JONATHAN HAVENS BRIGGS, M.D.

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This research looked at ways to help people who use drugs take PrEP (a medication that prevents HIV) consistently. The review analyzed nine studies and found that successful methods included making the medication more affordable and accessible, with adherence rates jumping to 80-95% when PrEP was paired with addiction treatment. This matters because improving adherence among drug users can significantly reduce new HIV cases in this high-risk group. Who this helps: This benefits people who use drugs, healthcare providers, and public health programs aimed at reducing HIV transmission.

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This study looked at how travel affects the spread of malaria in a region of Southwest Uganda where the disease is not as common. Researchers followed nearly 2,000 people over 14 months and found that travel can significantly increase malaria cases, especially during low transmission times, contributing to about 14% of cases in low-transmission areas and even 30% during certain periods. This is important because it shows that controlling malaria requires paying attention not just to local cases but also to people returning from areas where the disease is more common. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and local healthcare providers in malaria-endemic regions.

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This study focuses on the benefits of prehabilitation (training before surgery) and rehabilitation (training after surgery) for patients receiving solid organ transplants, like kidney or liver transplants. The researchers found that these programs can enhance patients' fitness, muscle strength, and overall quality of life, which is important for reducing frailty and shortening hospital stays. However, there is still a need for more extensive research to establish effective programs and incorporate them into standard transplant care. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing organ transplants and their healthcare providers.

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The GFR-Ex study looked at whether a year-long exercise program could slow down the worsening of kidney function in people with stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease (CKD). Out of 2,260 people screened, 74 participated, and those who exercised had a better average kidney function score (36.1) compared to the control group (33.8) after 12 months. This matters because it shows that exercise is a safe and potentially helpful way to improve kidney health, suggesting a need for further studies that focus on patient support and key outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic kidney disease.

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Researchers studied malaria in southwestern Uganda to understand whether the infections were coming from local sources or being brought in by travelers. They found that from January 2023 to June 2024, 87% of malaria cases in two low-transmission areas (Maziba and Muko) were linked to recent travel to high-transmission regions, while only 12% of cases in a low-to-moderate transmission area (Kamwezi) were from travelers. The findings show that while Maziba and Muko mainly experience imported malaria, Kamwezi has a mix of both imported and locally transmitted cases, which emphasizes the need for tailored prevention strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients living in malaria-endemic areas and public health officials in Uganda.

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This study looked at how well different malaria treatments work for pregnant women in Uganda. Researchers found that the traditional treatment, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), was much less effective; 57.8% of women treated with SP experienced a return of malaria symptoms compared to only 4.1% of those treated with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP). The results showed that using SP not only failed to prevent malaria effectively but also increased drug resistance, which is a serious concern for future treatments. Who this helps: This research benefits pregnant women at risk of malaria and healthcare providers looking for safer treatment options.

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This study looked at how a score that measures frailty (the Hospital Frailty Risk Score) relates to the risk of sepsis and bad health outcomes in adults. The researchers found that patients who had a higher frailty risk and were also at risk for sepsis stayed in the hospital longer and had a higher chance of dying while hospitalized; specifically, the risk factors significantly affected both their hospital stays and survival rates. Understanding this relationship helps healthcare providers better identify and manage at-risk patients, leading to improved care outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients who are frail or at risk for sepsis, as well as the doctors treating them.

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This study examined how genetic information from malaria parasites could help estimate how common malaria is and how quickly it's spreading in Uganda. Researchers collected samples from over 3,500 malaria patients and found that the prevalence (how widespread the disease is) varied significantly across different locations, ranging from 5% to nearly 50%. They discovered that specific genetic measures related to the diversity of the parasites were strongly linked to how common malaria was in these areas, with a key measure showing a strong ability to estimate parasite prevalence, and a weaker measurement for understanding incidence or how quickly new cases are arising. Who this helps: This research helps public health officials and doctors better track and understand malaria transmission patterns.

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This research examined how often fevers in eastern Uganda were actually caused by malaria, even when people had other illnesses. The study found that malaria was responsible for 54-64% of fevers, with the highest rate (72%) in children under five years old. This matters because current methods for defining malaria often miss cases, leading to underreporting of the disease's impact, especially in young children. Who this helps: This helps health workers and researchers understand the full extent of malaria's effects, which will improve treatment and vaccination strategies.

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This study focused on the role of Medicines and Therapeutics Committees (MTCs) in Australian hospitals and how they can improve the management of medications. The researchers found that having clear guidelines for these committees can lead to better consistency and access to medications for patients. They also provided a checklist to help MTCs measure their effectiveness, which is important for ensuring high-quality care in hospitals. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by ensuring better medication management in hospitals.

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Researchers studied the presence of drug resistance markers in malaria cases across Uganda in 2023 and 2024. They found that certain mutations linked to resistance to first-line malaria treatments were still very common, with some mutations like A675V reaching up to 40% prevalence in northern Uganda and C469Y hitting 58% in the same region. This ongoing issue of drug resistance makes it more challenging to control malaria and indicates that continuous monitoring is essential for effective treatment strategies. Who this helps: This research helps healthcare providers and policymakers in Africa to improve malaria treatment approaches.

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This study focused on improving how researchers classify malaria infections during treatment to determine the effectiveness of antimalarial drugs. The new system, called Aster, uses advanced genetic methods to accurately distinguish between new infections and those that are a result of previous ones, showing significantly better performance than current methods in various scenarios. This improvement is crucial for effectively responding to drug resistance and managing malaria treatment. Who this helps: This research benefits healthcare providers treating malaria patients.

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This study looked at how well maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) medical products are registered in nine countries. It found that, on average, only 72% of key medicines were registered, with some countries having as low as 28% and others up to 100%. The registration process can take between six months and four years, causing delays in access to life-saving products, and many countries aren't prioritizing these essential medicines. Who this helps: This benefits mothers, newborns, and children who need access to vital health products.

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This study focused on improving attendance at diabetes clinic visits for children with type 1 diabetes. Researchers aimed to decrease the number of patients lost to follow-up from 38% to 20% in 18 months and successfully reduced it to 15%. This is important because regular visits help manage diabetes better, leading to better health outcomes for these kids. Who this helps: Patients with type 1 diabetes and their families benefit from improved care and support.

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This study looked at how providing digital skills training and a loaned tablet could help people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who don't usually have access to digital health resources. Out of 40 participants, 35 (88%) completed the 12-week program, and feedback showed that the training and device made them feel more confident and engaged in their health management. This is important because as healthcare moves online, ensuring that everyone, especially those with chronic conditions, can participate is crucial for equitable care. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic conditions who struggle with digital technology.

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This study looked at a rare condition called spontaneous epidural hematoma in children with sickle cell disease, particularly during pain crises. Researchers examined three new cases and found that patients with skull infarction had a significantly lower chance of dying—88% better odds—compared to those without it. They also discovered that early, aggressive treatment of a complication called disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is crucial, as it greatly increased the risk of death. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors treating pediatric patients with sickle cell disease.

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The study created a new method for detecting peaks in mass spectrometry, which is a technique used to analyze biologics (like medicines made from living organisms). This new method is 10 times more sensitive at picking up changes while keeping false alarms low, which helps researchers spot when the quality of a drug might change. This is important because it allows for better monitoring of drug quality throughout development and could help ensure safer and more effective medications. Who this helps: Patients and drug developers.

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This study looked at how well the Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) can predict how long different adults will stay in the hospital. Researchers found that a higher HFRS is linked to longer hospital stays, and it's particularly good at predicting stays longer than 21 days, with accuracy scores between 0.867 and 0.890 for different age groups. This information is important because it can help hospitals identify patients at risk of long stays and intervene sooner, improving patient care and hospital efficiency. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by enabling better planning for hospital care.

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This research compared two laboratory techniques, DR23K and MADHatTeR, used to detect genetic mutations in malaria parasites that make them resistant to treatment. The study found that MADHatTeR is generally better, accurately detecting 100% of relevant mutations in low-density parasite samples, while DR23K struggled, only achieving full sensitivity at much higher parasite counts. This is important because it means that MADHatTeR can more effectively identify drug-resistant malaria in patients with low levels of infection, which is critical for effective treatment and malaria control. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients in malaria-endemic regions by improving the detection of drug resistance.

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This study looked at a new malaria test called the Bioline Malaria Ag P.f/Pan Rapid Diagnostic Test to see how well it works in Uganda and to understand why it sometimes gives different results than traditional microscopy tests. Out of nearly 2,000 samples that tested positive by microscopy, 166 had discordant results, meaning they were negative by the rapid test; of these, 90 were confirmed to have malaria at levels above 1 parasite per microliter. The rapid test showed a high sensitivity of over 91%, meaning it’s good at identifying people who do have malaria, but it was less accurate in ruling out the disease due to false positive results and non-falciparum species. Who this helps: This helps patients in Uganda by leading to better malaria diagnosis and treatment.

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The study looked at how training "agents of change" (caregivers selected to promote better practices) could improve hand hygiene compliance using an electronic system in hospitals. After the intervention, average hand hygiene compliance increased by about 6.8% in one unit and 5% in another, while there was no change in a control unit. This matters because improving hand hygiene can lead to better patient health and reduce infections in healthcare settings. Who this helps: This helps healthcare workers and patients in hospitals.

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This study looked at whether a special online program to encourage physical activity could improve the quality of life for people with polycystic kidney disease (PKD). After 12 weeks, those who participated in the program showed a notable improvement in mental health scores, with an increase of 4.2 points compared to those who didn't participate. Additionally, the program helped with feelings of burden from kidney disease, emotional well-being, and energy levels. Who this helps: This benefits patients with polycystic kidney disease.

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This study looked at the chances of rectal cancer coming back after robotic surgery called total mesorectal excision (R-TME) in over 1,000 patients. Researchers found that only 3.8% of patients experienced a recurrence within three years, which is low, and identified several key factors that could increase the risk of recurrence, such as the extent of the cancer and complications after surgery. These findings show that robotic surgery can be very effective for treating rectal cancer, highlighting the need for careful patient selection and quality care to improve outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with rectal cancer and their doctors in choosing the best treatment options.

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This study looked at how often a specific genetic change called NTRK fusion occurs in solid tumors among adults in the U.S. Researchers found that NTRK fusions were rare, appearing in 0.03% to 0.70% of solid tumors, but were more common in some rare cancers like papillary thyroid carcinoma, which had a prevalence of up to 21.4%. Understanding how common these genetic changes are helps improve testing and treatment options, making targeted therapies more effective for patients with these tumors. Who this helps: This helps patients with NTRK fusion-positive tumors and doctors treating them.

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This study focused on creating and testing a new tool called MADHatTeR, which helps researchers analyze the genetic makeup of malaria-causing parasites, specifically Plasmodium falciparum. It was found to accurately detect genetic variations related to drug resistance and potential vaccine targets in samples, even from low concentrations, with a proven accuracy of identifying minor genetic traits as low as 1%. This is important because it enhances our ability to monitor malaria, helping to improve treatments and control efforts. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers by improving malaria diagnosis and treatment strategies.

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This study compared two surgical methods for treating rectal cancer: robot-assisted surgery and laparoscopic surgery, involving 1,749 patients over ten years. The findings showed that robot-assisted surgery had a lower conversion rate to open surgery (3.5% compared to 6.1%) and a higher success rate in completing the mesorectal excision (86% versus 77.2%), even though it took longer to perform (220 minutes vs. 181 minutes). These results are important because they suggest that robot-assisted surgery might lead to better outcomes for patients in terms of recovery and fewer complications. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery.

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This study looked at how long patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and varying blood alcohol levels (BAC) had to wait in the emergency department (ED) for treatment. It found that patients with a high BAC, regardless of whether they had a history of AUD, had shorter wait times—about 18 minutes less than those with no alcohol in their system. This matters because it shows that patients with current alcohol issues may be prioritized in emergencies, potentially reducing the care gap that often affects those with AUD. Who this helps: Patients with alcohol use disorder and medical providers in emergency situations.

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This study examined a new malaria test called the Bioline Malaria Ag P.f/Pan rapid diagnostic test (RDT) in Uganda by comparing its performance to traditional microscopy and a more advanced method called qPCR. Out of 1,988 samples that were positive by microscopy, 166 (8.4%) had conflicting results with the RDT; about 54% of these actually had malaria parasites, while the rest were either false positives or had low levels of the parasite. This research matters because although the Bioline test was sensitive and good at ruling out malaria, it also had low specificity, meaning it might lead to unnecessary malaria treatments and overlook other illnesses. Who this helps: Patients in Uganda who may be misdiagnosed or treated for malaria.

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This study looked at different tools called Early Warning Scores (EWS) that help doctors recognize when patients in the hospital are getting worse so they can take action quickly. The researchers found that new tools that take into account changes in a patient's condition over time performed better than the traditional EWS, showing that using patient trends can significantly improve prediction accuracy. For example, these new tools were more effective than the standard EWS model, which means they can help prevent serious issues or deaths among patients. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers make better decisions for their patients' care.

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This study looked at how well the Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) predicts the risk of dying in the hospital for adults aged 16 and older. Researchers at Queen Alexandra Hospital found that HFRS is a strong indicator of in-hospital deaths, with an accuracy score between 0.782 and 0.829, while another method, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), had lower accuracy at 0.690 to 0.708. These results matter because using HFRS can help hospitals identify at-risk patients more accurately, especially when combined with the CCI. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors in improving care for vulnerable individuals during hospital stays.

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This study looked at how traveling affects malaria cases in a region of Southwest Uganda where the disease is moderately common. Researchers followed nearly 2,000 people over 14 months and found that about one-third had taken overnight trips. These trips significantly contributed to malaria cases, especially in villages with fewer local infections, accounting for 17% of cases overall and as much as 44.6% during times when malaria was less prevalent. Who this helps: This information benefits public health officials and local healthcare providers in managing malaria transmission more effectively.

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This study focused on creating a soft, flexible electronic device that can be implanted in a developing brain to monitor single neurons' activity in real-time. Researchers designed a very thin mesh that can adapt as the brain grows, allowing them to track brain activity without causing harm. They found that this device successfully integrates into the brain without negative effects, providing a way to study how brain activity changes over time and even stimulating regeneration in axolotl models. Who this helps: This benefits researchers studying brain development and potentially helps in understanding treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders.

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This study compared two methods, DR23K and MADHatTeR, for detecting genetic mutations in the Plasmodium falciparum parasite that cause malaria drug resistance. The researchers found that MADHatTeR performed better, detecting mutations with 100% accuracy even at very low densities of parasites (as low as 2%), while DR23K required much higher concentrations for accurate detection. This is important because effective monitoring of drug resistance in malaria can help ensure better treatment outcomes. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers in malaria-endemic regions.

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This study looked at a condition called Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS) and how it might be related to a specific eye issue known as venous overload choroidopathy that occurs when blood flow in the eye becomes obstructed. Researchers found that astronauts experienced problems like thickening of the choroid, retinal detachments, and eye flattening during and after space missions, with significant changes noted in optical scans taken while they were in space. These findings matter because understanding these changes can help prevent eye problems in astronauts and improve their health during future missions. Who this helps: This research benefits astronauts and space mission planners.

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This study focused on improving how scientists classify outcomes in malaria treatment studies, specifically how to determine if patients have experienced a repeated infection or a new one. The researchers developed a new method called Aster, which combines advanced genetic testing with statistical analysis to achieve more accurate results. In simulations, Aster was shown to be significantly better than current methods, providing reliable data that is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of malaria treatments and managing rising drug resistance. Who this helps: This benefits malaria patients and healthcare providers by improving treatment decisions and outcomes.

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This study looked at how generative artificial intelligence (AI) can help predict patient outcomes in intensive care units (ICUs) after the first 24 hours of treatment. Out of 481 research articles, 22 studies were found to be relevant, with many showing that generative AI techniques—especially Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and Generative Pretrained Transformers (GPT)—can enhance predictions by improving data quality and generating useful insights from complex medical data. This is important because better outcome predictions can guide more effective treatment decisions for critically ill patients. Who this helps: This helps patients in intensive care by improving the accuracy of their treatment plans.

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This study looked at whether a person's age affects how well the Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) predicts how long patients will stay in the hospital. Researchers found that age had little impact on this score, with weak correlations (between 0.01 to 0.17) across different age groups, and using age alongside the HFRS did not provide better predictions for length of stay compared to using the HFRS alone. This is important because it confirms that the HFRS remains a reliable tool for predicting hospital stays without needing to factor in age. Who this helps: This helps doctors and hospital staff make better predictions for patient care and resource planning.

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This study looked at how to improve Early Warning Scores, which help doctors spot when patients might get worse. By analyzing data from a large hospital, researchers found that a new model that includes trends in patients' health could identify between 17 and 293 more patients at risk of deteriorating for every 1,000 patients, compared to older models, while keeping the same amount of work for medical staff. This is important because it means that doctors could potentially catch more patient issues early and take action to prevent serious complications. Who this helps: This helps patients by improving early detection of serious health declines.

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This study examined how the severity of diabetic retinopathy (a common eye condition in people with diabetes) affects the risk of developing more severe forms of the disease over time. Researchers evaluated nearly 42,000 eyes and found that the risk of worsening diabetic retinopathy increased from 2.7% at 2 years to 9.6% at 5 years. They also identified three groups of patients, with 1.24% developing clinically significant macular edema and 0.49% developing proliferative diabetic retinopathy by year 5, meaning that more severe forms of the disease can progress even if early indicators are not severe. Who this helps: This information helps doctors better understand how to monitor and treat patients with diabetes to prevent serious vision loss.

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This research focused on improving the way we identify and measure a specific sugar structure called alpha-galactosylation (or α-Gal) in therapeutic proteins, which can cause immune reactions in patients. The new method developed in this study uses advanced mass spectrometry techniques to accurately separate α-Gal from similar structures, significantly enhancing identification sensitivity and quantification accuracy. This is important because ensuring the safety of therapeutic proteins can help reduce the risk of harmful immune responses in patients. Who this helps: Patients receiving monoclonal antibodies and other therapeutic proteins.

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This study investigated the effectiveness of two malaria treatments in pregnant women in Uganda: sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) and a combination of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) with or without SP. The findings showed that nearly all samples (about 100%) had drug resistance mutations, with significant rates of malaria recurrence: 57.8% for SP, compared to just 4.1% for DP and 3.9% for DP+SP. This is important because it shows that the SP treatment is not very effective and may lead to more drug resistance, which is a serious concern for treating malaria in pregnant women. Who this helps: This research benefits pregnant women at risk for malaria and healthcare providers treating them.

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This study looked at how changes in mosquito species affected the rise of malaria cases in Eastern Uganda from 2021 to 2023. Researchers found that as the dominant mosquito species shifted from Anopheles gambiae to Anopheles funestus, the risk of malaria increased significantly. Specifically, they discovered that for every doubling of An. funestus, the risk of malaria rose by 29%. This information is crucial because it highlights the role of specific mosquito species in malaria outbreaks, which can guide better prevention strategies. Who this helps: Patients in malaria-affected areas and public health officials working to control the disease.

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This study examined how patients with rare metabolic genetic disorders use medications and medical formulas at a specialized clinic. Out of 225 patients considered, 152 were studied, revealing that 63 of them had phenylketonuria, the most common diagnosis. It was found that 95 patients were given 110 different medications, with many needing special approval and ongoing lab tests; notably, 47% of patients incurred over $100,000 annually in medication costs. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with metabolic genetic disorders and healthcare providers managing their treatments.

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This study introduced a new way to store genetic data called the Portable Microhaplotype Object (PMO). The PMO standardizes the storage of targeted sequencing data, making it easier for researchers to share and analyze genetic information without losing any details. It includes user-friendly tools and examples to help a wide range of users quickly create and manage their data. Who this helps: This benefits researchers, healthcare professionals, and anyone involved in genetic studies.

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This study looked at using genetic information from malaria parasites to improve understanding of how widespread malaria is and how often it occurs in Uganda. Researchers analyzed blood samples from over 3,500 malaria patients and found that the prevalence of malaria varied significantly by location, with rates between 5% and 49% in one survey. They discovered that certain genetic measures, particularly two metrics called complexity of infection (COI) and effective complexity of infection (eCOI), were good at predicting malaria prevalence, helping to better estimate how the disease spreads in different areas. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and researchers working to control malaria in affected regions.

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This study looked at a specific type of immune cell, called Tr1 cells, in children from Uganda who were exposed to malaria. The researchers found that a certain group of these Tr1 cells, identified by two specific markers (CXCR6 and CD127), were the most active in responding to malaria infections. This group of Tr1 cells was linked to fewer symptoms of malaria despite the presence of parasites; however, they also seemed to contribute to the parasites lingering in the body longer. Who this helps: Patients, especially children in malaria-endemic regions.

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This study looked at COVID-19 infection rates in children in Uganda over time to understand how widespread the virus was among them. Researchers found that the number of children infected jumped significantly from 19.2% to 71.6% between the first survey in 2021 and a follow-up in early 2022, indicating that many children had been infected during the later Delta and Omicron waves. This information is crucial for public health since it shows that most children were infected before vaccines became widely available, suggesting a need to pay closer attention to child infections and their impact. Who this helps: This helps children, their families, and public health officials in Uganda.

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This study looked at how hospital staff felt about a new electronic system for monitoring hand hygiene, introduced in June 2020. Out of 1,273 staff members surveyed, 75% had neutral to negative feelings about the system, mainly because they found it hard to use and didn't see it as helpful. Understanding these perceptions is important because it highlights areas where training and support can improve the system's acceptance and effectiveness, ultimately leading to better hygiene practices in hospitals. Who this helps: This helps hospital staff and management improve hand hygiene practices.