LARRY S. LEWIS, M.D.

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This study looked at when people living with HIV and tuberculosis (TB) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, started their antiretroviral therapy (ART) after beginning TB treatment. Out of over 5,500 participants, only 29.8% started ART within 15 days, and those who delayed or didn’t start ART had poorer outcomes, including a 19% lower chance of successfully treating TB if they waited more than seven months. Early initiation of ART was linked to better health results, such as achieving low HIV viral levels, which is crucial for controlling the virus. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with HIV and TB, healthcare providers, and public health policymakers.

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This study looked at a new method called minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS) to see if it can effectively determine the cause of death in newborns, instead of the traditional autopsy, which is often avoided for ethical reasons. Out of 100 newborns examined, the study found that MITS agreed with conventional autopsy about 79% of the time for brain issues, 84% for lung problems, and 94% for liver findings. This method shows promise because it is less invasive and provides similar accuracy in diagnosing causes of death in newborns, which is important for understanding neonatal mortality better. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers by providing a better tool for diagnosing neonatal deaths, ultimately benefiting families and public health efforts.

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This study looked at how remote biometric sensing devices (like health monitors) impact the chances of patients being readmitted to the hospital or dying shortly after they leave. The researchers found that using these devices reduced the risk of readmission by about 25% and lowered the risk of dying within 30 days by about 37%. These findings are important because they highlight how technology can help keep patients healthier after they leave the hospital, potentially reducing both health complications and costs. Who this helps: Patients recovering from surgery and other health issues.

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This study looked at using a specially made, 3D-printed titanium implant to fix a woman's hand after a serious injury left her metacarpal bone misaligned. The patient had a successful surgery that corrected the deformity and improved her finger movement, and after two years, the implant showed no problems and helped maintain the function of her hand. This method is important because it offers a tailored solution for complex hand injuries when standard implants won't work. Who this helps: Patients with complicated hand injuries requiring personalized surgical solutions.

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This study looked at a new type of radiation therapist called the Patient Care Radiation Therapist (PCRT), who helps guide patients through their cancer care. Out of 118 surveys sent to healthcare team members, 65 responded, with 94% believing that PCRTs enhance patient care. The research highlighted the importance of skills like communication, personalized care, and education in improving patient experiences and care coordination. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients and their healthcare teams.

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This study looked at racism in nursing education by interviewing 10 experienced nurses of color about their experiences. It found that they faced racist behaviors from both faculty and fellow students, and highlighted instances of cultural humility shown by some educators. Addressing these issues is important because it can improve the learning environment for future nurses and ensure they are better prepared to provide care to all patients. Who this helps: This helps nursing students, especially those of color, as well as the educators who train them.

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This study looked at improving the care process for young people with mental health crisis by adapting a tool called the SAFER-YCL care bundle. The researchers found that incorporating this tool into electronic records and discharge documents could make transitions smoother for patients and reduce the paperwork for staff. Specifically, participants suggested that it should automatically gather vital information to help streamline the process without adding extra work for healthcare professionals. Who this helps: This benefits young patients in mental health crisis, their families, and the healthcare staff supporting them.

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This study explored the best way to dose Dolutegravir, a medication for HIV, in children who have a specific type of resistance to older treatments. Researchers created models to find weight-based dosing that would ensure children receive the right amount of the drug for it to be effective and safe, similar to how it works in adults. They predicted that this new dosing approach would achieve the appropriate drug levels in children, which is crucial for effective treatment. Who this helps: This helps children with HIV who have resistance to first-generation treatments.

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This study looked at a new method called electrical impedance myography (EIM) to track how facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) progresses over 12 to 24 months. Researchers tested 157 adult patients across eight sites and found that specific measurements from EIM indicated a clear decline in muscle condition over time, with the most significant changes occurring between 12 and 24 months. This information is important because EIM could serve as a reliable tool to help monitor disease progression in FSHD, which is critical for developing new treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients with FSHD and their doctors.

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This study examined how a new program in Wiltshire, England, provides care at home for older adults who are frail and have complex health needs. The nurses involved shared their experiences through a questionnaire, highlighting that this approach not only helps patients avoid the risks associated with hospital stays but also supports nurses in their professional development. The program shows promise for improving care for older adults while enhancing the skills of healthcare workers. Who this helps: This helps older adults with frailty and the nurses caring for them.

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This study looked at how quick HIV virus testing done at clinics can speed up the process for people with HIV to get their medication. Researchers found that 93 out of 100 people who had immediate testing got their prescription renewed within three weeks, compared to 81 out of 100 who used standard testing that takes longer (12% difference). This is important because faster testing means less waiting for vital medication and less travel time and costs for patients. Who this helps: This helps people with HIV who need their medication regularly and want to minimize delays and travel difficulties.

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This study looked at the risk of serious heart-related problems in people living with HIV in South Africa who were treated with either dolutegravir (TLD) or efavirenz (TEE). Researchers found that among those starting treatment, the three-year risk of major heart issues was 0.78% for TLD and 1.03% for TEE, which means TLD showed no increased risk compared to TEE. In another group that switched treatments, TLD had a 0.97% risk compared to 1.17% for TEE, confirming similar findings. This matters because it shows that dolutegravir, a newer treatment, does not raise the risk of severe heart issues for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients living with HIV in South Africa.

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This study looked at the bone health of women living with HIV who recently became pregnant and breastfed, compared to those who weren't pregnant and HIV-negative women. Researchers followed 104 pregnant women living with HIV and found that while their bone mineral density (BMD) improved over three years, it remained lower than that of HIV-negative women. Specifically, by 30-36 months after giving birth, both groups had similar BMD scores, but the women with HIV started lower and showed slower recovery in certain areas like the total hip. Who this helps: This research benefits women living with HIV, especially those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, by highlighting the need for monitoring their bone health.

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This study looked at the accuracy of the TIER.Net database, which tracks HIV treatment and lab results in South Africa, comparing it to other national health systems. They found that the TIER.Net captures almost all decentralized HIV treatment referrals (102.4% in 2023) and viral load test results (99.1% in 2022), but the capture rate for CD4 test results is still lower at 80.1% in 2022. This matters because reliable data is crucial for effectively managing HIV treatment across the country. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers in managing HIV treatment more effectively.

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This study looked at two groups of patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy type 1 (FSHD1) — those who developed symptoms as adults and those who had later onset — comparing their symptoms and disease characteristics. They found that late-onset patients, mostly older women, had longer genetic repeats and experienced more lower limb weakness even though they reported milder symptoms in the face and upper limbs. This research matters because it highlights that late-onset FSHD1 is a unique type of the disease, which can help tailor treatment and management strategies to better suit these patients' needs. Who this helps: Patients with late-onset FSHD1 and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how a fiber called fructooligosaccharide (FOS) affects vitamin D levels and inflammation in obese mice that were fed a high-fat diet. The researchers found that mice on a high-fat diet had very low vitamin D levels and significant inflammation, but adding FOS to their diet increased vitamin D receptor levels in their guts and reduced a key inflammatory marker, Interleukin-6, by 44%. This research is important because it shows that FOS could be a useful dietary approach to help prevent health problems related to obesity. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with obesity and related health issues.

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This study looked at how well ChatGPT-4, an AI tool, can help determine what might be causing foot and ankle pain and suggest where patients should go for treatment. Out of twelve cases, it correctly identified the top diagnosis in 9 cases (75%) and had matching triage recommendations with surgeons in half of the cases (50%). This matters because it shows that ChatGPT-4 can assist in organizing patient care more efficiently, which could help speed up the process of getting patients to the right doctors. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking faster and more efficient care for foot and ankle problems.

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This study looked at bone health in women who recently gave birth, comparing those living with HIV to those who are not. Researchers found that the levels of bone-related markers and nutrients in both groups were similar over time, suggesting that women living with HIV who receive treatment (antiretroviral therapy) can expect their bone health to recover normally after childbirth. Of the 312 women studied, those with HIV showed higher levels of some bone markers right after delivery, but their levels aligned with those without HIV within two years postpartum, indicating good long-term bone health. Who this helps: This helps women living with HIV, especially those who are pregnant or new mothers.

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This study looked at how women in South Africa felt about a new HIV prevention method using an implant after it had been removed. The researchers found that all 35 women still had mild scarring nearly 21 months after removal, but most (78.1%) were okay with the scarring. They preferred a 12-month implant for HIV prevention over other methods, showing that even with some side effects, the implant was well-accepted. Who this helps: Women seeking effective HIV prevention options.

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This study looked at COVID-19 hospitalizations among healthy children and women of childbearing age from January 2023 to September 2024 in a large London hospital. Out of nearly 4,800 tested children, 334 were positive for the virus, with 150 needing hospitalization, including 26 cases of severe illness. For women, 295 out of over 7,100 tested were positive, with 95 hospitalized, including some serious cases, while pregnant women had 46 positive tests, with only nine requiring hospitalization and no severe cases reported. This research highlights the need for better tracking of COVID-19 hospitalizations to improve health responses. Who this helps: This benefits patients, doctors, and public health officials by providing clearer data on COVID-19 impacts.

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This study looked at how a simulation exercise improved the readiness of 83 nursing students for end-of-life care. After going through the simulation, students showed a significant increase in their confidence and attitudes toward caring for patients at the end of life, with their post-simulation scores improving noticeably. This matters because it highlights the importance of using simulation training in nursing programs to better prepare future nurses for this sensitive aspect of patient care. Who this helps: This helps nursing students preparing for their careers.

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This study looked at a spayed female cat that showed signs of being in heat despite having had her ovaries removed. After exploring her abdomen, the doctors discovered a tiny piece of ovarian tissue that was still producing enough hormones to cause heat-like behavior without appearing in typical tests. This finding is important because it highlights that even a small amount of ovarian tissue can lead to significant hormonal effects, which can confuse diagnosis and treatment for veterinarians. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and cat owners in diagnosing and treating unusual hormonal behaviors in spayed cats.

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This study looked at how people with difficulty speaking after a stroke (called aphasia) feel about their ability to remember words in their minds, known as inner speech. It involved five participants who reported their inner speech experiences and then went through two weeks of targeted naming therapy. The results showed that four out of five participants were better at naming words they felt they could retrieve easily, while one participant, who had more severe issues, did not improve. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with aphasia and their doctors by identifying effective treatment strategies.

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This study looked at how effective a new type of treatment, made from live Lactobacillus bacteria, is for people with bacterial vaginosis (BV) after they had already received standard antibiotic treatment. The researchers found that about 66% of participants who received the new treatment had the helpful bacteria in their system after a month, and nearly half of those still had the bacteria after three months. This matters because BV is common and often returns after treatment, so improving how we manage it could lead to better long-term health for those affected. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from bacterial vaginosis.

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This study looked at how residency program directors observed medical trainees' learning and adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers gathered insights from 138 directors across six countries and found that residents were able to build their skills by working together, supporting one another, and communicating effectively as teams despite the challenges. This is important because it shows that strong community support can help medical residents learn better even during tough times, preparing them for future challenges. Who this helps: This helps medical residents and their training programs.

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This study looked at how the brain processes spoken language by using advanced models that analyze brain activity while people listen to stories. The researchers found that their new method could distinguish different aspects of language understanding and improved performance by simplifying the analysis, capturing 78% of important brain responses compared to traditional methods, which showed only 55%. This matters because it helps us understand how the brain works during natural language comprehension, making it easier to study language processing in real-life situations. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with language disorders, researchers, and neurologists.

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This study focused on a new HIV prevention method using an annual implant that releases tenofovir alafenamide, a medication known to prevent HIV infection. Researchers found that while the implant had a similar rate of systemic side effects compared to a placebo, many women experienced local skin reactions, like scarring and discoloration, leading to 37% of them removing the implant early. Overall, the implant did not release enough medication effectively, stopping further development for this approach to HIV prevention. Who this helps: This research benefits women at risk of HIV and healthcare providers looking for effective prevention methods.

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This study looked at how aging affects a type of immune cell called regulatory T cells (Tregs), which help control immune responses. The researchers found that aging Tregs have a harder time managing certain immune reactions, even though they still function well against viruses and tumors. They highlighted the importance of a process called the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mitoUPR), which helps keep Tregs working properly as people age, and suggested that targeting this process may lead to new treatments for age-related diseases linked to immune system decline. Who this helps: This helps older patients facing age-related diseases and their doctors.

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This research paper studied how conditions in neighborhoods affect the brain development of children and teenagers. It found that children living in poorer neighborhoods often have differences in their brain structure, such as smaller brain volume and reduced white matter, which could impact their development. Addressing these neighborhood inequalities is important for improving health outcomes for youth. Who this helps: This helps children and adolescents living in low-income neighborhoods.

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This study focused on improving how sports scientists interpret data from the Athlete Biological Passport, which helps monitor athletes for signs of doping. Researchers developed a machine learning model to estimate changes in blood plasma volume using standard blood test results from 40 elite athletes and healthy individuals. They found a moderate relationship between actual and estimated plasma volume, which suggests that this new method can enhance the accuracy of health assessments over time. Who this helps: This benefits athletes and doctors by providing clearer insights into blood test results.

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This study looked at how incentives influence student evaluations of teaching (SETs) in 250 courses. It found that when courses offered incentives, more students participated (higher response rates), but these incentives didn’t change overall course ratings, which were higher for elective and non-clinical courses. This information is important because it helps educators understand how to get more feedback while maintaining course quality. Who this helps: This benefits educators and institutions looking to improve teaching through student feedback.

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This study looked at how certain fatty acids in the blood, called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), relate to vaginal bacteria, inflammation in the genitals, and the risk of HIV infection in women. Researchers found that while higher levels of SCFAs were linked to lower levels of inflammation markers in the genital area, they did not find a connection between SCFAs and whether the women contracted HIV or had a less healthy vaginal microbiota. These results are important because they suggest that while SCFAs might help reduce inflammation, they do not seem to play a direct role in preventing HIV infection. Who this helps: This helps women at risk of HIV and health care providers working to prevent the virus.

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This study looked at a technique called electrical impedance myography (EIM) to see if it can effectively measure muscle health in patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). The researchers found that EIM measurements were closely linked to results from MRI scans and muscle strength tests—showing that better EIM results were associated with more muscle and less fat in the muscles. For instance, EIM readings from certain leg muscles were positively related to muscle strength, with a correlation value as high as 0.60, indicating a strong relationship. Who this helps: This benefits patients with FSHD by providing a clearer understanding of their muscle health through a simple and non-invasive method.

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This research reviewed how older adults, their loved ones, and healthcare professionals make decisions about cancer treatment. It found that factors like identifying health issues, maintaining independence, and the quality of information provided greatly influence these choices. Understanding this process is crucial because it can improve the way healthcare professionals support older patients in making decisions that fit their needs and preferences. Who this helps: This benefits older cancer patients and their families, as well as doctors and healthcare providers.

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This study compared two treatment options for people with HIV who failed their first line of therapy in South Africa: dolutegravir (DTG) and lopinavir (LPV). Researchers found that after two years, about 30% of patients using either DTG or LPV died or were lost to follow-up, while those on LPV had higher rates of ongoing viral presence (50%) compared to DTG users (40% for AZT/XTC/DTG and 39% for TDF/XTC/DTG). This matters because it shows that DTG is a more effective treatment option, leading to lower viral loads in patients. Who this helps: Patients with HIV who need effective second-line treatment.

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This study looked at how well doctors' diagnoses matched the actual causes of death found during autopsies of newborns, examining 100 cases at Kasturba Medical College. It found that in 61% of cases, there were differences between what doctors thought was the cause of death and what the autopsy revealed, with significant findings including brain hemorrhages and infections. This matters because understanding these discrepancies can improve future care for newborns and lead to better treatment strategies. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers improve neonatal care.

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This study looked at how effective vaginal probiotics (live beneficial bacteria) are in preventing the return of bacterial vaginosis (BV) after antibiotic treatment in women. About 30% of women worldwide experience BV, which often comes back after antibiotics because beneficial bacteria are not restored. Participants received antibiotics and then were divided into groups, some getting probiotics and others a placebo. The goal was to see if the probiotics could colonize the vagina with at least 5% of beneficial strains after treatment. Who this helps: This research benefits women suffering from recurrent bacterial vaginosis.

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This research focused on how to best measure the medial clear space (MCS) in healthy adult ankles to help decide if surgery is needed for ankle fractures. The study found that a specific method—measuring halfway between the top of the inner ankle bone and the bottom of the inner ankle—provided accurate results during weightbearing tests. For nonweightbearing tests, any of the three methods used were reliable, with a strong agreement between measurements and CT scans. Who this helps: This benefits doctors assessing ankle injuries to make better decisions about surgery.

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This study looked at how women in Boston, USA, and Vulindlela, South Africa understand and react to a common vaginal infection called bacterial vaginosis (BV). Researchers interviewed 37 women and found that only 9% of South African participants had previously been diagnosed with BV, compared to 86% in the USA. Most women reported experiencing symptoms like discharge and odor, which affected their behavior and led to changes in hygiene practices and sexual activity. Who this helps: This research benefits women experiencing BV, healthcare providers, and those seeking to improve BV education and treatment.

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This study looked at how young people are affected when they are admitted to mental health facilities that are far from home or to adult wards. Researchers interviewed 30 teenagers, 21 parents, and 68 healthcare professionals, finding that young people in foster care or those from less fortunate backgrounds seemed to be hurt more by these out-of-area admissions. Specifically, those with financial struggles or health issues were most negatively impacted, while having flexible visiting hours and support for families helped lessen some of the negative effects. Who this helps: This research benefits young patients and their families, especially those facing economic or social challenges.

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This research studied how quantum computers can learn from complicated data patterns better than traditional computers. The researchers found that their quantum algorithm outperformed classical methods by a significant margin, especially when dealing with periodic data distributions. This discovery shows that quantum computers have a clear advantage in efficiently learning certain types of information, which could lead to faster and more accurate decision-making in various fields. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by improving data analysis in healthcare and other applications.

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This study looked at complex networks in the deeper parts of the human brain, called the subcortex, identifying fifteen overlapping subnetworks that connect through four main networks. Researchers found that these brain patterns are consistent across healthy individuals and can help understand how brain function relates to consciousness, especially in patients with severe traumatic brain injuries. This research is important because it opens new avenues for developing treatments for various mental health conditions. Who this helps: Patients with neuropsychiatric disorders and severe brain injuries.

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This paper reviews blood doping in sports, which is the practice of increasing red blood cells to boost exercise performance. It highlights that techniques like storing and reinfusing blood, using drugs that stimulate red blood cell production, or even gene manipulation are considered unethical and risky for athletes. The American College of Sports Medicine emphasizes that such practices are not only unfair but also pose serious health risks. Who this helps: This helps athletes and sports organizations by promoting fair play and athlete safety.

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This study looked at how well a plant-based, high-energy, and high-protein tube feed works for patients who rely on tube feeding at home. Among the 41 participants, those who switched to the plant-based feed experienced fewer gastrointestinal problems and improved their physical strength over time. They also maintained their body weight and reduced the total amount of feed and time needed for meals. Who this helps: This benefits patients who require tube feeding, especially those seeking plant-based options.