better health outcomes and survival rates. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients and survivors, as well as healthcare providers supporting them.

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This study investigated how being born prematurely affects brain development and behavior, specifically focusing on the cerebellum, which is important for movement and social skills. Researchers used a special mouse model that mimics the effects of premature birth by exposing the mice to different stressors. They found that mice exposed to a lack of oxygen after an immune response experienced motor and cognitive problems, while their social behaviors remained mostly intact. This matters because it helps us understand how different factors at birth can affect a child's development and leads to more targeted care for premature infants. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working with premature infants.

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This study looked at young people placed in congregate care (CC) facilities to see if being in such facilities increases the risk of getting in trouble with the law compared to other types of care. The researchers found that less than 10% of youth without known behavioral issues were in CC, and that while CC seemed to increase delinquency mainly among low-risk youth, those with prior delinquent behavior showed no increase in risk. Overall, rates of getting in trouble were highest after leaving any type of out-of-home placement. Who this helps: This research benefits policymakers and youth care providers by highlighting the need for improved care quality in CC facilities for at-risk youth.

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This study looked at how physical activity (PA) affects health and reduces the risk of diseases like coronary heart disease and diabetes. It found that staying active lowers the chance of dying from these diseases, while sitting too much increases that risk. Recent findings show that muscle tissue communicates with other organs in the body, releasing hormones that help protect against illness. Who this helps: This benefits patients seeking to improve their health and reduce disease risk through physical activity.

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This study developed a new tool called ALGR that helps researchers create realistic agricultural landscape maps for simulations. The tool uses a three-step process to create flexible landscapes that mimic real-world patterns, making it easier to study how land use affects ecological processes. ALGR is easy to use with the popular R programming language, and it can adapt to different types of landscapes and uses. Who this helps: This benefits researchers, environmental scientists, and agricultural modelers.

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This study introduced MyVivarium, an easy-to-use, cloud-based software application designed to manage research animal colonies better than traditional paper or spreadsheet methods. It allows lab workers to track individual animals using QR codes and gives real-time updates on important conditions like temperature and humidity, all at a low cost. MyVivarium improves efficiency and animal welfare in research settings, making it easier for labs to ensure their animals are well-cared-for and that data is accurately maintained. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and lab administrators who need an efficient way to manage animal care in their studies.

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This study looked at how certain cancer cells react when they get stuck in a process called mitosis, where they should be dividing but instead are halted. The researchers found that when they blocked a specific signaling pathway (PI3K) along with using a drug to stop cell division, more cancer cells died—up to 70% of the cells died during this mistimed division process. These findings help scientists understand why some cancer cells survive treatments while others do not, which can lead to better cancer treatment strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients with cancer by providing insights for more effective treatments.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced new mothers' choices about breastfeeding. Out of 216 participants, many found positive factors like health benefits and changes in work routines helped them breastfeed, while challenges included lack of lactation support and increased stress. Understanding these experiences can help healthcare systems and policymakers find better ways to support breastfeeding during tough times. Who this helps: This research benefits new mothers by highlighting their needs for support during crises.

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This study looked at how loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic affected the mental and physical health of women who were pregnant or had recently given birth. Out of 613 women surveyed, nearly half (48.8%) felt lonely, and these women were more likely to experience higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, along with more pregnancy complications. Addressing loneliness in this group could lead to better health outcomes for mothers and their babies. Who this helps: This helps pregnant and postpartum women experiencing loneliness, as well as their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how a tailored online program called Mothers and Babies Personalized (MB-P) can help pregnant people manage stress and depression, especially those with a history of childhood trauma. Researchers found that 71% of the 95 participants reported having experienced trauma, and while the program significantly reduced depressive symptoms and improved mood regulation for all, those with trauma history might benefit even more from additional trauma-focused content. These results highlight the importance of personalized support for mental health during pregnancy, especially for those with past hardships. Who this helps: This helps pregnant individuals, particularly those who have experienced childhood trauma.

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The STOP-CAD study looked at patients with cervical artery dissection, a condition that can lead to strokes, and compared two treatments: antiplatelet drugs and anticoagulants. Out of 3,636 patients studied, those on anticoagulants had a somewhat lower risk of ischemic strokes in the first 30 days compared to those on antiplatelet therapy, but the overall difference wasn’t significant. However, after 180 days, the risk of serious bleeding increased significantly in those taking anticoagulants, so it may be better to switch to antiplatelet therapy after a short period. Who this helps: This research assists doctors in deciding the best treatment for patients with cervical artery dissection to prevent strokes.

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This study examined how to effectively implement trauma-informed care (TIC) in healthcare settings, which promotes safety and prevents patients from being retraumatized. Researchers reviewed 16 articles and found that using specific strategies within ten areas, such as training healthcare workers and improving patient involvement, leads to better patient outcomes. This matters because trauma can significantly affect health, and effective TIC can enhance care for those who have experienced trauma. Who this helps: Patients who have experienced trauma and the healthcare providers who care for them.

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This study looked at common questions and misunderstandings about caffeine's effects on exercise, hydration, fat loss, and health. The researchers reviewed a lot of existing studies and found that while caffeine can boost performance, issues like whether it causes dehydration or heart problems are still not completely clear. For example, many people wonder if caffeine helps everyone equally or if it should be avoided by certain groups, like pregnant women. Who this helps: This helps athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how testing for resistance to the antibiotic ciprofloxacin can change the way gonorrhea is treated in a large urban clinic in the UK. Out of nearly 1,000 samples, about 56% were tested for resistance, and nearly half of these were found to be susceptible to ciprofloxacin. As a result, doctors prescribed ciprofloxacin in 75% of cases where it was safe to do so, which helped reduce the use of stronger antibiotics like ceftriaxone. Who this helps: This helps patients with gonorrhea by providing more effective treatment options with fewer side effects.

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This study looked at patient feedback scores from hospitals across the U.S. between 2008 and 2019 to see how hospitals improved their services. Overall, scores increased by an average of 5.2 percentage points, with the most significant improvements seen in areas like overall hospital ratings (up 8.5 points) and discharge information (up 7.3 points). These findings are important because they show that hospitals have made notable progress in enhancing patient experiences, particularly in lower-performing facilities. Who this helps: Patients benefit from improved hospital services and care quality.

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This study looked at how effective group visits are for people struggling with sleep issues using various types of holistic treatments, like acupuncture and herbal medicine. Over one month, 23 participants attended up to four sessions, with 78% attending all of them. The early results indicate that this group format for addressing sleep problems can work well but more detailed research is needed to fully understand its impact. Who this helps: This approach benefits individuals dealing with sleep disturbances and healthcare providers offering holistic treatment options.

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This research looked at how well two types of blood-thinning treatments—anticoagulants and antiplatelets—work for preventing strokes in patients with spontaneous cervical artery dissection. The study found that anticoagulants lowered the risk of ischemic strokes by 37% compared to antiplatelets, but they also increased the risk of major bleeding by 125%. This is important because it highlights the need for personalized treatment plans that consider both the benefits of reducing stroke risk and the potential for bleeding complications. Who this helps: This helps patients who have cervical artery dissection and their doctors in making better treatment decisions.

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This study looked at hepatitis C virus (HCV) diversity and how well patients in Benin responded to specific antiviral treatments. Out of 100 participants, 79 tested positive for HCV, and 66% completed the treatment, with 94% of those achieving a sustained recovery 12 weeks later. It found a mix of HCV genotypes, with most patients having either genotype 1 or 2; however, subtype 2d had a lower treatment success rate compared to others. Who this helps: This research helps patients with hepatitis C, particularly those with challenging viral genotypes.

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This paper updates guidelines for diagnosing complicated abdominal infections, specifically focusing on a condition called acute diverticulitis, which can occur in adults and pregnant individuals. The panel recommends specific imaging techniques to use when doctors suspect diverticulitis, based on thorough reviews of existing research. These guidelines matter because they help ensure that patients receive accurate and timely diagnoses, which can lead to better treatment outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those experiencing abdominal pain, as well as healthcare providers making diagnostic decisions.

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This paper updates guidelines for assessing and diagnosing complicated infections in the abdomen for adults, children, and pregnant people. The authors recommend using a specific scoring system to evaluate the severity of these infections, providing clear standards based on careful reviews of existing research. This is important because it helps doctors make better decisions about treatment based on how serious the infection is. Who this helps: This benefits patients with complicated intra-abdominal infections and their doctors.

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This paper updates guidelines on how to diagnose complicated intra-abdominal infections, particularly focusing on identifying acute abscesses in adults, children, and pregnant individuals. The recommendations are based on thorough reviews of existing research and follow a clear method for evaluating the quality of evidence. This is important because accurate diagnosis can lead to timely treatment, improving patient outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers by ensuring better diagnostic practices.

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This study looked at how to better diagnose complicated infections in the abdomen for adults, children, and pregnant individuals. The researchers found that taking fluid samples from the abdomen can help identify the specific germs causing these infections, which is crucial for effective treatment. Their recommendations are based on thorough reviews of existing research to ensure reliability and accuracy in medical practice. Who this helps: This helps doctors in diagnosing and treating patients with intra-abdominal infections more effectively.

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This study focuses on improving the understanding and management of complicated intra-abdominal infections in adults, children, and pregnant women. It provides updated guidelines on when to take blood samples from patients suspected of having these infections, based on a thorough review of existing research. This information is crucial because timely and accurate testing can lead to better treatment outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with complicated intra-abdominal infections and their doctors.

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This study updates medical guidelines on diagnosing complicated intra-abdominal infections, focusing specifically on how to use imaging to check for appendicitis in adults, children, and pregnant individuals. The guidelines, developed by experts, recommend using certain imaging techniques based on thorough reviews of existing research. This matters because proper imaging can lead to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients who may have appendicitis, as well as doctors who need clear guidelines for diagnosis.

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This research paper reviews guidelines for diagnosing serious infections in the abdomen, specifically focusing on conditions like acute cholecystitis and acute cholangitis in adults, children, and pregnant people. The recommendations are based on thorough reviews of existing research and clarify the best imaging techniques to use for accurate diagnosis. These guidelines aim to improve patient care by ensuring that health professionals have the most reliable information for making diagnostic decisions. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing clear guidance on diagnosing complicated abdominal infections.

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This study updates medical guidelines for diagnosing and managing complicated infections in the belly area for adults, children, and pregnant individuals. The panel introduced 21 new recommendations based on thorough research and careful evaluation of the evidence, ensuring they are reliable and actionable. These updates aim to improve patient care and outcomes by providing clearer guidance on assessing risk, using diagnostic imaging, and performing lab tests. Who this helps: Patients dealing with complicated abdominal infections and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how using mixed methods to collect patient experience surveys might improve response rates compared to using just one method, like mail or phone. By surveying over 17,000 patients across 51 hospitals, researchers found that mixed methods led to higher response rates, particularly among younger patients. For example, response rates for 18-24 year-olds were only 7% with mail-only surveys, but rose to 28% with mixed methods. This improvement is significant because it helps hospitals gather better feedback from a wider range of patients, ultimately leading to better healthcare services. Who this helps: Patients, especially younger ones, benefit from improved representation in survey results.

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This study looked at how climate change and human activities might affect snakebites in Sri Lanka from now until 2050. Researchers found that snakebite cases could decrease overall by 12% to 23%, depending on how we manage environmental and population changes, but some areas might see an increase in snakebites, especially in the highlands. Understanding these trends is important for creating effective strategies to prevent snakebites and protect both communities and wildlife. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of snakebites and public health officials working to reduce snakebite incidents.

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Researchers studied the effects of small particles derived from fat tissue stem cells on mice with septic encephalopathy, a severe brain condition caused by infection. They found that giving these particles improved the mice's condition by decreasing symptoms of the disease, helping brain energy levels, and lowering harmful inflammation. This matters because it suggests a new potential treatment for serious brain issues arising from severe infections that could improve patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from septic encephalopathy and their healthcare providers.

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This study looks at how exercise boosts the body’s ability to fight damage from harmful chemicals produced in muscles during activity. Researchers found that regular exercise increases important antioxidant enzymes that protect muscles from these damaging effects, specifically through a signaling pathway known as Nrf2. Understanding these mechanisms is important because it highlights how exercise can improve muscle health and potentially help in preventing muscle-related conditions. Who this helps: This benefits patients looking to enhance their muscle health and doctors treating muscle-related diseases.

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The research studied how spine surgeons can customize surgical techniques for each patient by using new technologies and understanding individual health conditions. They found that personalizing approaches, such as choosing the right materials for implants and tailoring pain management after surgery, significantly improves patient care. This is important because it helps ensure surgeries are safer and more effective for each person's unique needs. Who this helps: Patients undergoing spine surgery.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) as the 2023-2024 school year begins. Researchers surveyed 193 SLPs and found that while many have returned to their usual practices, most still feel the impact of the pandemic, especially concerning students' social and emotional needs and gaps in their learning. This ongoing influence makes it harder for SLPs to balance new challenges with previous expectations and norms in their work. Who this helps: This research benefits speech-language pathologists and the students they serve.

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This research looked at new visual aids designed to help people understand informed consent when participating in medical studies. Forty participants from different universities liked the visual aids, noting that they could improve understanding and trust, but also raised concerns about the rules governing their use and the effort needed to create them. Addressing these challenges could make the consent process clearer and more effective. Who this helps: This benefits patients and researchers by simplifying the consent process.