LYNN FRANCES FITZGERALD, MD

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This study looked at how effective CART therapy is for patients with aggressive B-cell lymphoma, depending on whether it is given as a second, third, or fourth treatment option. Out of 466 patients, those receiving CART as a second treatment had a median survival of about 69 months, while those getting it as a fourth treatment had just 22 months. This matters because it shows that earlier use of CART therapy can lead to much better outcomes, especially for patients with severe forms of lymphoma known as double-hit or triple-hit lymphoma. Who this helps: Patients with aggressive B-cell lymphoma, particularly those with double-hit or triple-hit types.

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This study looked at how long veterans with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) survived after starting treatment with three different medications called Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKis). Researchers analyzed data from over 2,175 patients and found that those taking acalabrutinib or zanubrutinib had a higher risk of death compared to those taking ibrutinib; specifically, the risk for acalabrutinib was 33% higher. Understanding these differences in survival can help doctors make better treatment decisions for their patients with CLL/SLL. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors managing chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma.

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This study looked at how healthcare providers in Australia discuss and prescribe pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV to young people, particularly those under 18, following a change in government subsidy rules in January 2021. Out of 122 surveyed healthcare professionals, only 13% had initiated conversations about PrEP with patients younger than 16, even though 54% of prescribers believed PrEP could be suitable for this age group. The findings highlight the need for better education and support for healthcare providers to confidently talk about and prescribe PrEP to young Australians, ensuring they can better access this important preventive treatment. Who this helps: Young people at risk of HIV.

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This study looked at how nurses in Ontario hospitals decide to activate Rapid Response Teams (RRT) when patients' health is getting worse. Researchers interviewed six nurses and found eleven themes regarding what helps or prevents them from calling for this emergency support, highlighting that nurses go through a complex decision-making process. This research is important because it can lead to better training and policies around RRT activation, ultimately improving patient safety. Who this helps: This helps nurses and improves care for patients facing serious health issues.

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This study focused on how general practitioners (GPs) in Ireland feel about their skills and knowledge related to subdermal contraceptive implants, a type of long-lasting birth control. Out of 100 surveyed, 94.6% of GPs had inserted these implants, but only 37.3% felt confident doing so, and 39.2% were unaware of important updated guidelines from January 2020. The findings show that GPs' experience directly affects their confidence and their knowledge of the latest guidelines, highlighting the need for better training to ensure safe and effective care for patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients seeking reliable contraceptive options.

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This study looked at how effective new treatments (using drugs like brentuximab vedotin and checkpoint inhibitors) are compared to traditional chemotherapy for patients with Hodgkin lymphoma that has returned or didn’t respond to initial treatment. It found that 76% of patients treated with the new therapies had a positive response, compared to 70% who received traditional chemotherapy; complete recovery rates were also higher at 57% for the novel treatments versus 46% for chemotherapy. Additionally, patients who received the new treatments and did not go on to a stem cell transplant had an impressive 86% chance of being free from disease progression after two years, compared to just 33% for those who received chemotherapy. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma by highlighting more effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how to better control the movement of cyborg beetles, which are living beetles used as robots. By using a new method called burst stimulation, researchers found that the beetles could turn more effectively and sustain their movements longer—turning angles improved by 52%, and the success rate for navigating paths reached 73%. These improvements mean cyborg beetles can be more reliable for real-world applications like search and rescue missions. Who this helps: This helps researchers and engineers developing insect-scale robots.

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This research focused on improving harm reduction services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who inject drugs, addressing their higher rates of blood-borne viruses and STIs. The study found that involving local communities in the research process led to better and more culturally safe services, with positive outcomes like shared knowledge and research skills among stakeholders. These findings will help create guidelines that enhance these vital services, ensuring they meet the community's needs. Who this helps: This helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the healthcare workers serving them.

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This research discusses new treatment options for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). It found that using a specific type of treatment called BCL2 inhibitors led to better outcomes, such as higher rates of having no detectable cancer (known as undetectable measurable residual disease) compared to traditional therapies. Notably, two newer treatments, pirtobrutinib and a type of CAR T-cell therapy, provide hope for patients whose disease has not improved with earlier treatments. Who this helps: This research helps patients with CLL/SLL, especially those with difficult-to-treat forms of the disease.

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This study looked at how mind-wandering, especially when it's spontaneous or unplanned, affects mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic. Researchers found that people who frequently experienced spontaneous mind-wandering reported worse psychological wellbeing and more obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Specifically, they noted that Covid-related stress played a role in this connection, with increased stress making the negative effects of mind-wandering worse. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with mental health issues, especially during stressful times.

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This study looked at the professional identity of midwives and nurse-midwives from 102 countries by surveying 860 participants about their roles and how midwifery can be better represented to the public. It found that nurse-midwives feel a stronger professional identity than midwives, with many expressing pride in their work but also facing challenges like lack of recognition and respect. Improving how midwifery is represented, such as through public monuments and clearer distinctions from nursing, could enhance midwives' status and ultimately lead to better care for mothers and babies. Who this helps: This benefits midwives, nurse-midwives, and the families they serve.

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This study looked at how well a treatment called CAR T-cell therapy works for patients with two types of aggressive lymphomas: double-hit (DHL) and double expressor (DEL) DLBCL. Researchers analyzed data from 408 adults treated at 13 different centers and found that CAR T-cell therapy can be effective for these patients, as response rates and side effects were similar across different groups. However, those with DHL who relapse after treatment have a very poor outlook for survival. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with aggressive lymphomas and their doctors by providing insights into treatment effectiveness and outcomes.

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Researchers looked at how older lung transplant patients respond to a type of medication called antimetabolites compared to younger patients. They found that 61% of older patients experienced issues with these medications, which was similar to the 53% of younger patients who had the same problems. Though older patients faced more acute rejection (39% vs. 18%), this became less significant when considering other factors. This study matters because it highlights that both age groups struggle with medication side effects, which can change how their treatment is managed. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors in managing medication for lung transplant recipients.

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This study focused on creating a cyborg beetle, called ZoBorg, that can climb walls and navigate tricky surfaces, similar to how real insects do. The researchers found that ZoBorg could successfully cross low obstacles over 92% of the time and could climb vertical surfaces with a success rate of 71.2% within just five seconds. This work is important because it shows a new way to design robots that can operate in environments where traditional machines struggle, which could be especially useful in search and rescue operations. Who this helps: This helps rescue teams and emergency responders by providing them with advanced robotic tools.

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The study focused on an online program called "Mums Using Music" (MuM), designed to help pregnant women use music for their wellbeing. It involved 9 participants who either joined four weekly music sessions or received regular care. The results showed that those in the music group felt better emotionally and more connected to their babies, indicating that this approach is practical and beneficial for mothers-to-be. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women seeking ways to improve their mental health and bond with their babies.

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This study looked at how well patients with a type of lymphoma that affects areas outside of lymph nodes (known as extranodal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma) respond to CAR T-cell therapy when their cancer has come back or has not responded to previous treatments. Researchers followed 218 patients and found that overall, 62% had a positive response to treatment. However, the median survival time was just 25.7 months, and many patients experienced severe side effects, like cytokine release syndrome in 73% of cases. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients dealing with advanced lymphoma.

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This research looked at patients with aggressive lymphoma who also have autoimmune diseases to see how effective CAR T-cell therapy is for them. The study found that these patients had a 60% chance of surviving for at least a year after treatment, which is a promising outcome given their complicated health issues. This is important because it shows that CAR T-cell therapy can be a viable option for patients who face both lymphoma and autoimmune conditions, improving their chances of recovery. Who this helps: This helps patients with aggressive lymphoma and autoimmune diseases.

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This study examined how stigma and racism impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who inject drugs, specifically looking at their access to healthcare services. Researchers found that participants' challenging social situations and mental health issues made it hard for them to seek help. Additionally, the stigma and racism they faced led to poorer access to health services and lower quality care. Understanding these barriers is crucial for creating better healthcare programs that truly meet the needs of these communities. Who this helps: This helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who inject drugs by promoting better healthcare access and support.

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This study looked at how to create a list of standardized COVID-19 indicators for primary healthcare (PHC) across 31 European countries. Researchers gathered input from 164 experts and identified 86 useful indicators, of which seven were agreed upon as essential for tracking COVID-19 effectively. This standardization is important because it will help healthcare providers and health authorities make better decisions during pandemics and prepare for future health crises. Who this helps: This helps healthcare providers and public health authorities.

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Researchers studied how Long COVID is defined across 34 European countries and found that definitions vary widely, with 50% of countries using their own unique definitions and 47% following the World Health Organization's guidelines. This lack of standardization creates challenges for healthcare providers, making it harder to diagnose and treat patients effectively. Having a unified definition would streamline care and ensure that all patients receive the necessary support and resources. Who this helps: Patients suffering from Long COVID and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how stoma patients struggle with discussing sex and intimacy due to body-image issues after surgery. Researchers found that many nurses feel uncomfortable bringing up these topics, which can prevent patients from receiving the support they need. By using specific tools and strategies, nurses can help patients talk about their intimacy concerns, ultimately improving their mental health and quality of life. Who this helps: This helps stoma patients and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the healthcare costs of two treatments, ibrutinib and acalabrutinib, for veterans with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) over a year. It found that both treatments resulted in similar total healthcare costs, with ibrutinib being cheaper for pharmacy expenses by about $5,886, while acalabrutinib had lower medical costs by around $2,085. Understanding these costs helps patients and doctors make informed decisions about affordable treatment options. Who this helps: Veterans with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

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This study looked at how young people in Queensland, Australia, access and use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV. Out of 25 interviewed young people aged 16-24, 72% were aware of PrEP, and 32% had used it. The research found that knowledge gaps, the attitudes of peers and healthcare providers, and barriers within the healthcare system all affect how young people use PrEP, stressing the need to address these issues to help eliminate HIV transmission. Who this helps: This helps young people at risk of HIV.

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This study looked at how nurse navigators help people with complicated health issues access the care they need in Australia. Researchers found that nurse navigators improve patient access by building relationships, challenging traditional care practices, and empowering both patients and healthcare professionals. Essentially, this means that their support helps bridge gaps between healthcare systems and the diverse needs of patients, leading to better overall care. Who this helps: This benefits patients with complex chronic conditions and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how well patients with early-stage diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) do when treated with chemotherapy alone compared to those who also receive radiation therapy (RT). It found that after five years, 85% of patients who had both chemotherapy and RT were alive, compared to 80% who just had chemotherapy. This is important because it shows that adding radiation can help improve survival in patients with limited-stage DLBCL, especially for certain types of tumors located in areas like the skin, head, and neck. Who this helps: This benefits patients with limited-stage DLBCL who may need more effective treatment options.

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This study focused on T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL), a rare type of blood cancer. It found that survival rates are still low, but patients who receive new treatments and care at specialized medical centers see better outcomes. This is crucial because it highlights the importance of advanced treatment options and access to supportive care for improving the lives of T-PLL patients. Who this helps: Patients with T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia.

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This study looked at how primary health care (PHC) in 31 European countries monitored COVID-19 from March 2020 to August 2021. Researchers found that only 14 countries had useful data on COVID-19 cases handled by PHC, noting that key indicators included the number of total cases, follow-up cases, and the proportion of COVID-19 among respiratory illnesses. The findings show significant gaps in how health systems tracked COVID-19, highlighting the urgent need for standardized indicators to improve responses to future pandemics. Who this helps: This helps doctors and health officials plan better responses to pandemics.

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This study looked at how social marketing and visual design can improve testing for sexually transmissible infections (STIs) among young people, who are particularly affected by STIs. Out of 18 studies analyzed, those that effectively used social marketing techniques, like engaging images and targeted messaging, were more likely to succeed; for example, interventions that met at least seven out of eleven complexity criteria showed better results. Understanding and applying these marketing strategies can lead to better health communication and higher testing rates among young people. Who this helps: This helps young people and healthcare providers aiming to increase STI testing.

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This study examined how much Queensland university students know about HIV prevention treatments called PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). Out of 4,291 responses, students scored an average of 9.8 out of 12 on HIV knowledge, with men who have sex with men reporting more risk. The research found that older students and those who are non-binary or gender-diverse were more likely to be aware of PrEP and PEP, but international students had lower awareness levels. This matters because improving awareness can help reduce HIV transmission among young people in Australia. Who this helps: This benefits university students and specifically those at higher risk of HIV.

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Researchers created a new tool called Con-FLIC that allows them to measure how much food individual fruit flies eat and their feeding behaviors at the same time. They tested this tool by starving the flies to see how it affected their eating habits and found that Con-FLIC worked well for tracking both food intake and behavior simultaneously. This research is important because it helps scientists understand more about metabolism and aging by studying how food consumption is linked to behavior in fruit flies. Who this helps: This benefits researchers studying metabolism and aging.

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This study looked at two types of breathing tubes used during laser surgery on the airway to see how they affect airflow. They found that the aluminum-wrapped silicone tube (LRAS-ET) required less pressure to ventilate patients—showing a peak pressure of 21 cm H2O compared to 34.67 cm H2O for the stainless-steel tube (LRSS-ET). This is important because the LRAS-ET could lead to safer surgery by reducing the risk of lung injury and other complications for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing laser airway surgery.

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This study looked at how race and health insurance impact the success of CAR-T therapy in patients with aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Researchers found that Caucasian patients had a median progression-free survival of 11.5 months, compared to just 3.5 months for African Americans and 2.7 months for Asians, with significant differences in overall survival based on insurance type as well. This matters because it highlights disparities in treatment outcomes that can affect patient care and suggests a need for addressing these inequities in healthcare. Who this helps: Patients with aggressive B-cell lymphoma and their healthcare providers.

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This study explored what makes strong midwifery leaders and how to support their growth, gathering responses from 429 midwives and nurse-midwives across 76 countries. Strong leaders were described as dedicated, compassionate, and effective decision-makers, with key traits like resilience and advocacy. Investing in the development of midwifery leadership is crucial because it can lead to better care for mothers and babies globally. Who this helps: This benefits midwives, healthcare organizations, and mothers in need of quality care.

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This study looks at how primary health care (PHC) data was used during the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe, highlighting that only 8% of COVID-19 cases required hospitalization. Researchers aimed to gather and analyze data on how PHC managed cases, supported vaccination efforts, and to create a set of indicators to prepare for future pandemics. The findings will help build a dashboard for better visibility of PHC activities and a coordinated health system plan to improve responses during future health crises. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by improving pandemic preparedness and response.

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The study looked at how COVID-19 mobile apps were used to connect patients with primary healthcare in 30 European countries during the pandemic. It found that 28 countries used primary care as the first contact for suspected COVID-19 cases, and 24 countries created apps primarily for contact tracing. However, there were only a few instances where these apps effectively connected patients to primary healthcare services. Who this helps: This benefits healthcare providers and patients seeking efficient care during health crises.

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This study examined how Primary Health Care (PHC) contributed to the COVID-19 vaccination efforts across 28 European countries from December 2020 to November 2021. It found that nurses and general practitioners were the main providers of vaccines, with online appointment booking available in 18 out of 28 countries. The BioNTech Pfizer vaccine was the most common, but access to vaccines and strategies for reaching priority groups varied widely among countries, which is important for understanding how to improve future vaccination campaigns. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers by improving vaccination strategies and access.

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This research looked at the challenges and support for young people under 24 when trying to access and use Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that helps prevent HIV. Out of 11,273 articles reviewed, 32 studies were included, revealing key obstacles such as lack of knowledge, stigma, and negative experiences with healthcare providers that hinder PrEP usage. Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving PrEP access and achieving global goals to reduce HIV transmission. Who this helps: This helps young people at risk of HIV, healthcare providers, and public health officials.

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This study examined a nationwide program in Australia that offers genetic screening for couples before or early in pregnancy. Out of over 10,000 couples, 90.7% completed the screening, and 1.9% were found to have a higher risk of having a child with a genetic condition, mainly autosomal recessive disorders. Most couples who received concerning results sought ways to prevent having an affected child, showing that the screening is useful for helping couples make informed reproductive choices. Who this helps: This helps prospective parents by providing crucial information about genetic risks, allowing them to make better decisions regarding family planning.

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This study looked at the types of genetic mutations found in common cancers like lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers among patients in Northern England, comparing their results to data from a larger national database. Researchers analyzed data from 311 patients and found that 84% had more than one mutation, with specific mutations showing significant differences, such as a high presence of the EGFR mutation in lung cancer. This is important because knowing the local prevalence of mutations can help patients access targeted treatment trials more effectively, improving their care options. Who this helps: Patients with advanced cancer can benefit from more personalized treatment opportunities.

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This study looked at how primary health care (PHC) supported long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in 30 European countries during the early COVID-19 pandemic. It found that 26 out of the 30 countries involved PHC in helping LTCFs, and in 22 countries, PHC provided initial medical care. In these countries, PHC also handled testing for COVID-19 and followed up on patients' symptoms, working closely with LTCF staff and other health authorities. Who this helps: This helps patients living in long-term care facilities and the healthcare providers working with them.

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This study looked at how well CAR T-cell therapy works for patients with secondary central nervous system lymphoma (SCNSL). Out of 61 patients treated, 68% showed some response to the therapy, with 57% achieving complete remission. However, the average time before the cancer grew again was 3.3 months, and the average survival time was 7.6 months, indicating that although the treatment can be effective, many patients still face serious challenges afterwards. Who this helps: This research mainly helps doctors treating patients with SCNSL, providing them with insights into treatment effectiveness and potential risks.