LEWIS MARK STEINBERG, MD

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This study looked at how COVID-19 has affected the lives and health of young people over time, analyzing data from 1080 youth across nine countries from March 2020 to July 2022. The researchers found that focusing on specific starting points and measuring disruptions every six months helped uncover important trends. These findings are crucial because they provide effective methods for studying the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, which can guide future research. Who this helps: This helps researchers and public health experts studying the long-term effects of COVID-19 on youth.

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This study focused on improving the training of general medicine doctors who care for hospitalized cancer patients by creating a new curriculum on oncology. After participating in this hands-on program, which included three sessions on cancer diagnosis, emergencies, and end-of-life care, 29 medical trainees reported feeling more knowledgeable and confident in managing cancer patients. This is important because better training leads to improved care for patients with complex cancer needs in hospitals. Who this helps: This benefits patients with cancer who are hospitalized, as well as the doctors caring for them.

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Researchers studied the effects of a digital tool called Smart Breath on breath tests for a condition known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). They found that using Smart Breath improved the accuracy of diagnoses from 89.2% to 100% and increased the quality of reports significantly. This is important because better accuracy and quality in tests can lead to more effective treatment for patients. Who this helps: Patients dealing with SIBO and their doctors.

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This study developed and tested a new tool called the Assessment of Clinical Encounters - Communication Tool (ACE-CT) to measure how well healthcare providers communicate about serious illnesses. The researchers found that the tool is reliable and accurately reflects the quality of communication, with high internal consistency and the ability to produce consistent results over time and among different raters. This matters because effective communication is crucial for patient care and helps ensure that patients and their families understand the treatment options and decisions involved in serious illness. Who this helps: This benefits patients and their families who need clear communication about serious health issues.

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This study focused on a way to measure moral disengagement (MD), which is how people avoid feeling guilty about wrong actions that can lead to criminal behavior. Researchers created a shorter version of a 32-item questionnaire used to assess MD, and they found that an 11-item version worked just as well in measuring this concept among young people involved in the justice system. This shorter version makes it easier and quicker to assess moral disengagement, which could help in identifying at-risk youth. Who this helps: This benefits doctors, psychologists, and social workers working with justice-involved youth.

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This study looked at how different parenting styles affect whether teens share information with their parents in eight countries that have varied cultural beliefs about individualism and collectivism. Researchers found that teens who felt their parents exercised too much control were less likely to share personal information; specifically, a higher sense of parental psychological control led to lower disclosure rates. In contrast, when parents actively engaged teens in conversation, it encouraged them to share, but only when looking at voluntary sharing rather than secrecy. Who this helps: This research benefits parents and mental health professionals by highlighting effective parenting strategies to foster open communication with teens.

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This research focused on creating a new tool called the Adolescent Necessities Index (ANI) to better understand what young people need to thrive. In a study of over 6,000 U.S. adolescents, the ANI was found to effectively predict academic performance and personal well-being, showing that it accurately reflects how well equipped they are in terms of essential resources like food and safety. The findings highlight the importance of assessing these conditions directly from adolescents, offering a clearer picture of their needs compared to traditional measures. Who this helps: This tool benefits adolescents, educators, and mental health professionals by providing insights into the supports needed for healthy development.

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This study looked at how unpredictable life events affect the way teenagers take positive social risks, such as trying new things or making friends. Over seven years, researchers found that those who experienced more unpredictability showed higher brain activity associated with cognitive control, which actually led to taking fewer positive risks later on. This is important because it helps us understand how environmental factors influence not just risky behaviors, but also positive social interactions in young adults. Who this helps: This helps teenagers and young adults by shedding light on the impact of their environments on social behavior.

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This study looked at young boys involved in the juvenile legal system to understand how their mental health issues evolve and relate to getting arrested again later in life. Researchers found eight different patterns of behavior, and three of these patterns had a high risk of rearrest; notably, one group showed worsening problems over time while another had serious behavioral issues and still managed to remain stable. Understanding these patterns helps target specific support for these youths, potentially decreasing future legal troubles. Who this helps: This research benefits at-risk youth and the professionals working to support them.

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This study looked at how certain factors can predict whether patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) will improve after following a specific diet that limits certain carbohydrates. Out of 3,583 patients who participated, 32.8% (1,178 patients) experienced significant improvement in their symptoms after two weeks on the diet. Key indicators of improvement included having a higher initial symptom score or reporting chronic headaches and fatigue, while those with arthritis or fibromyalgia were less likely to see benefits. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients with IBS, helping them better understand who might respond well to dietary changes.

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This study looked at how having a secure or insecure attachment affects how teens respond to tough situations in their childhood. Researchers followed 1,169 adolescents from nine countries for ten years, finding that those with secure attachments were less likely to develop a fast-paced lifestyle associated with difficult environments, while those with insecure attachments maintained that fast pace. This is important because it shows that a supportive emotional bond can help slow down negative behaviors linked to challenging childhoods. Who this helps: This benefits adolescents facing environmental challenges and the professionals who support them.

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This study looked at how burnout affects female physician trainees' plans to leave their training programs. It found that 77.5% of these trainees felt very emotionally exhausted, and 20.6% considered leaving their program before finishing. There is a clear link between emotional exhaustion and the intention to leave, with those more likely to leave scoring much higher on burnout measurements. Who this helps: This benefits female physician trainees and the healthcare system by potentially improving retention rates.

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This study explored how different parenting styles affect the development of behavioral problems in teenagers across seven countries: Colombia, Italy, Kenya, the Philippines, Sweden, Thailand, and the USA. Researchers followed nearly 1,000 adolescents from ages 10 to 18 and found that supportive parenting reduces the chances of kids engaging in serious risky behavior, while controlling parenting tends to increase these risks. In particular, teens whose parents practiced positive parenting were less likely to fall into the high-risk group known as Pervasive Risk Takers. Who this helps: This information benefits parents and caregivers by highlighting the importance of supportive parenting in reducing risky behaviors in teens.

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This study looked at how depression affects symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Researchers found that out of 15,675 patients, those with severe depression reported significantly worse IBS symptoms, with a score increase from 256.5 to 324.1 compared to those with no depression. Specific IBS symptoms like bloating and heartburn were also more common in patients experiencing higher levels of depression. Understanding this connection is important for treating IBS more effectively by considering both physical and mental health. Who this helps: This helps patients with IBS and their doctors in developing better treatment plans.

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In this study, researchers examined whether a web-based digital tool could enhance the quality and accuracy of breath tests used to diagnose small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). They found that the digital tool improved the accuracy of diagnoses from 86.6% in traditional reports to 100% with the new tool and increased the quality of reports, with the digital tool including a median of 9 quality items compared to 5 in the original reports. This matters because improving the accuracy and quality of these tests can lead to better diagnoses and treatment for patients suffering from SIBO. Who this helps: Patients with digestive issues related to SIBO.

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This study looked at how different factors, like a child's self-control and the level of chaos at home, affect the relationship between harsh parenting and children's behavior problems as they grow from age 9 to 14. Researchers found that overall, children's behavior had a bigger impact on their parents' harshness than the other way around, and stronger self-regulation in children and less chaos at home seemed to help reduce the negative effects of harsh parenting on children's behavior. This is important because it highlights the need for families to focus on improving self-control in children and creating a stable home environment to support better outcomes. Who this helps: This helps parents and families aiming to improve children's behavior and well-being.

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This study looked at a training program called ABCs (All Providers, Better Communication Skills) designed to help medical residents communicate better with patients who have serious illnesses. After taking the course, the residents reported a significant improvement in their confidence and skills, with an average increase of 11.5 points in their self-efficacy scores. This is important because good communication can lead to better understanding of illnesses and improved quality of care for patients. Who this helps: This helps medical residents and ultimately improves care for patients with serious illnesses.

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Researchers developed a mobile app to help doctors follow updated guidelines for colorectal cancer screening and monitoring after polyp removal. Over a 16-month period, the app was used for 12,481 consultations, leading to appropriate screenings for 68.2% of average-risk patients and suggesting fewer unnecessary follow-up colonoscopies for half of the surveillance patients. This app improves adherence to guidelines, which can reduce the number of unnecessary procedures and ensure that high-risk patients receive the attention they need. Who this helps: Patients undergoing colorectal cancer screening and follow-up care.

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This study looked at how teenagers around the world engage in positive risk-taking, which can help them grow and develop. Researchers examined responses from 962 adolescents, aged about 18, from nine different countries and found that positive risk-taking is viewed as safe and beneficial overall, although teens in China and Jordan were less likely to agree. Understanding these differences can help better support adolescents in making beneficial choices during their development. Who this helps: This helps teenagers and those supporting their development, including parents and educators.

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This study looked at how experiences in childhood shape young adults' beliefs about the world, like whether they see it as good and safe. Researchers followed over 1,200 children from eight different countries and found that those who experienced more warmth and support from their parents were more likely to believe the world is good and safe when they reached age 22. This matters because understanding what influences these beliefs can help improve parenting practices and support children’s emotional development. Who this helps: This helps parents and educators who want to foster positive beliefs in young people.

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This study looked at how a training program called CAPACITI can help primary care providers (PCPs) identify patients who need palliative care. Before the training, PCPs identified around 20% of their patients as needing this type of care, but after the training, this number increased to about 33% for those who participated in facilitated sessions and 40% for those who followed self-directed training. This improvement matters because it means more patients can receive appropriate care earlier, which can enhance their quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients in need of palliative care and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how physical activity affects the well-being of adolescents over two years in nine different countries. It found that teenagers who were more active at age 16 had better well-being scores at age 18, with significant findings across all countries studied. This is important because it shows that encouraging physical activity can lead to improved mental and emotional health for teenagers everywhere. Who this helps: This benefits teenagers and public health officials aiming to improve youth well-being.

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This study looked at how certain traits in teenagers, known as callous-unemotional (CU) traits, can predict their behavior and social interactions when they become adults. Researchers followed over 1,200 teens from the juvenile justice system for seven years and found that those with higher CU traits were more likely to face issues like more arrests, higher aggression, and poorer relationships as young adults. Understanding these traits is important because it helps identify young people who may need extra support to avoid negative outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially at-risk youth, and the professionals working with them.

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The study tracked the development of executive functioning (EF), which is the ability to plan and control behavior, in young people aged 10 to 21 across seven countries. Researchers found that, on average, participants improved their EF skills as they got older, although how much they improved varied significantly between different locations. This is important because understanding how EF develops can highlight key times when interventions could help young people better manage their behaviors and emotions. Who this helps: This helps parents, educators, and mental health professionals working with adolescents.

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This study looked at how changing to a specific diet (low in FODMAPs, starch, and sugar) affects people with both digestive issues and migraine headaches. Out of nearly 7,700 patients, about 60% (4,628) reported a significant improvement in their migraines after just two weeks on the diet, with migraine severity dropping from an average of 6.1 to 3.8 and frequency from 3.4 to 2.5 days. These findings highlight that a specific dietary approach can lead to better migraine management, especially for those with certain digestive problems. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from migraines and digestive disorders.

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This study looked at how contact with the legal system affects mental health in young people, specifically focusing on Latino, Black, and White youth over three years after their first arrest. Researchers found that Black youth who were stopped by police had higher depression levels, while Latino youth in detention reported more anxiety. Additionally, among Latino youth, being on probation was linked to increased anxiety, and re-arrest led to higher depression levels. This matters because it highlights that ongoing interactions with the legal system may worsen mental health issues, especially for Latino and Black youth. Who this helps: This helps young people involved in the legal system, their families, and mental health professionals.

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This study looked at how household chaos, parental control, and the level of warmth or rejection from parents affect the thinking skills of teenagers aged 14 to 15. It found that teenagers have better thinking skills when there is less chaos at home. Specifically, when mothers are both controlling and rejecting in a chaotic environment, their teenagers show poorer thinking skills, but this effect wasn’t seen with fathers. Who this helps: This helps parents and mental health professionals understand the importance of a stable home environment and supportive parenting for adolescent development.

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This study examined how helping behaviors and school performance influence each other as kids grow from ages 10 to 16 in six different countries. Researchers found that teenagers who are more helpful and kind tend to perform better in school; specifically, those with high prosocial behavior show consistently strong academic results over time. This matters because encouraging kindness in adolescents can lead to better educational outcomes, which benefits their future opportunities. Who this helps: This helps students and educators looking to improve academic success through social skills.

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This study looked at two different ways to train primary care providers in palliative care: one with expert guidance and another where participants learned on their own. Researchers found that both training methods led to significant improvements in how comfortable and competent the participants felt in providing palliative care, with no clear advantage for either method. This matters because it shows that effective training can be delivered online, making it easier for healthcare providers to learn essential skills in diverse settings. Who this helps: This helps primary care providers who want to improve their skills in palliative care.

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This study looked at how various childhood experiences and backgrounds influence young adults' beliefs about the world. Researchers analyzed data from 770 participants across eight countries and identified that both individual traits and family dynamics play a role in shaping these beliefs. However, no single factor clearly explained all views about the world, indicating that feelings about life are complex and influenced by many elements. Who this helps: This research benefits psychologists and educators working with young adults.

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Researchers studied how feelings of depression, self-esteem, and optimism are connected in teenagers from various cultures in nine countries. They followed 1,090 teens from ages 15 to 17 and found that higher depressive symptoms at age 15 were linked to lower self-esteem and optimism at age 17, but not the other way around. This matters because it shows that depression can lead to poorer self-beliefs in many cultural contexts, helping to clarify how mental health issues develop during adolescence. Who this helps: This helps teenagers struggling with depression and mental health professionals working with them.

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This study looked at a new virtual program designed to improve communication skills for oncology trainees, comparing those who received extra coaching and practice with patients to those who only did online learning. Researchers found that the trainees who had the extra coaching not only felt more confident in their communication skills (with self-efficacy scores improving significantly) but also performed better in simulated patient interactions. Although fewer trainees participated than hoped, the overall learning experience was effective and the online format proved workable. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and oncology trainees by enhancing their skills for communicating with seriously ill patients.

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This study looked at a new online tool called MyCare designed to help patients in hospitals discuss their health goals with doctors and family members. Out of 25 seriously ill patients, 76% felt that MyCare helped them understand what matters most to them regarding their care, and 64% said it helped them think about the kind of treatment they would want if their condition worsened. This tool is important because it can improve communication about patient wishes, leading to better care choices during serious illnesses. Who this helps: This helps patients, their families, and doctors by facilitating important conversations about health care preferences.

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This study looked at how parents and their teenagers view the warmth and affection in their relationship, examining 1,219 families from 12 cultural groups over five years. Researchers found that mothers generally feel warmer towards their children than the adolescents feel towards them, which can lead to more mental health issues, like anxiety and depression, in teens. Specifically, when teens see less warmth than their parents report, it can increase these internalizing symptoms. Who this helps: This helps parents and mental health professionals understand the importance of aligning perceptions of warmth to support adolescent well-being.

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This study investigates an online training program called the 'All providers Better Communication Skills' (ABCs), aimed at improving how healthcare providers communicate with patients facing serious illnesses. The program lasts three months and involves different healthcare professionals taking part in practice sessions that are reviewed by experts. Initial findings will look at how well these providers' communication skills have improved, measured through video assessments and self-reports, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of patient care and experience. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families by improving communication with healthcare providers.

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This study looked at factors that predict whether boys involved in the justice system will become teenage fathers. It found that around 15% of these boys ended up being teen dads after their first arrest, with things like living in poor neighborhoods, hanging out with delinquent peers, and using drugs increasing their chances. By understanding these risks, policymakers can create better programs to help prevent teen pregnancies among at-risk youth. Who this helps: This helps at-risk boys and the organizations working to support them.

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This study looked at people's basic beliefs about the world, called "primals," which can influence their happiness and behavior. Researchers found that while personal characteristics largely shape these beliefs, family and cultural backgrounds also play a significant role. For example, the beliefs of parents are often similar to those of their children, indicating that these ideas can be passed down through families. Understanding these connections can help mental health professionals use primals to enhance people's well-being. Who this helps: This benefits patients and mental health professionals.

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This study looked at how different medications used to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after a stem cell transplant affect T cells in the body. Researchers found that a treatment called post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PT-Cy) led to a significant decrease in the diversity of T cells for up to two years compared to another treatment, tacrolimus/methotrexate (Tac/MTX). While PT-Cy helped reduce the risk of chronic GVHD, it also increased the chances of serious infections, highlighting the need to balance these outcomes in transplant care. Who this helps: This research benefits patients undergoing stem cell transplants and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how well two types of wastewater treatment systems—one using oxygen (aerobic) and one without (anaerobic)—can remove tiny trace organic chemicals (TOrCs) from municipal wastewater. Researchers found that both systems reduced the overall amount of these chemicals significantly, with the aerobic system reducing them by 84% and the anaerobic system by 72%. However, the aerobic system was better at reducing the variety of these chemicals, while both systems produced a similar number of byproducts during treatment. Who this helps: This research helps wastewater treatment facilities and environmental agencies in improving water quality and safety.

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This study focused on a tool called the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU), which helps identify certain emotional traits in young people involved with the justice system. Researchers examined how well the tool measures these traits in a sample of 1,216 male adolescents and found that the ICU works best with a four-factor model that reflects both negative and positive feelings. This is important because it confirms that the ICU can effectively predict behaviors like criminal activity and re-arrest over five years, regardless of the youth’s age, race, or ethnicity. Who this helps: This helps doctors and mental health professionals working with at-risk youth.

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This study examined how getting arrested again (rearrest) affects certain personality traits called callous-unemotional (CU) traits in young people involved in the justice system. Researchers found that after being rearrested, these youths showed a significant increase in CU traits, but the quality of their relationship with their mothers—whether warm or hostile—did not change this effect. This matters because higher CU traits can lead to worse social and behavioral outcomes, especially for these young people. Who this helps: This helps youth in the justice system and their families.

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This study looked at how cultural values and parenting styles affect how children adjust in middle childhood. Researchers found that when mothers and fathers emphasized family and working together (collectivism), they were warmer and had higher expectations for their children’s responsibilities. However, Latino families that prioritized individualism tended to have children who showed more behavioral issues. Who this helps: This research benefits parents and mental health professionals by highlighting the impact of cultural values on child behavior.

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This study looked at localized gastrointestinal tract amyloidosis, which is a rare condition where abnormal proteins build up in the digestive system. Researchers reviewed 62 cases published between 1962 and 2021 and found that most patients were diagnosed at about 64 years old, with the stomach being the most affected area. The good news is that 100% of patients who had surgery to remove the amyloid tissue were cured, and 80% of those who received other treatments also responded well. Who this helps: This information is beneficial for patients with gastrointestinal amyloidosis and their doctors in determining effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how feelings of sadness or anxiety (negative affect), a desire for new experiences (sensation seeking), and thinking skills (executive function) relate to substance use in teenagers. Researchers followed 167 teenagers over four years and found that those with more negative feelings and lower thinking skills were more likely to increase their substance use. Conversely, those who were more eager for new experiences consistently used more substances as they got older, regardless of their thinking skills. Who this helps: This research benefits parents, educators, and health professionals working with teenagers.

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This study looked at how doctors communicate with seriously ill patients about making decisions regarding their care. Researchers found that by distinguishing these conversations into two clear categories—preparing for future choices and making immediate decisions—it can reduce confusion for healthcare providers and improve the quality of discussions. This clarity matters because it can lead to better informed patients and more effective communication between patients and their doctors. Who this helps: This helps patients facing serious illnesses and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at different standards for measuring the quality of care provided to adults hospitalized for heart failure around the world. Researchers found 75 unique quality indicators, but only a small number of them (12%) were agreed upon by three or more cardiovascular societies, signaling a lack of consensus on what constitutes high-quality care. Key indicators like follow-up after discharge and specific medication use were mentioned most frequently, showing areas where improvements in care could be made. Who this helps: This benefits patients with heart failure by highlighting the need for better and more consistent care practices.

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The study looks at how children form basic beliefs about the world—such as whether it’s a good or dangerous place. Researchers found that these beliefs, called "primal world beliefs," are linked to various factors like social background and overall happiness. Understanding these beliefs is important because they can shape a child's personality and well-being throughout life. Who this helps: This helps children and their caregivers understand the importance of nurturing positive world beliefs.

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This study explored how parents' education, their attitudes towards their child’s school, and their support for learning at home influenced teenagers' academic identity and school performance in nine countries. Researchers found that higher parental education was linked to better school performance in teens, but parents' attitudes and support primarily affected the teens' academic identity rather than their actual school grades. These results highlight the importance of understanding different factors that shape teens' identity and success in school. Who this helps: This benefits parents and educators looking to better support adolescents in their education.

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Researchers studied breath tests used to diagnose small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in Argentina. They examined 210 test reports from eight different centers and found that most tests didn’t follow international guidelines: only 19% ran the tests long enough, and only 4% met all recommended criteria. This matters because improving the methods and quality of these tests can lead to more accurate diagnoses and better patient care.