DR. LESTER GOLDBERG, M.D.

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An expert panel developed 47 clinical guidelines for managing skin cancers in Gorlin syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes patients to develop numerous basal cell carcinomas throughout their lives. The guidelines cover topical treatments, systemic drugs, surgery, and psychosocial support, with an emphasis on reducing the burden of repeated procedures. This fills a major gap in care and offers a template for creating evidence-based guidelines for other rare conditions.

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A study of 2,751 knee replacement patients compared outcomes between those who received thicker (13 mm or more) versus thinner plastic joint spacers. Thicker spacers did not worsen pain or function scores at any time point, and showed marginally better results in men at six and twelve months. Surgeons can use thicker spacers when needed for joint stability without worrying about compromising patient recovery.

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Videos of 28 deaf mothers playing with their hearing infants were analyzed to assess the quality of their early interactions. Most pairs showed sensitive or adequate interaction, but about one in five pairs were flagged as likely to benefit from additional support. Lower socioeconomic status and differences in vocal and touch behavior appeared to influence outcomes, offering practical guidance for professionals supporting deaf parents.

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Researchers studied the energy metabolism of CAR T cells used to treat a hard-to-cure form of blood cancer and found that cells from patients who stayed in remission long-term had more robust metabolic activity before infusion. After infusion, these long-term responders' T cells remained metabolically flexible within the bone marrow. Temporarily blocking a key metabolic regulator (mTOR) during cell manufacturing improved the cells' cancer-fighting ability, pointing toward a manufacturing tweak that could help more patients achieve durable remissions.

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Researchers surveyed nearly 400 deaf and hard-of-hearing people in the UK and Spain to understand how they access information and what predicts their satisfaction and wellbeing. Most relied on subtitles for government and news content, but preferred sign language when it was available. Reading skill was the strongest predictor of outcomes, meaning people with weaker literacy were less satisfied and had worse health, highlighting the need for signed content and accessible written materials.

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Researchers used co-design workshops and surveys with people living with dementia, carers, and stakeholders in Australia to define the ideal role of a dedicated post-diagnostic support worker. Participants agreed this person should identify needs, provide education, connect people to services, and offer emotional support, with university-level training in dementia and counseling skills. Formalizing this role could improve care quality and help build a larger, better-trained dementia workforce.

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This study looked at how effective a specific type of behavioral therapy is for patients with a condition called Neurogenic Laryngeal Hypersensitivity (NLH), which causes persistent coughing and throat discomfort. Out of 81 patients treated, 66% showed significant improvement after therapy, with an average score improvement on a symptom questionnaire that indicates better symptoms. This matters because it highlights that a standardized treatment approach can help many patients who struggle with chronic cough due to NLH. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from chronic cough, especially those who haven't found relief through medication.

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This study looked at how often patients with suspected cardiac sarcoidosis should have PET scans to monitor their treatment with corticosteroids, specifically prednisone. Researchers followed 81 patients and found that the timing of repeat PET scans (ranging from about 3 to 10 months) did not change how well patients responded to treatment or the occurrence of serious heart problems in the first year, with response rates staying around 85-92%. This is important because it shows that doctors can monitor treatment effectiveness without needing to rush or delay imaging based on follow-up times. Who this helps: Patients with cardiac sarcoidosis and their doctors.

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Researchers developed a statistical method called I-Rand for analyzing health data collected at two time points without a control group, and applied it to a dietary intervention promoting low-carbohydrate eating. The analysis confirmed that obesity is a significant driver of type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk, and that a low-carbohydrate diet measurably reduces those risks. The method and accompanying code provide a practical tool for drawing causal conclusions from common real-world clinical datasets.

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A survey of transgender individuals found that voice was the second most important physical feature contributing to gender dysphoria, after upper body characteristics, and was cited by 79% of respondents. Unlike concerns about the lower body, which were driven primarily by self-perception, voice dysphoria was largely driven by how others perceived the person. The findings indicate that voice interventions should be considered a high-priority component of gender-affirming care.

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Researchers compared patient-reported outcomes among 624 knee replacement patients who received one of three types of plastic joint inserts — posterior-stabilized, cruciate-retaining, or medial congruent designs. At all time points from before surgery through one year after, pain, function, and recovery scores were equivalent across the three groups. Because all three designs perform similarly, the choice of insert can be based on surgeon preference and patient anatomy rather than expected outcome differences.

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Semi-structured interviews with five German general practitioners explored their experiences managing patients with chronic pain on long-term opioid therapy, with a focus on how patient sex and gender shape care. Doctors reported that gender stereotypes influenced their interactions even when they tried to be neutral, and that female patients faced greater stigma that made open communication harder. The study recommends longer consultation times, better training in gender-sensitive care, and stronger peer collaboration to improve outcomes for this complex patient group.

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A 16-week training program launched in Kenya by the Kenya Cardiac Society and American College of Cardiology has trained 95 non-cardiologist health workers to perform heart ultrasound (echocardiography) using a blended online and hands-on curriculum. Early results include shorter travel distances for patients and earlier detection of heart conditions in areas that previously lacked cardiac diagnostic services. The program offers a replicable model for expanding cardiovascular diagnostic capacity in low- and middle-income countries.

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A survey of 1,150 breast cancer patients from a diverse Chicago cohort found no significant differences between racial and ethnic groups in whether they were offered or chose to participate in clinical trials, after adjusting for other factors. Among those who declined, the top barriers were ineligibility, worry about receiving a placebo, and the time demands of trial participation. The findings suggest that improving clinical trial access requires reducing time burden as much as addressing racial or ethnic disparities.

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A retrospective study of 17 children with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia — a rare and aggressive childhood cancer — treated with bone marrow transplant using a busulfan and melphalan conditioning regimen showed 100% disease-free and overall survival at a median follow-up of nearly eight years. The regimen avoided cyclophosphamide, potentially reducing long-term side effects, with no transplant-related deaths. The results are strikingly positive for a disease where survival typically hovers around 50% and warrant a prospective trial.

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A retrospective study described how an Israeli children's hospital prepared for and cared for 26 people, including children and adolescents, returned from Hamas captivity in late 2023. The hospital created a home-like ward environment with dedicated family spaces, a multidisciplinary care team, and a structured evaluation protocol developed in advance. All returnees reported high satisfaction with their care, and the approach offers a model for other institutions preparing for similar mass casualty or captivity-return events.

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A study of 881 pregnant women in rural Bangladesh found that flooding of homes or latrines was associated with more than double the rate of depression, with latrines flooding linked to an even larger increase. Higher local water levels and living close to rivers were also linked to worse depression scores. Focus groups highlighted that destroyed sanitation infrastructure, domestic violence, food insecurity, and limited mobility for women during floods were key drivers of prenatal mental health problems.

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Researchers compared preparedness and outcomes between the first and second surgeries in patients who needed knee or hip replacements on both sides. Patients reported feeling significantly more prepared and better-informed about pain management for their second procedure. Despite the difference in subjective preparedness, actual surgical outcomes and recovery scores were equivalent, suggesting that first-surgery education has room for improvement.

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A survey and focus group study of 1,200 adolescents in Bangladesh compared those in a high-flood-risk region to those in a lower-risk area and found that living under greater flood exposure nearly doubled the odds of anxiety and tripled the odds of depression. Adolescents with anxiety were twice as likely to favor short-term over long-term planning. Focus groups revealed that mental overload during floods makes it harder to think about or invest in long-term climate adaptation.

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Researchers reviewed records of 75 children hospitalized with pseudotumor cerebri — a condition of elevated pressure in the brain — to assess whether the standard extensive laboratory workup adds diagnostic value. In most cases, the cause could be identified from medical history and physical examination alone, and the expanded blood tests did not uncover any additional secondary causes. The study suggests routine testing could be safely narrowed to vitamin D levels, reducing discomfort, blood loss, and cost.

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A survey of 146 South Asian migrants aged 50 and older in Tasmania, divided by country of origin, found striking differences in cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors for dementia. Afghan and Bhutanese respondents had far higher rates of hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes compared to Indian and Nepali respondents. The findings show that grouping all South Asian migrants together in health research obscures critical differences and that targeted interventions must account for country of origin.

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A matched comparison of 229 patients receiving cemented versus uncemented knee replacements found that uncemented implants were associated with more pain and higher opioid use in the days immediately after surgery. At one year, patients with uncemented implants were also significantly less likely to forget they had a prosthesis, suggesting a lower satisfaction threshold. Both implant types produced similar functional and complication rates, but the short-term pain difference is an important consideration for surgical planning.

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

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Researchers analyzed the cellular energy metabolism of CAR T cells before and after infusion in leukemia patients and found that cells from long-term survivors were metabolically stronger from the start. In the bone marrow after infusion, these cells also stayed metabolically adaptable in ways that supported their continued activity. Briefly blocking mTOR during cell manufacturing boosted the cells' anti-tumor performance, offering a concrete way to improve this therapy.

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This study tested how six genetic variants associated with sudden cardiac death in young people affect a nuclear fragment of the hERG1 heart channel. The results showed that some variants reduce the fragment's normal function while others abnormally enhance it, producing opposite effects on the channel's electrical behavior. The findings identify this nuclear fragment as a new potential disease mechanism and suggest that the same gene can cause heart problems through more than one biological pathway.

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A longitudinal study followed 31 hearing children of deaf parents from infancy to age 7, tracking development in both British Sign Language and spoken English alongside comparison groups. Children exposed to both a signed and spoken language from birth developed language at the same pace as those raised with only one spoken language, and showed stronger early communication skills than children raised with two spoken languages. The data confirm that learning sign and speech simultaneously poses no developmental disadvantage.

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

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This study explored how dexamethasone, a steroid used to treat inflammation, affects CAR T-cells, a type of immune cell used in cancer therapy. Researchers found that dexamethasone did not harm these CAR T-cells and even boosted their effectiveness by enhancing a specific receptor, which improved their ability to survive and fight tumors. Importantly, in tests with mice, treatment with dexamethasone and another substance led to complete tumor disappearance. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing CAR T-cell therapy for cancer.

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This study looked at children in the hospital with a condition called suppurative cervical lymphadenitis, which causes swollen lymph nodes that can be treated with antibiotics. Researchers found that signs observed during a physical exam, like redness and swelling, could predict whether a child would need more invasive treatments, such as needle aspiration or surgery. Children who needed these interventions stayed in the hospital longer and received antibiotics for an extended period before being admitted. Who this helps: This information helps doctors make better decisions for treating children with this condition, potentially leading to quicker recoveries.

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This study looked at how a special type of immune cell, called CAR T cells, changes its behavior in the brain to fight cancer more effectively. Researchers found that in the brain’s environment, CAR T cells adapted by altering their metabolism, which included increased fat breakdown and better memory development, leading to improved survival and effectiveness against leukemia. Specifically, when CAR T cells were grown in the brain's fluid, they became more fit and effective at fighting cancer. Who this helps: This research benefits cancer patients, especially those with leukemia, by improving treatments that use CAR T cells.

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This study looked at the effects of using basiliximab, a medication to help prevent rejection, in heart transplant patients from 2003 to 2020. It found that while basiliximab reduced the chance of acute cellular rejection (ACR) from 50% to 36%, it increased the risk of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) to 9.7% compared to none in the group without basiliximab. Both groups had similar rates of infections and cancer, but those who received basiliximab had a higher risk of death after the transplant. Who this helps: This helps heart transplant patients and their doctors in making informed decisions about post-transplant care.

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This study looked at why mangroves, which are important coastal ecosystems, are disappearing in protected areas around the world, even with efforts to conserve them. The researchers found that storms and erosion are common causes of mangrove loss, but human activities were most damaging in national government-managed areas, where they experienced significant loss due to activities like shrimp farming. In contrast, areas with more local management and fewer restrictions on human use had much lower losses, showing that how mangroves are managed can greatly impact their survival. Who this helps: This research benefits environmental agencies and conservationists working to protect mangroves.

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Researchers studied a mysterious rise in cases of unexplained liver inflammation (acute hepatitis) in children during 2021, looking closely at possible viral infections like adenovirus and the human herpes virus 6 (HHV6). Out of 39 children studied, 11 had HHV6, 4 had adenovirus, and 2 had another virus associated with hepatitis. This is important because understanding the causes behind these cases may help doctors better treat affected children and prevent future outbreaks. Who this helps: This helps patients, specifically children with unexplained liver issues, and their doctors.

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This study looked at how to best treat young children with intervertebral spondylodiscitis, a serious infection in the spine. Researchers reviewed 124 cases and found that switching to oral antibiotics sooner reduced hospital stays from 12 to 8 days, and intravenous (IV) treatment time from 14 to 8 days, while only 1.6% of patients needed to be readmitted. These findings highlight a more effective and safer approach to managing this condition, preventing unnecessary complications from prolonged IV treatment. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients by providing them with a less invasive and shorter treatment option.

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This study looked at the health of 19 children and 7 women who were released from captivity after being held for 49-53 days following a terrorist attack in Israel. It found that many had lost significant weight, experienced psychological trauma, and faced health complications due to poor hygiene and shrapnel injuries. This information is important because it highlights the urgent need for comprehensive medical care and support for survivors coming home. Who this helps: This helps survivors, their families, and healthcare providers by emphasizing the urgent need for support.

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This study looked at how well emergency department pediatricians and radiologists agree when interpreting chest X-rays in children. Out of 1,373 cases, they found that their agreement level was moderate (about 51%), but it dropped to fair (about 39%) for X-rays taken after midnight. The research highlights important factors, like the presence of fever or difficulty breathing, that can cause disagreements in diagnosis, which could lead to unnecessary treatments or missed care. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers understand when they might need to consult a radiologist to ensure better patient outcomes.

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This study looked at how changes in blood pressure during and after a procedure called transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) affect patient outcomes. Researchers found that 75.4% of the 455 patients had higher blood pressure right after the procedure, and those patients experienced a higher rate of serious complications—a 13% rate of problems like heart attack and stroke—compared to just 5.4% for those whose blood pressure didn't rise. This matters because understanding the effects of blood pressure changes after TAVI can help doctors predict and manage patient risks more effectively. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients undergoing TAVI by improving risk assessment and management strategies.

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This study looked at how flooding affects prenatal depression among pregnant women in rural Bangladesh. Researchers found that women living in areas flooded in the past six months were more likely to report depression, with those experiencing flooding being 2.08 times more likely to feel depressed and 8.40 times more likely to have thoughts of self-harm. These findings highlight the urgent need for better flood preparedness and sanitation to protect the mental health of expectant mothers in vulnerable communities. Who this helps: This research helps pregnant women in flood-prone areas, healthcare providers, and policymakers focused on mental health and disaster preparedness.

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This study looked at how often hospitalized infants with Adenovirus infections were given antibiotics and whether that was necessary. Out of 183 children, 92 (about 50.3%) received antibiotics, but only 42.4% of those cases actually needed them. The findings show that many infants may be receiving unnecessary antibiotic treatment, highlighting the importance of quick testing for Adenovirus to prevent overprescribing antibiotics in young children. Who this helps: This helps doctors by providing clearer guidelines on treating young patients with Adenovirus.

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This study looked at trans women who underwent gender affirming voice training (GVT) to see if it helps them maintain a higher pitch and improve their satisfaction with their voices over time. Out of 157 patients, 34 completed the training, which typically included six sessions over about 13 weeks. The results showed a significant average increase in pitch of 64.6 Hz and improvement in voice-related quality of life measures long after completing the training, indicating that GVT can have lasting benefits. Who this helps: This helps trans women who are seeking to affirm their gender through voice training.

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This study looked at COVID-19 patients who needed oxygen but not other medical interventions and compared those who used a home monitoring program to those who did not. The patients using the program spent an average of 5.8 days in the hospital, while those not in the program spent 8.1 days, leading to a 19% reduction in hospital costs for the home monitoring group. This matters because it shows that home monitoring can help manage COVID-19 effectively and reduce healthcare costs. Who this helps: This benefits patients requiring oxygen therapy and healthcare providers managing their care.

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This study looked at how school nurses work with primary care providers (PCPs) and what can be done to improve that collaboration. Researchers interviewed 23 school nurses, who emphasized the importance of sharing health information effectively and building strong relationships with PCPs. They found that better communication and understanding between school nurses and PCPs can lead to improved care for children and support for families. Who this helps: This benefits students, their families, and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at hospitalizations for respiratory illnesses in children during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the two years before. Researchers found a dramatic drop in hospitalizations, with only 155 cases in the winter of 2020-2021, down from 632 in 2018-2019 and 701 in 2019-2020. This decline is likely due to measures like mask-wearing and social distancing, which helped reduce the spread of viruses. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and public health officials as they understand the impact of preventive measures on children's health.

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This study looked at how different parts of short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) affect the performance of CAR T cells, which are a type of immune cell used to treat cancer. The researchers found that using multiple shRNAs in the right direction and choosing a strong promoter improves the ability of these cells to effectively knock down target genes. This is important because it can lead to more effective cancer treatments using CAR T cells. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing CAR T cell therapy by potentially improving treatment outcomes.

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This study analyzed how various stressors affected physicians' work environments and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic in Los Angeles and Miami. Researchers interviewed 66 physicians from 20 hospitals, identifying challenges like political issues surrounding COVID-19, nursing shortages, and high patient demands. They also found that supportive leadership and job security were important protective factors that helped mitigate stress. Who this helps: This helps doctors improve their work conditions and well-being.

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This study looked at changes in salt marsh areas around the world from 2000 to 2019 using satellite images. It found that salt marshes lost an area roughly double the size of Singapore, at a rate of 0.28% each year, resulting in significant carbon emissions of 16.3 teragrams annually. This is important because salt marshes help store carbon, protect coastlines, and adapt to rising sea levels, so their decline has serious environmental impacts. Who this helps: This research helps environmentalists, policymakers, and coastal communities who rely on the health of salt marsh ecosystems.