MARC S. GOLDEN, DO

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This study looked at children aged 5 to 7 who were diagnosed with autism as toddlers and checked how many had other developmental and psychiatric conditions. It found that out of 213 children, 135 had persistent autism, and 79 had non-persistent autism. Among these children, 27% had ADHD, and those with persistent autism were over five times more likely to have another condition compared to those whose autism didn’t persist. Who this helps: This helps parents and doctors by highlighting the need for ongoing assessments of children with autism to address additional developmental issues.

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This study looked at how COVID-19 affects pregnant women and their babies compared to those without COVID-19. It found that pregnant women with COVID-19 had a higher risk of giving birth early, experiencing high blood pressure problems, and needing to send their babies to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Specifically, the study showed that there was a significant increase in preterm deliveries and placental issues among those infected, although COVID-19 did not significantly affect overall rates of maternal death or fetal growth restrictions. Who this helps: This information helps pregnant patients and their healthcare providers better manage risks associated with COVID-19 during pregnancy.

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This study looked at how a procedure called red blood cell exchange transfusion (ET) affects patients with severe babesiosis, a serious disease caused by a tick bite. Researchers found that among 629 hospitalized patients, only 3.6% of those who received ET within the first week died or were readmitted within 30 days, compared to 9.8% for those who didn’t get ET, suggesting that ET significantly reduces the risk of these negative outcomes. This is important because it indicates that ET can be a beneficial treatment for critically ill patients with babesiosis, potentially saving lives. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from severe babesiosis and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the rates of late HIV diagnoses among different racial and ethnic groups in key areas of the United States from 2017 to 2022. It found that before the pandemic, late HIV diagnoses were declining among Black people in certain counties, but after COVID-19 hit, there were sharp increases in late diagnoses for both Black (up to 11.5% higher) and Hispanic (up to 11.5% higher) populations, while there were no significant changes for White populations. This matters because it highlights how the pandemic worsened health disparities among racial and ethnic groups, making it harder for these communities to get timely HIV care. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those who are Black or Hispanic, by highlighting the need for targeted healthcare support.

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This study looked at the weight differences between different types of dental devices called obturators, which help people with certain oral defects. Researchers found that solid obturators made with traditional methods were much heavier than both hollow ones made in the same way and those made using 3D printing. Specifically, solid obturators weighed significantly more, making the lighter options a better choice for patients with larger defects, as they put less strain on the supporting teeth. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing dental prosthetics, particularly those with larger oral defects.

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This research examined the health experiences of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals living in Colorado, highlighting how their identity affects their well-being. The review analyzed 21 studies and found that TGD Coloradans face various health-related stressors, which lead to poorer health outcomes, though many use coping strategies and social support to manage these challenges. Understanding these issues is important because it helps healthcare providers address the specific needs of TGD individuals and reduce care disparities. Who this helps: This helps TGD patients and healthcare providers.

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This study focused on creating a mobile health tool called CASI-Plus to improve the way people with HIV in wartime Ukraine can identify sexual and needle-sharing partners who need testing. Researchers conducted interviews and workshops with 10 clients and 22 healthcare workers, leading to a design that included a user-friendly questionnaire and relevant information about HIV testing benefits. The tool was found to be acceptable for both clients and healthcare workers and was designed to consider the challenges of the current wartime context. Who this helps: Patients with newly diagnosed HIV and their partners will benefit from improved access to HIV testing.

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This study looked at how the size of specific areas in the cerebellum (part of the brain) relates to brain function in children at high risk for psychosis and those with early onset psychosis. Researchers found that children with early onset psychosis had smaller cerebellar volumes compared to those at high risk and healthy children, and this was linked to lower P300 brain response amplitudes, which indicate cognitive function (specifically, children with early onset had a P300 amplitude decrease compared to controls, p < 0.05). Understanding these brain changes is important because they might help identify how brain function is affected in young people facing these mental health challenges. Who this helps: This helps patients with early onset psychosis and their doctors.

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This study looked at how to best diagnose infections in hip and knee replacement joints. Researchers tested three different diagnostic guidelines and found that the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) criteria worked best for early infections and knee cases, while the International Consensus Meeting 2018 (ICM2018) and European Bone and Joint Society (EBJIS) criteria were better for infections that occur later. This matters because using the right guidelines can help doctors accurately identify and treat infections, improving patient outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with hip and knee replacements.

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This study looked at different medical order forms used across states for patients who want to plan their healthcare, especially in hospice and palliative care. It found that only 5 states use the National POLST form, while the other 46 have very different forms that vary in how they organize treatment options and how detailed they are. This matters because standardizing these forms can help ensure patients get the care they want, regardless of where they receive treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families who want to ensure their healthcare wishes are respected.

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This study looked at the movement patterns of membranes surrounding the embryos of the red flour beetle. Researchers developed a new method to track and measure these movements, finding contraction waves that had never been seen before during the later stages of the beetle's development. This method not only confirmed the presence of these waves but also allowed for detailed analysis, such as wave size and timing, which can help scientists understand more about how embryos develop. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying embryonic development and movement patterns in various biological systems.

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This study looked at how to teach school kids in Providence County, Rhode Island, about the health effects of climate change using a curriculum called the Health Effects of Climate Change Curriculum (HECCC). During the 2023-2024 school year, 195 students from grades four to twelve engaged in lessons about climate science, air quality, food and water issues, and health equity. The results were encouraging: students increased their knowledge of climate change and felt more capable of tackling these issues, although some reported feeling more anxious about climate change. Who this helps: This benefits students, educators, and their communities by raising awareness and encouraging action on local environmental justice issues.

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Researchers studied the development of red flour beetle embryos to create a comprehensive collection of imaging data. They compiled 50 datasets with a total of 5.7 million images, documenting 200 days of embryonic growth, and found that nearly all embryos (97%) became healthy adult beetles. This work matters because it provides valuable resources for studying insect development and can aid in training machine learning systems for biological research. Who this helps: This helps scientists and researchers in developmental biology and genetics.

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This study looked at how effective Assisted Partner Notification Services (APS) are in helping people with HIV inform their sexual partners and children about getting tested. In Zambia, clinics served 1,557 people who were newly diagnosed with HIV and 280 who had been diagnosed before, finding that 78% of the newly diagnosed individuals participated, leading to many partners getting tested for HIV. The results showed that APS was successful in identifying individuals who were unaware of their HIV status, and a significant number of partners testing negative were offered PrEP, a preventive treatment for HIV. Who this helps: This benefits patients by ensuring their partners and children get tested and can receive preventive care.

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This study looked at how common specific types of human papillomavirus (HPV) are in different body areas (anal, genital, and oral) among young men who have sex with men and transgender women in three U.S. cities. The researchers found HPV present in nearly 70% of anal samples, about 49% of genital samples, and only 7% of oral samples. This matters because it shows that anal and genital areas are more likely to have similar HPV types, suggesting that infection can spread between these areas, while the oral area is less affected, which could help shape prevention strategies. Who this helps: This research benefits healthcare providers and public health officials in understanding HPV transmission and informing preventative measures for young MSM and transgender women.

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This study looked at whether people with babesiosis, an infection caused by parasites transmitted by ticks, have any problems with their retinas (the back part of the eye). Researchers examined ten patients who were diagnosed with babesiosis at Yale New Haven Hospital and found no signs of eye issues, such as inflammation or bleeding. This matters because it helps clarify that, at least in this small group, babesiosis doesn't seem to affect the retina. Who this helps: This helps patients with babesiosis and their doctors by providing information on potential eye health concerns.

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This study looked at how electricity moves through a specific kind of network in two dimensions, similar to how liquids flow through gaps in a sponge. The researchers found that the way electricity travels from one point to the edge of this network can be connected to how it flows in a larger, endless network, especially at a critical point known as the percolation threshold. This discovery helps us understand the basics of electrical conductance, which is important for improving materials used in electronics. Who this helps: This helps engineers and scientists working on developing better electrical materials.

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This study looked at a new way to help people prevent HIV through a home-based system, called Home Option Testing for PrEP (HOT4PrEP). Researchers focused on whether people would find it easy and acceptable to collect their own health samples at home instead of going to a clinic. Of the first 100 people who joined the study, 67% of those who had the home option tried it, and 82% sent back their test kits. Who this helps: This benefits patients seeking HIV prevention, particularly those who face challenges in accessing traditional clinic visits.

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This study looked at the use of oritavancin, a strong antibiotic, in treating various serious infections at a hospital over five years. Out of 95 patients, 74% were cured without any recurrence of their infection after one year, but 14% had adverse reactions to the drug. These findings show that oritavancin can effectively treat tough infections, though some patients may experience side effects. Who this helps: This helps patients with serious Gram-positive bacterial infections and doctors treating them.

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This research looked at infections that occur in hip and knee joint replacements among older adults, comparing patients under 75 to those 75 and older. They found that, while both age groups received similar treatment for these infections, older patients had more heart-related issues but were less likely to be readmitted after treatment. Overall, deaths within a year of diagnosis were low, at about 4%, but mostly affected the older patients. Who this helps: This study benefits doctors and healthcare providers caring for elderly patients with joint replacements.

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This study looked at how often patients develop blood clots, called hematomas, after total hip replacements and what factors might increase this risk. Out of 149,026 patients, only 180 (0.12%) needed another surgery to treat a hematoma within 30 days of their hip replacement. The study found that patients with a high body mass index, certain health issues, or longer surgeries were more likely to have complications, including a 21.6 times higher risk of developing serious infections afterward. Who this helps: This research helps patients and doctors by highlighting important risk factors for complications after hip surgery.

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This study looked at how effective HIV testing for partners of people recently diagnosed with HIV is in Ukraine. Out of 6,959 partners who didn’t know their HIV status, 72.2% completed testing, and nearly one in five (19.4%) were newly diagnosed with HIV, with most new cases linked to those recently diagnosed. Improving the process to encourage more partners to test, particularly those at higher risk, could lead to better health outcomes and more HIV cases being identified. Who this helps: This information benefits patients, especially those at risk of HIV, as well as healthcare providers working to improve testing strategies.

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This study focused on creating a detailed mathematical model to understand how certain microscopic structures called active nematics behave. Researchers found that instead of elastic properties affecting these structures, the movement was mainly influenced by a balance between forces generated by activity and friction, which is different from what was expected. This discovery helps improve our understanding of complex biological systems and materials, which is important for various applications in medicine and engineering. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and engineers working in fields that involve the behavior of living tissues or synthetic materials.

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This study looked at extra symptoms that people with pancreatitis might experience, beyond the usual signs of the disease. Out of 225 participants, 42% of kids and 50% of adults reported issues with fat digestion, and 26% of adults had diabetes linked to their pancreatitis. This research matters because it reveals that many adults with pancreatitis often experience additional symptoms like night sweats or bloating, which could lead to better recognition and treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing clearer information about what to expect with pancreatitis.

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This study looked at a case of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) in a person with HIV in Connecticut. The virus is often linked to miscarriage and neurological issues but is not frequently reported due to unclear symptoms and testing challenges. Identifying this virus is important because it highlights a potential health risk for people with weakened immune systems, like those living with HIV. Who this helps: Patients with HIV and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how heart rate variability (the way your heart rate changes) is affected in people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) compared to social drinkers, especially during sleep. The researchers found that people with AUD had significantly lower heart rate variability during sleep, with specific measurements like RMSSD and SDNN being notably reduced, which means their nervous system was less active in helping them relax. This is important because it suggests that AUD may disrupt the body's ability to manage stress during sleep, and this dysfunction is linked to symptoms like depression and sleep problems. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with alcohol use disorder, as well as healthcare providers treating them.

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This study examined three patients in Connecticut who use drugs and had unusual, long-lasting wounds from injecting substances. All three were found to have xylazine in their systems, along with fentanyl, and their treatment involved increasing their opioid medication to help reduce their drug use. This research highlights the need for better recognition of xylazine-related wounds and more comprehensive treatment approaches, which could ultimately improve care for patients affected by this situation. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with drug use and healthcare providers treating them.

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, a hospital switched to using telemedicine for infectious diseases consultations for hospitalized patients. The study found that both the doctors who referred patients and the infectious diseases specialists were generally satisfied with this approach, although there were some notable differences in how they viewed the quality and speed of the consultations. This matters because it highlights the effectiveness of telemedicine in managing patient care during a crisis, and it can help improve future healthcare delivery. Who this helps: Patients and doctors involved in infectious disease care.

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This study looked at how accurately young adult men who have sex with men (MSM) remember their HPV vaccination history. Out of 292 participants who had received at least one HPV vaccine dose, 83.2% accurately reported their vaccination status. However, among those who had received three or more doses, about 30% couldn't correctly recall how many doses they had, and accuracy decreased as more time passed since their first shot. This is important because it shows that while most MSM can remember their vaccination, a significant number may struggle with precise details, which can affect public health records and vaccination programs. Who this helps: This helps healthcare providers and public health officials ensure accurate vaccination tracking and improve vaccination strategies.

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This study looked at how using assistive technology, like tablets and phones, can help African American family caregivers who support relatives with dementia. After three months of using this technology, caregivers reported a significant decrease in their stress levels, improved emotional well-being, and high satisfaction with the tools they used. This is important because it shows that with the right support, caregivers can have a better quality of life while helping their loved ones. Who this helps: Family caregivers of individuals with dementia.

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This study focused on how a special team called the Multidisciplinary Endocarditis Evaluation Team (MEET) can improve care for patients with infective endocarditis related to injection drug use. The findings show that integrating addiction treatment with standard medical care helps address both the heart condition and the substance use problem simultaneously, which can lower the chances of repeated health issues. This approach matters because patients often suffer worse outcomes when their addiction isn't treated alongside their medical problems. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with both heart infections and addiction.

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Researchers studied how to improve conversations about healthcare planning in American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities, where these discussions are currently rare. They found that culturally appropriate training for healthcare providers, along with community engagement efforts, could encourage more AIAN individuals to create advance care directives. This work matters because it helps ensure that AIAN people have a say in their healthcare decisions, especially at the end of life. Who this helps: Patients in AIAN communities and their healthcare providers.

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This study created a user-friendly online tool called DRPPM-EASY that helps researchers analyze different types of cancer data together. When tested on a specific leukemia cell line, the tool revealed important insights, like the activation of a growth-related gene signature and issues with protein processing, in samples where a gene called USP7 was silenced. This tool makes it faster and easier for scientists to explore complex cancer data and could lead to better understanding and treatments for cancer. Who this helps: Researchers and oncologists studying cancer biology.

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This study looked at how often mycobacterial cultures were tested in patients with joint infections after surgery on the hip or knee. Over 28 months, they found that these tests were done routinely but only rarely showed any positive results—less than 1% of the time. This matters because it means doctors could save time and resources by only using these tests when there's a real reason to suspect a mycobacterial infection. Who this helps: This helps doctors make better decisions for their patients with joint infections.

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This study looked at how community members and healthcare providers in King County, Washington, view molecular HIV surveillance, which tracks HIV outbreaks to improve prevention efforts. Researchers found that participants raised important issues around trust, confidentiality, and the need for clear communication about how this data would be used. These insights are crucial for ensuring that HIV prevention strategies are ethical and effective, making sure everyone's concerns are heard and addressed. Who this helps: This helps patients, public health officials, and community organizations working on HIV prevention.

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This study looked at how pediatric trainees in Ireland view and understand the option of working less than full-time (LTFT) during their training. Out of 218 trainees surveyed, only 29% responded, and 17 said they wanted to apply for LTFT training. Many trainees felt there were significant barriers to this option, such as limited availability of positions (49% cited this), concerns about career progression (51%), and the challenge of only being allowed to work half-time (54%). Who this helps: This helps trainees, especially those with family commitments, who may benefit from more flexible training options.

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This study looked at a 20-month-old boy with a type of cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma that came back after previous treatments. To treat the recurrence, doctors used a combination of chemotherapy, surgery to remove part of his eye area (orbital exenteration), and a special radiation therapy (brachytherapy) that is focused directly on the tumor. This approach helped target the cancer while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues, which is important for the child's recovery and quality of life. Who this helps: This benefits young cancer patients and their families by providing effective treatment options with reduced side effects.

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Researchers focused on improving clinical trials for recurrent acute and chronic pancreatitis, diseases that cause severe abdominal pain and can significantly lower quality of life. They found there are currently no effective treatments to slow down these diseases, highlighting a crucial need for new studies. The workshop emphasized the importance of including patient experiences and perspectives when designing these trials to better address their needs and improve future research efforts.

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This study focused on predicting how the bacteria Clostridium botulinum can grow in cooked ground beef during cooling. Researchers found that their model accurately predicted the bacteria's growth under various cooling conditions, with 20 out of 22 predictions fitting within acceptable limits. This is important because it helps ensure the safety of cooked beef products by guiding food processors on how to handle cooling to minimize bacterial growth. Who this helps: This benefits food processors and anyone involved in the beef industry.

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This study looked at how combining strategies for preventing HIV infections and improving the health of people living with HIV (PLHIV) affects overall health in six US cities. Researchers found that in cities like Miami and Atlanta, a significant amount of health benefits came from preventing new HIV infections, with prevention responsible for as much as 98.5% of benefits in Miami. More effective implementation of these strategies could increase health benefits up to seven times, highlighting the importance of effective HIV prevention methods and treatment in improving health outcomes. Who this helps: This research helps both patients living with HIV and healthcare providers by guiding effective treatment and prevention strategies.

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This study looked at how a mobile health app called MapHabit can help people with dementia remember the steps needed to complete daily activities like bathing and dressing. Out of 22 participants (14 veterans and 8 non-veterans), most reported feeling they improved in socially engaging and performing these tasks after using the app for three months, with 93% of veterans noticing benefits in social engagement and 100% of non-veterans feeling better overall. This matters because it shows that personalized technology can positively affect the daily lives of those with cognitive challenges. Who this helps: Patients with dementia and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how to effectively tackle HIV in six major U.S. cities—Atlanta, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and Seattle—especially among Black and Hispanic or Latinx populations that are disproportionately affected by the disease. Researchers found that strategies focused on equity, which directed resources based on needs rather than equal distribution, provided better health outcomes, resulting in more quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and lower costs in most cities; for example, Atlanta saw a cost reduction of nearly $580 million over 20 years compared to equal service distribution. This matters because improving health equity can lead to better overall health and lower healthcare costs while helping to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those from Black and Hispanic or Latinx communities affected by HIV.

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Researchers studied how to better detect and respond to antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea in eight locations across the U.S. They collected over 58,000 samples from nearly 47,000 patients between 2018 and 2019, finding that 11% of the samples showed increased resistance to azithromycin, while fewer than 0.5% showed resistance to the other antibiotics tested. This is important because it helps public health officials prepare more effectively for antibiotic-resistant infections and improve treatment strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by improving the response to antibiotic-resistant infections.

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This study looked at how long and severe seizures caused by a chemical called diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) can damage different brain areas in rats. The researchers found that rats that had longer seizures (more than 31 minutes) showed increased brain damage compared to those with shorter seizures, especially in the hippocampus, amygdala, and piriform cortex. They also tested a drug called saracatinib, which helped prevent further seizures in surviving rats and reduced brain damage in those with shorter seizures. Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk of organophosphate poisoning, such as military personnel and first responders.

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This study focused on a rare condition called Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS), which can cause serious heart problems like aortic dissection. Researchers described a 60-year-old woman with a severe case of Type A aortic dissection linked to a newly identified change in a gene related to LDS. Despite facing significant complications during her treatment, including a graft tear and the need for temporary pacemaker support, she ultimately made a full recovery. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome by raising awareness of genetic variations and treatment challenges.

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This study looked at the rates of new HIV cases among Black and Hispanic populations compared to white populations in six U.S. cities from 2020 to 2030. The researchers found that while there is potential for significant decreases in HIV cases, Black individuals still experience much higher rates than white individuals, with Black people's incidence rate being 1.69 times higher. This matters because addressing these disparities is crucial for effectively reducing the overall HIV epidemic. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those from Black and Hispanic communities, by highlighting the need for improved healthcare access and support.

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This research studied how certain bird flu viruses become more deadly over time. The scientists found that highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (AIVs) often develop similar mutations that make them more dangerous, specifically through changes in their genetic makeup. Understanding these patterns is crucial because it could help predict which strains of the virus might become a threat in the future. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and public health officials tracking bird flu outbreaks.

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This study looks at how highly dangerous bird flu viruses developed in different locations. It found that similar mutations happened independently in various places, showing that these viruses can evolve quickly to become more harmful. Understanding this evolution is crucial because it helps scientists predict and control future outbreaks, keeping both birds and humans safer. Who this helps: This benefits patients, veterinary professionals, and public health officials.